United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: The Strategy Behind the Airline’s Pandemic Bet
When Scott Kirby took the helm of United Airlines in May 2020, he faced a global pandemic that brought travel to a standstill. Instead of shrinking the company, he placed a bet on a full recovery by making the largest aircraft order in United's history. Kirby shares his candid leadership lessons, from learning from past management mistakes to empowering his frontline workers. Recorded on April 28, 2026. Photo: WSJ Leadership Institute
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WSJ Leadership Institute Presents: Leaders
The WSJ Leadership Institute Presents: Leaders. A new podcast series bringing you revealing conversations with top executives shaping business today. Hosted by Alan Murray, president of the WSJ Leadership Institute, the series goes beyond headlines to explore how leadership really works in times of upheaval, transformation, and uncertainty. Our first episode was released Monday, Sept. 22, at 5:00 a.m. ET, with new episodes every other Monday.
