At a recent Women in Aviation lunchtime breakout, industry professionals from across the aviation sector shared candid reflections on their careers, the challenges they have faced and the mindset required to succeed in what remains a predominantly male-dominated industry.

Moderated by our own Martina Glaser, the panel featured Liv Cornelius (Senior Legal Counsel at Volofin Capital Management), Christine Davin (Chief Operating Officer at IAT Leasing), Eleanor Griffith (Senior Legal Counsel at TUI Group) and Rebecca Russell-Carroll (Senior Vice President Legal at Genesis). Together, they brought a breadth of experience spanning aviation finance, leasing and in-house legal roles. 

Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion:

“You do not need to have all the answers”

One recurring theme was the pressure many women feel to prove themselves, particularly when they are the only woman in the room. Several panellists reflected on the tendency to wait until they felt fully prepared before stepping forward, whether for a new role, opportunity or challenge.

The panel encouraged attendees to rethink this mindset. Confidence does not come from knowing everything in advance, but from trusting your ability to learn, adapt and work things out along the way. Moments of discomfort were framed not as warning signs, but often as indicators of growth.

“Uncomfortable moments are where you grow”

The discussion also touched on imposter syndrome, with panellists acknowledging that these feelings can be amplified in industries where senior leadership has historically been male dominated. Asking questions, admitting uncertainty and learning in real time were all positioned as strengths rather than weaknesses.

“Be your own number-one fan”

Another key takeaway was the importance of visibility and self-advocacy. Hard work alone does not always translate into recognition, and the panel stressed the value of actively building both internal and external profile.

Networking, attending industry events and maintaining a professional presence on platforms such as LinkedIn were all highlighted as important tools for career development. The speakers also emphasised the importance of sponsors; people who advocate for your achievements and potential when you are not in the room.

The panel noted that while many women are comfortable working hard behind the scenes, career progression often requires people to understand not only what you do, but the value you bring.

“We have the ability to influence others and drive change in an organisation”

While the aviation industry still has progress to make, there was optimism across the panel that change is happening. The speakers reflected on how representation within the sector has evolved throughout their careers and highlighted the importance of continuing to create space for different perspectives and leadership styles.

The discussion also reinforced the importance of authenticity. While role models can provide inspiration, the panel encouraged attendees to develop their own leadership style rather than feeling pressure to conform to traditional expectations.

Ultimately, the session was both practical and motivating. The overarching message was clear: resilience, visibility and self-belief are critical to navigating a successful career in aviation. By embracing opportunities, building confidence and supporting one another, women across the industry are continuing to drive meaningful change.