Interview: Herb Kelleher, Legendary CEO of Southwest Airines
Herb Kelleher changed the world. Before founding Air Southwest Company in 1967, Herb was a young Texas lawyer frustrated with the cost of transportation throughout the state. Kelleher and his co-founder (and law client) Rollin King set out bring those costs down. The airline almost didn't make it off the ground, facing a bevy of legal challenges as competitors maneuvered to block the young upstart. With Herb personally involved in the legal battle, the young company won key cases in the both the United States Supreme Court and the Texas Supreme Court that saved the airline from a premature demise.
When the renamed Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) began flights in 1971, the company flew to only three Texas airports. Today, Southwest carries more passengers in the U.S. than any other airline. By focusing on making flights affordable and taking care of employees, Herb guided Southwest's growth as Executive Chairman from 1978 to 2008, and as president and CEO from 1981 to 2001. That legacy lives on today, with Southwest as the only airline that refuses to charge reservation change fees and the only one to allow customers to bring two checked bags for free.
In a statement released following Herb's passing on January 3rd, American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) CEO Doug Parker may have best summarized the power of Herb's ideals, not just for airlines but for all businesses, saying, "His style presents the ultimate case study for airlines or any service company whereby if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers, which will take care of your shareholders. That simple yet profound way of leading continues to inspire us, and we aspire to honor Herb’s example." As we remember Herb's legacy, we hope you'll enjoy this conversation between Herb and Motley Fool CEO Tom Gardner, recorded in 2017.
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Пікірлер: 27
His laugh is contagious. Wish I had the opportunity to meet this great man. Rest In Peace Herb❤️
Fly high Mr Kelleher, thanks for your service to aviation.
Unbelievably Sharp at his age,amazing.
All of us at Southwest love and miss you Herb, I enjoyed watching this interview. I love my job, Because of that awesome smart man.
So engaging. What a beautiful soul! I wish so many leaders out there were like him. The world would be a kinder place!
Surely his laugh is contagious 😂😂and his a very humble man..great interview..🤗👍⚘
What a beautiful soul and he has the best laugh!
The interviewer being a superfan of Mr. Kelleher was the right person for this interview
One of a kind.
Great interview. That cigarette at the end really is the topper.
Thank you for posting this great interview. Herb's personality, wit, habits, and blue eyes were very, very much like my dad's! I wish I had the chance to meet Herb in person...
Herb Keller was a Level 5 leader. Adopting an unique strategy focused on people, he created one of the greatest companies that revolutionized airline travel. May his tribe increase!
Great man❤
Great interview! I only wish the interviewer interrupted Herb less and allowed him to keep his train of thought..
To think how many airlines around the world tried to replicate Southwest's methodology, expecting their employees to follow these principals but not realising they themselves had to as well. A house of cards won't hold up because you say it will. I assume Herb would've shaken his head and involuntarily laughed at all those who tried under that mindset.
A great man.
Can you please do the same interview with Garry Kelly, now that he has stepped down? This would be an awesome perspective!!!
the best father of king services in airline
@51:10 Is he talking about Jim Clark ?
Real estate investors losing money is music to my ears. They are a major reason why the real estate market is the way that it is now....
@BerniecePiette445
2 ай бұрын
Please i need help
@BerniecePiette445
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info . Found her website and it really impressive...
31:29 31:33 46:33
22:12 I'm watching this on 12/4/2020...Southwest is laying off 7,000 employees
@craigsully6227
2 жыл бұрын
Name one company that hasn't laid off people due to covid 19.
@MNBluestater
2 жыл бұрын
Never happened. SW managed with early retirements, and employees volunteering for leave at partial pay.
@supers0nic77
2 жыл бұрын
Now they're threatening to fire people that don't get the vacks because they love govt money more than people