Scott Kirby's leadership insight

Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO, said working on your business means doing big things that innovate, grow, and serve customers.

“One of the most poignant things anyone ever said to me as a business owner is that you want to work on your business, not in your business.”

The trap of daily tasks

The day-to-day becomes a trap when immediate challenges, payroll, and 85 zillion other things take over your focus.

Kirby's 13-word lesson

Kirby used exactly 13 words to teach leaders how to balance business focus with daily operations.

Kirby's background

Kirby previously faced being denied the CEO role at American Airlines but became a better leader at United.

Kirby's leadership focus

Kirby believes it's fair to charge passengers more if they sit in a middle seat.

The lesson's impact

This 13-word lesson shows how leaders can step back from daily tasks to focus on bigger business goals.