How do you show up in an uncertain world? Show up for yourself. This episode about preparation, presence, and presentation.  As our lives are unpredictable, we see over and over how showing up moves us closer to our dreams and breaks the girdle of paralysis. This week, Sylvia talks to Vanessa Blakeley, a certified pilot by 17 and one who was enthralled by flying from an early age. However, during her junior year of college, a family tragedy changed the trajectory of her life and career, and Vanessa diverted. Don't worry, this is not a sob story.  We go deep navigating discipline, exploration, courage, and discomfort. The importance of personal values in adhering to your goals. Motherhood. And why your reaction to setbacks defines you. Roughly a decade later, Vanessa rekindled her love for flying while teaching English in Spain. At that moment she decided to commit herself to a life in aviation. Her decision has taken her on the journey of a lifetime! In this episode, Vanessa and Sylvia discuss following your passion, trusting the process, pivoting, inclusivity in aviation, flying cars, the importance of preparation, motherhood, and much more. Topics Include: - Seizing the moment - Rekindling childhood dreams - Why showing up is half the battle - Flying cars and flight testing at Terrafugia - AI and robotics in aviation - Inclusivity in aviation - Motherhood - Female leadership - Grit, perseverance, and the art of the pivot - And other topics… ​​Vanessa Blakeley is the Director of Operations at Ascent AeroSystems and Advisor of Operations and Sustainability at Transcend Air Corporation. Vanessa was a finalist for Women and Drone’s 2021 Women to Watch Global Awards. In 2013, Vanessa co-founded Pure Hearts Boston, a foundation that benefits pediatric cardiology research at Boston Children's Hospital.  Vanessa volunteers as a UPOP Industry Advisor at MIT.  She also has donated time to a number of sustainability initiatives around Boston and the world.  Vanessa soloed a Cessna 152 at age 16 and became a certified pilot by age 17.  She received her B.A. of American History and a Masters’ Degree in Executive Leadership and Administration from Boston College. Resources Mentioned: Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu: http://tiffanydufu.com/drop-the-ball Terrafugia: https://terrafugia.com/ EAA AirVenture Oshkosh:  https://www.eaa.org/airventure TRANSCEND AIR: https://transcend.aero/index.php Ascent AeroSystems: https://ascentaerosystems.com/ Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessablakeley/  Stay Connected: Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights. Website: https://www.whenwomenfly.com/ Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest: @whenwomenfly Write to us at: [email protected]