Purpose 360

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. We spoke with Sophia Mendelsohn and Sara Bogdan about JetBlue’s efforts to tackle the climate issue.

Show Notes

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

What is Purpose 360?

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 power of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. Host Carol Cone brings decades of social impact expertise and a 360-degree view of integrating social purpose into an organization into unfiltered conversations that illuminate today's big challenges and bigger ideas.