United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby Shares Early Career Lessons

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has shared two pivotal early career experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the profound impact of investing time in others and ensuring individuals feel valued. His first "job" involved working at a trucking company in North Texas during the summer before he turned 15. For 8 to 12 hours daily, Kirby assisted in sorting and loading old copper cables for recycling, an experience he described as "hard work and an eye-opening experience." Despite the rough language and behavior of some truckers, Kirby found them to be kind, friendly, and welcoming, making him feel like "one of them" and leaving a lasting impression of their coolness.

Years later, at age 22, Kirby began his "adult" job at the Pentagon, where he was a second lieutenant assigned to the Economic Analysis and Resource Planning department. Here, he encountered seasoned leaders who recognized his potential and invested their time in his development, despite his youth and inexperience. He found himself participating in extensive discussions on complex geopolitical challenges, treated as an equal whose opinions mattered and who was believed to be capable of success. These leaders extended their mentorship beyond work, engaging in activities like playing the strategy game Civilization and strategizing over elaborate maps drawn on office whiteboards.

Kirby articulated two core lessons derived from these formative experiences. The first is that "the most valuable gift you can offer someone is your time." This lesson was reinforced by both the truckers who welcomed him and the leaders at the Pentagon who dedicated their time to his growth. The second lesson is that "what people will remember most about you is how you make them feel." He observed that both the truckers and the Pentagon leaders made him feel included, respected, and capable, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence that he carries into his current role. He also mentioned the influence of teachers and Little League coaches who idolized him and engaged with his numerous questions and debates, further contributing to his understanding of mentorship and positive influence.