AVIATE with Shaesta

By Shaesta WaizSociety & Culture Technology Fiction Relationships

AVIATE with Shaesta episodes

October 18, 2024EP 6 - From Combat to Creativity: Dr. Eileen A. Bjorkman’s Military Aviation Journey and Writing Legacy
In this episode of AVIATE with Shaesta, host Shaesta Waiz welcomes Dr. Eileen A. Bjorkman, a pioneer in aviation who has flown over 700 hours in more than 25 different aircraft, led groundbreaking flight test programs, and authored books highlighting the untold stories of women in aviation. Dr. Bjorkman shares her fascinating journey, from growing up in a military family to becoming a flight test engineer, and how she navigated a male-dominated field with resilience and determination.
The conversation also touches on her latest book, Fly Girls Revolt, which tells the stories of women who fought to open doors in aviation, and explores how the industry is evolving to support women and families. This episode is packed with insights and advice for anyone interested in aviation, leadership, or breaking barriers in their career.

Takeaways:
Resilience in a Male-Dominated Field: Dr. Bjorkman shares how she navigated and overcame challenges as a woman in aviation, proving her capability and belonging through perseverance.
Diverse Aviation Experience: With over 700 flight hours in 25+ aircraft, Dr. Bjorkman’s extensive experience in flight testing highlights her significant contributions to aviation.
Advocating for Women in Aviation: Her latest book, Fly Girls Revolt, focuses on the struggles and victories of women fighting to make aviation more inclusive and accessible.
Importance of Family-Friendly Policies: The episode emphasizes the need for better support for women balancing careers and motherhood, particularly in aviation.
Mentorship and Sponsorship: Dr. Bjorkman underscores the value of having advocates in your career, helping you achieve your full potential.
Future of Aviation: Emerging technologies like drones and advanced air mobility are discussed, along with the ongoing balance between innovation and safety in aviation testing.
New Horizons: Eileen shares exciting details about her future projects, including potential new books and building her own aircraft.
Leadership and Authenticity: Staying true to your own leadership style is key, rather than conforming to expectations, especially as a woman in aviation.

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48 min
October 09, 2024EP 5 - Bobbi Wells: Creating a Pathway for Women in Aviation
In this podcast episode, aviation leader Bobbi Wells shares her experiences and insights, reflecting on her childhood in Wyoming, where her fondest memory was singing Christmas carols on a horse-drawn sleigh. Bobbi describes how her curiosity led her from logistics into aviation and emphasizes the importance of asking questions in aviation safety. She discusses the significance of diversity and inclusion, stressing the value of having diverse voices in decision-making. Bobbi highlights her role on the Women in Aviation Advisory Board and the importance of representation for dispatchers. She also calls for a cultural shift in aviation to attract and retain more women and overcome barriers faced by women in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for women of all backgrounds and orientations to be welcomed, improving the industry's effectiveness through diverse perspectives. Bobbi advocates for the establishment of a permanent board to continue driving progress and underscores the importance of support systems, work-life balance, grace, and self-acceptance for women in aviation. Her advice is to have courage, embrace challenges, and take bold steps, even when scared.

Takeaways
Curiosity and asking questions are key to improving aviation safety and identifying risks.
Diversity and inclusion enhance risk identification and problem-solving within the industry.
Visible representation of women in leadership, like dispatchers, can inspire others to pursue aviation careers.
A cultural shift is needed to create an environment that values and supports women, attracting more to the industry.
The aviation industry must welcome women of all backgrounds to improve through diverse perspectives.
Establishing a permanent board is vital to continue advocating for women in the industry.
Support systems and work-life balance are crucial for women in aviation.
Embracing grace and self-acceptance helps women balance personal and professional lives.
Courage is essential when taking on challenging opportunities, even when it feels daunting.

