Source: Fortune.com
Summary
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby shares his “no excuses” mantra for overcoming adversity, learned during his time as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force Academy. Kirby believes that instead of making excuses, one should focus on finding solutions to overcome challenges. He applied this philosophy during the pandemic, when United’s operating revenue fell by 64.5% and the company posted a $7.1 billion net loss. Kirby’s leadership strategy also emphasizes surrounding himself with people who share his approach to work and genuinely care about one another.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby’s “no excuses” mantra is a familiar tale of resilience in the face of adversity. With a background in the U.S. Air Force Academy and a career in the airline industry, Kirby has learned to pivot from feeling sorry for himself to finding solutions. His approach to leadership emphasizes self-confidence, humility, and surrounding himself with like-minded individuals. The strategy seems to be working, as United has emerged from the pandemic in a stronger position, with a market capitalization of $41 billion.
Other CEOs, such as Delta’s Ed Bastian and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, also emphasize the importance of humility and resilience in the face of adversity.
The announcement sounds familiar. CEOs are often expected to have a mantra or philosophy for success, and Kirby’s “no excuses” approach is no exception.
Original observation: When CEOs talk about adversity, they’re often talking about themselves.
Author: Evan Null
