Recently, Delta Air Lines’ CEO, Ed Bastian, created quite a stir on Instagram with a thrilling post. He shared an exceptional moment with none other than the legendary Tom Brady, leaving his followers in awe. The video, emanating positivity and smiles, captured Ed and Tom engaging in a fun game of catch. Set to the triumphant tune of ‘We are the champions’, it wasn’t just any ordinary day at the office.
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In the caption, Ed playfully remarked, “Why is Delta the best-performing airline in the world? It’s because of world-class teamwork with strong servant leadership in place.” He detailed the essence of their annual meeting in Atlanta, focusing on goals and priorities for the year ahead.
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Highlighting the honor of having Brady as a special guest, Ed shared, “Thanks to @tombrady for being with us (although now I have a sore arm!) Your real-life examples and lessons in leadership inspire us at Delta and encourage us to keep climbing.” This post wasn’t just a hit among fans and analysts; it caught the attention of Tom Brady himself, who reshared it on his Instagram story.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Just a week ago, Delta Air Lines made headlines with its progressive step forward. Ed Bastian confirmed the airline’s plans to proceed with an order for Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft, despite the challenges Boeing faces with the Max 9. The decision marked Delta’s first Boeing order in over a decade, underscoring their commitment to safety and innovation. But Brady was not just there to throw a few balls.
Tom Brady: A Playmaker at Delta
In what can be termed a ‘first-of-its-kind’ move, Delta Air Lines teamed up with Tom Brady, the most successful quarterback in NFL history. Last year, Brady joined Delta as a ‘strategic advisor‘. His role? To bring his unparalleled experience in teamwork, resilience, and excellence to the forefront of Delta’s operations.
As Ed Bastian excitedly shared on CNBC, “This is not a sponsorship. Tom Brady, known for his exceptional leadership and teamwork skills, has taken on a significant role at Delta. He is actively involved in crafting training programs and teamwork strategies.” His involvement comes at a crucial time, as Delta welcomed a substantial number of new employees, approximately 25,000, in 2022.
Michael Lewis, a sports analytics expert from Emory University in Atlanta, views this partnership as distinct from typical celebrity endorsements. “It doesn’t seem like Tom Brady will be doing the standard corporate sponsorship routine. It’s more about internal team-building and performance,” Lewis opines.
Besides his duties with Delta, Brady’s post-retirement life is a whirlwind of activity. From his NFT startup Autograph to his TB12 health brand, his media company 199 Productions, and the BRADY apparel brand, he’s a man on a mission. Not to mention his future role in Fox Sports’ top NFL broadcast booth.
What makes his partnership with Delta even more special is a personal connection; Brady’s mother, Galynn, was a flight attendant for TWA. Reflecting on this, Brady remarked, “I have always admired the people who make seamless air transportation possible.”
Delta Air Lines’ dynamic partnership with Tom Brady transcends a regular movie star endorsement, bringing a mix of ideas and realistic leadership to the vanguard. Ed Bastian’s engaging post is a testament to Delta’s commitment to excellence and innovation, both in the air and on the ground.
