Avelo Airlines CEO Highlights Hard Work, Authenticity, and Vulnerability as Cornerstones of Success

Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy emphasizes that his leadership philosophy is built on three core habits: relentless hard work, genuine authenticity, and the willingness to embrace vulnerability.

With more than three decades in aviation, Levy’s career trajectory has taken him from ValuJet Airlines, where he began, through co‑founding Allegiant Air and rising to president, to serving as chief financial officer at United Airlines, before launching Avelo in 2021.

“Working really, really hard. That’s the truth,” Levy told FOX Business, underscoring that effort has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Levy notes that authenticity and vulnerability have been equally pivotal. “I think there are two things,” he said. “One is always be genuine to yourself. And the second one is don’t be afraid to show vulnerability.”

He reframes vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness, recalling advice he cherishes: “The best career advice I think I’ve received is to just not be afraid to be vulnerable and to show your vulnerability.”

When it comes to tough decisions, Levy prefers to own the moment. “Giving bad news,” he said, “I think that in my role especially, that it’s really important to deliver the good, the bad and the ugly, but not hide behind somebody else to do that, but do it myself.”

He pushes back on the perception that a CEO’s job is easy. “It’s anything but,” he asserts. “It’s constant work. It’s a constant focus, attention. It consumes your life.”

Levy stresses that the role carries an underappreciated burden. “I think there’s an underappreciation for how hard it is and the responsibilities that you carry in that role,” he notes, highlighting the personal investment required.

His message to those eyeing the airline industry is clear: thrive on change. “It’s dynamic, it’s exciting, but it’s constant change,” he says. “And you have to enjoy that. You have to enjoy some level of chaos.”

Beyond aviation, Levy admits a curiosity for other fields. “If I were not running an airline, I could see myself working at an investment firm or in private equity,” he explains, driven by a desire to “see lots of different things” and satisfy his “itch for constantly learning.”

Levy’s journey began far from boardrooms. “Long before reaching the C‑suite, my first jobs involved raking leaves, pulling weeds and mowing lawns—whatever I could do to make a little bit of money as a kid,” he reflects.

In rapid‑fire reflections, Levy describes himself as a “night owl” who does “a lot of work at night” and prefers the office environment. When asked about his least favorite corporate buzzword, he chuckles, “It makes no sense” – referring to “laser focused.”

Asked for one word his team would use to describe him, Levy simply replies: “Intense.”

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