My Key Takeaways from Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp

“The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. It’s the Golden Rule – the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.”- Isadore Sharp

In this episode, we break down how Isadore Sharp transformed the hotel industry by focusing on customer experience, service, and long-term vision. Starting with a modest motor hotel in Toronto, Sharp faced doubt from almost everyone—except one key investor, Cecil Forsyth, who believed in his vision. Inspired by his mentor Lloyd Percival, Sharp introduced one of the first hotel fitness centers at his second property, Inn on the Park, proving that attention to detail and innovation could set him apart.

The real test came in 1970 with the opening of Four Seasons London, where Sharp challenged the world’s most prestigious hotels by focusing on service over tradition. Despite skepticism, his approach worked, laying the foundation for Four Seasons to become the gold standard in luxury hospitality.

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