Latest news with #WaldorfAstoria
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why admitting what you don't know makes you a better boss
In 1938, some of the most powerful figures in the automobile industry gathered for lunch at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. Seated among the titans of industry, executives and leading suppliers, attendees eagerly awaited the keynote speaker – a man who had revolutionised the world of cars, engineering and beyond. His name was Charles F. Kettering, a prolific inventor whose work had shaped modern life in ways few could rival. By this time, Kettering had racked up over 300 patents, including lead gasoline, the electrical starter motor for cars, and advances in refrigeration and air-conditioning. He was a legend in his field and a true figure of influence. So when Kettering took the stage, the room fell silent. What came next, however, stunned the audience. Instead of delivering a speech filled with certainties and predictions about the future of the automobile industry, Kettering said something almost unthinkable for a leader of his stature: 'If we could get this idea that we know very much about anything out of our minds,' he said, 'we have a wonderful future ahead of us – in any line of business – if we will just lift the lid and say we know so little about anything.' This was blindspotting in its most powerful form – acknowledging what you don't know. It's the key to embracing intellectual honesty and allowing curiosity to guide you into uncharted territory. At a time when gasoline powered every vehicle on the road, Kettering challenged the automotive industry's brightest minds to consider a radical new idea: cars powered by the sun. 'I haven't the slightest idea how to do it,' Kettering admitted to a room filled with executives and industrialists. Loading But that didn't matter. What mattered was that he was willing to entertain the possibility. And that, he believed, was the key to unlocking innovation. Kettering's message was clear – real progress would come not from clinging to what you already know, but from opening your mind to what you don't. Fewer than 20 years later, General Motors (GM) – the very company where Kettering was once the long-time vice president of research – unveiled the world's first solar-powered vehicle. It was called the Sunmobile, a tiny 15-inch model Corvette fitted with eight solar cells on the hood. Invented by GM engineer William G. Cobb, the Sunmobile made its debut at a car convention in Chicago in 1955.
The Age
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Age
Why admitting what you don't know makes you a better boss
In 1938, some of the most powerful figures in the automobile industry gathered for lunch at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. Seated among the titans of industry, executives and leading suppliers, attendees eagerly awaited the keynote speaker – a man who had revolutionised the world of cars, engineering and beyond. His name was Charles F. Kettering, a prolific inventor whose work had shaped modern life in ways few could rival. By this time, Kettering had racked up over 300 patents, including lead gasoline, the electrical starter motor for cars, and advances in refrigeration and air-conditioning. He was a legend in his field and a true figure of influence. So when Kettering took the stage, the room fell silent. What came next, however, stunned the audience. Instead of delivering a speech filled with certainties and predictions about the future of the automobile industry, Kettering said something almost unthinkable for a leader of his stature: 'If we could get this idea that we know very much about anything out of our minds,' he said, 'we have a wonderful future ahead of us – in any line of business – if we will just lift the lid and say we know so little about anything.' This was blindspotting in its most powerful form – acknowledging what you don't know. It's the key to embracing intellectual honesty and allowing curiosity to guide you into uncharted territory. At a time when gasoline powered every vehicle on the road, Kettering challenged the automotive industry's brightest minds to consider a radical new idea: cars powered by the sun. 'I haven't the slightest idea how to do it,' Kettering admitted to a room filled with executives and industrialists. Loading But that didn't matter. What mattered was that he was willing to entertain the possibility. And that, he believed, was the key to unlocking innovation. Kettering's message was clear – real progress would come not from clinging to what you already know, but from opening your mind to what you don't. Fewer than 20 years later, General Motors (GM) – the very company where Kettering was once the long-time vice president of research – unveiled the world's first solar-powered vehicle. It was called the Sunmobile, a tiny 15-inch model Corvette fitted with eight solar cells on the hood. Invented by GM engineer William G. Cobb, the Sunmobile made its debut at a car convention in Chicago in 1955.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel promises it will finally reopen in September after numerous delays
