Success Story with Scott D. Clary Richard Fain - Royal Caribbean Chairman | How Culture Took Us from $550M to $90 Billion
Oct 28, 2025
Richard D. Fain, longtime leader of Royal Caribbean Group, transformed the cruise industry from a $550 million company to a $90 billion giant. He shares insights on the power of long-term thinking and intentional culture-building, making decisions that favor excellence over cheap compromises. Fain emphasizes the importance of fostering open debate and maintaining alignment in decision-making. He also reflects on leadership during the pandemic, advocating for over-communication and prioritizing people in challenging times.
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Make Culture Intentional
- Be intentional about culture and discuss it daily instead of assuming it exists.
- Lead by example and use decisions to teach what you value.
Choosing Real Ice Over Cheap Compromise
- The team debated using artificial ice for a ship skating rink but chose real ice despite huge cost.
- That uncompromised decision signaled to employees that excellence matters everywhere.
Vision Needs A Clear Roadmap
- Vision alone is a hope unless paired with a plan of how to get there.
- Translate vision into specific actions so the organization can execute it.
