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Listen "A Business Case for DEI in Aviation with Jennifer Pickerel"
Episode Synopsis
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 Breakdown00:00 | Diversity in Aviation07:22 | Women in Pilot Statistics10:00 | Shifts in DEI Commitments12:45 | Culture’s Role in Hiring15:08 | Mentorship and Sponsorship17:42 | Defining True Allyship20:13 | Overcoming Industry Challenges22:56 | Assessing Organizational Culture25:20 | Inspiring Young Aviators
Follow Jennifer Pickerel
LinkedIn: Jennifer E. Pickerel - President - Business Aviation
API: Jennifer Pickerel - President - Recruiter
Follow Shaesta Waiz
Website: shaestawaiz.com
LinkedIn: Shaesta Waiz
Instagram: @shaesta.waiz
TikTok: @shaestawaiz
Shaesta Waiz on YouTubeYouTube (Aviate Platform)
Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group
Website:www.massifsp.com
LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production
Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com
LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected].
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Breakdown00:00 | Diversity in Aviation07:22 | Women in Pilot Statistics10:00 | Shifts in DEI Commitments12:45 | Culture’s Role in Hiring15:08 | Mentorship and Sponsorship17:42 | Defining True Allyship20:13 | Overcoming Industry Challenges22:56 | Assessing Organizational Culture25:20 | Inspiring Young Aviators
Follow Jennifer Pickerel
LinkedIn: Jennifer E. Pickerel - President - Business Aviation
API: Jennifer Pickerel - President - Recruiter
Follow Shaesta Waiz
Website: shaestawaiz.com
LinkedIn: Shaesta Waiz
Instagram: @shaesta.waiz
TikTok: @shaestawaiz
Shaesta Waiz on YouTubeYouTube (Aviate Platform)
Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group
Website:www.massifsp.com
LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production
Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com
LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected].
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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