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Shit Happens: Why I Left Flight Attending for the Boardroom
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How does a former radio broadcaster with a marketing degree end up becoming a key player in aviation logistics? Jenna Heacock's career path is anything but conventional, yet somehow perfectly aligned with her family's storied aviation history.
Jenna's grandfather flew Spitfires during World War II before piloting for the RCMP in the Canadian Arctic. Those stories formed the backdrop of her childhood, though she never imagined following in his footsteps. After working in broadcasting and earning a business degree, a friend's casual suggestion led her to take a flight attendant position at a charter airline. What started as an unexpected detour became the gateway to her true calling.
Today, as Vice President of Operations at Knight Aviation and Logistics, Jenna plays matchmaker between clients needing specialized air transportation and the carriers who can provide it. Her decade of experience has given her unique insights into the challenges facing the industry, from changing regulations to pilot shortages. Throughout our conversation, she candidly discusses the obstacles she faced as a young woman carving out her place in a traditionally male-dominated field, and how mentorship proved crucial to her professional development.
Perhaps most valuable is Jenna's perspective on the breadth of opportunity within aviation beyond the cockpit. "You don't just have to be a pilot or flight attendant to be in aviation," she emphasizes, encouraging listeners to consider how their unique skills might find a home in this dynamic industry. Whether you're considering a career change, seeking mentorship advice, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of aviation logistics, this episode offers both practical wisdom and inspiring stories of adaptation and growth.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Jenna Heacock (00:00:00)
2. Grandfather's Aviation Legacy (00:03:00)
3. Arctic Connections Across Generations (00:16:00)
4. Career Shift into Aviation (00:27:30)
5. The Flight Attendant Breaking Point (00:39:00)
6. Growing at Knight Aviation (00:50:00)
7. Women in Aviation Leadership (01:04:00)
8. Mentorship in the Industry (01:19:00)
9. Aviation Industry Changes and Advice (01:28:00)
13 episodes
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