Building a career in business aviation requires focus, commitment and the ability to juggle numerous tasks and challenges. It’s also important to nurture skills that, while perhaps not expressly necessary to perform the job, can elevate your performance in many ways.
As a leadership and organization development specialist for a large business aviation OEM, Hannah O’Malley Wolf prioritized building her confidence in public speaking. Those skills became even more useful when customer outreach moved to the virtual space during the pandemic.
“It was a little intimidating as a young woman to go into a room of more senior personnel and establish myself as the leader or subject matter expert,” said Wolf, now a sales engineer for JetHQ. “That work allowed me to stand up in front of any room – or through any camera – and immediately credentialize myself to the audience.”
“I took the initiative to learn how to communicate by telling a story. That's such an important skill when trying to explain a task or educate someone in a specific scenario.”
Kenny Mazingo, Sales Engineering Manager at QS Partners
Kenny Mazingo, sales engineering manager for QS Partners, also emphasized honing your ability to convey your message. “I took the initiative to learn how to communicate by telling a story,” he said. “That’s such an important skill when trying to explain a task or educate someone in a specific scenario.”
That also led Mazingo to start journaling, a task he sets time aside for in early mornings before work. “Writing out my goals, or how I want a project to unfold, creates mindfulness at my job and in my life,” he added. “It doesn’t even have to be work related, [but] the same approach and attitude can definitely benefit your career.”
Anna Lovelace, senior account manager at Universal Weather and Aviation, has focused on learning how to adapt to ever-changing environments. “No two days look the same,” she noted. “It helps to know how to adjust your approach or communication about a given issue as it’s unfolding.”
When developing new skills, Lovelace recommended making time to foster them. “Set clear objectives for yourself and then create a routine that holds you accountable,” Lovelace said. “Ask for feedback from others to center on nurturing those skills.”
Wolf suggested looking at your personal interests and experiences for inspiration.
“Find opportunities that give you fulfillment,” Wolf said. “Things you do outside the ‘regularly scheduled program’ of your job usually excite you or bring value to your life. You will find new skills and new attributes through those experiences.”
For NBAA professional development resources, go to nbaa.org/prodev.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.