When Women Fly

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How do you show up in an uncertain world? Show up for yourself. This episode about preparation, presence, and presentation.  As our lives are unpredictable, we see over and over how showing up moves us closer to our dreams and breaks the girdle of paralysis.

This week, Sylvia talks to Vanessa Blakeley, a certified pilot by 17 and one who was enthralled by flying from an early age. However, during her junior year of college, a family tragedy changed the trajectory of her life and career, and Vanessa diverted. Don't worry, this is not a sob story.  We go deep navigating discipline, exploration, courage, and discomfort. The importance of personal values in adhering to your goals. Motherhood. And why your reaction to setbacks defines you.

Roughly a decade later, Vanessa rekindled her love for flying while teaching English in Spain. At that moment she decided to commit herself to a life in aviation. Her decision has taken her on the journey of a lifetime!

In this episode, Vanessa and Sylvia discuss following your passion, trusting the process, pivoting, inclusivity in aviation, flying cars, the importance of preparation, motherhood, and much more.

Topics Include:
- Seizing the moment
- Rekindling childhood dreams
- Why showing up is half the battle
- Flying cars and flight testing at Terrafugia
- AI and robotics in aviation
- Inclusivity in aviation
- Motherhood
- Female leadership
- Grit, perseverance, and the art of the pivot
- And other topics…

​​Vanessa Blakeley is the Director of Operations at Ascent AeroSystems and Advisor of Operations and Sustainability at Transcend Air Corporation. Vanessa was a finalist for Women and Drone’s 2021 Women to Watch Global Awards.

In 2013, Vanessa co-founded Pure Hearts Boston, a foundation that benefits pediatric cardiology research at Boston Children's Hospital.  Vanessa volunteers as a UPOP Industry Advisor at MIT.  She also has donated time to a number of sustainability initiatives around Boston and the world. 

Vanessa soloed a Cessna 152 at age 16 and became a certified pilot by age 17.  She received her B.A. of American History and a Masters’ Degree in Executive Leadership and Administration from Boston College.

Resources Mentioned:
Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu: http://tiffanydufu.com/drop-the-ball
Terrafugia: https://terrafugia.com/
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh:  https://www.eaa.org/airventure
TRANSCEND AIR: https://transcend.aero/index.php
Ascent AeroSystems: https://ascentaerosystems.com/
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessablakeley/ 

Stay Connected:
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights.
Website: https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest: @whenwomenfly
Write to us at: [email protected]

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In this companion episode, we explore the topic of growth – specifically, the growth mindset.

Growth can be scary, and yet, it is so necessary for us to achieve our dreams!

The growth mindset concept seems to be everywhere these days, from the boardroom to the classroom and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss how cultivating a growth mindset allows us to embrace difficulties and challenges, and how our brains learn through effort and persistence.

We also dig into "15 Ways to Become a Better Person", an article published in Inc. Magazine by John Rampton.

Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy the episode!

Resources Mentioned:
"15 Ways to Become a Better Person" by John Rampton: https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/15-ways-to-become-a-better-person.html

Stay Connected:
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights.

Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest – @whenwomenfly
Write to us at  – [email protected]

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As part of our Season III relaunch this week, we are revisiting a few of our favorite episodes that grapple with big life themes, break down the components of change, and dive into strategies that are relevant and applicable to you today.

This is the story of an athletic prodigy. It’s also the story of how setbacks become catalysts for change, how determination fuels a dream, and how a drive for adventure can evolve. And it is a story of risk-taking, mountain life,  and personal reflection that characterize what it takes to ski and fly in the backcountry. 

For pro-skier Caite Zeliff, the derailing of her career as a ski racer was an opportunity to reconnect with herself and become the athlete she was always meant to be.  At 12, Caite Zeliff started a ski racing career that brought her all over the world. She ascended, she earned a scholarship to a boarding school, she won titles, she received an invitation to the US Ski Team – and she also was rejected, blew out her knee, and burned out – all by age 20. 

When the U.S. Ski Team invitation didn’t come, and she blew out her knee while racing for the University of New Hampshire, she left college and headed westward in search of big mountains and powder. It was in Jackson Hole, WY, where Caite found her true calling – freeskiing.

This risk-taking mentality has built her a career as a professional freeskier. Beyond winning Jackson Hole’s Kings and Queens of Corbet’s twice, Caite has starred in films like Warren Miller’s Timeless (2019) and Teton Gravity Research's Make Believe (2020), and Stoke the Fire (2021).  

Topics Include:
- Caite’s journey from ski racer to professional freeskier
- Viewing “failure” as an opportunity
- Wrestling with an inner obsession for achievement
- Shifting focus from the outcome to the process
- Processing childhood
- Taking risks and stepping out of comfort zones
- Finding your voice as a female in a male-dominated industry
- The transformational power of women supporting women
- Learning to fly and a shifted mindset
- And other topics...

