Ed joined Delta in 1998 as Vice President of Finance. Within three years, after promotion to Senior Vice President, a man who didn’t fly in an airplane until the age of 25 was called upon to help lead Delta through the industry-wide adjustments that followed 9/11 and the ensuing economic downturn.
“The story of Delta Air Lines is the story of redemption,” Ed said. Under Ed’s leadership, Delta faced down U.S. Air’s attempt to take over the airlines when it teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and rebuilt the company into the world’s most profitable airline, only to watch 95 percent of their hard-won revenue disappear in the first 30 days of the COVID pandemic. A lesser leader might have thrown in the towel, but Ed doubled down on Delta’s mission of “taking care of each other and our customers” and, once again, is guiding Delta back to cruising altitude as the industry standard.
Ed says that if you ask him what drives his passion and purpose at Delta, the answer would be having gotten a second chance and making it count. “Redemption is a powerful story,” admitted Ed. “I feel inspired to lead the largest company in the state of Georgia, the biggest employer in Atlanta” …his eyes teared up. “A company I love that needs leadership now more than ever.”
Listeners will learn the
As a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, and 14-time New York Times Best-Selling author, Don Yaeger is one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. From walking into Afghanistan with the Mujahadeen to living with football legend Walter Payton, Don has spent three decades embedded with the world’s greatest "Greats." Now a sought-after executive coach and host of the Corporate Competitor Podcast, he translates the lessons of sports and business legends into actionable strategies for building a culture of greatness.
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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