In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen Michael O’Leary CEO of Ryanair
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Nov 23, 2022 
Michael O’Leary, the transformative CEO of Ryanair, shares insights from his journey reshaping the airline since 1994. He reveals the secret sauce behind Ryanair’s success and discusses their response to the pandemic. O’Leary reflects on his upbringing on a farm in Ireland, emphasizing hard work and responsibility. He critiques traditional airport models and explores the challenges of long-haul versus short-haul travel. The conversation concludes with Ryanair's strategic focus on sustainable practices and the importance of adaptability in leadership.
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The Letter
- Michael O'Leary sent Nicolai Tangen a letter 23 years ago suggesting salary adjustments after Tangen won a fund manager award.
- O'Leary frequently writes letters, now mostly to airports and governments, advocating for lower costs and highlighting Ryanair's growth potential.
Humble Beginnings
- O'Leary grew up on a farm, attended good schools, and worked at KPMG before venturing into business.
- He later joined the Ryan family's aircraft leasing business and subsequently Ryanair, initially a loss-making low-cost airline.
Farm Life Lessons
- Growing up on a farm instilled in O'Leary the values of hard work and responsibility.
- He believes farm work teaches valuable life lessons, especially for teenagers.