Gary Kelly’s Post

Our beloved Founder, Herb Kelleher, described Southwest’s take on Leadership best when he said, “We think everybody is a Leader no matter what their job is. They’re setting an example by their conduct, and they should be inspirational.” In other words, everyone has the innate ability to be a positive influence in the lives of those around them, and we want to foster and nurture those qualities.   The intention of this book is to share the unique Southwest approach to Leadership. We hope our readers find useful insights for their workplaces and daily lives.   Head to Southwest® The Store to get your copy today: swa.is/LeadingWithHeart   #SouthwestAirlines #LeadingWithHeart #Leadership #LeadershipBook

Thank you to the president for his leadership in supporting the Blender’s Tax Credit for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which is crucial for de-carbonizing aviation. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders across our industry and the government to meet our climate goals.

Today is a bittersweet day for me as I step into the Executive Chairman of the Board role at Southwest and pass the CEO reins to the very capable hands of my friend and colleague, Bob Jordan. I will always remember my time as CEO of this great Company fondly, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things in store under Bob’s Leadership. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Customers and nearly 54,000 Employees for making these past 18 years so incredibly special, and full of Heart.

Our focus at Southwest has always included enriching and empowering the communities we serve. That’s why we’ve launched our Southwest Scholarship applications. We invite students pursuing higher education to apply! To learn more, visit swa.is/scholarships #SouthwestHeart

Quick thinking and outstanding Customer service from our Employee, Dina! Way to show your #SouthwestHeart

As we close the book on our 50th anniversary year, I couldn’t be prouder of our People and all they have accomplished. No one could have foreseen the challenges we have all faced these past two years, and in true Southwest fashion, they powered through it all and continued to show our Customers the Hospitality that we’re famous for. To our wonderful Employees, thanks for another great year of serving Customers, and cheers to an even better 2022.

I continue to be amazed at the way our Employees go out of their way to treat our Customers like family. A huge shoutout to our Employee, Sarah, for going above and beyond to reunite this family with a meaningful set of handwritten letters. #SouthwestHeart

Employees like Rudy help spread holiday cheer for our Customers and remind us to cherish moments with family and friends. Thank you, Rudy, for getting us all in the spirit, and Happy Holidays to each and every one of you.

I’m honored to have represented my Southwest Airlines Cohearts during today’s U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s hearing about the Payroll Support Program (PSP). It was a privilege to be able to express my heartfelt appreciation to Congress for its swift and decisive action in passing PSP, which protected the livelihoods of our greatest asset – our People. Our lawmakers understood the critical importance of our industry to the economy and the nation’s recovery, and, most importantly, they saw the PSP as a successful program worthy of not one, but two extensions. Thanks to funds received through each round of the PSP, we did not cut pay rates, hours, or benefits, and we did not layoff or furlough. We were also the only major airline to maintain service at every domestic airport we served before the pandemic. This allowed us to continue our purpose of connecting People to what’s important in their lives through one of the most challenging crises for our industry and country. We’re continuing to stay focused on reliability and our operations, and no matter what challenge is presented to us next, taking good care of our Employees and Customers remains Southwest’s primary goal. On behalf of 54,000 Southwest Employees, we’re grateful for the tremendous support.

Our Southwest Business Team continues to be noticed throughout the industry. I’m thrilled to see Dave Harvey, VP of Southwest Business, and his Team recognized for the third year in a row as one of Business Travel News’ Most Influential People. They continue to make Southwest a top choice for business travel.