Leading with heart: Tyrone Bates’ story of family, work, and impact

Among the many stories Tyrone carries with him, one of his favorites happens almost every morning. He takes his granddaughter to school, and over time, they’ve created a special ritual. Each day, he asks her, “Who loves you?” She smiles and begins listing the people who surround her with love. It’s a simple routine, but one that reminds her she is supported and cherished.

One rainy morning, Tyrone got distracted and forgot to ask. After a few quiet moments, his granddaughter turned to him and said, “Granddaddy, who loves YOU?” The question stopped him in his tracks. She wanted to make sure he felt the same love and affirmation he poured into others. As he began naming the people who love him, she listened with full attention. It was a small moment, but a powerful one. A reminder that children are always watching, always learning, and often teaching us the lessons we didn’t know we needed. That morning, his granddaughter reminded him that giving and receiving love are equally important. 

Father’s Day has been officially recognized for 60 years, honoring the many ways fathers and father figures strengthen families and communities. At Piedmont, we’re proud to celebrate the fathers who bring that same dedication to our operation every day. This year, we’re highlighting Tyrone Bates; a ramp agent on our Ground Handling team at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Vice President of Piedmont’s Black Professionals Network Employee Resource Group, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia (EdD, Educational Leadership), and most importantly, a proud dad and “Granddaddy.” His commitment to both his family and his work reflects the heart of who we are as an airline. Tyrone’s story reflects the spirit of Piedmont: people who lead with heart, serve with purpose, and bring out the best in those around them. This Father’s Day, we’re proud to honor Tyrone and all the fathers and father figures across Piedmont who show up every day for their families, their teams, and the customers who count on us. 

For Tyrone, being a father of six children and three grandchildren shapes everything he does. Family is at the center of his life, and throughout his time at Piedmont, he has felt supported in balancing the responsibilities of home and work. He shared that one of the things he appreciates most is Piedmont’s understanding that team members are people first. Whether it’s recognizing the importance of family milestones, offering flexibility when life requires it, or fostering a culture that genuinely values people, Tyrone has always felt encouraged to show up fully as both a professional and a father. That support has allowed him to be present for the moments that matter most while continuing to contribute meaningfully to Piedmont. As the Vice President of the Black Professionals Network Employee Resource Group, he supports team members in building community through events like the recent Juneteenth trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

Raising a large family has also shaped the way Tyrone approaches his work. He says that being a father has taught him that every person is unique and that leadership is rooted in relationships. At home, he learned the importance of listening before speaking, meeting people where they are, extending grace, and ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Those same lessons guide how he interacts with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across Piedmont. He believes that trust is built through consistency, communication, and care; values that strengthen teams and shape positive workplace cultures. And just as in family life, he said he “learned that success is rarely an individual accomplishment; it takes a village.” That belief continues to guide how he builds community and meaningful connections throughout his career. 

When Tyrone reflects on what he hopes his children and grandchildren take away from the work he does at Piedmont, his answer is simple: he wants them to understand that meaningful work is about serving others. He hopes they see that every role, regardless of title, is an opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He wants them to recognize the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, building relationships across differences, and leaving every place better than they found it. For Tyrone, success isn’t measured solely by achievements, but by the impact you have on others along the way, which is why one of his greatest accomplishments is raising his children and grandchildren to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.