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.

Little did we know how timely this decision would prove to be. We lost our beloved Colleen, namesake of the CCB Institute, barely five months into 2024. In a split second, the need to hold our “family” close became exponentially more important. Every word and deed seemed to matter just a little more, especially as it related to honoring Colleen’s legacy. Acts such as creating a dedicated tribute page were acutely personal. In truth, the story of Colleen’s contributions, her impact on Southwest Airlines, and her influence on countless organizations and people will never be complete. The lessons she conveyed through Servant’s Heart Leadership and being in service to others are timeless.

So how did that reflect in our messaging for 2024? Pretty seamlessly, actually. We were already anchored in our focus on personal and professional wellness. We then concentrated on four areas of growth: Being Well; Leading Well; Learning Well; and Serving Well. If you missed any Thought Leadership articles on these topics, please go back and have a look. Each month is a nugget of pure gold with Southwest Leaders offering personal stories and actionable advice on what it means to be, lead, learn, and serve well. All of which was inspired by the life and legacy of Colleen Barrett (whose wisdom is captured firsthand in our May 2024 edition).

We took two more steps in the wellness space through the presentation of two Virtual Gatherings. One focused on personal wellness journeys and stories from Southwest Employees. The second opened the door to our future, focusing on renewed strength and emboldened Culture. We highlighted Southwest’s Culture Ambassador Program with an old-fashioned “Culture Primer” on how to build (or reinvigorate) your own culture program. In so doing, we embraced memories of our past, gratitude for our growth, and excitement about the future.

With this refreshed sense of purpose and energy, we invite you to join us in the new year. Same ship, new voyage. In 2025, the CCB Institute will focus on Elevating Brand Identity: Same but Better. We’ll explore Transformation (owning our attitude); Connection (taking care of culture and traditions); Adaptability (bridging the old with the new); and Dedication(committing to the cause). Colleen remains embedded in our hearts and minds, and we are excited to continue her remarkable work. Stay tuned!