In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Kathryn Creedy—veteran aviation journalist and advocate for workforce equity—about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in aviation and its consequences. Creedy draws on decades of reporting and personal experience to challenge misconceptions about DEI, highlight the business case for inclusion, and explore how cultural resistance, policy rollback, and outdated work rules threaten both profitability and safety. They discuss the power of community among women in aviation, the emerging demands of younger generations for work–life balance, and the imperative for leaders to move beyond lip service to real, systemic change.

Chapter Breakdown

00:00 | Intro: The Cost of Ignoring DEI

01:31 | Kathryn’s Background & Advocacy

03:07 | Why DEI Rollbacks Fail

05:13 | Women’s Gains & Pushback

08:09 | What DEI Really Means

10:23 | The Diversity Dividend

12:04 | Culture & Economic Backlash

15:42 | Why So Few Women AMTs?

18:41 | Strength in Community

21:32 | Rethinking Work–Life Balance

24:03 | Next‑Gen Talent Pipelines

26:50 | Safety & Mental Health Reform

29:28 | Leaders: Lip Service vs. Action

33:08 | Closing: A Call to Change

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