May the Innovative Spirit Win: An Interview with Ian Schrager

Ian Schrager is an iconic hotelier because he introduced the boutique hotel concepts to the industry. Today, almost every hotel chain is rushing to get in the boutique hotel market. I am very pleased to share this CNN News video about Ian Schrager. The topic, however, was not about boutique hotels. Rather, Ian Schrager talked about a much broader topic --- innovation.

“You cannot create something new by asking people what they want because they will always tell you what they know.” Iran Schrager introduced what he likes to the market and became the leader of the trends.
To make the true contribution, a person must “breaking the mold” and dare to do something that nobody has tried before.
When Iran Schrager sees a great picture or article, he will take it out and post it on the wall --- not because he wants to manipulate others’ idea, (it looks like) he gains inspirations from others’ work.
Iran Schrager is not afraid of making mistakes. I believe, if a person chooses to be a leader of some sort, s/he needs to get ready to face a variety of obstacles because nobody, except the leader himself/herself, is doing the “new things.”

I truly feel that Iran Schrager’s interview is very inspiring. Being an innovative leader is not easy. Nevertheless, following others’ work or path will not help a person make a true impact on what s/he is passionate about. Do you have what it takes to become an innovative leader?

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Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

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