Purpose-Driven Leadership: Lynda Coffman on DEI, Workforce, and the Future of Aviation
Shaesta Waiz speaks with Women in Aviation CEO Lynda Coffman about tackling the DEI rollback, strengthening the workforce pipeline, and leading with purpose-driven action.
AVIATE with Shaesta · Shaesta Waiz, Michael Wildes
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Show Notes
In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Lynda Coffman—CEO of Women in Aviation International, former United Airlines executive, and Northwestern adjunct professor— about sustaining a qualified aviation workforce while navigating the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Lynda shares her journey from being the first female engineer in United’s powerplant group to leading airport operations across 63 stations and founding United Ground Express. She reflects on how DEI has been misunderstood, why access is not about lowering standards, and how systemic, purpose-driven action strengthens aviation’s safety and growth.
They discuss why shrinking the pipeline hurts everyone, how leaders can challenge unconscious bias in real time, and why support networks and “personal boards of directors” are essential for women entering aviation today. Lynda closes with advice to stay rooted in passion, build strong communities, and never let others decide what you are capable of.
Chapter Breakdown
00:00 | Why Workforce Strength Depends on Access
01:49 | Why This Season: DEI Rollback in Aviation
06:18 | Lynda’s Early Career at United Airlines
10:26 | From Engineering to Executive Leadership
14:29 | DEI as Access, Not Lowered Standards
17:06 | Purpose-Driven Action in Corporate Strategy
20:49 | Building Diverse Candidate Slates
23:32 | Leadership, Culture, and Challenging Bias
28:37 | Responding to “Lowering Standards” Narrative
31:34 | Pilot Shortages, Economics, and Safety Risks
35:11 | Advice for Young Women in Aviation
38:09 | Building Sisterhood and Support Networks
39:47 | Leading with Passion for Industry and Members
Follow Lynda Coffman
Website: Women in Aviation International
LinkedIn: Lynda Coffman
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Website: shaestawaiz.com
LinkedIn: Shaesta Waiz
Instagram: @shaesta.waiz
TikTok: @shaestawaiz
Shaesta Waiz on YouTubeYouTube (Aviate Platform)
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