Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Air Lines, shares insights from over 25 years of aviation leadership. He discusses his journey from finance to Delta, emphasizing resilience in overcoming industry challenges. Bastian highlights the significance of a strong corporate culture and teamwork, especially during crises like COVID-19. He also addresses the recent backlash over changes to the SkyMiles program, stressing the importance of empathy and communication in maintaining customer loyalty. A fascinating look at leadership in the airline industry!
Ed Bastian's upbringing in a large family shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of connection and responsibility.
Bastian highlights the significance of strong company culture and employee relationships in recovering from industry crises like 9/11.
Delta's approach during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on transparent communication and employee retention to maintain trust and morale.
Deep dives
Leadership and Early Influences
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, shares insights about his upbringing as the oldest of nine in a close-knit family. Growing up in a home where his father was a dentist and his mother worked alongside him, Bastian was surrounded by people and developed an affinity for leadership and connection. His early experiences instilled in him a solid sense of responsibility and the importance of setting a high standard for others to follow. This foundation contributed significantly to his leadership style, which emphasizes valuing people and fostering strong relationships within the organization.
Lessons from Crises: 9/11 and Economic Downturns
Bastian recounts the challenges Delta faced during the aftermath of 9/11, which brought the airline industry to a halt. He emphasizes the critical need for strong leadership and the necessity of staying close to the front lines during times of crisis. The experience taught him valuable lessons about the importance of company culture and the impact of decision-making during difficult periods. Recognizing the mistakes made by previous leaders who lacked understanding of the importance of employee relationships helped him steer the company toward recovery.
Navigating Uncertainties: Weather and Fuel Challenges
In the aviation industry, external variables like weather and rising fuel costs can profoundly impact operations. Bastian discusses the importance of preparing for unexpected events and implementing strategies for resilience. Delta focuses on maintaining a strong balance sheet and managing financial risks to navigate challenges effectively. By prioritizing agility and effective communication, Delta aims to ensure its teams are well-equipped to handle unpredictable situations.
Empowering Employees: Building a Strong Company Culture
Delta Airlines champions a culture of empowerment, where employees are encouraged to solve problems and engage with customers effectively. Bastian emphasizes the need for a consistent message regarding employee expectations and values, focusing on traits like caring, empathy, and a welcoming attitude. By cultivating a strong internal culture and encouraging feedback, Delta has managed to maintain high customer satisfaction ratings. Continuous investment in employee involvement is crucial for building loyalty and enhancing the overall customer experience.
The COVID-19 Crisis: A Test of Character
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for Delta, resulting in a significant loss of revenue and the need for rapid adaptation. Bastian illustrates how transparent communication and decisive actions were vital in keeping morale high among employees and maintaining customer trust. By prioritizing employee retention, Delta avoided furloughs and even allowed employees to take unpaid leave, showing their commitment to workforce stability. Through these efforts, Delta not only managed the immediate crisis but also positioned itself as a leader in customer care during uncertain times.
Ed Bastian is one of the most accomplished leaders in the world today. He is the CEO of Delta Air Lines, a role he has held since 2016, and he has been a leader at the company for over 25 years. During Ed’s time as CEO, Delta has become the world’s most awarded airline, including being named the top-ranked airline by Wall Street Journal, Fortune and others. He was recently named Chief Executive magazine’s 2023 Chief Executive of the Year.
In this classic episode, Ed joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to discuss his leadership career, how he thinks about Delta's strategy and market position, how to build a world-class global culture, and much more.