From his first flight at age 25 to Delta CEO: Ed Bastian’s advice on leading into the next century

Core Insights - Delta Air Lines is celebrating its 100th anniversary, with CEO Ed Bastian reflecting on his leadership journey and lessons learned during his tenure [1][2] Leadership Journey - Ed Bastian joined Delta in 1998 as VP of finance, later serving as CFO, president, and CEO since 2016, guiding the company through significant challenges including 9/11, bankruptcy, and the COVID pandemic [3][4] - Bastian emphasizes the importance of managing various stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, government, community partners, and employees, especially in a fast-paced environment [4][5] Leadership Philosophy - Bastian believes there is no manual for effective leadership; it requires active engagement and continuous learning [5] - He highlights the necessity of portraying a positive vision for the future, stating that effective CEOs must embody this vision daily [6] Company Performance - Under Bastian's leadership, Delta has become the largest U.S. air carrier by revenue, bolstered by strong customer loyalty [7] - Delta has turned into America's most profitable airline, sharing billions with employees, which has strengthened employee-management relations [8]