You’re one of the very few women we’ve met at the top in the aviation industry.
I think most large business industries, particularly the manufacturing based, tend to be run by men. And aviation is a manufacturing industry.
So how did you end up here?
I fell into it by mistake. No, I wasn’t somebody who stood in the back garden, looking up at aircraft (flying by), and said: “One day…”
It started as a summer job, a period when I was deciding what to do with my life. I was in my early 20s. I was a check-in girl for Dan Air at Ludsgate Airport in Bristol, which I said would be easy believing I wouldn’t have to think much. Sitting at that desk, I met thousands and thousands of people. Lots of things happened: air traffic control strikes etc. Then in a flash of inspiration, I realised this would be my career.
You must be an extremely patient person to have dealt with stressful situations, not to mention irate passengers.
I have a secret weapon – my smile. (She smiles.) I smile at everybody all the time. It seems to calm people down.
Does it always work?
On the whole, yes.
On women too?
Of course! Why not? I think it’s a mistake to think that success can be attained through feminine wiles when men are around. It works sometimes and only on very few men. And it’s not satisfying.
The way, whether male or female, is simply to make that connection. And in the business aviation industry, there is a genuine opportunity to make a real connection to our customers.
No longer are you dealing with the masses but with individuals – you getting to know them and they getting to know you. The field we’re in is amazingly fun and interesting because of the people. But, as I said, you have to be prepared to make the connection.
Did you think you would end up in the MD’s position?
It was a shock to my system when I learned. I didn’t have any massive ambitions when I started, except to have a good time on a daily basis and meet new people. I didn’t even think I was good or clever enough.
But I did have a brain that needed to suck up information and the aviation industry offered a thousand different opportunities for this. I’ve always been interested by how the technology worked.
Before Bombardier, you worked for Virgin Atlantic. What was it like dealing with Sir Richard (Branson)?
Fascinating…unusual. Because he always wants to be one step ahead of the competition, he surrounds himself with creative people – that’s his talent.
Now that you’re the big boss yourself, do you see any similarities in his and your management styles?
I think our values are the same. I certainly believe our business can’t be driven by one person. Every single person has value to add. This is what I keep reminding people to do, as well as?encouraging them to share and discuss ideas.
My staff works with me, rather than for me. I really believe that. I hope to inspire them.
Who inspires you?
People who struggle and succeed in difficult situations like Ellen MacArthur (Editor’s note: British yachtwoman who holds the world record for fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe). I’m also inspired by people who find a way to be happy in their life.
Ever thought of flying a private jet yourself?
I’m much happier at the back with my laptop. I love sleeping on planes.
With so much travel, how do you take care of yourself?
Moisturiser. I absolutely recommend it. I’m always telling everyone to moisturise, even the men. I love any sort, including giveaways.
It must be confusing sometimes to remember which city or country you’re in exactly.
Sometimes, I wake up and don’t know where I am. That’s happened a couple of times. Once I had to call the reception to check!
Hmm, not good, but you must have a life away from work.
I just bought a house with garden which I’m going to make my hobby. I really like pottering outside, and I have a Siamese cat named Charlie, who I talk to all the time, and a tortoise.
Do you rely on technology to run your life?
I have a personal assistant named Jane. She is my lifeline. She is extra good at figuring what I need before I even know it. She is probably the only person focused on making my life easier!
