Isaac Sultan Cohen emphasizes the significance of merging business with personal interests, discovering inspiration and insights from art collecting that enhance both his personal life and professional journey.
Even for an experienced executive, navigating the intricate realm of art collecting can seem like stepping into an entirely different universe. Like the corporate environment, the collecting sector is fueled by passion, curiosity, and a drive to create. Isaac Sultan Cohen, who established his career in the shipping and logistics field and currently resides in Miami, finds himself at the intersection of these two realms. He embraced collecting art after unexpectedly inheriting a collection from his uncle, a notable collector, whose legacy would profoundly influence Isaac Sultan Cohen’s professional trajectory and dedication to collecting for years ahead.
Isaac Sultan Cohen reflects on the beginning of this journey, which has spanned over two decades. “When I inherited my uncle’s collection, it wasn’t extensive, but it was meticulously curated. Upon its transfer to me, I felt a duty to honor his commitment to collecting by expanding it with my own preferences and exploring other forms of collection, such as watches.” What truly ignited his passion and propelled him to continually grow his collection was realizing its deeper meaning, alongside the opportunity that collecting offers to own a fragment of history.
Isaac Sultan Cohen likens art collecting to business, stressing the necessity of patience, timing, and recognizing value in both fields.
Beginning a collection without established expertise in art proved challenging. Isaac Sultan Cohen draws a compelling parallel between the initial phase of his collecting journey and his early career. “In collecting, akin to business, I had to acquire the language—an exceptionally intricate language, as the language of art transcends mere words. It necessitates an understanding of history, subtle distinctions, and market dynamics within this altogether new sphere.” After years of both accumulating art and excelling as an executive, what were once two distinct realms—business and art—have seamlessly intertwined.
Although Isaac Sultan Cohen stresses that his art collection stems purely from a love for art, he discerns clear correlations between art collecting and business. “For instance, while collecting art, one becomes well-versed in both value and timing. The logistics sector and stock market investing, which I also engage in, demand a corresponding skill set. Success in both arenas hinges on the ability to foresee market trends and employ long-term strategic thinking. Crucially, neither industry yields immediate financial returns; rather, patience is essential for realizing returns over time. The notion of value differs, though. For me, art’s value is intrinsically emotional, not financial. I identify as an art collector, not an investor. Yet, the emotional worth of a piece of art, akin to the financial value of a business or stock investment, will appreciate over time. Patience is paramount.”
Isaac Sultan Cohen believes that both art collecting and business require patience, analytical decision-making, and an emphasis on passion over immediate outcomes.
Collecting has imparted an essential lesson in strategy to Isaac Sultan Cohen. “Emotion must always be balanced with reasoning,” he asserts. “When I’m placing a bid on a rare watch or a masterpiece, as well as closing a deal, I consistently take a step back for evaluation. Regardless of external pressures, I maintain my pace and avoid hasty choices. This approach is vital in both collecting and corporate leadership.”
In contemplating what he considers the most crucial lesson gleaned from collecting, Isaac Sultan Cohen articulates that it revolves around recognizing that not everything in life revolves around immediate return on investment. “In transactions, we’re often conditioned to view only through the lens of profit and loss. The art world reminds you that there are life experiences driven solely by passion. It offers a sense of pure, intangible joy that I don’t encounter elsewhere.”
IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) Berlin 2012
For many CEOs, achieving a balance between work and personal passions seems impossible, yet Isaac Sultan Cohen insists that for success in the corporate realm, executives must carve out time for both. “One of the most lamentable observations I make is how individuals become engulfed by the demands of running a business. They often struggle to find the time necessary to devote to something that brings them joy. It doesn’t have to be collecting! Whatever brings you joy is essential, as it serves as a reset for your mind.” For executives who solely focus on their professional endeavors, Isaac Sultan Cohen explains that the fresh perspectives and skills received from his own pursuits also translate back into work, equipping him with tools he frequently applies in his daily routine.
Isaac Sultan Cohen urges leaders to seek meaning that goes beyond mere appearances. “Executives inhabit a world where everything is quantified in terms of returns. In our personal and professional lives, never assume that everything can or should be assessed by immediate profitability. It’s about passion first and enriching our lives beyond the boardroom.”
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