2025

Elizabeth Bryant

Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, Southwest Airlines

“True power is about helping people reach their potential, not about control.”

What qualities do you feel make a person powerful?

My mentor, Colleen Barrett, used to say there’s a difference between the power of love and the love of power. That idea has stayed with me throughout my career. A powerful woman, to me, has inner strength, confidence, and compassion—but she uses those things to lift others up. True power is about helping people reach their potential, not about control.

With so many global issues today—gun violence, gender inequality, child poverty
—what do you feel is most pressing?

It’s hard to focus on just one. For me, civility is at the heart of it all. I believe that if we all led with kindness and generosity—if we truly looked at the world through someone else’s eyes—many of these larger issues would naturally improve. Every day, I try to model gratitude, kindness, and compassion for my kids. The world needs more of that.

What do you think is the first step toward fixing those divisions?

Accountability. It starts with taking responsibility for how we show up in the world. I tell my kids all the time: be kind, be responsible, and be a contributing member of society. That means showing up for your community and making a positive impact, no matter how small. Real change begins with individual responsibility.

Was there a challenge you faced that shaped who you are?

Absolutely. Personally, becoming a mother changed everything for me—especially having a daughter with a medical condition. Watching her overcome challenges has given me perspective. It’s made me realize that anything I face at work can be handled. That experience has grounded me and taught me to bring balance and empathy into my leadership.

From a career standpoint, one of the biggest turning points was when my boss asked me to take on a role I felt completely unqualified for. It was in operations—a space I’d never worked in—and I remember telling him, “You have the wrong person.” He said, “No, I see something in you. Surround yourself with the right people and make it happen.” That changed the course of my career. I built a team that ended up transforming Southwest’s learning organization. It taught me that growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone.

What was the defining moment that led you to where you are today?

That moment. Being pushed into something new, feeling afraid, and then proving to myself I could do it—it gave me confidence I didn’t know I had. Now, as a leader, I try to do the same for others: recognize their potential, give them opportunities, and challenge them to grow.

Is there a part of your personality that makes you uncomfortable?

My curiosity! It’s a blessing and a curse. I’ve always been naturally curious, and I ask a lot of questions—sometimes too many. But it’s also what connects me to people. It keeps me humble, always learning, and genuinely interested in others.

What virtue do you think is overrated?

Patience. I think women especially are often told to “wait your turn.” I don’t believe in that. If you see something that needs to be fixed, go fix it. Take up space. Don’t wait for permission.

Do you have an unbreakable rule in life?

Kindness. There’s never a reason to be unkind. I hold my kids to that, and I hold myself to it, too. A simple “How are you?” can change the tone of an entire conversation.

What do you consider a big risk versus a small one?

Any career risk is a small one compared to personal risks involving faith and family. Work is important, but the things that truly matter—your relationships, your integrity, your faith—those are the real risks that define you.

What’s your biggest fear?

Letting people down. There was a point in my career where I felt stretched too thin—like I was giving 15% of myself to everything and 100% to nothing. That’s when I realized I had to redefine what success meant. I learned to be fully present wherever I am. When I’m at work, I give my all. When I’m home, I do the same.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

From Lou Holtz: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people that you care. That’s become my north star.

What animal best represents you—or what pet would you have?

My dog. She’s twelve, her hips are failing, but she’s been by my side for over a decade. She follows me everywhere. She’s my constant reminder of unconditional love.