ISTAT Executive Leadership Program

Celebrating ISTAT's First Cohort

Congratulations to the first cohort of the ISTAT Executive Leadership Program! Twenty exceptional women came together for a six-month leadership journey that ran from January-July 2025. A special thanks also to the twenty industry professionals who supported this cohort through one-on-one mentorship. The impact of these forty individuals coming together to grow and support one another was truly remarkable.

ISTAT was pleased to offer the ISTAT Executive Leadership Program (ELP) in 2025. The success of the program has confirmed the ISTAT community’s interest in additional leadership programming. While an ELP course will not be offered in 2026, ISTAT is planning additional educational initiatives that members will find valuable. We look forward to exploring additional ELP courses beyond 2026 and will continue to communicate with the ISTAT community as programs are announced. 

About the 2025 Program

ISTAT is pleased to offer a unique, tailored program initially focused on women in the commercial aviation industry. By leveraging a multifaceted approach which includes coaching, mentoring, learning and leadership development, the program equips women with the knowledge, confidence and connections they need to elevate their careers to the next level. Intended for mid-career women with 10-15+ years of experience, this program is a unique opportunity for high-potential professionals.

Unique to this ISTAT offering, participants will be matched with a senior ISTAT member as a mentor. Mentors will meet face-to-face with participants during two collaborative, in-person events and connect monthly to provide ongoing support throughout the program.

Program Goals

Participants will:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of one’s superpowers and areas of growth to be future C-suite leaders, enhancing awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Create tailored, operationalized development goals, ensuring measurable results, both individually and within groups
  • Build practical skills, confidence and behaviors essential to navigate the aviation industry as women leaders
  • Establish a lasting network of relationships across the industry that will endure beyond the program’s completion

Mentors

ISTAT will select the highest caliber men and women in the aviation industry to serve as mentors in this program. These individuals will be selected due to their wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry. Interactions and engagements with mentors will be one of the key differentiators of this program. Participants will also benefit from exposure to the broader community of professionals within the commercial aviation industry. 

Time Commitment

This six-month program includes:

  • Two in-person cohort seminars
  • Three 90-minute individualized coaching sessions 
  • Four group coaching sessions 
  • Four organized connections with mentors (scheduled by mentor/mentee)
  • Capstone project

FAQS