The defining turning point in my career was realizing that leadership is about creating opportunities for others. Being appointed Chief Strategy Officer at Tradewinds Aviation Services gave me the platform to shape strategy at the highest level, but co-founding the Women in Aviation Kenya Chapter and later being appointed Women in Aviation International Ambassador for Africa showed me that true impact comes from building people and institutions that will outlive you.”
Those are words that Fiona Omondi lives by, swears by.
She knows that just as it requires wisdom to understand wisdom, success, so the adage goes, is nothing without a successor. “Behind every successful leader is a community of mentors who challenge you, encourage you, and remind you of your potential when you cannot yet see it yourself.”
Now she advocates for young girls to take up careers in aviation industry for there is a gap that needs to be filled.
"My goal is simple but ambitious: to help shape an African aviation industry that is globally competitive, inclusive, and sustainable."
“Early in my career, success was about achieving milestones, earning promotions,” she says. “Now, success is waking up every day knowing that the work I do is bigger than me. It is creating opportunities for young people, opening doors for women in aviation, building organizations that will outlive me, and leaving the industry stronger than I found it.”
It’s also the NorthStar of her career, and Ms Omondi likes it known that there is no shortcut, which is always the longest road. “Every role I held became a classroom, I have always believed that opportunity meets preparation.”
That preparation is now being recognised. Earlier in the year, she received a global recognition, the IATA Diversity & Inclusion High Flyer Award for championing diversity and inclusion.
Even then, she is not resting on her laurels. “My goal is simple but ambitious: to help shape an African aviation industry that is globally competitive, inclusive, and sustainable.”
“Never despise humble beginnings; they are often where God prepares you for extraordinary destinations.” You do not need to stop being afraid, she says, you simply need to move forward anyway, clear skies notwithstanding.
The sun is still going up for her, and the future is glowing like a runway.
–Eddy Ashioya