Big Shot An Unfiltered Conversation With The Founder of The Four Seasons: Issy Sharp (Part 2)
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Jun 29, 2023 In this episode, Issy Sharp, founder of The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, reveals how McDonald's influenced their approach to hospitality, why they don't own any real estate, and how the death of his son inspired him to support the Terry Fox run. He also shares a surprising bomb at the end. They discuss the power of service and attitude, the importance of work-life harmony, and their philanthropic efforts. They emphasize belief in oneself and the influence of their Jewish heritage on their 'can do' attitude.
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Inn on the Park's Egalitarian Approach
- Issy Sharp's London Inn on the Park differentiated itself by prioritizing egalitarian service, treating everyone equally regardless of social class.
- Unlike other high-end hotels that upheld strict dress codes and social hierarchies, Sharp's hotel focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Service as a Differentiator
- Issy Sharp recognized that Four Seasons couldn't compete with larger hotel chains on size or capital.
- He decided to differentiate Four Seasons by focusing on exceptional service as its sustainable competitive advantage.
Learning from McDonald's
- Inspired by McDonald's employee training, Issy Sharp adopted the Golden Rule as Four Seasons' guiding principle.
- He even took his senior team to a McDonald's orientation, but they initially resisted the idea, leading to their eventual dismissal.