Insights on Leadership and Culture in Aviation Logistics

Interview with Juliet Thomson

Juliet Thomson serves as the Chief People Officer at Menzies Aviation, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global people and communications strategy. With extensive experience spanning over a decade at Menzies, she took on her current role during the tumultuous beginning of the pandemic and currently oversees the workplace culture and employee engagement efforts for a global team exceeding 50,000. This number is set to rise to 65,000 due to the recent acquisition of a notable US-based company.

The Shift in the Aviation Sector

A significant change in the aviation industry is evident, particularly when it comes to the challenges of recruiting and retaining frontline employees. Juliet noted that this has been a major hurdle, one that the industry must address seriously to safeguard its future. Stepping into her role in HR at the peak of the pandemic presented tough decisions that were vital for business continuity. She highlights that while attracting talent has improved recently, it remains a complex and ongoing challenge.

In response, Menzies Aviation has initiated detailed strategies aimed at tackling these issues, such as enhancing representation of underrepresented groups within the industry, which she believes is a vital focus for the sector as a whole.

Favorite Travel Preferences

Window or aisle seat? Aisle seat is preferable to avoid disturbing fellow travelers.
Tea or coffee? Tea is the drink of choice, particularly herbal varieties; coffee hasn’t made the cut yet!

Guilty Pleasures and Travel Experiences

For downtime, Juliet enjoys indulging in television escapism, notably the series Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Perhaps it offers a refreshing break from her rigorous role in aviation.

The breadth of her work allows her to explore captivating destinations worldwide. Recently, she visited operations in Guadalajara and Cancún, Mexico. For her, these locales are less about the places themselves and more about the incredible people she meets, their stories, and their pride in contributing to the aviation industry.

Work-Life Balance Advice

Juliet shares a treasured piece of advice, “Be where you are.” This resonated deeply with her amidst a global, 24/7 operational landscape and the demands of parenting. She emphasizes the importance of being present, whether at work or home, which aids in forging meaningful connections and addressing pivotal responsibilities effectively.

Credibility Beyond the Resume

Interestingly, before her tenure at Menzies, Juliet practiced as an employment lawyer. Transitioning into various legal and compliance roles within the company has provided her with a nuanced understanding of both sides of the operational fence. The shift from a legal perspective to a hands-on business role has been rewarding, coupled with the joy of leaving behind the constraints of billable hours.

Заключні думки

The aviation industry is undergoing pivotal changes, particularly in how companies navigate employee engagement and recruitment challenges. Juliet Thomson’s insights shed light on the strategic shift that organizations like Menzies Aviation are making to adapt to a post-pandemic landscape. This adaptability not only emphasizes the cultural aspect of aviation logistics but also highlights the importance of employee representation and engagement in securing the industry’s future.

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