Whitney N. Blanco, PhD’s Post

Diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) is an increasingly important topic in many sectors – and aviation is no exception. The conversation on how to open up the industry to a wider range of candidates, and increasing diverse representation among the workforce, is something that many airlines are considering in detail. Sumati Sharma was on hand to chair a panel on this topic at the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon. Joining her in the discussion were: Adrian Binfield – Head of People & Culture, International Airlines Group (IAG) Sophie Dekkers – CCO, easyJet Pieter Bootsma – EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, Air France-KLM Group Güliz Öztürk  – CEO, Pegasus Airlines Check out the article to read about what diversity means for each participant, why they are passionate about the topic, and what their organisations are doing to advance DEI! #dei #aviation #airlines #aviationfest #leadership #talent

Moving stars up the ladder more quickly… You know those business friends that make you feel energized after every conversation? Industry icon Laurie Krause is one of them—I walked away from a coffee catch up last week with many thought-provoking ideas. Here’s one: we were talking about early/mid-career pros in our industry. How slow the trek can be to seniority and responsibility. Laurie referenced the military—a single aircraft carrier can cost up to $13B, carries up to 6,500 people, and is being steered by someone likely in their early 20’s. A massive responsibility. Yet in the business world we are often so slow to promote young stars, to give them responsibilities/leadership experience/true opportunity. Maybe subconsciously thinking “it took the rest of us years/decades, that’s just the way it is” or “he/she just isn’t old enough for the role.” It’s definitely time to rethink these ideas, in the business world (and in politics too). Kristopher Hull

If you’re an in-house legal professional, you should be listening to Cockpit Counsel with Tim Parilla at LinkSquares! When I was on the show, we unpacked the twists and turns of my career that led me to become the Chairman and CEO of United Airlines, my relationship with the GC at United, leadership tips, and more. Whether you're taking on a new challenge or just looking for some inspiration in your current role, I highly recommend checking out. https://lnkd.in/ddrZ4a8d #CockpitCounsel #Leadership #LeadershipAdvice #BusinessMindset

As we at Avionica reflect on #FlagDay, let's consider how these principles can be applied in our professional lives: #Freedom: Encourage creativity and innovation within your teams. #Perseverance: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. #Unity: Foster a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Flag Day is more than just a celebration of our national emblem; it's a reminder of the values that the flag symbolizes—freedom, perseverance, and unity. In the business world, these values are crucial for leadership and innovation. By internalizing these values, we not only honor our nation's heritage but also drive our organizations toward greater achievements. Happy Flag Day! #FlagDay #Leadership #Innovation #Teamwork #BusinessGrowth #CorporateCulture #DiversityInclusion #Resilience #FreedomInBusiness #UnitedWeStand #BusinessExcellence #Aviation

The plane was headed straight into the Hudson River. Both engines had failed. There was little chance at survival. But none of these facts bothered Sully Sullenberger. Thinking on his feet and acting quickly, Sully successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 square in the middle of the Hudson River after birds had entered the engines, disabling them. All 155 passengers and crew survived, and it became one of the biggest stories of the late 2000s. How did he do it? He leaned in on a combination of instinct, quick thinking, and years of training combined with a calm demeanor, to get the job done in spite of what seemed like impossible circumstances. The best leaders - regardless of industry: * Are always prepared for the unexpected * Remain cool and calm under pressure * Make quick decisions with grace, but also confidence No crisis is too extreme enough when you know to trust your experience. Who are some of the best leaders you've worked with? What traits did they share? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Sometimes, to bring people together, all you need to do is... break the rules! All the formal team-building activities can reach a ceiling: the organization's hierarchical structure, some unsolved issues among people, or something else. There is a way to get over it: breaking the rules. In the Italian Navy, there is a day when titles and ranks take a backseat, and the only rule is to have fun - responsibly, of course. Every 4th of December, onboard ships, we'd toss hierarchy overboard and dive into a sea of camaraderie. Everyone, side by side, sharing laughs, singing, cracking jokes, cooking a steak, showing that we're all just people seeking connection behind the uniforms. I consider this annual tradition as a masterclass in team building. Stripping away the formalities, we can connect beyond ranks and roles: we saw trust grow, barriers break down, and a genuine synergy emerge. Sometimes, the best way to strengthen a team is to let go of the conventions and embrace our shared humanity. 👇 Do you agree? I'd love to hear about the unconventional ways you've brought your team closer. Share your stories in the comments below! #teambuilding #leadership #masteryoursea #breakingrules

