Big Shot

An Unfiltered Conversation With The Founder of The Four Seasons: Issy Sharp (Part 2)

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.

01:00:36

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Issy Sharp

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Issy Sharp believed exceptional service would be Four Seasons' distinguishing feature, drawing inspiration from young employees at McDonald's who embodied a positive and can-do approach to customer service.

By pledging $10,000 and inviting other companies to join, Issy Sharp established the Terry Fox annual run, raising almost a billion dollars for cancer research.

The change in Four Seasons' business model to focus on management instead of ownership, due to an almost bankrupting project, allowed the company to withstand economic downturns and maintain a competitive advantage.

Deep dives

Supporting Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope

When Izzy Sharp heard about Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, he saw an opportunity to make a difference. He pledged $10,000 from Four Seasons and invited 999 other companies to join in, aiming to raise $10 million. The response was overwhelming and the Terry Fox annual run was established, raising almost a billion dollars to date for cancer research.

Introduction

2min

The Inspiration Behind Firebelly Tea and Support for Big Shot Episodes

2min

Coupon Code, Highlights, and Inspirational Insights

2min

The Power of Service and Attitude

28min

Balancing Work and Personal Life

10min

The Philanthropic Efforts and Personal Tragedy

7min

Chlitzba: Belief in Oneself Against All Odds

10min

We’re back today for part two with The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts founder, Issy Sharp. If you didn’t check out part 1, be sure to watch or listen. In this episode, we explore how Mcdonald's surprisingly had the biggest impact on the Four Seasons' approach to hospitality and led to Issy firing most of his executive team, why the Four Seasons changed their entire business model and don’t own any real estate, and how the death of his son helped inspire him to help the Terry Fox run to become the largest cancer charity event in Canada. Not to mention, he ends the episode by absolutely dropping a bomb that you just wouldn’t foresee coming. We can’t wait for you to watch today and let us know your comments by leaving a comment or a review.

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In This Episode, We Cover:

(00:00) Welcome to Big Shot and part 2 with Issy Sharp