Growing up, Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel wasn’t a standout athlete. But he was a keen observer. Whether it was on the tennis court or ski slopes, he realized that simply showing up didn’t make him better. He needed toimprove with intention—not just practice, but deliberate practice: targeted effort, feedback, and constant refinement.
That mindset shaped everything that came next—including his remarkable recovery from a stroke in high school that left him unable to read, write, or speak. Nine years later, he graduated from Harvard Law School with honors. Today, he leads one of the largest online travel companies in the world, overseeing global brands like Booking.com, KAYAK, and OpenTable.
Throughout his leadership journey, Fogel has remained committed to that core belief: improvement isn’t automatic—it’s earned. Whether he’s coaching a young leader, designing feedback loops, or integrating AI into customer service, his focus is clear: “Just spending time doing something isn’t going to improve it. It’s about deliberate practice where you’re actually getting feedback.”
In this episode, you will learn:
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Why consistent feedback is a leadership superpower
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How to turn practice into progress—for yourself and your team
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The overlooked dangers of autopilot performance in fast-growing companies
Resources:
- Connect with Glenn Fogel on LinkedIn
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The world’s leading provider of online travel is here to help you. Visit Booking Holdings website here.
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