Flying First Class & the Tree in the Forest 7-11-26 - Becker Business

Summary4 min read

Becker Business Podcast — Episode Summary

Podcast: Becker Business
Host: Scott Becker
Episode: Flying First Class & the Tree in the Forest
Date: July 11, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker tackles two intertwined topics: the decision-making and psychology behind flying first class, and the classic philosophical question—if no one sees you doing something (like flying first class), did it really happen or matter? Using everyday experiences and relatable anecdotes, Scott explores status, perception, and self-awareness in both business and personal life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Decision to Fly First Class

Personal Criteria for Flying First Class
- Scott shares that he chooses first class when the price difference is minimal or he's traveling with only his spouse, not with his six kids.
- Quote [00:38]:
  - “One of my close friends always flies for first class and I fly first class when I'm going to the west coast or the ticket price is not that much difference between, between the regular price and the expensive price. Then I'll fly first class and ante up for it. I'll ante up for it when I've got Liz and I going and not all six kids going. It is what it is.”

Status, Perception, and the Tree in the Forest Analogy

Does it Count if No One Sees?
- Scott humorously relates flying first class to the philosophical “tree in the forest” dilemma.
- The central question: If you fly first class and nobody sees you, “did you really fly first class?”
- Quote [00:59]:
  - “If you fly first class and nobody sees you flying first class, did you really fight fly first class? You know, because, because, because if nobody saw you, it's almost like the tree in the forest. Does it really count if nobody dislike or disdain walks by and doesn't see you flying first class, what's the use of flying first class?”
Social Judgment and 'The Walk of Shame'
- Reflects on the awkwardness and irritation felt when passing friends seated in first class while heading to economy.
- Elaborates on the class dynamics and assumptions tied to privilege and family background.
- Quote [01:35]:
  - “If I walk past them and I see them sort of chortling at me or looking at me, is this equivalent to the older day walk of shame where I have to walk past the friend flying first class who thinks they're all that, who typically got there because their parents had money or the grandparents started a business. When I didn't do it that way, I almost want to smack the people, but I know that's not the right way to look at it.”
Self-Awareness and Managing Emotions
- Admits to feeling irritation or envy but emphasizes the importance of controlling these emotions.
- Quote [02:18]:
  - “But the real question is, if you fly first class and nobody sees you do it, are you really flying first class? If you walk past other people you know and go to the back of the bus. Well, they're flying first class. How irritated are you and can you control your irritation? I am trying. God knows I'm trying.”

Memorable Quotes

On Rationalizing First Class:
- “I fly first class when...the ticket price is not that much difference...and not all six kids going. It is what it is.” (Scott Becker, [00:38])
Tree in the Forest Question:
- “If you fly first class and nobody sees you flying first class, did you really fight fly first class?” (Scott Becker, [00:59])
The Walk of Shame Analogy:
- “Is this equivalent to the older day walk of shame where I have to walk past the friend flying first class who thinks they're all that...I almost want to smack the people, but I know that's not the right way to look at it.” (Scott Becker, [01:35])
Self-Reflection:
- “How irritated are you and can you control your irritation? I am trying. God knows I'm trying.” (Scott Becker, [02:18])

Important Timestamps

00:30–01:35 — Flying first class: When and why Scott chooses it; questioning if it “counts” without spectators.
01:35–02:18 — Social dynamics and perceived judgment when encountering acquaintances in first class; the “walk of shame” experience.
02:18–02:54 — Acknowledgment of emotional reaction and effort at self-control; moving toward acceptance.

Tone & Style

Scott Becker’s tone is light, self-deprecating, and conversational, using humor and candor to address feelings about status, envy, and self-management. The episode feels like a personal reflection that invites listeners to question their own motives and reactions in similar everyday business scenarios.

For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode provides a witty and honest look at how small situations—like airplane seating—can trigger big questions about self-worth, perception, and emotional intelligence in business and life.

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Transcript3 lines

[00:01]
A
When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track because there's no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place. So nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
[00:30]
B
This is Scott Becker with the Becker Business in the Becker Private Equity Podcast. Today's discussion is Flying first Class and the Tree in the Forest. So here's the deal with flying first class. One of my close friends always flies for first class and I fly first class when I'm going to the west coast or the ticket price is not that much difference between, between the regular price and the expensive price. Then I'll fly first class and ante up for it. I'll ante up for it when I've got Liz and I going and not all six kids going. It is what it is. But, but the point being that, that sometimes we'll fly first class. And so here is the question. If you fly first class and nobody sees you flying first class, did you really fight fly first class? You know, because, because, because if nobody saw you, it's almost like the tree in the forest. Does it really count if nobody dislike or disdain walks by and doesn't see you flying first class, what's the use of flying first class? I often think of when I'm on a certain flight to Florida and some friends of mine are people that I know fly first class and I have to walk by them to the back of the plane because I would say seven to eight to nine times out of 10, I don't care where I sit as long as I'm in an aisle seat. But I'm not sitting first class. If I walk past them and I see them sort of chortling at me or looking at me, is this equivalent to the older day walk of shame where I have to walk past the friend flying first class who thinks they're all that, who typically got there because their parents had money or the grandparents started a business. When I didn't do it that way, I almost want to smack the people, but I know that's not the right way to look at it. But the real question is, if you fly first class and nobody sees you do it, are you really flying first class? If you walk past other people you know and go to the back of the bus. Well, they're flying first class. How irritated are you and can you control your irritation? I am trying. God knows I'm trying. Thank you for listening to the Becker business and the Becker Private Equity podcast. We hope you enjoy these episodes. Thank you so much for joining us. And thank you to Sheena Bunger, my favorite producer in the world. Literally the very best. I love working with her. The greatest of all time. Thank you Chanel very much.
[02:54]
A
When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track because there is no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place so nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.