United chief urges interns to adopt a ‘no excuses’ mindset learned in the Air Force
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told summer interns that embracing a “no excuses” attitude, a principle from his Air Force training, is key to overcoming workplace challenges.
In an Instagram post addressed to United’s summer interns, CEO Scott Kirby urged a “no excuses” approach, a lesson he first learned at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He explained that the philosophy guided him through United’s 2020 pandemic crisis, when passenger numbers fell 60%, revenue dropped 64.5% and the carrier posted a $7.1 billion loss, prompting massive flight cuts, a $6.8 billion loan and a full salary sacrifice.
Kirby argued that confronting adversity by seeking solutions, rather than assigning blame, fosters resilience. He also described his hiring practice of selecting pilots who are well-liked and trustworthy, giving them veto power in interviews. The CEO’s perspective aligns with similar views expressed by Delta’s Ed Bastian and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, who also see hardship as a catalyst for growth. United has since recovered to a market value of about $41 billion, trailing Delta’s $60 billion.
Why it matters
Kirby's advice highlights how leadership attitudes can shape corporate recovery and employee culture during crises.
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