Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel: Why Deliberate Practice Beats Just Putting in the Hours
Corporate Competitor Podcast Episode 243
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:
Why consistent feedback is a leadership superpower
How to turn practice into progress—for yourself and your team
The overlooked dangers of autopilot performance in fast-growing companies
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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