Legendary Aviator Can Inspire Leaders for Today

At 2:35 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, my wife and I will arrive at the West Lafayette/Purdue University Airport (LAF) and walk past the construction site of the new Amelia Earhart Terminal.

The $11.8 million terminal will be finished by the start of the 2025 college football season. We’ll be less than a mile from the apartment we lived in for the first three years of our marriage. Back then, I was completing my master’s and Ph.D. in industrial engineering.

This weekend, we’ll celebrate 150 years of Purdue Engineering, attend the Fall 2024 Purdue Engineering Advisory Council and dinner, a Purdue Presidents Club Tailgate and visit with Purdue President Mung Chiang at the Purdue/Notre Dame football game.

Beyond “Boiler Up,” the upcoming weekend got me thinking about Earhart, her history with Purdue, how she has inspired me and millions of others – and her leadership wisdom. I think Earhart would distill her leadership advice into seven tenets.

Earhart, Purdue Offer a Pioneering Legacy of Leadership

But first, what do Amelia Earhart and Purdue have to do with each other?

Well, the connections run deep. Earhart joined the Purdue faculty in 1935 and worked there until her tragic disappearance in 1937. Earhart was a very involved career counselor who encouraged women to pursue careers in science, engineering and aviation. She also provided guidance and expertise in the Department of Aeronautics, helping to advance the field.

Purdue University supported Earhart’s flying endeavors, including her ill-fated attempt to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe in 1937.

Obviously, I did not interview Earhart for this blog, but I have read a lot about her, studied her life and been moved by her quotes and inspired by her leadership. Earhart was well ahead of her times. She was one of the greatest innovators of all time, a pioneering aviator and a symbol of courage and determination who continues to inspire generations with her remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit.

Her leadership message would undoubtedly involve resilience, passion and unwavering commitment to one’s goals.

Drawing from her own experiences and famous quotes, here’s what I think Amelia Earhart might say today to those embarking on their journey to success.

1. Embrace Your Passion

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself,” Earhart once said.

For you, this translates into finding and pursuing what genuinely excites you. Passion is the fuel that drives innovation and perseverance. Earhart’s love for flying was evident in every aspect of her life, from her early days at Purdue University to her daring, record-setting flights.

According to Pioneers of Flight, Earhart set records for speed and altitude. She was the first woman (and second person) to fly solo and nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart was the first person to cross the Atlantic twice by air, the first woman to fly solo and nonstop across the United States, the first person to fly solo from Honolulu, Hawaii, to the U.S. mainland and the first person to fly solo from Mexico City to Newark, New Jersey.

She would encourage leaders to identify their passions and let that enthusiasm guide their ventures.

2. Take Bold Risks

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity,” Earhart famously remarked.

Your career choices are inherently risky, but Earhart would remind us that the greatest achievements often come from taking bold steps. Her decision to fly solo across the Atlantic was fraught with danger, yet it was this very risk that cemented her legacy.

You must be willing to step out of your comfort zones, make tough decisions and embrace the uncertainties that come with innovation.

3. Persevere Through Challenges

Earhart’s life was a testament to perseverance. “You can do anything you decide to do,” she believed.

This mindset is crucial for us all as we face numerous obstacles on our path to success. Earhart’s journey was not without setbacks, but her determination never wavered. She would urge you to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to persist even when the odds seem insurmountable.

4. Value Independence and Self-Reliance

“I want to do it because I want to do it,” Earhart declared.

This fierce independence is a valuable trait for you. Earhart’s desire to desire to chart her own course and make her own decisions drove her pioneering spirit.

She would advise you to trust your instincts, to rely on your abilities and not be swayed by naysayers. Independence fosters creativity and innovation, essential qualities for any successful venture.

5. Build a Supportive Network

While Earhart valued independence, she also understood the importance of a supportive network. Her collaborations with mentors, sponsors and fellow aviators were instrumental in her success.

You should seek out mentors, advisors and peers who can provide guidance, support and encouragement. Building a strong network can help navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and provide valuable insights.

6. Stay True to Your Values

Earhart was not only a trailblazer in aviation but also a champion for women’s rights and equality. She believed in the power of setting an example and inspiring others.

You should stay true to your values and strive to make a positive impact through your ventures. Whether you want to promote sustainability, foster innovation or give back to the community, you should align your business practices with your core values.

That’s a path toward lasting success and fulfillment.

7. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

“Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others,” Earhart asserted.

Failure is an inevitable part of life’s journey. But you should embrace failure, not fear it. Earhart would encourage you to view failures as valuable learning experiences. Each setback provides insights that can lead to future success. Embracing failure with resilience and a positive attitude is key to long-term growth.

Want Your Career to Take Flight? Apply Earhart’s Leadership Lessons

Amelia Earhart’s legacy is a beacon of inspiration for leaders today.

Her passion, courage and unwavering determination serve as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible. If you follow Earhart’s seven tenets of leadership, you, too, can navigate your journey with the same spirit that propelled Earhart to the skies.

In her immortal words, “The most effective way to do it, is to just do it.”

So, take that leap, pursue your dreams and let your innovative spirit soar.

I hope this captures the essence of what Amelia Earhart might convey to today’s leaders. What do you think?

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