Name: Deanna White
Title: President
Company, city: Flexjet; Richardson, Texas
Number of employees: 700-plus
Recent project: Position Flexjet as an exceptional private travel experience provider, and become a top 100 employer by building an engaged and empowered workforce
First job: I was a waitress at Steak ’n Shake.
Little-known fact about you: I have a piece of the Berlin Wall.

Deanna White’s Business

Essential business philosophy: My philosophy is that people should agree to disagree, and then align.

Best way to keep a competitive edge: Businesses should listen to what their customers want and also be able to anticipate what they need, and deliver.

Yardstick of success: Success is measured by the way one engages and empowers one’s employees. Cultivating a successor is also a key measure of success.

Deanna White as a Traveler

What is the most important item you take when traveling? My iPad

How do you spend your time on board? I spend most of my time on my iPad or reading a good book.

What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Angelo’s in New York City’s Little Italy

What is your favorite destination in the world? Rome

About Flexjet

What makes Flexjet unique? Flexjet is the leading provider of exceptional private travel experiences. We offer a full portfolio of solutions, allowing us to tailor every program and every experience to the needs of each owner. As dedicated to our owners as they are to us, we treat each one as if he or she is the only owner.

What can travelers expect from Flexjet? We live to serve our owners, so travelers can expect a distinct and personalized experience each and every time they fly with us. We are an owner-centric organization, and we deliver exclusive service in our own way.

What is the most challenging aspect of thriving in the North American market? Our challenge is to stay on the cutting edge of the private aviation industry by providing access to the latest products, programs and aircraft. Last year was our best year for new business and launching new products and programs such as Coastal Connect and FlexShare. In 2013, Flexjet will receive the all-new, revolutionary Learjet 85 aircraft. In addition, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Learjet and the 10th anniversary of the Challenger aircraft.