Once on board and settled in his seat, Michael felt at peace, knowing he was surrounded by a team that supported the values he championed. Karen, meanwhile, sat further back in the plane, continuing to fume silently about how her day had started.

It was a small comfort to Michael to know that, while he couldn’t change every individual’s mindset, he could influence the culture within his sphere. NorthStar Airlines would continue to rise above prejudice, guided by principles of equality and respect, and Michael Johnson, the man at its helm, would ensure it stayed that way.