We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eliane Cotran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eliane below.
Eliane, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My journey in aviation has played a significant role in developing my resilience and self-esteem. Entering a male-dominated industry presented unique challenges, from having to prove my capabilities repeatedly to navigating environments where I was often the only woman in the room. Early on, I learned that staying confident in my abilities and embracing my authenticity were key to overcoming these hurdles.
I sought mentorship from leaders who believed in me, immersed myself in building strong technical and leadership skills, and made it a point to lift others as I grew. I learned to handle setbacks by seeing them as learning opportunities and developed a strong support network within the business aviation community. Through perseverance and a commitment to self-growth, I found my voice and learned to be proud of standing out. This resilience and self-assurance became a foundation I continue to build on, and it motivates me to inspire the next generation of fearless women in aviation.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a woman leader in the aviation industry, I’m deeply passionate about empowering others, particularly women who are navigating male-dominated fields. My work in business aviation goes beyond operational leadership; it’s about inspiring and uplifting the next generation. One of the aspects I cherish most is the chance to mentor emerging talent. I love taking on mentees and guiding them to find their strengths, develop their confidence, and ultimately become the best versions of themselves.
I’m also eager to share my experiences through guest speaking engagements, where I can motivate and encourage women to see the possibilities in their own journeys. I want to be a source of inspiration, demonstrating that it’s possible to break barriers and lead with both confidence and authenticity. It’s a privilege to use my platform to foster growth and empower others, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to contribute to our incredible community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience, adaptability and communication.
For anyone starting out, my advice is to be curious, stay proactive, and never underestimate the power of building a strong support network. Seek mentorship, continuously invest in your growth, and know that each step—whether it feels small or significant—can make a huge impact on your career
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was being my biggest motivators and unwavering cheerleaders. They consistently used positive words of encouragement, which played a huge role in building my confidence. Their belief in my abilities made me feel empowered to pursue my dreams and tackle challenges head-on.
Growing up, they were quite strict, and as a teenager, that structure felt tough. But now, I’m forever grateful for the discipline and guidance they provided. It was their way of showing how deeply they cared, instilling in me a strong work ethic and the understanding that nothing is impossible with determination and effort. Their support laid the foundation for the resilience and confidence I carry with me today.
Image Credits
Caitie Gallet
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