What is Leadership Conference?
Leadership Conference is an annual, hybrid event featuring Senior Leaders and external speakers and is focused on the development of Southwest Leaders. Aligned with our 2024 Focus Area to "Rise Above," we'll discuss how we can elevate our Leadership, knowing that our Culture and Values set us apart.
Our Senior Management Committee (SMC) and Directors are invited to attend the event at our Corporate Campus in Dallas, while all others will tune in virtually. However you're able to attend, we hope you'll join us on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, for two days of development!
Wednesday, October 16 | 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT
Leadership Conference 2024 is rooted in our ability to Rise Above. As Leaders, Southwest’s future depends on each of us thriving in our roles and effectively supporting, coaching, and caring for our People through a challenging and changing global landscape and industry. We'll hear inspiring talks from authors Michael Bungay Stanier and Denise Hamilton, plus Southwest Leaders Bob Jordan, Elizabeth Bryant, Kristi Owens, and Elle Clark.
Additionally, we’re excited to introduce breakout sessions this year, giving Leaders the freedom to choose the learning path that best fits their unique needs and interests. SMC & Directors will spend the afternoon at TOPS for "Space to Mobilize: Motivating our Teams to Rise Above." All other attendees can select two one-hour sessions to attend, either on campus or virtually.
Time |
Topic |
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|---|---|---|
8:15 a.m. |
Virtual Pre-show Tuning in virtually? You're in for a treat! Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee and login early for an exclusive virtual pre-show, featuring tips on how to engage throughout the event and interviews with Southwest Leadership. |
Spencer Dodd Sr. Facilitator, Talent & Leadership Development (T&LD)
Zerina Hamulic Consultant, T&LD |
8:30 a.m. |
Welcome & Kick-off What's the best way to celebrate Boss's Day? By joining your fellow Leaders at Leadership Conference 2024, of course! Kristi Owens and Elle Clark will officially kick off this anticipated event by introducing you to our theme of "Rise Above" and review what all is in store for us during these two days of learning. |
Elle Clark Director Leadership & Employee Development, T&LD
Kristi Owens Vice President T&LD |
8:45 a.m. |
The Call to Rise Above Elizabeth Bryant and Bob Jordan will discuss staying encouraged as a Leadership Team during a time fueled by challenges, distractions, and noise. This segment will focus on how our Leaders can remain positive and continue to Rise Above by showing up for their People, each other, and our Customers. |
Bob Jordan President, CEO, & Vice Chairman of the Board
Elizabeth Bryant Sr. Vice President & Chief People Officer |
9:15 a.m. |
Rising Above Our Differences Join us for an engaging conversation between Denise Hamilton, Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, and our Director of Leadership and Employee Development, Elle Clark. They'll explore the theme "Rising Above Our Differences," focusing on how we can leverage our diverse perspectives to build stronger, more inclusive Teams. Denise, a nationally recognized DEI Leader and author of "Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future," will share her expertise on creating environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Learn how to navigate and embrace diversity within your Team, turning differences into opportunities for growth and innovation. |
Denise Hamilton Author of “Indivisible”
Elle Clark Director Leadership & Employee Development, T&LD |
Break |
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10:30 a.m. |
Rising Above Conflict Whether it's with your Leader, your Team, or your peers, there's always an opportunity to grow into what author Michael Bungay Stanier refers to as the "BPR" or Best Possible Relationship. Author of "The Coaching Habit" and "How to Work with (Almost) Anyone," Michael will share practical tools to ensure you're proactively building safe, vital, and repairable relationships as you dive into projects together. In this opening session, you'll learn strategies to handle conflict, turning tough situations into chances for growth and Teamwork. "Rising Above Conflict" means sharing responsibility and committing to develop stronger, more resilient relationships within your Team and beyond. |
Michael Bungay Stanier Author of "The Coaching Habit" and "How to Work with (Almost) Anyone" |
11:30 a.m. |
Break |
|
12:30 p.m. |
Breakout Session One We're excited to introduce breakout sessions this year, giving Leaders the freedom to choose the learning path that best fits their unique needs and interests. SMC & Directors will spend the afternoon at TOPS for Space to Mobilize: Motivating our Teams to Rise Above. All other Attendees may choose from one of the two hybrid sessions (and yes, you can attend in person, even if you aren't attending the Main Session in person!).
Visit the Breakout Sessions page for more information! |
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1:30 p.m. |
Break |
|
2:00 p.m. |
Breakout Session Two SMC & Directors will remain in the Lone Star Rooms at TOPS for Space to Mobilize: Motivating our Teams to Rise Above. All other Attendees may choose from one of the two hybrid sessions (and yes, you can attend in person, even if you aren't attending the Main Session in person!).
Visit the Breakout Sessions page for more information! |
|
3:00 p.m. |
Day One ends |
Thursday, October 17 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT
Day Two kicks off with our third and final round of breakout sessions. All Leaders are invited to either tune in virtually or select an in-person session to learn alongside their peers. Join Dr. Sean Martin in "Lead with Listening" in person at TOPS or choose from our two hybrid sessions in Wings and Freedom Hall: "Quiet Power: Harnessing the Strength of Introverted Leadership" and "Ask Ops Anything." We'll close out Leadership Conference all together by listening in on an Executive panel to hear about our Senior Leaders' experience in "Rising Above in Leadership." Looking for more? In-person attendees can register to stick around for a Heart in Action activity in the Takeoff Café.
Time |
Topic |
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|---|---|---|
9:00 a.m. |
Breakout Session Three Choose from one of the two hybrid sessions or one in-person only session (and yes, you can attend in person, even if you aren't attending the Main Session in person!).
Visit the Breakout Sessions page for more information! |
|
10:15 a.m. |
Break |
|
10:45 a.m. |
Rising Above in Leadership Wrap up Leadership Conference with an inspiring session featuring a panel of six of our Executive Leaders, moderated by Kristi Owens. They’ll speak candidly and sincerely about their journeys into Leadership, sharing their stories, challenges, and the lessons they've learned along the way. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from those Leading the way at Southwest and to gain some valuable insights and inspiration for your own Leadership path. |
Andrew Watterson Chief Operating Officer
Jason Van Eaton Executive Vice President, Chief Regulatory & Corporate Affairs Officer
Justin Jones Executive Vice President Operations
Linda Rutherford Chief Administration Officer
Ryan Green Executive Vice President Commercial Transformation
Tammy Romo Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
11:45 a.m. |
Closing Remarks As Leadership Conference 2024 draws to a close, Kristi and Elle will share their reflections on our theme "Rise Above," highlighting key takeaways, celebrating our collective achievements, and offering words of encouragement as we move forward. This final session is a chance to reflect on our journey, renew our commitment to our Culture and Values, and feel empowered to Lead with purpose. |
Elle Clark Director Leadership & Employee Development, T&LD
Kristi Owens Vice President T&LD |
12:00 p.m. |
Session ends
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12:00 p.m. |
Heart in Action Volunteer Activity Wrap up Leadership Conference by putting your Heart in action with a meaningful community service project! Join us in the Takeoff Café, as we partner with Tango Charities for their Feed the City initiative. Together, we'll be making sandwiches and packing lunches to serve about 4,000 people in need across Texas. By participating, you'll not only help feed thousands but also connect with Cohearts in a rewarding and impactful way. And bonus! We'll even log your volunteer hours for you! Join us in this heartwarming activity and contribute to this significant cause. Space is limited and lunch will be provided to those who are registered. |
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1:30 p.m. |
Day Two ends |
To learn more about the speakers that you'll hear from, click on their picture below.
