Have you seen this? It’s a neat concept!
There is a video embedded here. If you are using an RSS reader and cannot see it, click here.
I first learned about this from Jon Acuff, and while Jon is brilliant and I love his way of using this video to demonstrate that Delta has a great business model, I like to think of them as having the desire to create great stories.
Naïve? Yes. I guess that’s the dreamer in me.
I know this is a marketing gimmick by Delta to increase loyalty with their airline. But the absolutely wonderful side effect of this is that they are using their brand to promote better stories.
By allowing a seasoned innovator to spend a few hours in the air – “wasted” time – mentoring another person, Delta is turning an arduous task (air travel) into an opportunity for fulfillment.
By enabling a young entrepreneur to spend a few hours with someone in their field with knowledge and wisdom and – hopefully – a helpful attitude, Delta is propping up their dream and giving them a gift they can never, ever forget.
I can only imagine the results of these “Innovation Class” flights.
What if this opportunity reminds that seasoned innovator of what it was like to be in the seat next to them? Young, unsure, but full of potential? What if this opportunity allows that innovator to give back in a way that they just can’t in daily life? And what if they realize that this is what they are missing: the chance to mentor. It could change their life.
It could change a generation.
I know that sounds like too much – like I am excessively extrapolating hope out of a mere publicity stunt – but what if it does? There is no denying that the potential is there.
I believe very strongly in mentoring. I think that partnering with someone younger, less experienced, who may not have the same opportunities that you do can yield immeasurable results for generations to come.
I have been lucky enough to have benefited from these types of interactions. I hope to someday do the same for someone else.
And I think Delta is a stand-up company for facilitating these kinds of connections.
What are your thoughts? And will this make you fly delta next time?
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