Kelleher: Agent Of Airline Change

  Herb Kelleher is among the most influential CEOs of our time. His dynamic leadership style and personal philosophy -- “Be humble; work harder than anyone else; serve your people” -- made Southwest Airlines into one of the most admired companies in the world. During his tenure as CEO , Kelleher created a corporate culture that encourages Southwest employees to provide service of a unique kind, such as singing in-flight announcements, wearing costumes on holidays, and cracking jokes as the spirit moves them. Kelleher co-founded Southwest Airlines with three airplanes in 1971. Today it operates a fleet of 500 airplanes and more than 3,300 flights a day.  Southwest has been profitable for 30 consecutive years and has never furloughed an employee -- success that can be directly attributed to Kelleher’s visionary leadership. One of America ’s most dynamic and entertaining speakers, Kelleher will present his unique insight into the airline industry, corporate management, and living life to the fullest.       The 2008 Charles A. Lindbergh Lecture is made possible by the generous support of Bombardier.