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Soaring into Sustainability with JetBlue

February 5, 2020
Hosts: Carol Cone
Panelists: Sara Bogdan, Sophia Mendelsohn

The aviation industry is tough. Airlines bear one of the largest carbon footprints of any industry, and the rising threat of global climate disaster—plus trends like “flight shaming”—are challenging companies to find solutions.

JetBlue, long considered a “beloved” brand in a beleaguered industry, is putting the climate issue at the core of its business. Most recently, the airline announced that all domestic flights would be carbon neutral by mid-2020. We spoke with Sophia Mendelsohn, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Social Governance, and Sara Bogdan, Manager of Sustainability and Environmental Social Governance, about JetBlue’s efforts to tackle the climate issue.

The core insight: JetBlue treats the environmental crisis as an opportunity, not a threat. Fervor around climate issues is spurring innovation and inventive solutions across the company, from in-flight recycling efforts to new sharklets on the aircraft wings to increase fuel efficiency. Plus, JetBlue continues to invest in programs to support local communities, including Soar With Reading, in addition to inspiring small business innovation through programs like BlueBud.

Listen for Sophia and Sara’s insights on:

How JetBlue pushes for innovation across the business, with a focus on generating long-term value and impact
How transparency, honesty, and unrelenting dedication to customer service makes JetBlue a beloved brand
How JetBlue drives grassroots impact in the communities where the company operates

Links & Notes

(00:00) – Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:52) – Introducing Sophia Mendlesohn and Sophia Bogdan from JetBlue
(02:20) – By the numbers
(05:13) – Sophia’s journey into aviation and the aviation evolution
(13:34) – Innovation in markets, innovation in equipment
(24:04) – Purpose & Culture
(30:22) – Foundation: Building a future for the aviation industry through STEM and ecological rehabilitation
(35:21) – Top 3 Insights

Personal Purpose in the Fight for Climate and Health Equity with One Young World Ambassadors

Tackling the Roots of the Refugee Crisis with Per Heggenes

Safeguarding Water through Youth-Driven Solutions with One Young World Ambassadors

Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society’s most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it’s a dynamic journey.

Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. We illuminate the growing impacts of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.