The NBAA's first-ever virtual NBAA GO Leadership Summit has put forward new thinking about leadership in navigating through and beyond uncertain times.

“This summit brought together our best ever lineup of speakers focused on the value of inclusion, innovation and impactful leadership in today's workplace, and in life itself,” explains Jo Damato, CAM, NBAA vice president, educational strategy and workforce development. “This diverse roster of experts brought important perspectives to thinking not just about leadership, but about the very definition of success.”

The members of NBAA's Business Aviation Management Committee (BAMC), who served as 2020-2021 event co-chairs, were equally enthusiastic about the event's value. “The conference was not only important in this unprecedented year, but in providing enduring lessons we can use at a practical level as we look ahead,” comments Lori Johnson of Duncan Aviation, and Joe Barber, CAM at Clay Lacy.

The event featured eight professional keynote speakers, several of whom are noteworthy authors, leading Ted Talk-style discussions focused on what big-picture thinkers have in view, including emotional intelligence; change management; accountability and diversity, equity and inclusion. Also as part of the event were new Community Connect micro sessions, moderated forum discussions, live chats with industry experts, downloadable resources and bonus content from keynote speakers.

“The summit has been on my radar since becoming part of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association's (MBAA) leadership team,” says Jessica Belcher, who works in aircraft sales, brokerage and acquisitions for Exclusive Aircraft Sales. “Being able to take part in the summit not only strengthens my contributions on the MBAA team, but also within my company.”

“This is my third NBAA leadership event, and my first time volunteering,” adds Shelley Svoren, senior business banking analyst and industry specialist for First Republic Bank. “All of the fantastic speakers and sessions focused on how we can better lead through change, challenge and crisis.”

“The NBAA Leadership Conference is always one of the top conferences in our industry, because it provides practical, actionable ideas we can take back and try in our own departments,” notes Mark Scheele, CAM, chief pilot, Basin Electric Power Cooperative and a BAMC member.

Registered attendees can access sessions and resources on the platform through 25 April. The in-person NBAA Leadership Conference is scheduled to resume next year from 8-10 February in Fort Worth, Texas.