Courtney Rongonui’s Post

Starting a new season in your life came be intimidating 📖! But when your Chapter 1 begins with poms poms, cheers, and a Red Carpet - it is a story that anyone can get on board on 🎉. This Monday we welcomed over 50 New Cohearts that started a new story in their life today. While everyone’s Chapter at Southwest Airlines begins the same, the next page to the next Chapter embarks a different journey, as our New Hires venture to the Flight of Their life into their own Careers ⬇️! 💙 A Cohearts Chapter 2 can lead them to helping one of our customers board our plane. 💖 A Cohearts Chapter 3 could be analyzing the latest technology to help modernize our operation. 💛 A Cohearts Chapter 4 could be flying 150 passengers to their next destination. Like every happy story, there is a plot twist where one may encounter. At times we may go through turbulences that may cause us to challenge ourselves. However, no matter what happens through that turbulence, we have each other to ensure we land safely. And despite our differences at Southwest Airlines, we all land the same way; by being #ONETeam – no matter what chapter we may be in our #SWALife ✨. Where are you in your story 📚 ? Rather you are in the planning phase of your career, in the middle of your professional journey, or heading towards your Happy Ending – we all start somewhere, and for many it starts today! Happy Monday 💙💖💛! #recruiting #networking #jobseekers #SouthwestHeart #jobseekers #mondaymotivation #motivation #opportunities #letsconnect #aviation #culture

⭐ "The spirit of Southwest Airlines is exuberant; it's caring, it's dedicated, it's diligent, it's fun, it's rewarding, it's a joy." - Herb Kelleher. ⭐ When I started at Southwest Airlines nearly 6 years ago, this quote was flashed on the presentation of our "New Hire Onboarding". I remember feeling very optimistic - thinking this is just your typical "First Day" verbiage and did not think any of it 🤔. 6️⃣ years later, I have this exact quote on my desk because it holds true to every word, context, and meaning. When Herb Kelleher created this airline nearly 50 years ago – flying on a airplane was known for people who were considered “wealthy” and only for the wealthy. However, Herb wanted an airline that wasn't just for the wealthy. He wanted EVERYONE to feel the CARE, the DEDICATION, the JOY…: ✈️ For the common man visiting his family on the other side. ✈️ For the common woman to take that business trip to her client. ✈️ For the common school team traveling to their competition. ✈️ For the common couple traveling for a celebration. ✈️ For the common family traveling for a special moment, or a heartbreaking moment. ➡️ Every traveler is traveling for a different purpose, and we make sure everyone feels that same CARE, DEDICATION, JOY, in a fun environment that Herb mentioned in his quote – no matter who you are. But that can't happen without our People feeling the same way 🙏. ➡️ Our People are our biggest asset - and that feeling of feeling exuberant doesn’t just last on Day 1, it lasts a lifetime, and our Red-Carpet Welcome is just the beginning. Today we welcomed 80 new Cohearts to embark in that feeling to make our customer feel the same way 🎉. #recruiting #networking #motivation #aviation #jobseekers #careers #culture #opportunities #development #letsconnect #hr #jobs #newchapter #southwestairlines #SouthwestHeart

How often do we pause and truly appreciate the life we've built? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but every now and then, I find it important to reflect on the journey. I remember the joy of landing my first job—a milestone that felt like the beginning of everything. The promotions that followed were not just rewards but reminders of growth, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. I’ve moved from sharing cabs to now choosing my favorite airline, a transition that might seem small but signifies how far I’ve come. I think back to the days when I would save up for a bigger mobile recharge, and today, I’m able to select my favorite mobile without hesitation. These moments, though they may seem minor, are powerful reminders of progress. We often measure success by the big milestones, but it’s in these everyday victories that true growth lies. Life is a series of steps, each one deserving of recognition. By appreciating these moments, we not only honor our past but also inspire our future. Let’s make it a habit to celebrate our journey and the progress we've made, no matter how small it may seem. #Weekendthoughts