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56 min
September 24, 2024EP 4 - Dorothy Cochrane: The Evolution of Women’s Roles in Aviation
Today, we have the distinct honor of speaking with Dorothy Cochrane, a true pioneer in aviation history and one of the most highly regarded curators at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Since joining the Smithsonian in 1977, Dorothy has been a driving force behind the preservation, research, and exhibition of aviation’s rich legacy. Her career has spanned decades of innovation and change in the aviation world, but what sets Dorothy apart is her ability to amplify the stories that have often gone unheard or underrepresented. Her leadership has helped shape some of the most influential exhibits at the museum, including the widely acclaimed "We All Fly" exhibit, which brings much-needed attention to the critical role general aviation plays in everyday life.
Throughout her career, Dorothy has not only focused on the technological achievements that define aviation but also on the personal stories that bring those achievements to life. She’s been instrumental in shining a spotlight on women in aviation, celebrating pioneers like Amelia Earhart, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and countless other trailblazers whose legacies might otherwise have been overlooked. Her deep commitment to uncovering and showcasing these narratives has inspired generations, encouraging new talent and especially young women to reach for the skies, just as these early aviation icons did.

Dorothy’s contributions to the field have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the Katharine Wright Trophy, which honors individuals whose work has significantly impacted aviation. Her accolades reflect not only her expertise in aviation history but also her tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the industry. Through her work, she has brought forward the stories of those who broke barriers and overcame obstacles, reminding us of the importance of representation and the power of role models in aviation. In today’s conversation, we will explore Dorothy’s remarkable journey through the world of aviation, her passion for preserving these incredible stories, and the importance of making aviation history accessible to everyone. We’ll also dive into the rich history of women in aviation, a topic Dorothy has championed for decades, and discuss how these narratives continue to inspire future generations to embrace the boundless possibilities of flight.

Takeaways
A passion for history can lead to a meaningful career in aviation.
General aviation is a vital but often underappreciated part of the aviation industry.
The We All Fly exhibit showcases the diverse aspects of aviation and its impact on daily life.
Women in aviation have historically faced challenges, and understanding their specific struggles is key to increasing female representation.
Equal treatment and being taken seriously are critical for women advancing in aviation careers.
The Catherine Wright Trophy is an important recognition of contributions to the field.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Rosemary Mariner, and Peggy Chabrian are key figures in aviation history.
Normalizing women’s involvement in aviation is essential for the industry’s progress.
Women should embrace opportunities, promote their journey, and appreciate their contributions to the field.

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56 min
September 17, 2024EP 3 - Becky Lutte: The Need for More Research on Aviation Workforce Data and Workplace Culture
Dr. Rebecca Lutte, an aviation education and research expert, discusses the barriers facing women in aviation and the importance of data-driven solutions. She emphasizes the need to address negative workplace culture, including bias and harassment, as a primary barrier to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the industry. Dr. Lutte also highlights the importance of support structures and outreach programs for underrepresented groups. She suggests that industry and government initiatives, such as formal policies on sexual assault and harassment, can help create a more inclusive environment. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of converting student pilots to private pilots and the need for cost support and support networks. Gender disaggregated data is crucial for analyzing workforce trends and identifying challenges unique to women and minority groups in the aviation industry. It helps recognize cultural barriers and the compounded challenges faced by members of multiple underrepresented groups. The lack of data on gender, race, and ethnicity in the workforce hinders the recognition of these challenges. Companies like Boeing are leading the way by breaking down workforce data by gender, race, ethnicity, and occupational area. To attract more women to the mechanics sector, the industry needs to increase awareness of the job opportunities and provide support structures for women. Outreach efforts should focus on the under-10 age group and emphasize the cool factor of aviation. Sustaining the momentum and providing clear pathways to success are also important. More research is needed on workforce data and workplace culture to track progress and address barriers. The best advice for women in aviation is to stay curious, be willing to stretch themselves, and speak their truth loudly.

