Episode 044: Package Delivery and Airplanes

Episode 044 originally broadcast on April 08, 2006

School of Business for April 8, 2006

History, notes and observations from the entrepreneurial and business world for the week of April 8th, 2006.

Michael Eskew of UPS

Russ visits with Michael Eskew, Chairman, CEO, and 34 year employee of UPS. Michael talks about going to work for the then small-package company fresh out of college and how the new small businesses started by entrepreneurs everyday are vital to UPS's continued success. UPS's vision to enable global commerce stems from their new stance as a provider of solutions instead of just product. Michael believes our future is globalization through responsibility, education, and customer satisfaction.

Gordon Bethune of Continental Airlines

Entrepreneur and former Continental Airlines reluctant CEO Gordon Bethune talks to Russ about his approach to revitalizing a "dysfunctional" airline by going back to the fundamental purpose of the company; "to get you safely to your destination, on time, with your underwear." As the tenth CEO in ten years, Gordon showed the employees someone was finally making it happen by creating some immediate, seemingly simple alterations and incentives that are still practiced today.