TISCH SPEAKS ON CAREER
Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels as well as co-owner of the New York Giants, recently visited Lynn’s campus to discuss his wide-ranging career as part of the CEO Speaker Series.
Having served as an effective leader with Loews for nearly the past four decades, Tisch has seen the hospitality industry transform. With innovation driving most areas in the modern era, he has seen first-hand how his own field has also been forced to adapt to the times.
“The business of hotels is incredibly sophisticated today,” said Tisch. “Technology is having, like everywhere, a very large influence in today’s hotel business. Companies have to understand how to adapt on so many different levels with technology.”
Even still, he agrees that in many ways the hotel business has remained unchanged since its inception. With a constant focus on ensuring individuals receive a top-notch experience when away from home, Tisch has developed a hospitality empire that thrives on leaving lasting impressions.
“There is a multiplicity of reasons why people are staying in your property, and it’s incumbent on you as the operator of the hotel to understand why people have chosen you,” he said. “The industry hasn’t changed in 1,000 years. It’s all about understanding the needs and ensuring that when people leave, they reflect back that you as the hotel operator exceeded their expectations.”
To succeed in his professional life, Tisch has made a point to make it personal—building a foundation of creating partnerships with his clients, team members and the community. By forming a strong moral code throughout his organizations and establishing a firm core around him, Tisch has excelled in each of his prominent roles.
“Nobody can do it themselves. We all have our set of assets, responsibilities and strengths, but nobody singularly can run these large businesses,” said Tisch. “It’s okay to want to be successful; there’s nothing wrong with that. In your journey toward success, however you define it, you have a responsibility to help others get to the same place.”
A graduate of Tufts University in 1976, Tisch identifies with the various concerns of many college students today. Having served in numerous capacities previously, he understands the power of networking and encourages students to be both proactive and humble in their job search process.
“By networking, you will come in contact with people who have a modicum of success in their lives … and they can guide you as you try to make decisions about the future. Listening is a really important element of networking that people don’t do enough of today,” said Tisch. “When I think back to the various roles I had, they were all really beneficial to what I do now. Take a job, any job, to start. You’ll learn form it, and we never know where we’re going to end up.”
With a passion for respect, understanding and exceeding expectations, Tisch has served as an effective leader in both the hospitality and sports worlds. Alongside a carefully crafted team of uniquely talented individuals, he looks to continue this success for the foreseeable future.