Cue up Cole Porter! The iconic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, once home to the great Broadway composer but closed for eight years, will finally reopen to guests in September — months later than Hilton promised it would, and after four previous delays since the hotel closed in 2017. A Hilton Instagram post says, 'The iconic hotel is set to welcome guests once again this coming September.' A Waldorf-Astoria New York spokesperson told The Post, 'We expect to open our doors sooner. Our exact opening date is still being determined.' An industry source said, 'No wonder they're being cautious. Every time they touted a reopening, it didn't happen.' A reopening will be a relief to Hilton, which has 90 years left on a 100-year management contract. The Waldorf was first touted to reopen in 2021, 2023, 2024 and, most recently, this spring. The Waldorf-Astoria is beloved by New Yorkers and visitors for its Art Deco architecture and interior treasures such as Peacock Alley with Cole Porter's piano, which will again be on display. Multiple media outlets have touted hotel managing director Luigi Romaniello, its decorators, a restaurant called Lex Yard run by Gramercy Tavern chef Michael Anthony — and also the inaccurate opening schedules. A Hilton web site posting for staff uniforms 'designed by NO Uniform, the specialist design studio led by acclaimed British couture designer Nicholas Oakwell,' also included the September reopening date. Construction sources told The Post in February that the Waldorf's spring target couldn't be met and the hotel wouldn't be ready to receive guests until as late as October. Hilton operates several dozen hotels and resorts around the world branded as the 'Waldorf Astoria Collection.' But sources said Hilton suits were 'privately fuming' over repeated delays to bringing back the original Waldorf on Park Avenue. Hilton sold the landmarked property to China's Anbang Insurance Group for $1.95 billion in 2015. Anbang was to convert more than half of the landmark to luxury condos while reducing 1,400 guest rooms and suites to 375, although the new ones would be larger than the originals. But as the $2 billion-plus construction project inched along, Anbang's chief executive was imprisoned by the Chinese government in 2018. A new company, Daija Insurance Group, took over the Waldorf job — but proved little more swift than its predecessor. The new Waldorf boasts 375 luxury condo units, a few of which have begun receiving residents. Sources said Daija's frenzy to complete the condos — from studios priced just below $2 million to lavish four-bedroom units up to $15 million — got the most attention. 'The hotel part wasn't on the fast track,' one source said.
Skift
3 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Five Key Hotels and Venues Opening in the Northeast
The Northeast has always been one of the most sought-after hotel markets in the U.S., with planners reporting little room for negotiation. These five new/newly renovated properties are also certain to be in high demand. The long-awaited reopening of the Waldorf Astoria has again been delayed to the fall, with planners eager to get a peek at the Art Deco Park Avenue landmark, the flagship of Hilton's Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand. Already highly sought-after is Convene's new location in Hudson Yards, which is set to reopen in September, with views of the city's iconic skyline from the 24th floor. Both Boston and Philadelphia, the Northeast's most popular markets after New York, are seeing renovations of historic properties as well. Here's what's new in the Northeast, and take a look at our just-released report on 135 hotels for meetings and incentive travel here. Explore 135 exceptional new properties hand-picked for meeting and incentive planners The Bellevue The Bellevue Philadelphia, PA The Bellevue, a historic hotel in downtown Philadelphia, reopened in February 2025 after a full renovation. It offers 184 redesigned guest rooms, including 39 suites. The hotel has 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space across three floors, including the Grand Belle Ballroom and several historic rooms with original architectural details. It also features a rooftop restaurant, a large wellness center, and access to coworking and social spaces at The Sporting Club. Convene 30 Hudson Yards New York, NY Opening in September 2025, Convene 30 Hudson Yards offers panoramic skyline views from the 24th floor. The venue provides 72,000 square feet of event space, with the largest room capable of holding 780, theater-style. A total of seven separate event spaces can be used simultaneously, complemented by six smaller meeting rooms. The dedicated lobby on the ground floor of the retail center provides guests with an easy entry experience, and access to shopping and dining. Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod Hyannis, MA Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod is a coastal resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The resort opened late last year and offers 276 guest rooms and more than 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including four meeting rooms that can be divided into a total of seven indoor meeting spaces. On-site amenities include a 30,000-square-foot waterpark, three food and beverage outlets, an outdoor courtyard and pool, and a spa that is opening in late 2025. Omni Parker House Boston, MA Omni Parker House, located in downtown Boston, is undergoing a full renovation, set for completion in summer 2025. The hotel offers 23,000 square feet of meeting space across 18 rooms, including the 3,513-square-foot Rooftop Ballroom with skyline views. Its design blends historic charm with modern updates across 551 guest rooms. Situated on the Freedom Trail, the hotel provides a classic setting for meetings in the city's historic core. Waldorf Astoria New York New York, NY The Waldorf Astoria New York will soon reopen following an extensive restoration that preserves its historic Art Deco features. The hotel will offer 375 spacious rooms and suites and 43,000 square feet of event space. The largest room is the opera-inspired Grand Ballroom, with three additional large rooms and eight smaller boardrooms also available. Guests can enjoy a 30,000-square-foot spa, fitness center, and three new restaurants and bars.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Nothing can stop ‘Oh, Mary!' and Cole Escola at the Tony Awards
Sirens call from stage It's Tonys time soon. June 8. More exciting news than the bulletins at Newark. I haven't been this moved since Sutton Foster told me in 2022 that she'd been picked to work with Hugh Jackman in Broadway's 'The Music Man.' Not knowing him so well before, she was therefore very excited. Now 2025, getting divorced from his wife of decades. New lady friend — Sutton Foster. The first Tonys were 1947. At the Waldorf Astoria, which may reopen when the Statue of Liberty goes co-op. Tickets, $7. Now Radio City. Price? $795 plus whatever's an $8 venue fee. The first winners? Arthur Miller, Ingrid Bergman, Agnes de Mille, Helen Hayes. 1947 was a good year. Its aging musicals of that time still get rejuiced — 'Oklahoma!,' 'Brigadoon,' 'High Button Shoes.' The hotshot drama later that year: 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' with Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, Jessica Tandy, Karl Malden. It was names like Orson Welles, Ethel Merman, Victor Moore, William Gaxton, Ray Bolger, Arthur Godfrey, Walter Huston, Bert Lahr, Lillian Gish, Dorothy Gish, Basil Rathbone, Uta Hagen, Anthony Quinn, Katharine Cornell, John Gielgud, James Mason, Bobby Clark, Maurice Evans and Tallulah Bankhead — all became biggies. Get opinions and commentary from our columnists Subscribe to our daily Post Opinion newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters My Tallulah story: Trying to be a reporter I got myself to the Waldorf. In the ladies' room, next stall over, separated only by a thin wall — the superfamous thick throaty-voiced Bankhead came at me with: 'Little girl, have you any paper in there?' 'N-n-no, Miss Bankhead.' Sounds of a purse opening, scrabbling around, closing, then: 'Have you two fives for a ten?' All hail 'Mary' So, who's going to schlep home the Tony? It is the quickie show 'Oh, Mary!' The star, writer, creator, costumer Cole Escola. Nobody else. Forget anybody else. If Shakespeare himself showed up onstage live and inhaling a ham sandwich — he'd blow it. It's Cole. Cole Escola! Two years ago, it was another one-of-a-kind: Alex Newell. In a cornball musical about growing corn. The title was 'Shucked.' He won. Where is he now, what's he doing, why isn't he starring someplace in some musky theater? Is this the power of the famous fabulous Antoinette Perry Award? That after you sweat and strain and slave and worry and borrow a shmatta and rent jewels and rehearse your speech and try not to flop lumbering up the stairs — you end up the following year — where? It brings you nothing? Borscht? I know he's working. He's done concerts. He's done a movie. But is he on a Broadway stage right now grabbing another Antoinette Perry Award? No. Talent has its difficulties. Michelangelo spent four years daubing the Sistine Chapel. He didn't mind because he was union. What bugged him was that the Vatican then asked for a second coat. Watch the Tonys, kiddies, watch the Tonys.
