Herb Kelleher Quotes

Powerful Herb Kelleher for Daily Growth

About Herb Kelleher

Herb Kelleher, born on March 12, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a renowned American businessman best known for his pioneering role in the low-cost airline industry. Raised in San Antonio, Texas, Kelleher attended the University of Texas at Austin and later earned a law degree from New York University. Kelleher's professional journey began when he joined a small Houston law firm after graduation. However, it was his chance encounter with Rollin King that would alter the course of his life. Together, they co-founded Southwest Airlines in 1967, revolutionizing air travel by offering low fares and a customer-friendly approach to airline service. Kelleher served as Southwest Airlines' CEO from its establishment until 2001, growing the company into one of the most profitable and beloved airlines in the world. His leadership style was marked by his ability to inspire employees, fostering a unique culture that prized fun, innovation, and efficiency. Kelleher's influential quotes reflect his business philosophy. One of his most famous statements is: "If you want to make enemies, try to change something." This quote encapsulates his willingness to challenge industry norms and drive change. Another quote, "There are no mistakes in life, only opportunities," reflects his belief in learning from failures and turning them into stepping stones for success. Kelleher's impact extends beyond Southwest Airlines. His innovative ideas about low-cost travel, employee empowerment, and customer service have influenced countless businesses and inspired a generation of entrepreneurs. Despite retiring as CEO, Kelleher continues to serve on the board of directors at Southwest and remains an iconic figure in American business history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If it's not fun, then it's not worth doing."

Herb Kelleher's quote emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in our daily activities and pursuits. He suggests that if an activity does not bring us joy or pleasure, it is not a worthwhile endeavor. This perspective encourages people to seek out and prioritize activities that they find fulfilling, enriching, and engaging, as these are more likely to contribute positively to their overall well-being and life satisfaction. In essence, this quote serves as a reminder to pursue passions and interests wholeheartedly, making work and leisure time equally meaningful and rewarding.


"There are no rules! We're all part of the same team."

This quote by Herb Kelleher emphasizes unity and collaboration in the workplace, suggesting that there should be no barriers or rigid structures preventing individuals from working together effectively. In other words, it encourages a cooperative culture where everyone understands they are part of the same collective effort, fostering an environment of mutual respect, teamwork, and innovation. This mindset can lead to increased productivity and improved results in any organization.


"I think one of the keys to our success is that we hire people who share our vision."

This quote highlights the importance of shared vision in creating a successful organization, according to Southwest Airlines' co-founder Herb Kelleher. By hiring individuals who align with the company's mission, values, and goals, it fosters a united team that works effectively towards achieving the desired outcomes. In other words, when people share the same vision, they are more likely to collaborate, innovate, and drive success together in an organization.


"Challenges are there for a reason. They serve as opportunities for us to discover hidden reserves of strength and creativity."

Herb Kelleher's quote highlights that adversities or challenges are not merely obstacles in our path, but they are essential components that help us grow and evolve. These challenges serve a purpose by pushing us to tap into our untapped potential, unlock hidden strengths, and discover creativity we didn't know we possessed. In essence, Kelleher encourages us to view hardships as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.


"We're not just in the business of flying planes. We're in the business of fulfilling dreams."

Herb Kelleher's quote, "We're not just in the business of flying planes. We're in the business of fulfilling dreams," signifies that Southwest Airlines (Kelleher was co-founder) aims to do more than simply transport passengers from one place to another. It aspires to go beyond practicality and contribute significantly to people's lives by helping them realize their ambitions, hopes, and aspirations – the fulfillment of dreams. The message carries an inspiring spirit that transcends conventional business practices, making it a memorable statement about the power of companies in positively impacting individuals on a deeper level.


The clear, unmistakable sign of a bureaucrat is somebody who worries about whether he has a window.

- Herb Kelleher

Clear, Worries, Whether, Unmistakable

I've found that many of the greatest ideas surface in bars because that's where many people cultivate inspiration.

- Herb Kelleher

Ideas, Inspiration, Surface, Bars

Your employees come first. And if you treat your employees right, guess what? Your customers come back, and that makes your shareholders happy. Start with employees and the rest follows from that.

- Herb Kelleher

Happy, Treat, Rest, Shareholders

I tell my employees that we're in the service business, and it's incidental that we fly airplanes.

- Herb Kelleher

Business, Service, Fly, Airplane

Wild Turkey whiskey and Philip Morris cigarettes are essential to the maintenance of human life!

- Herb Kelleher

Human Life, Turkey, Philip

The people of Southwest have always been my pride, my joy and my love. Their indomitable dedication and esprit de corps have taken Southwest from a three-airplane dream to a 500-airplane reality.

- Herb Kelleher

Love, Always, Southwest, Corps

Power should be reserved for weightlifting and boats, and leadership really involves responsibility.

- Herb Kelleher

Involves, Reserved, Boats

One piece of advice that always stuck in my mind is that people should be respected and trusted as people, not because of their position or title.

- Herb Kelleher

Mind, Advice, Always, Respected

I'd say my mother made more of a difference to me than anyone else did. I know that's a conventional and perhaps mundane answer, but my family was blown apart at the start of World War II.

- Herb Kelleher

Mother, World War, Mundane, Apart

Just because you don't announce your plan doesn't mean you don't have one.

- Herb Kelleher

Just Because, Mean, Because, Announce

I think my greatest moment in business was when the first Southwest airplane arrived after four years of litigation, and I walked up to it and I kissed that baby on the lips and I cried.

- Herb Kelleher

Think, I Think, Southwest, Cried

When I started working on Southwest Airlines, I kid you not, only people flying on business and very wealthy people ever flew.

- Herb Kelleher

Business, Very, Southwest, Flew

Keep costs low and spirits high, and the people of Southwest Airlines will keep LUV in the air.

- Herb Kelleher

High, Costs, Southwest, Airlines

The spirit of Southwest Airlines is exuberant, it's caring, it's dedicated, it's diligent, it's fun, it's rewarding, it's a joy.

- Herb Kelleher

Caring, Southwest, Dedicated, Airlines

I guess the worst moment I ever had in business was the fear that Southwest Airlines wouldn't get off the ground.

- Herb Kelleher

Business, Had, Southwest, Airlines

It is my practice to try to understand how valuable something is by trying to imagine myself without it.

- Herb Kelleher

Practice, How, Imagine, Valuable

I forgive all personal weaknesses except egomania and pretension.

- Herb Kelleher

Forgive, Personal, Except, Weaknesses

A company is stronger if it is bound by love rather than by fear.

- Herb Kelleher

Love, Stronger, Rather, Company

You can't have a mid-life crisis in the airline industry because every day is a crisis.

- Herb Kelleher

Every Day, Crisis, Industry, Airline

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