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Uplink

Written by: Shaesta Waiz Michael Wildes
  • Summary

  • Aviation record holder Shaesta Waiz, and Michael Wildes, pilot, journalist, and Chief Operating Officer for Dreams Soar, offer sharp, unfiltered insights, and predictions into the biggest stories in and around aviation. Featuring guests who are leading voices from all walks of life, Waiz, and Wildes offer context, and deep dive into the latest news, and the most impactful trends shaping and disrupting the aviation industry. Better yet, they discuss why it matters to you. Uplink: the aviation dialogue starts here.
    2023 Uplink by Dreams Soar
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Episodes
  • Kathryn B. Creedy: We're Promoting Aviation & Aerospace Careers All Wrong.
    Feb 26 2024
    Key topics covered include:Early Exposure and EducationImportance of Early Exposure: Kathryn emphasizes the significance of introducing aviation and aerospace careers to children at a young age, noting her own passion for aviation beginning at age 5. She suggests that the industry is currently missing opportunities by not targeting younger demographics and highlights the need for outreach to elementary and middle school students.Integrating Aviation Concepts into Curriculum: Kathryn mentions the existence of numerous programs and organizations, such as the Space Foundation and AOPA Foundation, that offer aviation-related educational content. She advocates for making school officials aware of these resources to foster an aviation/aerospace education ecosystem.Role of Parents, Guardians, and EducatorsAddressing Lack of Awareness: She suggests collaborating with career counselor software companies to include more aviation careers in their databases, thereby improving awareness among school counselors.Industry and Educational Collaboration: Kathryn stresses the importance of industry involvement with educational institutions to promote aviation careers, highlighting the potential for software companies to play a key role in this effort.Diversity and InclusionCreating an Inclusive Environment: Kathryn discusses the need to tackle cultural issues within the aviation industry, including discrimination, harassment, and the underrepresentation of women and minorities. She calls for a collective effort to support and protect individuals facing such challenges.Combatting Gender Bias and Discrimination: She emphasizes changing the industry's culture to prevent retaliation against those who report misconduct and to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for everyone.Mentoring and SupportDesigning Effective Mentoring Programs: Kathryn highlights the importance of mentorship in supporting women and girls interested in aviation/aerospace careers. She advocates for building connections between established professionals and newcomers to the field.Promoting Work-Life Balance: Kathryn addresses the need for policies that support work-life balance, noting that flight attendants have pioneered some of the policies women pilots seek. She also discusses the importance of treating employees fairly to ensure loyalty and advocacy.Work Rules and Work/Life BalanceEffect of Antiquated Work Rules: Kathryn comments on the slow progress in adapting work rules to better accommodate the needs of women pilots and their families, pointing out that the industry has historically viewed work-life balance as a secondary concern.Specific Changes for Attraction and Retention: She advocates for schedule flexibility and accommodations for family responsibilities, which would benefit not just women but all pilots seeking a better balance between their personal and professional lives.Seniority and Career AdvancementSeniority System as a Barrier: Kathryn acknowledges the challenges posed by the seniority system, especially for those seeking schedule stability, which can impact career earnings and advancement opportunities.Recommendations for Policy Changes: While recognizing the difficulty of changing the seniority system, Kathryn suggests aiming for policies that ensure equal earning power and opportunity for all pilots, regardless of their personal circumstances.Key MomentsIntroduction of Kathryn B. Creedy: 00:00:24 - Kathryn's background and expertise in aviation journalism and workforce development are introduced.Early Exposure to Aviation Careers: 00:02:16 - Kathryn discusses the importance of early exposure to aviation/aerospace careers for young students, especially girls.Outreach and Education Initiatives: 00:04:09 - Insight into existing programs and the need for an aviation education ecosystem to engage young minds in aviation.Girls in Aviation Day and Local Efforts: 00:05:37 - Kathryn highlights the impact of Girls in Aviation Day and the significance of local community engagement.Innovative Outreach Strategies: 00:06:39 - The potential for collaboration with career counseling software providers to enhance aviation career visibility among young students.Diversity and Inclusion in Aviation: 00:07:50 - Kathryn addresses the need for cultural change within the industry to create a more inclusive environment.Mentorship Importance: 00:14:13 - Discussion on the critical role of mentorship in supporting young women and girls interested in aviation careers.Work-Life Balance: 00:15:37 - Kathryn talks about the industry's need to support better work-life balance, especially for women.Seniority and Career Advancement: 00:20:32 - Kathryn's views on how the seniority system acts as a barrier to gender equality and economic equity for women pilots.Closing Message to Young Aspirants: 00:23:41 - Kathryn shares a parting message for young girls and women considering a career in aviation or aerospace.
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    27 mins
  • AVIATE: The first female to serve as the FAA Acting Administrator, Linda Hall Daschle
    Feb 22 2024

    The conversation continues. Join the Uplink—LinkUp  and Uplink—LinkUp: DC Metro

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    40 mins
  • AVIATE: Julia Harrington's Aviation and Motherhood Journey
    Feb 19 2024
    Episode Notes

    About Julia Harrington:

    • Lead Captain and Base Manager at Axis Jet in Chicago.
    • Known for her pioneering role as a woman in the aviation industry.
    • Balances her professional career with motherhood.

    Early Interests and Influences:

    • Julia shares her initial fascination with Business Aviation.
    • Recounts her experiences at the EAA AirVenture, sparking her interest in aviation.
    • Discusses family influences and early role models in her life.

    Educational Journey:

    • Details her educational path at the University of Illinois.
    • Talks about earning her wings and the challenges she faced during her training.
    • Reflects on the importance of education in her career.

    Professional Career:

    • Julia’s journey to becoming Lead Captain and Base Manager.
    • Insights into her day-to-day responsibilities and experiences at Axis Jet.
    • Discusses significant milestones and memorable moments in her career.

    Women in Aviation:

    • Julia's perspective on the evolving role of women in the aviation sector.
    • Challenges faced by women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
    • Advice for young women aspiring to enter the aviation industry.

    Balancing Career and Motherhood:

    • Julia shares her experience of balancing a demanding career with being a mother.
    • Discusses the support systems that have helped her manage both roles.
    • Offers advice to other women who aspire to grow their families while pursuing their careers.

    Future Aspirations:

    • Julia’s goals for the future in both her professional and personal life.
    • Her vision for the future of women in aviation.
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    51 mins

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