Integrity and Growth with Alaska Airlines President Ben Minicucci Recap December 2019 BDA Breakfast

At the December 2019 BDA Breakfast, Alaska Airlines' President Ben Minicucci shared valuable insights on integrity and growth, emphasizing the significance of a strong company culture. He stated that Alaska's greatest asset is its people, who are empowered to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Minicucci illustrated this point with a touching anecdote about a flight crew member who went above and beyond to comfort a young boy saying goodbye to his father. He stressed the importance of maintaining high safety standards, noting that operations can be halted for any reason to prioritize safety and integrity. Drawing parallels between Alaska's growth and urban development, Minicucci urged local leaders to ask difficult questions early in the planning process.

He acknowledged that Bellevue and the Eastside are on the right track with their strategic growth initiatives. His parting advice focused on the necessity of defining the "what" before tackling the "how" in problem-solving. This approach, he believes, is vital for both corporate and community success.