Resources Mentioned:
Caite’s Website: https://www.caitezeliff.com
Caite’s IG: @caitezeliff
Timeless, Warren Miller (2019): https://warrenmiller.com/film-archive/timeless-2019
Make Believe, Teton Gravity Research (2020): https://www.tetongravity.com/films/make-believe
Stoke the Fire, Teton Gravity Research (2021): https://www.tetongravity.com/films/stoke-the-fire
Powder Magazine: https://www.powder.com/stories/pro-deal-caite-zeliff/
Freeskier Magazine: https://freeskier.com/stories/jackson-royalty

Stay Connected:
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights.

Website: https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest: @whenwomenfly
Write to us at: [email protected]

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Merryl Tengesdal is one of aviation's most fascinating women. With accomplished careers in both the Navy and the Air Force, Merryl’s perhaps most notable achievement is being the only African American woman to fly the United States Air Force's U-2 aircraft, a spy plane used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. Flying the U-2 requires grit, confidence, and extreme focus, all qualities that have earned Merryl the privilege of sharing the spy plane’s nickname, The Dragon Lady.

Besides her decades of experience in flight, what sets Merryl apart is her inquisitive, passionate nature and belief in her own capabilities. As a leader, mother, author, philanthropist, and more, Merryl inspires people from all walks of life to believe in themselves and chase their dreams. 

In this episode, Merryl and Sylvia discuss how experiences serve as preparation for future situations, what it was like growing up in the Bronx as a girl in the ‘70s, the experience of flying solo at 70,000 ft altitude in the U-2, the importance of solitude and self-reflection, and lessons Merryl learned along the way about flight, parenthood, and self-worth.

Topics Include:
- How “Star Trek” and Captain Kirk inspired a young Merryl’s desire to explore the unknown
- Merryl’s experience as a pilot in the Navy and Air Force
- What it was like learning to fly in the military
- The history of the U-2 aircraft
- Intricacies and challenges of piloting the U-2 aircraft
- How Merryl is planning on getting to outer space
- Gaining perspective about life while flying
- Myths and stereotypes of being a working mother
- The intensity and process of writing her autobiography, Shatter the Sky
- Merryl’s experience on the competitive reality show, “Tough as Nails”
- And other topics…

Merryl Tengesdal is a military veteran and former Director of Inspections who served for The Air Force Inspector General from October 2015 through August 2017. Merryl served in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan as a US Air Force Colonel. She has over 23 years of both Air Force and Navy flying aviation experience. She retired from the military in 2017. Merryl is the first and only African American woman to fly the US Air Force U-2 Aircraft. Beyond her extensive experience as a pilot, Merryl is an author, motivational speaker, leadership consultant, NASM & AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, and reality show contestant.

Connect with Merryl:
Instagram: @dragonlady788
Website: https://merryltengesdal.com/

Resources Mentioned:
Legacy Flight Academy: https://www.legacyflightacademy.org/
Mission 22: https://mission22.com/
Sierra College: https://www.sierracollege.edu/about-us/sierra-college-foundation/
Tough as Nails Season 2: https://www.cbs.com/shows/tough-as-nails/
Shatter the Sky by Merryl Tengesdal: https://www.amazon.com/Shatter-Sky-stratosphere-self-worth-discipline/dp/1737907313

Stay Connected
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights. Be bold, be brave, and fly.

Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest – @whenwom

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In this companion episode, we explore the life of Bessie Coleman – the first black woman in the world to earn a pilot's license.

Bessie's story is one of grit and determination. Being barred from flight school in the US because of her race and gender, Bessie made her way to France to learn to fly.

During her training, she witnessed a fellow student crash and lose their life, but even this would not deter her.

Listen in to learn about the life of Bessie Coleman, and be sure to check out our recent episode with Carole Hopson who recently published a novel based on Bessie's life.

Resources Mentioned:
A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson: https://www.amazon.com/Pair-Wings-Inspired-Pioneer-Aviatrix/dp/1735511161/

Stay Connected:
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights.

Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest – @whenwomenfly
Write to us at  – [email protected]

Send a text

As part of our Season III relaunch this week, we are revisiting a few of our favorite episodes that grapple with big life themes, break down the components of change, and dive into strategies that are relevant and applicable to you today.

In this episode, Sylvia is joined by Linda Lindquist-Bishop a World Champion Sailor.  She is a tireless competitor, thinker, strategist, and advocate for women in sport. This conversation is real talk about courage, positioning women of today to break glass ceilings, sailing, the value of clearly defined roles, choosing love over fear, and why racing sailboats is the perfect leadership development laboratory. 