“The doors of hell are locked on the inside” On a daily basis, we often encounter those who are unhappy or dissatisfied with some aspects of their lives, including issues with colleagues or other challenges. No matter how good we are, we all complain sometimes. Our best practice, however, is to improve and focus on the positive. One of my favorite quotes is from C. S. Lewis, who wrote, “I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful rebels to the end; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside.” This quote resonates deeply with me, as it reminds us that our mindset has a significant impact on our experiences. Whenever I have prepare young airmen for adverse overseas deployment to the Middle East, I advise them: “If you want to have a good time, you will. Be positive, look to have fun, and your time will fly by, making it one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.” Every airman I've led has volunteered for return deployments due to the positive mindset they chose to embrace and therefore the amazing time they had. It's a grind, and it's not easy—but stay positive, commit to having fun, and you'll turn challenges into meaningful memories. #StayPositive #Leadership #MindsetMatters

As a passionate advocate for diversity in aviation, I believe empowering women's leadership is crucial for industry innovation and growth. Here's why promoting diversity in the cockpit matters: 1. Diverse perspectives fuel creativity and innovation in aviation, leading to groundbreaking advancements. 2. Visible women leaders in aviation inspire the next generation to pursue careers in aerospace with confidence. 3. Diverse teams make better decisions, ensuring comprehensive solutions and strategies. 4. Companies with diverse leadership achieve superior business outcomes and sustainable growth. 5. Supporting women in aviation through mentorship and leadership programs fosters career development and success. Let's continue advancing women's leadership in aviation together! #WomenInAviation #DiversityInAviation #AviationLeadership #InnovationInAviation #EmpoweringWomen #2LyonsAerospace #LinkedInLearning #TuesdayThoughts

On my visit to the Palace of Versailles today, I was captivated by the grandeur of the Salon de la Guerre (War Hall). This space, dedicated to France's military achievements, is adorned with stunning art that celebrates bravery, perseverance, and sacrifice – all in the name of victory. Yet I noticed a significant absence: Depictions of battles that didn't result in French victories. It made me question: Were the bravery and sacrifice in these less triumphant moments any less significant? This observation led to a broader reflection on corporate culture and my own leadership values: How do I acknowledge courage and learnings in the face of unsuccessful strategies or initiatives? Do I value the process of 'trying and failing', and succeeding equally? Or do I tend to overlook the efforts that didn’t culminate in triumph? Much like the Salon de la Guerre's selective representation of history, it can be easy to find ourselves focusing solely on our wins in professional settings, inadvertently missing out on the rich lessons from our less successful endeavors. These moments of 'failure' are not mere detours; they are fundamental to individual and collective development and progress. By recognizing both victories and the learnings from setbacks, we foster an organizational culture grounded in transparency, accountability, honesty, and perpetual learning. This balanced approach not only brings authenticity to organizations but also encourages a mindset that supports innovation and calculated risk-taking. Sharing our full journey, including both successes and challenges, creates a more honest and relatable narrative. It's all about balance. It’s about applauding our successes whilst also appreciating the invaluable lessons from the paths that didn't lead to immediate success. These experiences are vital in developing effective strategies, refining skills, and strengthening individuals and teams. Footnote: Yes, in the picture that's La Galeries des Glaces, not the Salle de la Guerre. I was too busy contemplating in the latter room to think about taking pictures! #VersaillesReflections #SuccessAndFailure #OrganizationalLearning #CorporateCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipInsights #OrganizationalGrowth #EmbracingFailure #StrategicLearning #VersaillesExperience #versailles

I recently reflected on the 36th anniversary of me joining the United States Air Force and wanted to share some thoughts: 1. Core values shape who you are. Many (not all, but many) lived those values and set the bar high for the rest of us growing up: Integrity first, service before self, excellence in all you do. They became so engrained in what we did and who we were/are. 2. Discipline was/is not punishment. Discipline is training designed to produce desired results. Discipline is a trait that allows people to operate according to ethical behaviors in cases of extremis. 3. Leaders must walk the walk. As a follower, I watched my leaders' every steps. As a leader, there was no "down time" because every action was visible. When a leader slips (or a follower for that matter), the measurement of integrity is based on accountability and resilience. At some point, we all slip, so surround yourself with people who help you stand back up, dust yourself off, and move forward. 4. Learning is continuous. Become a master of your craft...and then continue to grow. 5. Mediocrity is not an option. I was introduced to a meaningful phrase from General Patton early in my enlistment that reads, "Anyone in any walk of life who is content with mediocrity is untrue to himself and to American tradition." This was a reminder of generational expectations of excellence, both in and out of the uniform. 6. Commit to your mission completely and unapologetically...someone's life may depend on it. 7. Think twice, speak once. The thoughts must happen at lightning speed based of core values, training and discipline...so get it right--quickly and intentionally. This list is by no means all inclusive, but I am grateful for the lessons learned and the chance to get it right every day and make good on the people who took the time, both in and out of uniform, to make me the man I am.