# Fly Possible: Robin Hayes, President of JetBlue, Joins Langone MBAs for Speaker Series

1 Stern Stories November 7, 2014 ![](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/jetblue-body.jpg?itok=S6A-_47x)> Look for teammates who are willing to push back and motivate you.

Robin Hayes, current President and incoming CEO of JetBlue Airways, joined MBA students and alumni for a 2014-2015 Langone Speaker Series event. Professor [Charlie Murphy](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/charles-murphy) moderated the discussion, beginning with an interview and followed by an open Q&A session with students.

From a very young age, Hayes was fascinated by the mechanics of airplanes and air travel. After receiving his masters in electrical engineering, Hayes began working in the airline industry, where he held a variety of roles over his 25-year career.

“You need to take risks in life and my biggest risk, and payoff, was joining JetBlue.” Hayes shared his story, as well as JetBlue’s approach to operations and customer service strategies. He emphasized the company’s heavy investment in culture and underscored that JetBlue looks for employees who share a passion for the industry.

Looking forward, Hayes described how he intends to carry on JetBlue’s traditions and heritage when he assumes the role of CEO. When asked about leading a successful company, he stated that it’s important to find people with talents different than your own.

Throughout the interview, Hayes offered leadership advice for students and alumni as they continue their career paths: - Create a team of people that mirrors your strengths
- Take a risk, and if it doesn’t work out, it isn’t the end of the world
- Achieve a promotion simply by doing your job well
- Look for teammates who are willing to push back and motivate you

Watch the video:
###  Past Langone Speaker Series

- [Oisin Hanrahan](/node/42861), co-founder and CEO of Handy
- [Ragy Thomas](/node/41631) (MBA ‘03), founder and CEO of Sprinklr
- [Nate Berkus](/node/36156), interior designer and author
- [Philip Krim](/node/31641), co-founder and CEO of Casper
- [Dan Schulman](/node/25021) (MBA '86), president and CEO of PayPal
- [Greg Coleman](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/news-events/speaker-series-buzzfeed), president of BuzzFeed
- [Devon Pike](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/news-events/speaker-series-givenchy), president of Givenchy US
- [Frank Blake](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/news-events/speaker-series-home-depot), chairman and former CEO of The Home Depot
- [Robin Hayes](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/news-events/speaker-series-jetblue), president and incoming CEO of JetBlue Airways
- [Bob Pittman](/node/8019), chairman and CEO of Clear Channel
- [Paula Kerger](/node/7863), president and CEO of PBS
- [Neil Blumenthal](/node/7499), co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker
- [Kenneth Langone](/node/48005) (MBA ’60), founder and CEO of Invemed and co-founder of Home Depot