As I work on the Top 40 Under 40 issue of Airport Business, I’m struck by a few things. And no, the first of which is not that I am too old to win a Top 40 Under 40 award, though sadly this is true. What strikes me is what these young leaders have in common. I’ve been keeping a list.
They keep on learning. They didn’t graduate from college with their Bachelor’s degree and call it a day. They have Master’s degrees, PhD’s, industry certifications, and more. And they continue to find new ways to grow and learn every day.
They know there is no “I” in TEAM. These folks know how to rally a team behind a project and get r’ done. They know how to empower others and there wasn’t a single one of them who took all the credit for a project for themselves. Time and again, they told me how this or that project wouldn’t have been possible without their team, and it’s not just lip service: They mean it.
They go above and beyond. These are individuals who know what their job is and then find ways to take it to the next level. Good enough is not good enough for them. They want to excel, and they do.
They are active in their communities. Our winners teach and mentor future aviation leaders. They volunteer in community organizations. They hold seats in industry organizations and they are active participants in city, state and federal government.
Finally, they have a passion for what they do. It doesn’t matter if they’re in aviation finance, part of the architectural team on a new terminal, creating software for airports to use, or flying a plane. They love aviation! And they are passionate about being able to help shape its future.
Our Top 40 Under 40 issue will hit mailboxes next month. Watch for it and read about these young leaders taking the industry by a storm. You’ll be glad you did!