Linda has a wildly popular TED talk "A Mountain of Courage: Inspiring Change" and has been sought out by companies and sports associations for her skills in strategy and leadership, as well as her insight into change and integrating new systems for gender parity in sports.

When we stand on the shoulders of giants, Linda is holding us up. Enjoy this conversation again or for the very first time as we take off with our new season of When Women Fly. 

Topics Include
- Innate versus learned leadership skills
- Why the best leaders focus on asking good questions
- The importance of clearly defined roles in sport and in business
- The value of diversity in leadership positions
- What it means to strive for excellence and live an extraordinary life
- Taking on life's second mountain
- The connection between voracious learning, acquiring expertise, and success
- Being present with fear
- Choosing love over fear
- Dynamic variables in sailing, flying, freedom and life
- The necessity of morning rituals
- Freedom and flight
- And other topics...

Linda Lindquist-Bishop is a world champion athlete, strategist, and president of Courageous Thinking Inc. In 1995, Linda made history as a member of America3, the first all-women's team to compete in the America’s Cup–the Super Bowl of sailing. Linda was awarded Glamour Magazine’s ‘Women of the Year’ in 1995 with America3, and was honored by Lifetime Television in 1997 as one of the ‘Top 100 Women of the Century.’

Resources Mentioned:
Courageous Thinking Inc. – http://www.cgthink.com/
Rising Tide Leadership Institue – http://www.4risingtide.org/
TEDx Talk " A Mountain Of Courage- Inspiring Change" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCtCYDQipM0

Books Mentioned:
The Archer by Paulo Coelho
The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity by Edwene Gaines
Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal, Tantum Collins. David Silverman, and Chris Fussell
The Clarity Field Guide by Benj Miller, and Chris White

Stay Connected
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights.

Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest – @wh

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Michelle “Mace” Curran is known for her impressive thirteen-year career as a fighter pilot flying F-16s. She went on to serve three years as the only female pilot for Air Force's elite demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, where she was only the second woman to fly as the Lead Solo in the Thunderbird demonstration since the team’s creation in 1953.

It may seem like Michelle always was self-assured and confident, but throughout her journey, Michelle faced feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and lack of confidence. Her story is one of grit, perseverance, and determination.

She recently realized the true gift flight gave her—the ability to help and inspire others to chase their dreams. She now speaks at organizations around the nation to share the lessons she’s learned about overcoming obstacles and gaining self-confidence. 
 
In this episode, Sylvia and Michelle talk about Michelle's path to becoming a fighter pilot, the experience of being a Thunderbird during the pandemic, the flyover at the Superbowl, the power of change to enable dreams, the birth of "Upside Down Dreams", and why she views empathy as her superpower.

Topics Include:
- Navigating college and joining ROTC
- Experience learning to fly and the challenges of initial flight screening
- Confidence and imposter syndrome
- What can you learn from the opportunity to change
- Advice for people experiencing setbacks
- Physical stresses of being an F16 pilot
- Relationships and dating as a pilot
- Importance of debriefing and how this transfers to other areas of life
- Michelle’s transition into public speaking
- Upside Down Dreams
- Empathy as a superpower
- And other topics…

Michelle “Mace” Curran led an impressive career as a Fighter Pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Michelle was only the second woman to fly as the Lead Solo in the Thunderbird demonstration since the team’s creation in 1953.

In 2022, Michelle left active duty to found Upside Down Dreams, where she travels the country speaking to organizations on lessons of grit, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. She’s made appearances on media such as The Kelly Clarkson Show, Glamor, and CBS Evening News, among others. 

Resources Mentioned:
Nowhere for Very Long by Briana Madia: https://www.amazon.com/Nowhere-Very-Long-Unexpected-Unconventional/dp/0063047985
Michelle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran/
Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-curran5/
Michelle’s Website: https://macecurran.com/

Stay Connected
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights. Be bold, be brave, and fly.

Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest – @whenwomenfly
Write to us at  – [email protected]

Send a text

As a child, Carole Hopson spent hours lying on the grass in her grandparents’ backyard watching the planes arrive at Philadelphia International Airport. However, it took decades for Carole to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Today, Carole flies a Boeing 737 for United Airlines as a First Officer. Black women make up less than one percent of all certified pilots, and Carole is one of them. 

Carole’s story is one of inspiration, bravery, chasing dreams, and taking risks. Before becoming a pilot, Carole spent decades working in various corporate careers from journalist to an executive-level employee in human resources. Carole stepped away from her corporate career to pursue her dream of flying, and it has taken her to places she couldn’t have imagined.

In this episode, Sylvia and Carole talk about Carole’s journey from corporate careers to commercial pilot, Carole shares the inspiration behind her book A Pair of Wings, Carole talks about her non-profit The Jet Black Foundation, and she discusses the importance of representation in aviation.  

