In Their Own Words: ‘Advice To My Younger Self About Business Aviation’

Cat Wren

Vice President, ENG Aviation Group

Dear younger Cat,
 
As I sit down to write this letter, I am flooded with memories of our past and the journey that has led us to this point. Isn’t it funny how you always seemed to look into the future for your next step or a sign? So here I am to offer some guidance.

First and foremost, always, always, always remember you are enough. This needs to be at the root of your every thought. You are going to encounter countless moments of uncertainty, the harsh reality that not everyone is kind and doesn’t always have the best intentions, and you will go through and get through many turbulent times. Continue to trust your gut and keep your eyes on what matters most, helping others and being a steward.

We have always been the type that doesn’t love to be told “no,” and sweetie, you are going to be told “no.” You are going to be told “no,” that you can’t, and some things are just not possible – not because of your talents, intelligence or charisma, but because of your gender or someone else’s opinion of you.

You don’t know it yet, but you are destined for big things. Your dreams and what you “think” you’re going to do, or what you “think” you will make as career, are going to take a very sharp left turn down a path of the unknown. You are going to dive headfirst into an industry you know nothing about, an industry that is dominated mostly by men (don’t worry, we’re working on that 😊), and sis, you are going to make waves. 
 
Although you will encounter setbacks, challenges and naysayers, you are also going to flourish with the help of the relationships you build with others, and most impactfully, other women, who are just as headstrong, passionate and motivated as you. And they will become the sisterhood you thought you never needed. Some of these women will be THE guiding light in helping you find and foster your true purpose and why. They will be there for you along your professional and personal journey. These ladies will ultimately help you unlock a potential that you will think is out of this universe. Cherish them, hold them tight and never, ever let them go.

Don’t get caught on the race to nowhere and continue to lead with an infinite mindset. You are who you are today because of life’s storms, successes and everything else in between. Use your experiences and pass it on. And as Daddy always said, “Fight for what you believe in, have patience, tell the truth and keep on keepin’ on, baby girl…”

Jay Boykin

Vice President of Finance Transformation/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Gogo Business Aviation

I’ve been with Gogo Business Aviation for over 13 years, but when I joined this industry, it was through a strange side door.

I was working in a different industry, and in a corporate finance role which I thought had me in a really good place. (Again – so I thought!) One day, my boss – an amazing mentor of mine – calls me into her office and says, “You’re going to get a phone call from a recruiter today. I need you to take that phone call.”

My initial reaction was shock and fear. “Are you kicking me out? Are you telling me I don’t have a place here anymore?” She replied very calmly, “Just trust me. I think the opportunities are going to be better for you with a different company and in a different industry. I need you to look at this opportunity not for what it is, but for what it can be.”

As strange as that was, I did trust her, and I did take that phone call, and subsequently joined what was then Aircell, and now Gogo.

When she told me about that opportunity that day, I knew next to nothing about business aviation. Honestly, I did not know much about any type of aviation. My dream was to be an accountant. As a kid, I used to love to play on my uncle’s ten-key calculator. He was an accountant, and I wanted to be like him. I never had big dreams to be a pilot. In all honesty, I don’t even like to fly! I do it, but I have to distract myself with a movie, or just go to sleep. I definitely do not have the technical capabilities to be an aircraft technician. I don’t even change my own oil on my truck!

This was not a path I sought out, or even envisioned. And yet, it’s been one of the most rewarding places I could have ended up.

If I had the opportunity to speak with my younger self, I would challenge that young man to dream about opportunities outside of the ones being exampled by those around you. Those family members and others close to me provided amazing examples, but do not be afraid to dream of opportunities that seem out of the ordinary.