I recently sat down with Mike to discuss his role in business development with AirSprint. AirSprint is an award winning private aviation company. My knowledge of private aviation heading into the conversation was limited and framed by a conception based on popular media. The entertainers, the jet setters, the athletes and all of the fame that goes along with a private jet.
What I quickly learned from Mike was the underlying practicality of flying private. Many of his clients are using this form of travel for reasons that have nothing to do with what most of us think when we hear about private jets. For example, a team of executives making stops in varying locations at a cost that may even be more affordable than business class on a commercial airline and a savings in time that makes a significant difference for a company's top team.
While the practicality and usage of jets was fascinating, the most valuable takeaway was the level of humility that accompanied Mike's explanation of the industry and his company. In fact, humility is one of AirSprint's corporate values. It may come as a surprise that an industry and company that interacts with the ultra rich that humility is a focal point for guidance.
Humility as a corporate value is worth exploring. Here's a few points to consider on how humility can create value for a business:
A humble business is always looking to improve.
Humble leaders inspire trust, loyalty, and collaboration.
Customers appreciate businesses that listen, adapt, and admit when they’re wrong.
Humble organizations value diverse perspectives and teamwork.
Arrogant brands repel customers—humble brands build loyalty.
Final Thoughts: Humility is a Competitive Advantage
In a world where businesses often compete to be the loudest, the most confident, or the most dominant, humility sets a company apart in powerful ways. It fosters innovation, stronger teams, customer trust, and a resilient company culture—all essential ingredients for long-term success.
It should come as no coincidence that AirSprint has been nominated as one of the top 50 best managed companies in Canada. Humility can make a lasting impression and be a source for differentiation.
Lastly, as a person that lived in Monaco during the pursuit of my MBA, I was exposed to a unique world that is renown for being one of the wealthiest places on earth. Despite being surrounded by an environment of excess, the lesson instilled by my university was to live your life on the line that separates confidence and humility. Do not act with excess confidence or humility - be in the middle where you are humble but have belief in yourself. Whether you are an organization or an individual, this mindset is the sweet spot we should aim for.