In this final episode of the Leadership Insights I Wish I Had Known at the Start series, Julia speaks with Saki Chen who is a lawyer, pilot, and the first woman from China to fly around the world in a small single-engine plane.

Saki reflects on what she learned about leading while navigating a complex and high-risk expedition with a small, intimate crew, many of whom were older and more experienced than her. She speaks about the importance of being bold enough to dream big, even when the odds (and the funding) aren’t in your favor and how that boldness can inspire others to believe in your vision, too.

She also shares how she handled self-doubt, the power of clarity when leading more experienced people, the need to own your mistakes, and why it’s vital to stay focused on what success really means.

Listen to this episode to hear how leading doesn’t always come with a title sometimes, it’s about taking responsibility, earning trust, and finding your way through, even when you’re not entirely sure you can.

About the Guest:

Saki Chen is an attorney licensed to practice in both New York and China, and a certified FAA private pilot with ratings for fixed wing land and sea, instrument flying, high performance, and complex aircraft. She serves as the China Governor for The Ninety-Nines, Inc., the international organisation of women pilots. In 2016, Saki flew around the world in a small single-engine aircraft, an extraordinary journey that combined precision, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit.