It's an Honor | Transforming Industries and Empowering Students: A Conversation with Bill Franke

William A. Franke—renowned global investor, aviation executive, and namesake of the W.A. Franke Honors College—joins us for an extraordinary conversation on today’s episode of It’s an Honor. As the founder and managing partner of Indigo Partners, Bill has helped transform the aviation industry through strategic leadership roles in companies like Frontier Airlines, Tiger Airways, Wizz Air, and Volaris. His reputation for turning around struggling companies, including Circle K, and serving on numerous corporate boards has made him a sought-after figure in international business. 

 

In this episode, Bill reflects on his unconventional upbringing, his early career as a trial lawyer, and his intelligence work during the Cuban Missile Crisis—where he helped shape U.S. communication strategy in Latin America. He shares insights from decades of experience restructuring and growing enterprises into Fortune 500 companies and explains the core philosophy that drives his business and philanthropic ventures alike. We also explore Bill’s deep commitment to education and his legacy of investing in student potential. From the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana to the W.A. Franke College of Business at NAU, and now the W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, Bill has helped create transformative learning environments across the country. He discusses his hopes for the future of the Honors College and offers timeless advice on leadership, curiosity, and impact for students looking to change the world.