AIN Contributor

Sheryl Barden

Every one of us can probably name someone who has influenced the course of our professional journey. I'm fortunate have had the support of several people who've influenced me throughout my career. They’ve challenged my thinking, opened doors, and encouraged me to stretch.
I’ve always believed we have a responsibility to develop our own teams and invest in professionals outside our organizations.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve come to value the NBAA Mentoring Network. It provides a framework for building meaningful mentoring relationships with professionals you might never have met otherwise.
One of the people I’ve most enjoyed mentoring is Andre Watson, a leader in aviation maintenance. When Andre and I connected through the NBAA Mentoring Network, he had already worked with mentors in maintenance, scheduling, and leadership.
For his next mentorship, he was looking for someone outside his own discipline who could challenge his thinking and broaden his perspective.
As Andre’s mentor, I wasn't there to chart his career. My role was to ask questions, listen, and help him build the confidence to pursue opportunities he might not have considered.
One of the first things we talked about was becoming more involved through regional association meetings and NBAA conferences. I also invited him to one of our company events with more than 200 industry professionals.
<h2>Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone</h2>
For someone who doesn’t naturally gravitate toward networking, attending events on his own was a significant step outside his comfort zone, but Andre approached them with purpose. Later, he told me he met people from several flight departments—connections that continue to this day.
We also talked about staying focused during challenging situations instead of making career decisions simply to escape them. That’s when I asked him one question that has stayed with him ever since: “Are you running toward something, or are you running away from something?”
Years later, Andre told me he still thinks about that question today.
Andre is incredibly coachable and takes on every opportunity to learn and grow. During our mentoring relationship, he expanded his professional network, interviewed for new positions, was invited to serve on the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association’s board of directors, and was later recognized as an NBAA 40 Under 40 honoree.
Although our formal mentoring relationship ended, we’ve stayed in touch over the years. Watching Andre continue to evolve has been one of the most rewarding parts of being his mentor.
Seeing him return to school to complete his bachelor’s degree while raising a small infant with another on the way reminded me what commitment and determination really look like. Andre recently made a significant career move—without any recruiting assistance from me—and I couldn’t be prouder of everything he’s accomplished.
I always smile when his name pops up on my calendar because I know we’re going to have a great conversation.
<h2>Why Structure Matters</h2>
Most of us mentor people informally throughout our careers. Those conversations matter, but they usually happen when there’s time.
What I appreciate about the NBAA Mentoring Network is the commitment. Mentor and mentee establish goals, meet regularly, and hold each other accountable. There's a beginning, an end, and an expectation that both people will invest in the relationship.
As I often say, it holds your feet to the fire—in the best possible way.
One of the things I enjoy most is watching someone I didn’t know a year earlier achieve goals they weren’t sure they could reach and knowing I played a small part in helping them get there.
If you're thinking that sounds rewarding but wondering whether you have the time, you’re not alone. That’s one of the first concerns I hear from prospective mentors.
Applications for the next <a href="https://nbaa.org/professional-development/nbaa-mentoring-network/">NBAA Mentoring Network</a> cohort open August 4. Mentors create a profile sharing their background and experience, and mentees select the person they’d most like to learn from. The process encourages mentoring relationships built around shared interests, experience, and goals.
If you've built a successful career in business aviation, I hope you’ll consider becoming an NBAA mentor. Our industry needs experienced professionals to invest in the next generation.
I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.

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