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟: 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 "जिंदगी की गाड़ी में हमे अकेले ही चलना है। हाँ, कुछ लोग मिलेंगे हर मोड़ पर जो साथ देंगे, लेकिन आखिर में उड़ान खुद ही भरना है।"✍ Taking a morning flight often means sacrificing sleep, driven by the fear of missing the flight if I’m late. Today, as I #navigated this #journey, I found some parallels to life itself. Here are a few thoughts I’d like to share: ✓𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲: There will always be people in your life who love and care for you. However, there will be moments when you must face challenges on your own. While they may be with you in spirit, their physical presence may not always be possible. ✓𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀: Today, I had to manage my journey to the airport alone, as CA CMA Ratankumar Shriwastav was out of town. While this may seem trivial to some, the constant concerns about #womensafety can make such situations feel daunting. ✓𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: I booked a #cab and arrived at the #airport ahead of schedule. This reminded me that while people (like drivers) may join us for parts of our journey, having #companions for the entire trip is often a myth. ✓𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: We often hear the saying that we come into this world empty-handed and will leave in the same way. However, I've come to realize that the journey itself can sometimes feel equally empty. While relationships, wealth, joy, and even pain are integral parts of our lives, they don’t always bring a sense of completeness or fulfillment. I find myself pondering what truly fulfills us. Is it the connections we make, the experiences we gather, or perhaps the impact we leave behind? This quest for understanding fulfillment is an ongoing journey in itself. 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #Journey #SelfReflection #WomenSafety

There is a reason why we are "Flying High" at Southwest Airlines 😃, because when you are here .. 🛫 1 Person does not receive all the credit - ✅️ its everyone. 🛫1 Idea isn’t taken into account - ✅️ its all ideas. 🛫 1 perspective isn’t looked at - ✅️ its all perspectives. 🛫 1 Culture isn’t embraced - ✅️ its all Cultures. 🛫 1 day isn't just celebrated - ✅️ everyday is celebrated. 🛫 1 experience isn’t taken into account - ✅️ its all experiences. Our "💙❤️💛" is more than just a symbol. It’s who we are. We’re a Company of People, representing diversity of culture, background, experiences, and viewpoints. And there hasn't been a day where I had to watch what I say - or change my thought, because everyone’s view point - is a valid one💯 Like many other companies, we are all on a #dei journey, recognizing there is more than one way of doing things, and how we can accept everyone’s viewpoint and acknowledge them. Every meeting, every ineraction, or every new process - begins by hearing from everyone and to ensure what we are doing is inclusive to all : https://lnkd.in/gd9veE3q 🫶🏾 🛫 It does not just take 1 Person - but ✅️ Every. Single. One. Of. Us. Want to be apart of our ever evolving journey and SOAR ✈️? Don't just see it, but live it. And soon you will be smiling with us ✌🏾 at https://lnkd.in/gSgQFtfG #recruiting #networking #jobseekers #letsconnect #culture #diversity #hr #careers #aviation #leadership

Building Trust Through Adventure: LTG Cargo's Journey into the Wild The end of May heat, a 12 km trek, basic maps, compasses, water, snacks... and soon, a swamp surprise! What does this have to do with building trust within a management team? Last week, our 64 LTG Cargo managers embarked on a unique adventure. In a single day we focused on the significance of the journey itself, not just the destination. This experience fostered deeper and more lasting trust among the team. Here's what we discovered: 1. Building Blind Trust Quickly: For 10 minutes, we walked blindfolded, relying solely on the first person in line to guide us forward. With eyes veiled, trust and communication flourished. 2. Finding New Perspectives on Happiness: We approached four individuals on our route and asked them "how would you describe happiness?" Their diverse responses served as a reminder that happiness manifests differently for everyone. 3. Uncovering Strengths Together: This wasn't a walk in the park and navigating the wilderness wasn't always smooth sailing. We encountered detours and even a swamp crossing! But by leveraging each other's strengths, we navigated these challenges and emerged as a more unified team. So here are my key takeaways: ⭐ Shared experiences outside our comfort zones create lasting bonds of trust and fellowship.  ⭐ We learned the power of perspective – happiness is a subjective experience.  ⭐ Sometimes, the simplest solutions are right in front of us (like using moss to find direction!). This experience was a powerful reminder that while achieving results together is important, fostering genuine connection and understanding takes us to the next level!  #TeamBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #LTGCargo 

