Visionary Leaders Do Things Others Don't See

How are visionary leaders created? What does it take to succeed in the luxury hotel industry? What impact does the recession, technology and the "demise of luxury" have on luxury hotels?

To find out the answers to these questions, I interviewed the best possible source: Isidore Sharp, founder of the Four Seasons luxury hotel chain.

What he said about becoming successful is on the Fast Company website at: http://tinyurl.com/ylymvjm

The full interview was transcribed at:
http://www.streethockeymillionaire.com/IsidoreSharpInterview.pdf

Mr. Sharp is a fascinating man who got into the hotel business in 1961 at the age of 30. He came up with many innovations in both the hotel industry and the way management treats its staff. He outlined much of his journey in his book "Four Seasons". I figured after reading the book that many people would try to plan out a similar life. So I was more than a bit surprised when Mr. Sharp told me, "Don't try to plan your life."

Instead, he says look for opportunity, and follow the ones that you have a fanatical belief that will work out. "Follow your passion of the moment, and let your skills direct you."

He has a deep belief in people that most people are too cynical to follow. He instituted a "Golden Rule" to dissolve the command-and-control pyramid of the day, and to create an employment scenario where every employee has a deep-rooted respect for every other employee.

His hotels span the earth, and are found at every major tourist and business destination you could think of.

Meanwhile, his life has not been without hardship. His 16-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer, and then died within a year. Shortly after, a young man named Terry Fox was running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Mr. Sharp was an avid supporter, and remains one to this day.