Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines
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Howard Putnam has experienced turbulence many times in his distinguished business career, and not only survived but thrived by taking advantage of the unique opportunities for change and transformation that turbulent times offer.
An aviation buff since his childhood on an Iowa farm, Howard began as a baggage handler at United Airlines and ultimately became CEO of highly successful Southwest Airlines. There Howard led the fledgling carrier through airline deregulation and the implementation of the vision that has guided the company ever since. Southwest tripled in size and profitability during his tenure, and today it is still a model for organizations that put their people first in their culture.
Later, Howard was recruited to be Chairman and CEO of ailing air carrier Braniff, where he became the first CEO to take a major airline through Chapter 11 successfully. And he accomplished this feat with his commitment to ethics and fairness intact. Drawing upon this experience, he wrote his first book, The Winds of Turbulence, on leadership and ethics in business.
An accomplished business leader, motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur, Howard’s insights are especially relevant in today’s turbulent business environment, where all companies must learn to embrace change and leverage transformation. Inspirational and practical in equal measure, his presentations never fail to bring audiences to their feet. |