Delta CEO Ed Bastian Rejects AI-Written Commencement Speech, Emphasizes Human Touch

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian admitted to using artificial intelligence to draft his commencement address at Emory University in Atlanta on May 13, 2024, but ultimately discarded the AI-generated speech.

"Out of curiosity, I asked AI to prepare the address. I was amazed at how quick and easy it was generated," Bastian told the graduating class of more than 5,000 students. "But I also noticed the lack of soul nor warmth it conveyed. It was not my personal voice, and it did not express my genuine appreciation for the opportunity to impart my insights to thousands of you. You want to hear from me, not some algorithm of me."

Bastian reassured the crowd, stating, "So, don’t worry. I threw it away, and took pencil to paper."

AI in the Job Market: A Mixed Reception

The CEO’s measured remarks on AI came at a time when new graduates are entering a turbulent job market reshaped by the technology. His speech stood in contrast to recent backlash faced by other commencement speakers who praised AI.

For instance, at the University of Central Florida on May 10, 2024, Gloria Caulfield, vice president of strategic alliances at Tavistock Development Co. and a humanities department commencement speaker, was booed after calling AI the "next industrial revolution."

Bastian’s Career and Leadership at Delta

Bastian joined Delta Air Lines in 1998 as its vice president of finance and rose through the ranks to become CEO in 2016. Under his leadership, Delta’s market capitalization has grown to surpass $46 billion.

Reflecting on his career, he told graduates, "Doing the right thing comes at a cost. But I always prefer to think of it as an investment, a smart investment."

He acknowledged the temptation of shortcuts, adding, "I’ve had many important decisions to make over the course of my career, and I must admit, taking a shortcut or pushing the easy button can sometimes be quite tempting. But they never yield an enduring result or an effective solution."

Human Integrity Over AI: The Core Message

Bastian did not endorse AI tools or promise an "AI revolution." Instead, he emphasized the enduring value of personal integrity, telling graduates, "It’s your brand. It’s what you stand for. And there’s only one person that can take that away from you. That person is you."