Innovating Leadership: Mark Frissora on Employee Engagement, Business Growth, and Transforming Industries

Phillip Lanos Podcast

Mark Frissora, a seasoned business leader with over four decades of experience, shares his journey of driving innovation and fostering employee engagement to transform organizations. Having served as CEO of major companies like Caesars Entertainment, Hertz, and Tenneco, Mark highlights the importance of adaptability, vision, and a people-first approach in achieving business success. He discusses pivotal moments in his career, including spearheading the highly profitable used car business at Hertz and expanding Caesars’ hotel brands globally.

Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his current ventures, including Good Works, a platform connecting unionized workers with job opportunities to address labor shortages, and Aaron Sebia, a company reclaiming industrial gases to reduce environmental impact and costs. He emphasizes the critical role of engaging employees at all levels, using strategies like Skip Level Reviews to build trust and transparency. Mark also reflects on the leadership qualities of humility, humor, and open communication that drive organizational success.

Through his innovative mindset, Mark has impacted industries, reshaped corporate cultures, and contributed to environmental sustainability. His work with Apollo Global Management as an advisor and his ongoing entrepreneurial ventures showcase his ability to create value across industries.

Listeners are encouraged to learn more about Mark’s work at [www.markforsora.com](http://www.markforsora.com), where his recent projects and insights are showcased.

Key Ideas:

- Mark Frissora’s Leadership Journey:

- Over 42 years of experience leading major companies (Caesars Entertainment, Hertz, Tenneco).

- Known for fostering innovation, employee engagement, and navigating companies through challenges.

- Critical Leadership Insights:

- Emphasis on employee engagement through strategies like Skip Level Reviews and open communication.

- Transitioned from a directive to an inclusive leadership style to align employees with the company’s vision.

- Leadership traits: humility, humor, and a positive demeanor to build trust and drive success.

- Major Career Achievements:

- Launched Hertz’s used car business, turning it into a highly profitable venture.

- Expanded Caesars Entertainment’s hotel brands globally, particularly in Asia.

- Entrepreneurial Ventures:

- Good Works: A technology platform connecting unionized workers with job opportunities, reducing attrition rates in industries like casinos and automotive.

- Aaron Sebia: A company reclaiming industrial gases (helium, argon), reducing environmental impact and costs for customers.

- Good Works Platform Impact:

- Uses algorithms to match workers with shifts based on seniority and training needs.

- Expanding to new industries and regions, including Atlantic City and the automotive sector.

- Sustainability and Innovation:

- Aaron Sebia builds plants near customers to reclaim gases, contributing to cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.

- Philosophy on Leadership and Business:

- CEOs should focus on creating vision, fostering connection, and ensuring employee engagement.

- Encourages adaptability and innovation to meet changing market dynamics and consumer needs.

- Personal Insights:

- Attributes success to upbringing, work ethic, and early career lessons at GE and Philips.

- Emphasizes the importance of celebrating employee contributions to foster a sense of purpose.

- Future Aspirations:

- Serving as an advisor to Apollo on acquisitions and leveraging entrepreneurial experience to create value.

- Connect with Mark:

- Explore more about Mark’s work and ventures at [www.markforsora.com](http://www.markforsora.com).