The New Luxury in an AI World with Sam Torgerson (Viceroy)

What if the most powerful thing a brand can offer isn't a product or a price point, but a moment you will never forget?

Sam Torgerson is Vice President of Global Sales for Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, an independent lifestyle luxury brand with properties around the world. With 20+ years in high-end hospitality spanning Vail Resorts, Marriott International, and Ritz-Carlton, Sam has built a career on trust, deep listening, and experiences guests never forget.

Sam shares what luxury hospitality has always understood that other industries are still catching up to: the most memorable moments aren't the most expensive ones. And in an AI-driven world, human connection isn't a nice-to-have. It's the new luxury.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✨ Why the brands winning right now are investing in what AI can't replicate

✨ How deep listening is the foundation of world-class sales and marketing  

✨ Why the simple moments make big impressions and how to create them

✨ How empowering front-line team members inspires enduring customer loyalty

✨ How following your passion can lead to a career, a team, and a life you love

A conversation for brand leaders who want to borrow from the best in hospitality, and bring luxury thinking to create memorable customer experiences in any category.

Sam’s creative inspiration:

Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Brand: Nordstrom

Beverage: Paloma

Song: "Confident" by Demi Lovato

Listen or watch HERE.