[FLR] Authentic Leadership Found on the Toronto Airport Tarmac

Happy Friday,

I was on my way to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) , chatting with my daughter Aine and her partner on FaceTime, when I heard the news.

In the digital world we live in, news travels instantly.

They shared the breaking story of a Delta Air Lines plane crash in Toronto with me from Zurich in real-time.

This news hit close to home for our family. My son—Aine’s brother—is a first officer with WestJet . While aviation remains one of the safest industries (much safer than the cab I was riding in at that moment), hearing about an airplane accident always makes us pause.

What unfolded was nothing short of a miracle. Despite the crash, every passenger and crew member made it out alive. In the age of Instagram and instant connectivity, images and videos surfaced almost immediately—passengers stepping onto the tarmac, stunned but safe.

One video stood out: a flight attendant at the door ushering people out of the burning plane while fellow passengers helped those onto the tarmac.

That was true bravery—a moment of pure, selfless leadership.?

This flight attendant wasn’t thinking about herself. She was making sure others got out first.

And she wasn’t alone.?

Leadership Development Programs - CareerJoy

Empower your team with our comprehensive leadership development programs, tailored for aspiring and seasoned leaders.

Read More

First responders rushed into the aircraft to evacuate anyone still onboard. Passengers helped one another. Strangers, thrown together in crisis, acted without hesitation—without knowing what would happen next.

It reminded me of something fundamental:

• People matter.
• Leadership matters.

And leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about stepping into the void—sometimes, as in this case, an upside-down plane on a wind-filled, bitterly cold tarmac, a void filled with real, personal risk.

Courage in leadership isn’t about being fearless.

It’s about acting in the face of fear when others are depending on you.

While most of us will never face a burning aircraft, we will face moments when we’re called to step up—moments that define who we are.

The question is: Will we? Will you?

Along the road with you,

Alan Kearns

P.S. It’s always the right time to support your team through transitions. Connect with Matt Goff , VP of Partner Solutions, to discover how our outplacement and transition services can help you lead with care and confidence.

Start the conversation about transition support

P.P.S. It’s always a good time to invest in your team’s growth. Let us support your people and culture needs. Connect with Matt Goff , VP of Partner Solutions, to explore how we can help.

Start the conversation about team development