Takeaways
Negative workplace culture, including bias and harassment, is a significant barrier to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in aviation.
Support structures and outreach programs are crucial for underrepresented groups in aviation.
Industry and government initiatives, such as formal policies on sexual assault and harassment, can help create a more inclusive environment.
Converting student pilots to private pilots requires addressing cost barriers and providing support networks. Gender disaggregated data is crucial for analyzing workforce trends and identifying challenges unique to women and minority groups in the aviation industry.
Increasing awareness and providing support structures are key to attracting more women to the mechanics sector.
Outreach efforts should focus on the under 10 age group and emphasize the cool factor of aviation.
Sustaining the momentum and providing clear pathways to success are important for retaining women in aviation.
More research is needed on workforce data and workplace culture to track progress and address barriers.
The best advice for women in aviation is to stay curious, be willing to stretch oneself, and speak their truth loudly.

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50 min
September 10, 2024 Kelly Jost on Gender Equality in Aviation
Today on the AVIATE podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Kelly Jost, a civil engineer and principal at C&S Companies, who shares her journey and insights in the aviation industry. Kelly's passion for engineering began in her childhood in Michigan, inspired by her father's construction projects. Her fascination with aviation was sparked by a fifth-grade project on Amelia Earhart, and her commitment deepened after her first solo flight in eighth grade.

As a leader in airport planning, design, and construction, Kelly underscores the importance of standardization in airport design and highlights the need for stronger leadership, support, and flexibility to foster cultural change in the aviation industry. She emphasizes the importance of addressing sexual harassment and creating inclusive, supportive environments to attract and retain women in aviation.

In addition to her role as a board member for the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) and the Women in Aviation Advisory Board, Kelly discusses the Women in Aviation Advisory Board report and shares her vision for implementing its recommendations. She hopes for a future where women in aviation are the norm and sees more women in leadership positions across the industry.

Join us as we dive into Kelly’s inspiring journey, her advocacy for women in aviation, and her vision for the future of the industry.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:59 - Childhood Fascination and Interest in Civil Engineering and Aviation
06:43 - The Importance of Standardization in Airport Design
11:53 - Support and Flexibility for Women in Aviation
16:19 - Addressing Sexual Harassment and Creating Inclusive Environments
20:33 - The Women in Aviation Advisory Board Recommendations
27:56 - Envisioning a Future of Women in Aviation

Contributors:

Kelly Jost | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-jost-p-e-27552b55/
Shaesta Waiz | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaestawaiz/

Production and marketing by Massif Studio & Production - www.massifsp.com -https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/massif-studio-production/

For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected].

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36 min
September 03, 2024Season Six Kickoff: Cathyrine "Lilo" Armandie on Inclusion and Motherhood in Military Aviation
In the highly anticipated launch of Season Six of the AVIATE Podcast, we’re honored to feature Lieutenant Colonel Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie, a distinguished leader in the United States Air Force with over 1,600 flight hours and a remarkable career. Cathyrine shares her incredible journey, from her early days as an ROTC cadet to becoming a seasoned combat veteran and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the aviation sector.
This episode explores the core AVIATE themes—Acknowledge, Vocalize, Inclusion, Act, Travel, and Evolve—as Cathyrine provides an inside look at the cultural challenges of navigating male-dominated environments, the crucial need for policies that support women, and her approach to balancing a demanding military career with motherhood. Cathyrine’s honest reflections offer valuable perspectives on the shifting dynamics for women in aviation and the essential actions required to foster a more inclusive industry.
Join us for this powerful conversation as we kick off Season Six, showcasing the resilience, determination, and passion that drive success in aviation. Whether you’re within the industry or drawn to stories of leadership and transformation, this episode promises to set the tone for an inspiring season ahead.
What We Discuss:
Intro
Welcoming Cathyrine "Lilo" Armandie to the podcast
Cathyrine’s journey from ROTC cadet to combat veteran
Navigating male-dominated spaces in military aviation
The importance of supportive policies for women in aviation
Balancing a demanding military career with motherhood
Cathyrine’s reflections on diversity and inclusion in aviation
The evolving landscape for women in aviation
Final thoughts on leadership and change in the industry
Contributors:
Cathyrine "Lilo" Armandie
Shaesta Waiz
Michael Wildes

