People Who Inspire Me: Marriott's Arne Sorenson

 Marriott International president and CEO Arne M. Sorenson is a source of inspiration for many in the industry, but in a recent interview with Hotelier Middle East, we find out who has spurred him to success.

1. Bill Marriott: Bill taught me virtually everything I know about the hotel industry and most of what I know about leadership – you can listen and lead; keep an open mind; and you can always do better.

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2. Mark London: Mark is the best example of a true friend. It requires not only enjoying each other’s company when together, but making the effort to stay connected and being deliberate about friendship.

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3. Ruth Sorenson: My wife is not only my companion, but she is a source of great strength. She inspires me to do more, not less.

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4. Morris Sorenson: My father was raised in a small town in the middle of the US. Without any background, he decided to move to Japan, where he and my mother made their lives and raised their children for many years. He literally opened the doors to the world for me.

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5. The people of Beirut: Lebanon: I spent much of the summer of 1979 in Beirut, a place that had suffered through years of war and showed all the scars of continuing conflict. In the midst of that, they showed me a welcome and a zest for life which was proof of the possibility of humour and pleasure even in very difficult circumstances.