This episode of How I Built This interviews Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines, about the airline's creation and success. The interview covers the initial legal battles faced (lasting 4.5 years), the innovative low-fare strategy enabled by high aircraft productivity (10-minute turnaround times), and the company's unique approach to employee relations (profit sharing and high unionization). Kelleher emphasizes the importance of profitability over market share and the airline's conservative fiscal approach, which contributed to its long-term success and survival in a volatile industry. A key takeaway is Kelleher's focus on operational efficiency and employee satisfaction as crucial factors in Southwest's ability to thrive.
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