Founders’ Leadership Series: In conversation with David Cush, CEO of Virgin America
Join David Cush, CEO of Virgin America, in a behind-the-scenes conversation with Bruce Aust, Vice Chairman of Nasdaq, at the launch of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center Founders’ Leadership Series
In a world where customer experience can make or break a brand, founders aspire but often struggle to create “best-in-class” offerings for their industry. How does a company offer a reliable, steady product while continuing to surprise and delight customers over time?
Under the leadership of David Cush, Virgin America has not only been able to delight its customers (have you seen that groundbreaking safety video?) — it’s also recognized by the industry as the “Best Domestic Airline” in both Travel and Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for eight consecutive years.
How, exactly? For over twenty-five years David has led teams, discovered opportunities for growth, and recovered from industry consolidation, expansion, pivots, refinements, and remodeling — work that gained him the honor of the “Most Admired CEO’s” by the San Francisco Business Times in 2009.
More specifically, Cush has taken a people-centric approach to running Virgin America. He is known for establishing a culture where workers “feel motivated and included” and “see life as ‘glass half-full.’” This concept of empowering employees to deliver customer satisfaction has set Virgin apart in the industry.
Get an insider’s view on David’s personal and professional experience, which has taken him from Shreveport, Louisiana to working all around the world in the challenging and ever-evolving airline sector. Hear how experiences across operations, sales, and finance has strengthened his ability to build strong teams, understand customers and markets, and drive growth even in challenging times. And walk away with a better understanding of how a recognized leader thinks about “leading” and the ways he sets his own organization up for success.
Wednesday, January 27:
5:30pm — Start
6–7pm — Talk & Q&A
7–7:30pm — Networking
If you’d like to attend this invite-only event, please email Hello@thecenter.nasdaq.org with your reason why.
The Founders’ Leadership Series hosted @theCenter is a movement by leaders for leaders that gets to the heart of the drive, ambition, and skills needed to overcome challenges and fuel a personal journey to success.
David Cush, CEO of Virgin America: With over 22 years of management experience at some of the world’s biggest airlines, David Cush was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin America on December 10, 2007. For full bio, click here.
Bruce Aust, Vice Chairman of Nasdaq and President of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center: Mr. Aust works closely with Nasdaq’s Global Listing Services unit to assist clients and prospects worldwide. For full bio, click here.
The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a San Francisco-based non-profit that provides aspiring and current entrepreneurs with access to quality resources, including mentors, training, and networking.
