Curiosity is a career strategy
Always been driven by curiosity—by a love of learning, exploring new ideas, and staying engaged with the world. That curiosity has shaped not only a career path but also a mindset around professional growth.
It’s what led to the Essentials of Governance for Board Members at Rotman, and more recently, to McGill’s executive education program on Generative AI.
Both experiences were eye-openers, reinforcing a long-held belief: education isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous journey. Staying informed, learning new skills, and adapting to change are not just professional necessities; they’re what keep us engaged and future-ready.
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Albert Einstein
Lifelong learning in aviation: what it really looks like
Leading Learning & Development in this industry means constantly reflecting on what education really means today. How can learning remain relevant and engaging? What formats work best? And how can we meet the evolving needs of professionals in such a fast-changing environment?
These are the questions explored daily with the team. And the answer isn’t simply “more training.” It’s about rethinking how people learn, when they learn, and what drives them to invest in that learning in the first place.
Mindset is everything
One of the biggest lessons from both personal education and professional experience is that mindset matters. Those who thrive in learning environments tend to have a growth mindset—they see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles.
This is especially true in aviation. The individuals who grow the most aren’t always the ones with the longest CVs or the most prestigious degrees. They’re the ones who stay open. Open to feedback. Open to change. Open to being uncomfortable.
Whether it’s a pilot mastering a new aircraft or a customer service agent learning to de-escalate stressful situations, those who embrace continuous learning stay ahead.
There is always more to learn—and that growth isn’t a phase, it’s a habit.
Education is an investment. But what’s the real ROI?
Education is an investment. Sometimes, that investment is financial. Sometimes, it’s time. Often, it’s both.
Many years ago, a full-time MBA at INSEAD came with a big financial commitment—one that, like many classmates, required careful consideration. Recently, in an alumni WhatsApp group, a discussion emerged about the true return on investment. The takeaway? ROI wasn’t just financial. While it certainly supported career development, the biggest returns came in other ways: the way problems are approached, the global perspectives brought to work, and the strength of the lifelong network built.
That conversation sparked reflection on how the value of education is measured. Is it only about a salary increase? Or is it about long-term adaptability, confidence, and the ability to navigate complex challenges? These outcomes are harder to quantify—but often the most valuable.
Why data analysis is a must-have skill in today’s workplace
If there’s one skill worth recommending to everyone, it’s data analysis. Across industries—from aviation to healthcare, finance, and education—the ability to interpret data is becoming indispensable.
In Learning & Development, decisions can’t be based on assumptions. Data is used to understand which skills are in demand, where gaps exist, and what learning formats actually work. On an individual level, understanding the numbers behind performance and industry trends leads to better-informed career decisions.
Education as a tool for social cohesion—the Airport as a community
One of the most fascinating aspects of adult education is its contribution to social cohesion—especially within airports.
Airports function like micro-cities, where people from diverse employers, cultures, and backgrounds must work together seamlessly. That collaboration only happens through shared learning. From security to baggage handling and airline staff, everyone needs a baseline understanding of safety, security, and customer experience.
There’s also the human side. Airports can be stressful places. Passengers face travel anxiety, long lines, tight connections, and unfamiliar environments. That stress often spills over to employees.
Learning and development isn’t just about technical training—it’s also about well-being. Skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and stress management make a major difference in how employees interact with passengers, improving the experience for everyone.
In the end, education in airports isn’t just about procedures. It’s about people.
Final thoughts: why this matters
No one has all the answers—but asking better questions is a powerful starting point. How do we keep learning relevant and effective? How do we encourage professionals to see education as a long-term investment? And how can we foster continuous growth in industries—like aviation—that rely on precision, collaboration, and adaptability?
What’s helped you grow? What skills do you see as essential today? And how can we support one another, as a global community, in continuing to learn and evolve?
Let’s keep the conversation going.
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