Resources

At some point in life, I suspect we’ve all experienced or said out loud (maybe even shouted) “change is hard!” When change comes along, it sometimes brings with it disruption, ambiguity and even chaos—all uncomfortable things, especially for someone who likes a clear and predictable plan. But, as I reflect on the countless changes I’ve experienced in my life, I have to say, often, those moments brought critical growth and unexpected, pleasant surprises.

In planning the Institute’s 2024 content, our hearts kept coming back to the concept of taking care of our own “house.” We wanted to focus on our own wellness and the wellbeing of those we love—and LUV. Sometimes, people, family, and organizations simply need a “reset,” and that’s exactly what we did.

Have you ever been onboard one of our amazing Southwest Airlines’ flights and forgotten that you’re actually high above the ground, traveling hundreds of miles per hour? I’ve caught myself losing sight of that as well, and I’m reminded that is exactly the level of trust and confidence we hope to achieve in serving our Customers.

My 38 years at Southwest have been a journey filled with immense gratitude. I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of strong leadership and the profound impact it has on an organization and its people, especially when facing adversity. Through the years, I’ve experienced my share of challenges, and one lesson I learned early on from Colleen Barrett (namesake of the CCB Institute) was that the defining factor in navigating storms is the quality of leadership at the helm.