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Ed Bastian, Delta Airlines CEO - Flying Thru Tough Times
In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Airlines. Since taking the helm in 2017, Delta has become the world’s most awarded airline. Bastian is a critical leader in Delta’s long-term strategy and champion of putting Delta’s shared values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership at the core of every decision.
The most natural place to start the conversation was the impact of COVID-19 on Delta’s business. Bastian shared that Delta was at 5% of their normal cash flow in April of 2020 (25,000 passengers per day vs. the usual 600,000). He explains the many facets of Delta’s response to the pandemic - how they are taking care of their employees, their customers and preparing for the future. “Tourism and travel” is one of the biggest industries and Bastian is confident it will come back one day. He intends for Delta to lead the way.
Bastian explains his upbringing and his journey to CEO of Delta, a position he never would have imagined he would hold. The unique Delta ‘servant leadership culture’ rooted in 95 years of history, was something that attracted Bastian to Delta. It is this culture that differentiates Delta from their competitors, a fact that gives Bastian great pride.
Turning to the subject of faith, Bastian describes his faith journey. Being the oldest of nine children raised in a Catholic family provided Bastian with a solid foundation. But, he strayed from his faith following college. During his early 30’s, Bastian met Dr. Bill Lawrence of Dallas Theological Seminary, a man who deeply impacted his life. Dr. Lawrence helped Bastian understand the gospel message and salvation through faith in Christ.
Returning to the Delta story, Bastian answers the question about the most important decision made by Delta to help the company to weather the current storm. Bastian explains the 15% profit sharing plan that is in place for Delta employees. In the last five years, Delta has paid in excess of $1 billion each year to their people just through profit sharing. Profit sharing has given employees a sense of shared ownership and allegiance to Delta. This culture of putting people first has translated into employees who put customers first because they have a vested interest in the success of the company. This is what makes Delta special.
Learn more about Ed Bastian.Learn more about Delta Airlines.Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.Learn more about host David Wright.
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By Indiana Wesleyan UniversityIn this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Airlines. Since taking the helm in 2017, Delta has become the world’s most awarded airline. Bastian is a critical leader in Delta’s long-term strategy and champion of putting Delta’s shared values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership at the core of every decision.
The most natural place to start the conversation was the impact of COVID-19 on Delta’s business. Bastian shared that Delta was at 5% of their normal cash flow in April of 2020 (25,000 passengers per day vs. the usual 600,000). He explains the many facets of Delta’s response to the pandemic - how they are taking care of their employees, their customers and preparing for the future. “Tourism and travel” is one of the biggest industries and Bastian is confident it will come back one day. He intends for Delta to lead the way.
Bastian explains his upbringing and his journey to CEO of Delta, a position he never would have imagined he would hold. The unique Delta ‘servant leadership culture’ rooted in 95 years of history, was something that attracted Bastian to Delta. It is this culture that differentiates Delta from their competitors, a fact that gives Bastian great pride.
Turning to the subject of faith, Bastian describes his faith journey. Being the oldest of nine children raised in a Catholic family provided Bastian with a solid foundation. But, he strayed from his faith following college. During his early 30’s, Bastian met Dr. Bill Lawrence of Dallas Theological Seminary, a man who deeply impacted his life. Dr. Lawrence helped Bastian understand the gospel message and salvation through faith in Christ.
Returning to the Delta story, Bastian answers the question about the most important decision made by Delta to help the company to weather the current storm. Bastian explains the 15% profit sharing plan that is in place for Delta employees. In the last five years, Delta has paid in excess of $1 billion each year to their people just through profit sharing. Profit sharing has given employees a sense of shared ownership and allegiance to Delta. This culture of putting people first has translated into employees who put customers first because they have a vested interest in the success of the company. This is what makes Delta special.
Learn more about Ed Bastian.Learn more about Delta Airlines.Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.Learn more about host David Wright.