Change is no longer something to prepare for—it's something to embrace.

In this episode of Pod Leaders, Rachael Thornton is joined by Fritz Oberhummer, whose career has taken him from the hospitality industry to founding an iPhone startup, leading commercial growth at Expedia, driving product transformation, and now helping shape the future of AI and enterprise architecture across the industry.

Together they explore:

• Building a career through continuous reinvention
• Lessons from startups, scale-ups and global enterprises
• The importance of commercial thinking alongside technology
• What leaders need to know about AI over the next few years
• Why adaptability may become the most valuable career skill of all

Whether you're a business leader, recruiter, technologist or simply curious about where AI is taking the world of work, this episode is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking advice.

In this episode of Pod Leaders, Rachael Thornton sits down with Julia Reichel, a respected leader in aviation technology, to discuss a career that's been anything but conventional.

From dreaming of becoming a pilot and training with British Airways, to navigating the aftermath of 9/11, overcoming career setbacks, leading commercial growth across some of aviation's most recognised technology companies, and building businesses from the ground up, Julia shares the lessons she's learned through resilience, reinvention and leadership.

Together they discuss:

Julia's journey from cabin crew to pilot training

How 9/11 changed the course of her career
Working across recruitment, Gartner, T2RL, HP, OpenJaw, Endava and Retailaer
Leadership, mentorship and the power of career sponsors
Women in aviation and overcoming workplace challenges
Why resilience is the most valuable career skill you can develop
Finding the right company culture—not just the biggest salary
Building a meaningful career in aviation technology

Whether you're building a career in aviation, technology or leadership, this conversation is packed with honest insights, practical advice and inspiring stories from someone who's continually reinvented herself while staying true to her passion.

Subscribe to Pod Leaders for more conversations with the people shaping aviation, travel technology and leadership.

In this episode of Pod Leaders, Rachael Thornton is joined by technology entrepreneur, speaker, author, and CEO Christopher Carter.From starting out with a Commodore VIC-20 and Georgia Tech, to working with SAP, building global businesses, and speaking internationally about AI, Christopher shares the lessons he’s learned throughout his career in technology and leadership.The conversation dives into:Why AI should augment people, not replace themThe importance of continuous learning and curiosityLeadership, resilience, and building people-first businessesHiring, workplace culture, and the return to the officeEntrepreneurship, setbacks, and lessons from failureWhy asking better questions changes careersChristopher also shares his philosophy of becoming “bigger, better, faster, stronger humans” alongside AI — and why human connection will always matter most.A brilliant conversation packed with insight, humour, and practical advice for anyone navigating modern work, technology, and leadership.

In this episode of Pod Leaders, host Rachael Thornton sits down with aviation expert Sinead Finn to explore a career shaped by opportunity, creativity, and bold decision-making.

Sinead shares her journey from early exposure to the travel industry to spending 13 years at Ryanair, where she played a key role in expanding markets across Europe and driving commercial growth. From negotiating with airports to leading sales and marketing teams, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale a major airline brand.

The conversation also dives into her transition from corporate leadership to founding her own consultancy, the importance of persistence in challenging projects, and the role of people and relationships in long-term success. Sinead reflects on working in high-pressure environments, adapting during industry changes, and how innovation—especially with AI—may shape the future of airline revenue.

Whether you're interested in aviation, business growth, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.

In this episode of Podleaders by Thornton Gregory, host Rachael Thornton sits down with Emma Robertson to explore her remarkable journey through aviation and technology. From early ambitions of becoming cabin crew to leading global teams in complex tech environments, Emma shares the pivotal moments, challenges, and decisions that shaped her career.

They dive into topics including resilience in the face of setbacks, stepping into leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and the importance of sponsorship and mentorship. Emma also reflects on the evolving aviation industry, the role of technology, and why diversity of thought is critical for future innovation.

Packed with honest insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone building a career in tech, aviation, or leadership.

In this episode of Podleaders, host Rachael Thornton sits down with Dan Fischer for a powerful conversation on what modern leadership truly demands. From navigating uncertainty to building high-performing, resilient teams, Dan shares the lessons he’s learned through real-world experience — not just theory.

They dive into the importance of culture when scaling, how to lead with clarity under pressure, and why intentional leadership is more critical now than ever. Dan opens up about the mindset shifts that separate good leaders from great ones, and the practical habits that drive long-term success.

Whether you're a founder, executive, aspiring leader, or simply passionate about personal growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights and honest reflections that will challenge and inspire you.

If you're ready to elevate the way you lead, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎙️

In this episode of Podleaders, host Rachael Thornton sits down with airline industry veteran Helene Millet for an inspiring and honest conversation about building a career in aviation technology.

Starting her journey in data science at Air France, Helene spent 20 years navigating revenue management, distribution strategy, GDS negotiations, and the early development of NDC standards. She shares what it was like helping shape industry transformation from the inside — and the realities of turning bold ideas into operational systems.

Helene also reflects on founding a startup, the impact of COVID on aviation businesses, stepping into independent consulting, and the lessons learned about theory versus implementation. Along the way, she speaks candidly about being a woman in tech, overcoming imposter moments, and why technical excellence, communication, and collaboration matter more than ever.

From legacy systems to modern modular thinking, this episode is packed with insight for anyone working in — or entering — the airline and travel technology space.

Listen now for a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and shaping the future of aviation.

In this episode, we explore a career that sits at the heart of airline transformation. From working within global airline groups and joint ventures to leading revenue management initiatives across continents, the conversation traces a journey through traditional airline commerce into AI-driven innovation. We discuss the evolution of ancillary revenue, the rise of offer and order management, building and scaling a startup, and what it takes to drive change in a complex, safety-critical industry. Along the way, there are insights on leadership, career pivots, industry culture, and advice for the next generation shaping the future of airline retailing.

In this episode, host Rachael sits down with Sandra for a heartfelt and engaging conversation. Together, they explore the experiences that have shaped their lives, the lessons they’re still learning, and the honest moments that shaped where they are.

Rachael and Sandra open up about navigating challenges, pursuing personal growth, and finding joy in unexpected places. You’ll hear stories that are relatable, insightful, and at times wonderfully uplifting. 

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, connection, or simply a meaningful conversation to keep you company, this episode has something for you.

Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy this sincere and refreshing exchange between two women who aren’t afraid to show up as their real selves.

In this episode, I sit down with Edward Keelan, GTM Operating Partner at Octopus Ventures, one of Europe’s most active VC firms. Edward shares how growing up with dyslexia shaped his education, career, and mindset — from early struggles to earning a distinction at Oxford.

We explore why neurodiverse thinkers often excel in entrepreneurship, how companies can rethink hiring to unlock hidden talent, and the need for greater socioeconomic diversity in venture capital. Edward offers powerful, practical advice for anyone from a non-traditional background aiming to break into VC or scale a startup.

We also unpack what separates the best startups from the rest: clarity, execution, and relentless customer focus.

An inspiring conversation packed with personal insight, fresh perspectives, and advice you won’t want to miss.#Neurodiversity #VC #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #DiversityInTech