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59 min
July 05, 2024Meet Megha Bhatia: JSSI's Chief Strategy Officer Who's Shaping A Comprehensive Business Growth Strategy
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
00:01 Welcoming Megha Bhatia to the podcast
03:17 Megha’s upbringing in Dubai and a cherished childhood memory
08:48 The spark that ignited Megha's passion for aviation
11:01 Challenges faced by international students and professionals in aviation
18:54 Megha’s educational journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
25:10 Key factors that contributed to Megha's professional advancement at Rolls-Royce
37:27 Introduction to JSSI and Megha's role as Chief Strategy Officer
40:33 Final reflections and the impact of Megha’s leadership in aviation
Episode Resources:
Megha Bhatia | LinkedIn
Megha Bhatia | JSSI
Contributors:
Megha Bhatia
Shaesta Waiz
Michael Wildes

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43 min
June 03, 2024 Shelly Simi: A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership in Aviation
‍What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
03:17 Introduction of Shelly Simi, a leader in aviation innovation and strategic initiatives.
10:55 Shelly’s early life in the Mississippi Delta and inspiration from crop dusters.
12:58 Transition from flight coordination at FedEx to strategic roles in aviation.
17:35 Shelly's leadership style and her contributions to industry-government collaboration.
21:17 The significance of mentorship and fostering the next generation of aviation professionals.
27:10 The importance of advancing aviation technology and safety standards.
29:59 Advocating for women in aviation and the founding of Women in Aviation International.
39:10 Reflections on career milestones and future aspirations.
45:17 Final thoughts and takeaways from Shelly’s remarkable journey.
Episode Resources:
Shelly Simi | LinkedIn
Shelly Simi | DigitaliBiz, LLC
Contributors:
Shelly Simi
Shaesta Waiz
Michael Wildes

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46 min
May 27, 2024 Caroline "Blaze" Jensen: Lessons in Military Aviation, Leadership, Motherhood and Resilience
‍What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
03:17 Introduction of Caroline "Blaze" Jensen, trailblazer in military aviation and leadership.
10:55 Blaze's early life in Wisconsin and inspiration from her family's military background.
12:58 Transition from active duty to the civilian sector and corporate roles.
17:35 Climbing the ranks and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
21:17 Blaze's leadership style, focusing on mentorship and resilience.
27:10 The importance of honoring the legacy of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
29:59 Balancing career ambitions with motherhood and creating "Thundermouse."
39:10 Advocating for self-compassion and goal visualization.
45:17 Final thoughts and takeaways from Blaze's remarkable journey.

Episode Resources:
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen | Website
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen | LinkedIn
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen | Instagram
Contributors:
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen
Shaesta Waiz
Michael Wildes

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52 min
January 11, 2024 Cat Clay Wren's Rise in Business Aviation
Meet Cat Clay Wren, a remarkable leader in the business aviation sector and the Chief Experience Officer at Business Jets in Dallas, Texas. Originating from a small town in southwest New Mexico, Cat's journey from a rural upbringing to a prominent role in aviation is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Transitioning from college basketball to business aviation, she has swiftly climbed the corporate ladder, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Cat's leadership style is characterized by its non-traditional, effective approach, focusing on servant leadership and adaptability. Beyond her professional success, Cat is deeply committed to community service, especially supporting veterans and their families. As a trailblazer and advocate for women in aviation, Cat's story is one of determination, leadership, and positive impact.

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45 min

About AVIATE with Shaesta

From the publisher's feed

AVIATE with Shaesta brings some of the most interesting female aviators together- trailblazers, record-setters, mothers, adventurers, entrepreneurs- to have honest conversations about what it means to be a woman in aviation. Join Shaesta Waiz, the Youngest Woman to Fly Solo Around the World, as she goes around the world (via a podcast) and connects with the industry to have honest conversations about being a woman in aviation. AVIATE, which stands for Acknowledge, Vocalize, Inclusion, Act, Travel, and Evolve, are the themes guiding each conversation.