How CEO Ed Bastian Is Transforming DEI at Delta Air Lines

This HBR podcast episode interviews Harvard Business School Professor Linda Hill about her case study on Delta Airlines' diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. The discussion covers Delta's historical people-centric culture, CEO Ed Bastian's leadership in prioritizing skills over degrees and internal promotion, and the company's response to the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. A key takeaway is Delta's shift to a "skills-first" approach, creating apprenticeship programs and eliminating non-beneficial part-time roles to improve equity and employee development. The episode highlights how embedding DEIB into business strategy, with top management commitment, is crucial for long-term success and improved customer experience.

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HBR On Leadership

Introduction: The Context of DEI at Delta Airlines

Professor Hill's Research and Motivation for the Case Study

Delta Airlines' History and Ed Bastian's Background

Ed Bastian's Leadership Style and Early DEI Initiatives at Delta

The Impact of the Pandemic and Kira Lynn Johnson's Role

Embedding DEI into Business Strategy and the Importance of Leadership

Delta's Response to the OneTen Coalition and Initiatives for Equity

Shareholder Response and the Importance of Transparency and Education

Sustainability of DEI Efforts and Key Takeaways

How CEO Ed Bastian Is Transforming DEI at Delta Air Lines

HBR On Leadership

01:06Introduction: The Context of DEI at Delta Airlines

Introduction: The Context of DEI at Delta Airlines

02:11Professor Hill's Research and Motivation for the Case Study

Professor Hill's Research and Motivation for the Case Study

04:01Delta Airlines' History and Ed Bastian's Background

Delta Airlines' History and Ed Bastian's Background

06:51Ed Bastian's Leadership Style and Early DEI Initiatives at Delta

Ed Bastian's Leadership Style and Early DEI Initiatives at Delta

10:05The Impact of the Pandemic and Kira Lynn Johnson's Role

The Impact of the Pandemic and Kira Lynn Johnson's Role

14:09Embedding DEI into Business Strategy and the Importance of Leadership

Embedding DEI into Business Strategy and the Importance of Leadership

17:56Delta's Response to the OneTen Coalition and Initiatives for Equity

Delta's Response to the OneTen Coalition and Initiatives for Equity

21:43Shareholder Response and the Importance of Transparency and Education

Shareholder Response and the Importance of Transparency and Education

26:08Sustainability of DEI Efforts and Key Takeaways

Sustainability of DEI Efforts and Key Takeaways