SDC2022 Opens With a Focus on Embracing the Future, Leading in Challenging Times

April 6, 2021

Courage, empathy, caring for one another and leading in uncertain times were the key themes of the opening keynote at the 2022 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2022), taking place April 5-7 in San Diego, CA.

“The [pandemic] allowed us to find out what we needed; no one organization would negotiate this alone,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said to the hundreds of conference attendees. “NBAA and this community have been working hard to find out what the reality is in the air and on the ground – it’s not what can’t we do, it’s what can we do.”

Bolen reminded conference attendees that the business aviation industry is more vital today than two years ago, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down SDC2020 earlier than planned. “We are stronger today because we never gave up on who we want to be – investing in people is key to embracing our future and our ability to deliver excellence,” he added.

SDC2022 Co-Chairs Mitch Greene, CAM, and Lori Montgomery echoed Bolen’s statement reiterating that while change can be scary, it’s essential to consider making a change to embrace the future. Greene added, “Many are embracing the future of general aviation to get the job done, and our industry has never looked stronger.”

Lead By Example

Preeminent leadership expert Dr. Jackie Freiberg gave the keynote address at SDC2022. Recognized as one of the “Top 30 Best Minds on Leadership,” she is dedicated to helping leaders create the best places where the best people can do their best work.

Freiberg encouraged the audience to take the opportunity to help people flourish, rather than look at asking for help as a sign of weakness.

“Our vision of the future is tender,” she said. “We need colleagues who understand what needs to get done, but we need empathy, inclusivity, diversity, and kindness and caring to the people around us.”

Freiberg encouraged attendees to practice courageous leadership and model inclusivity and diversity in these uncertain times. “The future is foggy still, but there’s a way to get to the future – and you’re in the right place.

“Don’t hold back on what you can do today,” Freiberg said. “Whether its joining that committee, or taking on a leadership position, be the change you wish to be.”

Award, Scholarship Winners Honored

Also recognized during the keynote session was S&D Outstanding Achievement and Leadership Award winner Francea Bolden, CAM, Enterprise Holdings.

Bolden began her aviation career in 2005 as a scheduler at Enterprise Holdings, and in 2009 was promoted to senior scheduler. In 2014 she was promoted to her current position of scheduling manager, where she is responsible for overseeing the scheduling process for three aircraft.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Bolen told the audience. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without scholarships and the help of NBAA. Thank you to all of you for helping me be where I am today.”

Read more about Bolden.

Those who received S&D monetary and training scholarships also were honored during the opening event.

Read more about the S&D scholarship winners.

Read more about the S&D training award winners.