If Phyllis Wasn't Here, I Don't Know if I Would be

Phyllis has guarded my door for 25 years I’ve known Phyllis Hester for 45 years. The first 20, we went to church together. The last 25 were as my executive assistant guarding the entrance to my office. She’s one of this year’s recipients of Marriott’s “Awards of Excellence,” our top...

No Boring Annual Reports Here

When you think of the words “annual report,” you probably think of a lot of pages of small numbers that only an accountant could understand. But many annual reports are beautiful magazine-like corporate narratives. It’s a chance to tell a story beyond the numbers. That’s why – even though the...

LISTEN: Thomas Jefferson’s “Art of Power”

A Book Review Anyone who has studied American history knows that Thomas Jefferson was a brilliant thinker who wrote the Declaration of Independence and was our third president, and also founded the University of Virginia. But I learned so much more by reading Jon Meacham’s new biography, especially the quiet...

Boston Strong

REFLECTIONS, RELIEF, RESPECT Boston’s most horrible and difficult week is finally over. Like most of you, I was following the events closely. I am deeply grateful to law enforcement and our Marriott security teams for keeping thousands of guests safe. Hotels become safe havens in times of crisis. Marathon runnners...

“42” Honors an American Hero – Jackie Robinson

A Movie Review Some of you who know me, know I love to go to the movies. I was really excited when I heard the movie “42,” a story about the life of Jackie Robinson, was coming to the big screen. I was 15 years old in April of 1947...

The "Last Lion" Keeps Roaring

A Book Review I have read William Manchester’s previous two books about Winston Churchill and thought they were quite wonderful. When Manchester died in 2004, I wondered how far along he was with his third and final volume about Winston. Writer Paul Reid took Manchester’s volume of work and has...

One Year Later, My In-Box is Half Full

It’s been a year since I stepped down as Chairman & CEO and assumed the role of Executive Chairman of the Board. As I said in handing over the reins to Arne Sorenson, “This business is getting too complicated.” My longtime assistant, Phyllis Hester, told me, “It’s your own fault....

T.M.A. – Too Many Acronyms!

I haven’t learned much over the years. But one thing I have learned is, we have far too many acronyms. It started with government agencies (GOV), and it has invaded corporate (CORP) headquarters (HQ). Like an invasive species, it’s threatening to choke off innovation. Growing up in Washington, D.C., it’s...

Eco-Tourism Makes Environmental Ambassadors of Us All

Jean-Michel Cousteau and I enjoyed the green environment of St. Thomas I’ve been called a lot of things in my life, but I’m not sure “eco-tourist” has ever been one of them, until now. I just returned from an early spring break in St. Thomas with my wife, Donna, where...

Marriott … It’s Where I Belong

In the past year when I’ve done interviews with the press, I’ve received the question repeatedly about how it feels to have a non-family member for the first time as CEO. Arne Sorenson is as much a member of our family as everyone else. I’ve always considered each and every...