BIO:
Ryan Liles likes to stay challenged. His advice for a successful aviation career is as follows: Don’t get bored; as soon as you are bored move on to something else and continue to challenge yourself both mentally and physically. Liles is never bored in his work as an IT business professional in the small business community with more than 15 years of experience. He began as an IT consultant in 1997 and currently serves as an IT project manager for AirIT. Liles obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from the University of Central Florida as well as a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College. He also has obtained Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and been trained in Six Sigma methodology. He is currently concluding projects at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Liles currently resides in Orlando, FL.
Ryan Liles
Project Manager
Air-Transport IT Services, Inc.
Why did you select aviation as a career?
I found the aviation industry is one industry where the application of technology has a lot of room to run, in terms of making processes more efficient and building more intelligent integrated systems.
What advice from a mentor helped you the most in your career?
Don’t get bored; as soon as you are bored move on to something else and continue to challenge yourself both mentally and physically. Life is an amazing thing and it is short, so take advantage of the time you have to discover new things.
What is the biggest challenge you see facing aviation today?
With regards to the specific area of the industry I am currently in, one would be to develop a common platform or framework that enables all parties in the industry to share information. Right now you have these silos of information. Airlines have passenger information, Airports have resource information (available gates, counters, etc.), retailers have their consumer information. If this information could be easily exchanged; all parties would be able to provide an improved consumer experience.
What advice would you give to others in the industry?
Think about the experience you want to have as a consumer within the industry and then think about changes you can make within your business to help make that experience a reality.
What are three things we don't know about you?
- I enjoy learning other people’s point of view
- You can find me in the mountains if I’m not in the office
- I am married to a wonderful wife who doesn’t let me get bored
