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A Business Case for DEI in Aviation with Jennifer Pickerel

Hear directly from the women leading and shaping the aviation and aerospace industry.

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In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Jennifer Pickerel—President of Aviation Personnel International and a veteran executive search consultant—about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in aviation and its real-world impacts.

Drawing on over two decades of experience in recruitment, leadership development, and organizational culture, Pickerel examines how performative DEI, policy softening, and cultural misalignment can undermine both safety and profitability. They explore the business case for genuine inclusion, the mechanics of effective mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship, and share concrete tactics for women to advocate for themselves by reframing their requests around company goals. Pickerel also offers practical tools for researching organizational culture, building strategic networks, and sustaining resilience when formal DEI programs recede.

Episode Notes

  • Shaesta Waiz sits down with Jennifer Pickerel to unpack:
  • The current state of DEI in business aviation
  • Why superficial diversity initiatives falter
  • The role of culture in hiring and retention
  • Building mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship organically
  • How women can present a business case for their own advancement
  • Tools for assessing company culture before you apply
  • Strategies for young women to stay and thrive in aviation

Chapter Breakdown

  • 00:00 | Diversity in Aviation
  • 07:22 | Women in Pilot Statistics
  • 10:00 | Shifts in DEI Commitments
  • 12:45 | Culture’s Role in Hiring
  • 15:08 | Mentorship and Sponsorship
  • 17:42 | Defining True Allyship
  • 20:13 | Overcoming Industry Challenges
  • 22:56 | Assessing Organizational Culture
  • 25:20 | Inspiring Young Aviators

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