With 2024 finally here, like many of you, I reflected greatly on this past year. Since completing the global flight, I have been in a series of transitions. I got married, moved to Dubai, and had my first child, COVID happened, and I struggled to determine what was next for me with my career. So many significant events occurred in my life in such a short period, similar to the flight around the world. I realized that to soak this all in and determine what I want to achieve in my aviation career, I needed time to reflect, slow down, and be intentional.
2023 was a year of rebuilding and listening. My goal was to continue the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast so that, as an industry, we can listen and come to know some of the most influential women leaders in aviation. After entering season five, I gained perspective and knowledge from these inspiring women and reflected and implemented new ideas for the platform’s future.
On the other end, we at Dreams Soar locked in and spent much time exploring, building, and refining the concept of a one-stop shop Hub for aviation professionals. We met with several leaders, professionals, and the youth to better understand their needs for an industry Hub. We returned to the drawing board with every conversation and improved our concept. Although this process took a lot of time, I have enjoyed learning about the impact of technology and how we can use it as a tool to enable aviation professionals with a digital community of resources.
To end 2023, I finally read Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight. Although there are many entrepreneurship and business lessons in the book, the most significant takeaway for me was how any business venture or goal in life is not so much about the destination but the journey that molds you. Reading how Phil Knight spent his life in a series of highs and lows, traveling the world at a young age, getting out of his comfort zone, and taking chances on people, while his passion for sports fueled all of this, was very relatable and inspiring.
After reflecting on the podcast conversations, the work completed on Dreams Soar, and the books I read this year, I was able to come up with these simple goals for the new year:
- Stay in motion, even if the movements are small, towards growing the AVIATE Platform to empower women in aviation and developing the Dreams Soar Hub.
- Find the time, primarily as a mom, to fuel my passion for aviation. Get back up in the air and finally start writing my own book about my experiences flying around the world.
- Never stop learning and listening. The world has so much wealth and knowledge to offer me.
- Focus on the journey and you will eventually land at the destination.
With this, I plan to launch this year with a new book (and podcast conversation) on a remarkable woman who is consistently in motion and encompasses all the goals I set for myself. The book is called Shatter the Sky: What Going to the Stratosphere Taught Me about Self-worth, Sacrifice, and Discipline by Col. Merryl Tengesdal (Retired). Merryl is a notable figure known for her achievements in the United States military. She is celebrated as the first and only African American woman to fly the U-2 spy plane, which is a significant accomplishment given the U-2’s reputation as one of the most challenging aircraft to fly. The U-2 plane, often called the “Dragon Lady,” is used for high-altitude reconnaissance missions and demands exceptional skill from its pilots. Tengesdal’s achievement in this field highlights her excellent skills as a pilot and represents a groundbreaking moment in terms of diversity, representation, and strength in the military aviation sector.
In my conversation with Merryl, I found her fearless and open to any challenge. Tengsdal shares her fond memories of growing up in the Bronx, her early fascination with space exploration, and her decision to join the military with aspirations of becoming an astronaut. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of Merryl’s career, including her experiences with the U-2 “Dragon Lady” and the physical and mental conditioning required for such high-altitude flights.
Merryl also reflects on overcoming societal expectations and imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and perseverance. The discussion touches on her love for “Star Trek,” the Golden Girls, and the impact of her childhood mentors. Merryl’s story of breaking barriers and achieving her dreams is a powerful testament to resilience and determination. One that I plan to start the new year with.
Now available on your favorite podcast app.
Happy New Year!
Shaesta
A special thank you to Atlantic Aviation for exclusively sponsoring our podcast and providing these critical conversations to the industry. Since we launched this platform, you have supported us, and we appreciate your partnership.