Topics Include:
- The history of Bessie Coleman’s life
- The process behind writing A Pair of Wings
- How Carole’s and Bessie Coleman’s stories parallel each other
- Career timeline and getting her commercial pilot’s license later in life 
- What it’s like to be a female African American commercial pilot
- Experience gaining confidence as a minority operating a regional jet 
- Relationship with the public as a minority pilot
- Family planning and motherhood
- Carole’s philanthropy, Jet Black Foundation, and the 100 pairs of wings initiative 
- And other topics…

Carole Hopson flies a Boeing 737 for United Airlines as First Officer. Carole is also the author of the historical fiction novel A Pair of Wings (2021).  Before her career as a pilot, Carole was a journalist, writing for publications such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Tribune, and the Bergen Record.  In 2021, Carole founded The Jet Black Foundation, a non-profit with the mission to help diversify the aviation industry. The Jet Black Foundation is currently working on the 100 Pairs of Wings project, with the goal to increase the representation of women of color in the aviation industry.

Resources Mentioned:
A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson: https://www.amazon.com/Pair-Wings-Inspired-Pioneer-Aviatrix/dp/173551117X
The Jet Black Foundation: https://www.jetblackfoundation.org/ 
Carole Hopson on Oprah’s Daily: https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a37762199/pilot-career-change/ 
Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson: https://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Arms-Novel-Kaia-Alderson/dp/0062964585
Ladysitting by Lorene Cary: https://www.amazon.com/Ladysitting-Year-Nana-End-Century/dp/0393635880
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead: https://www.amazon.com/Nickel-Boys-Novel-Colson-Whitehead/dp/0385537077
Connect with Carole:
carolehopson.com

Stay Connected
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights. Be bold, be brave, and fly.

Website – https://www.whenwo

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Every woman harbors the spirit of flight. We talk about it, one story at a time. Our guests include superstar athletes, world champions, aviators, and women who chart their own courses. Join us each week and connect with women who dare to pursue their dreams and fly.

Welcome to our third season of When Women Fly!

Stay Connected
Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights. Be bold, be brave, and fly.

Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest – @whenwomenfly
Write to us at  – [email protected]

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In 2011, award-winning executive creative director Libby DeLana challenged herself to walk every day for 30 days. It has now been ten years since Libby took on this challenge, and she hasn't missed a day! Libby has walked 25,000+ miles, which equates to walking around the circumference of the earth and then some.

These daily walks have transformed Libby’s life. She has been able to slow down and reconnect with herself and the world around her. She has discovered how walking allows her to process thoughts, improve creativity, and more.

Libby has recently discovered another way to slow down and gain perspective – learning to fly!

In today’s episode, Sylvia and Libby discuss how to shift to higher consciousness in simple and accessible ways, overcoming limitations, the power of slowing down, cold plunging, and much more.

Topics Include:

• All female colleges
• What design has taught Libby about life
• The power of the next step
• Seeing the world at "foot speed"
• Writing her book Do / Walk
• Cold plunging and Wim Hof
• Learning to fly
• Young women and flight 
• And other topics...

Libby Park DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director, author, and walker.  Libby has spent 30+ years in the ad world, during which time her work has been celebrated and featured in CannesLions, The One Show Awards, D&AD, Graphis, Fast Company, and Communication Arts.

Libby is the former director of design at MullenLowe Group and is the Co-Founder of Mechanica. She is also on the Board of Directors for several purpose-driven organizations including, BlinkNow and The Jeanne Gieger Crisis Center, and is an advisor at It’s August. 

In 2021, Libby published her first book, Do Walk: Navigate Earth, Mind, and Body. Step by Step. She is an advocate for female leadership, an aspiring pilot, an avid fly fisherwoman, and a mother. 

Follow Libby:
Instagram: @parkhere and @thismorningwalk
Twitter: @parkhere
Website: www.thismorningwalk.com

January 2022 Retreat
Cold Plunge on Cape Cod with Libby 
https://autocamp.com/mindful-reset-weekend-at-autocamp-cape-cod/

Resources Mentioned:
Do Walk by Libby DeLana: https://www.thismorningwalk.com/buy-do-walk
The Wim Hof Method: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/
West With the Night, by Beryl Markham: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780865477636
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail: by Cheryl Strayed https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-cheryl-strayed/1110776475
The Do Lectures Organization: https://thedolectures.com/
The Overstory by Richard Powers: http://www.richardpowers.net/the-overstory/
Dr. Suzanne Simard’s Finding the Mother Tree Project
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Want to connect? Visit us online and signup for the monthly WWF newsletter!
Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest – @whenwomenfly
Email – [email protected]