What Do You Do When the World Stands Still? Insights and Words of Wisdom from Southwest Airlines’ Linda Rutherford

Question #1: As of now, how has the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the various work, community, and travel-related restrictions being set in place impacted your life, personally and professionally?

Linda’s Answer: In a nutshell, it has turned my personal and professional life upside down.

At home, my husband is on a work-from-home mandate. My two college-aged children are now dealing with online learning scenarios as both of their universities have cancelled classes for the rest of the semester.

My oldest is set to graduate, and what a world he will be entering in two months. My youngest is working on her “Plan B” for summer since her study abroad plans to Spain have been cancelled.

All my business travel to conferences and speaking engagements have been cancelled, and three personal trips have been put on ice.

Professionally, in my capacity as a senior leader at Southwest Airlines and helping to drive our communications efforts internally and externally in the wake of COVID-19, it’s been stressful. I have a swirl of emotions when the alarm goes off each morning, but two that push to the front are perseverance and pride.

I work for an airline that has already publicly stated that it will do everything in its power to preserve jobs, even as we scramble to cut spending, protect cash and find other resources of emergency funds.

I’m also extremely proud of how the entire workforce bands together—each in our respective roles—to tackle the challenges each day brings with an eye to recovery.

Question # 2: What heartfelt "best-ever boss" words of wisdom do you have to share with leaders and aspiring leaders?

Linda’s Answer: Two pieces of advice to put into perspective how to deal with what you can and cannot control are these:

“It is what it is”—meaning I can’t wallow in what has happened, but simply focus on how best to work through it, keep spirits high, and keep everyone focused on what needs to be done.

“This too shall pass”—meaning we need to be dealing with the current crisis but we also need to have a view to the future and how we ideally want to reflect back on this moment in history.

About Linda Rutherford: Linda is Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer for Southwest Airlines. She oversees the Company’s Culture Services Department, Employee Engagement, Communications and Outreach efforts. As a member of the Company’s Corporate Services Leadership team, Linda ensures Southwest has the best processes, policies, and tools to serve the airlines growing and diverse workforce.

Linda’s responsibilities include overseeing the Company's Media Relations, Employee Communications, Emergency Response and Business Continuity, Strategic Public Relations, Social Business, Charitable Giving and Community Relations, Visual Communication, Employee Engagement & Travel, and Community Affairs and Grassroots.

Linda holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Texas Tech University.