In aviation, imprecise communication can cause confusion and error with dire results. An anecdote that’s stuck in my head for years describes the conversation between a captain and copilot as they initiated their first take-off of the day. The co-pilot was less than sunny, and the captain had extended an…

Am I fit to fly? This is a question every pilot is taught to ask themselves every time they approach an aircraft with the intention of aviating. It’s a broad question that drills deep into the psyche and responsibility for self that a pilot feels and covers everything from their…

When I was first awarded my Private Pilot’s Licence, I remember one of my instructors commenting “Right, so you know just enough to kill yourself with now.” It was a not-so-tongue-in-cheek reminder that, as proud as I felt of my achievement, what I’d also done was open up the door…

As the captain of an aircraft, most duty periods are made up of moments of high-decision-making requirements, balanced by moments of great appreciation for the incredible elements of the job you do — such as the view from your office window. One of the hairiest decisions you’ll ever be called…

Communicating without words As you arrive at work, you see the familiar figure of a valued colleague walking towards you. They haven’t seen you yet, but you can tell immediately, that all is not right in their world. As their focus finds you, their face lights up and their shoulders lift a little…

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, has become a buzzword in leadership discussions. Some leaders swear by it, while others dismiss it as a weakness. So, is empathy a leadership strength or weakness? Let’s assess the pros and cons of empathy in leadership and explore…

“Many times a day I realise how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labours of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” This quote from Albert Einstein calls us to review how much of what influences our actions, thought processes, and accomplishments is added to by other people — whether they are currently around us, have gone before us, or are those we’ve known or only heard of. Often we feel…

The role of leadership is seldom smooth. By definition, as soon as we realise that we can lead ourselves, let alone others, there is a feeling of responsibility and desire to level up that can’t go unacknowledged. On a good day, no matter what level or role we’re choosing to…

Wherever you stand today is worth a deep breath of acknowledgement — and appreciation, for that matter. Wherever you stand today is different from where you stood at the beginning of this year, and there have been losses and gains for you to be where you are today. This is…