What a year it’s been! 2024 has tested my resilience in ways I never imagined. It all started with a sudden job loss that felt like a jolt to the system 😲. While initially challenging, it opened the door to an exciting new career in private aviation ✈️. I’ve always been drawn to dynamic environments and new opportunities, and aviation offered just that. The chance to leverage my skills from healthcare and tourism, while diving into a field full of growth and adventure, was too good to pass up. Then, as if life wasn’t done with its surprises, my husband and I moved back to Mississauga 🏡, ready for a fresh start. But we were met with yet another curveball—a transport truck rear-ended us, totaling our car 🚗💥. It was a tough blow, but our spirits remained unshaken. Through these ups and downs, resilience has been my anchor. 💪 It’s proven that no matter how challenging life gets, we have the strength to adapt and thrive. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with renewed strength and determination. I’m sharing this because I believe in the incredible power of resilience. To anyone facing their own challenges, remember: resilience is the key to transforming obstacles into opportunities. Keep pushing forward, and let’s turn every challenge into a step toward our dreams! #Resilience #CareerJourney #Aviation #NewBeginnings #Mississauga #KeepPushingForward

🌟 Setting Sail for Success: Thriving Onboard a Cruise Ship 🌊 In my last post, I shared tips on preparing for cruise ship life. Today, I want to explore what comes next: how to thrive in this unique and dynamic environment. Here are my top five strategies for success at sea: 1️⃣ Stay Curious, Stay Humble: Training is only the beginning. Ask questions, observe, and embrace learning every day. Growth is a continuous journey. 2️⃣ Celebrate Every Win: From small victories like resolving a guest request to managing a new responsibility, each achievement builds your confidence. 3️⃣ Build Meaningful Connections: The friendships and networks you create onboard can become invaluable for your career and life. 4️⃣ Maintain a Positive Outlook: Just like the sea, challenges will come, but it’s your attitude that keeps you steady. 5️⃣ Cherish the Experience: Every port, every moment with your team, and every story is a treasure to hold onto. Working onboard is more than a career—it’s a transformation that enhances your skills, perspective, and resilience. To those embarking on this incredible journey: What are you most looking forward to? Let’s connect and share insights below! #CruiseShipLife #HospitalityLeadership #LifeAtSea #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipInAction

In the airport, I find myself spending most of my time trying to optimize my path from curb to boarding. The faster the better. Have I picked the right door to be dropped off at? Have I picked the right line to get through TSA as fast as possible? But why am I optimizing for time? In what world is fast better than fun, interesting, enriching, or fulfilling? What would I be doing at the gate that I can't be doing in line? Or, what opportunities does meandering my way through the airport provide, that the gate won't? This of course is just one example of how we aren't always optimizing for the right thing. I like to problem solve, I like to challenge myself, I like to grow, these pursuits are fun for me. So how do I use these little trips to the airport to reflect that, and more importantly, how do I approach everything I do to make sure I am remembering fun trumps fast. #growth #personalgrowth #Selfcare #Mentalhealth #selfawareness #workplacehappiness #Bandwidth #Mindset #resilience #leadership #burnout

Happily driving to my office on a typical weekday, I watched a sports car zoom by, and I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of jealousy at its high speed. The driver quickly switched lanes, speeding ahead while I stuck to my pace, thinking, “Well, they’re in a hurry!” A few minutes later, guess who I pulled up next to at the red light? Yep, the same car !!! In that moment, it hit me: careers are a lot like this. Some people seem to fly ahead—new promotions, bigger roles, constant change. It’s easy to feel like you’re being left behind, but eventually, you may arrive at the same point, just in different ways. Speed definitely has its perks. Those racing ahead often catch opportunities on the fly, get ahead quickly, and enjoy the thrill of momentum. There’s an undeniable rush that comes with moving fast and seeing immediate results. But then there’s beauty in the slower lane too. Taking your time allows you to learn the ropes, build solid relationships and develop a deeper understanding. When you reach your destination, you are more resilient and have your feet firmly on the ground. In the end, it’s not about who gets there first—it’s about making the journey count. Whether you’re flying down the highway or cruising in your own lane, speed will always be relative to who you are comparing yourself to. Just stay committed to your goals, believe in yourself and embrace change along the way.  #EnjoyTheRide #OwnYourPace #Resilience #CareerJourney