Zell and Marriott Say Reinvention is Key to Success

LOS ANGELES-“From the beginning, our attitude and leadership style was that culture was critical and we knew of no successful businesses that didn’t have a culture,” said Sam Zell, chairman of Equity Group Investments at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit. “The optimum scenario is total access. My door to my office has never been closed. As an entrepreneur, the biggest risk I have is getting surprised and if the people that work for you don’t have access and don’t tell you what’s going on, then you get surprised.”

Zell sat down with moderator Dale Anne Reiss, senior consultant at DLA Piper/Artemis Advisors, and Bill Marriott, chairman and CEO of Marriott International, at the three-day conference, to discuss the current business environment, reinvention and leadership style. “Have really smart people and listen to them,” said Marriott. “Encourage them and help them grow in what they do. Take good care of our people and take good care of the customer and the customer will come back.