How One Airport's Redesign Playbook Can Unlock Transformation | Christina Cassotis | TEDxPittsburgh

Summary

The speaker recounts how losing a job led them to a surprising opportunity as CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport. Initially hesitant, they accepted the challenge despite industry skepticism. The story emphasizes Pittsburgh's resilience and innovative spirit, as the airport transitioned from a major hub to a successful origin-and-destination airport. The speaker highlights Pittsburgh's historical achievements, the importance of teamwork, and the power of pivoting in response to disruption. Ultimately, they transformed the airport into a platform for economic development, inclusivity, and sustainability, using a leadership approach based on collaboration and adaptability.

Takeaways

• 😮 The speaker was initially surprised by getting laid off from their dream job but later realized they had missed signs of change within the company.
• 🛑 They fell into the same trap they advised clients against, believing in the myth of their own job security.
• 📞 A recruiter called about a CEO position at Pittsburgh Airport, which was surprising because they had never been a CEO, and Pittsburgh wasn’t on their radar.
• ❌ The majority of opinions warned them not to take the job, as Pittsburgh’s airport was considered to be underperforming.
• 🛬 The airport had lost its major hub airline in 2004, leaving it with significant debt and reduced air service.
• 🔄 The speaker's goal was to shift the airport from being a hub to an origin-and-destination airport, inspired by examples like San Diego and Portland.
• 📚 They discovered Pittsburgh’s rich history in innovation, diversity, and cultural significance, which they aimed to showcase more prominently.
• 👥 They emphasized the importance of radical acceptance of reality, widening the circle of contributors, and relentlessly executing a new vision.
• 📈 The pivot from a hub to an O&D airport was successful, leading to increased passengers, destinations, and airline services.
• 💡 The speaker introduced several innovative programs, such as workforce development, small business inclusion, and environmental sustainability, proving that airports can drive long-term economic impact.

Q & A

What led the speaker to lose their job, and how did they reflect on it later?

The speaker was laid off from their dream job, and though surprised at the time, later realized they had missed key changes in the company. They had focused too much on their individual success and failed to notice shifts in the broader organization.

What was the speaker's initial reaction when approached for the Pittsburgh airport CEO position?

The speaker had three main reactions: they had never been a CEO before, Pittsburgh was not on their radar, and they were unfamiliar with the market and the airport.

What advice did the speaker receive from industry contacts regarding the Pittsburgh airport?

The majority opinion was that Pittsburgh’s airport was getting all the air service it deserved and couldn’t be improved, advising the speaker not to take the job. However, a minority believed the airport was underserved and had great potential.

What transformation did Pittsburgh International Airport undergo in the 1990s and early 2000s?

Pittsburgh International Airport was initially designed to serve as a major hub for a major U.S. airline. However, in 2004, the airline went bankrupt and abandoned its lease, leaving the airport heavily in debt and without its main source of air service.

What was the speaker’s strategy to transform Pittsburgh International Airport?

The speaker's strategy was to transition the airport from a hub to an origin and destination (O&D) airport, similar to airports in San Diego or Tampa. This involved focusing on passengers who travel to and from Pittsburgh rather than through it.

How did Pittsburgh’s history influence the speaker’s vision for the airport?

Pittsburgh’s history of innovation and resilience, particularly in industries like robotics, automation, and healthcare, inspired the speaker. They recognized the city's capacity for transformation and sought to leverage its story to rebuild the airport.

What was the 'Pittsburgh Playbook' that the speaker referenced?

The 'Pittsburgh Playbook' is a set of principles for transformation. It involves a radical acceptance of reality, widening the circle to include those affected by disruption, and relentlessly executing a plan with a diverse group of stakeholders.

What were some of the initiatives undertaken to make the airport more accessible and inclusive?

Initiatives included the 'PIT to Work' program to train underrepresented communities for skilled trades, opening on-site childcare, rerouting bus lines for better access, and creating Presley's Place for travelers with sensory processing issues.

What role did partnerships play in the success of the Pittsburgh airport transformation?

Public-private partnerships were crucial. For example, the airport became the only one in the U.S. completely off the grid through such a partnership, ensuring resilience and reducing the carbon footprint. Partnerships also helped attract advanced industries.

What is the speaker’s final message to the audience about leadership and transformation?

The speaker encourages leaders to accept reality, expand their teams, practice the 'art of assembly' by bringing overlooked talent together, and execute plans relentlessly. They emphasize that another major pivot in their industry is coming soon.