I’ve been watching David Neeleman for a long time. There’s a quote of his from a Fast Company article five years ago that I still use in my Twelve Steps to Revolutionize Your Business small business seminar. To hear that he was stepping down shook me a bit, then I read the press. It sounds smart. It sounds like a David thing to do. Here’s a quote from a spokesperson:
"David’s talents are entrepreneurial, and therefore perfect for the
Chairman position, which will free his time and energy from day-to-day
operations to identify creative opportunities and focus on the broader
scope and direction of the company," said Alison Eshelman, manager of
corporate communications at JetBlue Airways, New York. "This move is a
natural evolution as the company grows from a start-up to a major
player."
A colleague of mine made a quip this afternoon about big business to which I replied equally as swiftly, "That’s why I don’t work for them." I don’t like the bureaucracy and watered down strategies and waste in big business. But I liked watching JetBlue. Even after the Valentine’s Day crisis, because I believe the true test of a business is what it does when it screws up. We’re all going to, so what happens next is important – it shows your true colors. JetBlue succeeded on that front, in my opinion. So, now I hope that Neeleman’s move to strategic chief will be one that does allow him to connect with his inner entrepreneur again. That he can lose the operations focus and think about the customer and the personality of the business and differentiating marketing positions. I’m not giving up on JetBlue just yet – I think this decision might just be the beginning of a really hot next chapter.
David’s post on his blog about the change: http://www.jetblue.com/about/ourcompany/flightlog/
To read what other bloggers are saying about Neeleman’s new role…
http://www.aviation-weblog.com/50226711/jetblue_ceo_neeleman_steps_down.php
http://blog.flightwisdom.com/2007/05/10/neeleman-steps-down-as-jetblue-ceo/
http://www.mpdailyfix.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/8470
http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2007/05/aa_ceo_faces_wi.html
http://blog.fastcompany.com/archives/2007/05/15/grounded_david_neeleman_jetblues_erstwhile_ceo.html
To read more articles on Neeleman’s move…
http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/10/news/companies/jetblue_ceo.reut/index.htm
http://www.newyorkbusiness.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070510/FREE/70510001/1047
http://adage.com/article?article_id=116633
Marianna,
David is a great guy and personal friend. JetBlue is a great company, and this truly was in the works for awhile.
Its hard having one man be the entire company.
David has helped more people than I know, and is one of the best human beings I have ever met, so of course it was hard to see.
Check out my company, (seed financed by David) at http://www.franchisecircle.com, or also check out our Wikipedia article. We created the first social networking site for franchising (Us ADD guys innovate!)
Let me know your thoughts on maybe doing an article/blog on us. I’ll see if David would be interested in contributing as well as he’s helped me every step of the way.
Sincerely yours,
Shawn
Thanks for your feedback, Shawn! It is always hard to have one individual be the company – with my small business clients, it’s something we must strategically address everyday. I think David’s move is likely quite a smart one.
I’d love to do an article or be a guest blogger for you. Franchise circle is a great niche idea – using new technology in a great way. Congratulations on creating a great online experience in a booming niche!