We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordan Scales. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordan below.
Jordan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It may be cliché to say, but when I think about it, my purpose found me.
I was fortunate to discover my passion early. Maybe not as early as some, but by the time I went to college, I knew the industry that I wanted to work in – aviation. It took some stumbling and a few rewarding internships, but by the time I graduated college, I had my 5-year plan already mapped out. (Plot twist, things did not go according to plan.)
I found success early in my career by marrying my passion for aviation with my aptitude for networking and providing solutions. Unbeknownst to me, my purpose was driving me all along. I love to help people, whether through delivering a product, service, or a relationship. I’ve grown to understand that this is my purpose: helping people however I can.
Similar to many throughout the pandemic, unemployment came knocking on my door. However, losing my dream job became the catalyst for discovering what I’m most known for today. While unemployed, a mentor challenged me to think about what brought me the most joy throughout my career. What kept resonating were the times I spent on college campuses educating students on careers in my industry – private aviation. During this time, I also considered all the barriers to entry that existed to enter my industry and how we could lower these walls. Combine this with an ever-growing need for younger professionals in my industry, and I had more than enough reason to wake up every day motivated to fix this problem.
I had experience working with universities to champion this issue, but I realized that I couldn’t topple this behemoth alone. I used my social media platforms to bring light to these issues while connecting with like-minded individuals along the way.
I’d soon find myself speaking at national conferences, obtaining chair and board positions, all the while sharing my passion for aviation student advocacy with anyone who would listen. My goal was to become infectious; some would say I did a pretty good job at it.
By finding my purpose, I’ve been able to affect dozens of students and young professionals, helping them grow closer to achieving their dreams through job placement, scholarships, and overall career development. I’ve also created blueprints for my industry on better ways to attract and retain younger talent.
I want to make it explicitly clear that I did not do this on my own. Without the support of mentors, colleagues, and friends alike, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this. If I could share any piece of advice with the person reading this, it would be to overcommunicate your passion. Through this, you can build a network not only for support but also for accountability. These individuals were essential in helping me find my purpose and motivating me to keep moving forward.
There is still so much work left to be done and so many more lives left to be touched, but we’re making great strides in the right direction.
Stay tuned for what’s to come.
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?
I’m an Aircraft Manager for a private jet management company, Clay Lacy Aviation.
Through my job, I consult with aircraft owners on how to most efficiently structure their operation and progress through their ownership experience.
I’m also responsible for business development initiatives, educating prospective clients on the value we can bring to their operation through streamlining processes and creating cost-savings opportunities.
When not working my day job, I also serve as the Co-Vice Chairman of the National Business Aviation Association’s Young Professional Council. My council pursues several initiatives focused on future workforce development, government advocacy, and career growth and development.
Most recently, I was appointed to Atlanta’s-own Aviation Career Enrichment program. A non-profit that introduces grade school students to aviation, preparing them to obtain their professional pilot’s license.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My three most important traits are pretty intertwined.
First of which is the ability to be Adaptable. It’s critical to practice this in every aspect of your life. When facing adversity, being malleable will be your best weapon in conquering any challenge. Life rarely goes as you plan, so being able to roll with the punches will prevent you from ending up in a precarious position. Adapting to new surroundings and settings (places and faces) is essential. Regardless of your profession, the ability to relate to people from unfamiliar backgrounds as your own is paramount. This empathy is what forms human connection and brings societies together. This is spurred by being adaptive to new physical settings. We all love the familiar, but when you get outside your comfort zone, you learn new things about yourself and your new environment. This expansion of perspective makes you a more relatable and understanding person.
The willingness to help others is my second most important trait. Adopting a we-over-me mentality will pay dividends in fostering strong relationships. The quickest way to make friends or build trust is to take a vested interest in others. These connections are strengthened when you selflessly offer your resources to help others in their endeavors; people value you when they notice you making sacrifices on their behalf. And honestly, bad things rarely happen when you’re trying to help others, so if you can, try.
Lastly, developing an eagerness to learn will improve every aspect of your life. There’s a famous quote, “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” Boredom will quickly creep into your life if you’re not continuously trying to expand yourself. Once this boredom seeps in, it’s hard to reestablish the purpose and drive necessary to be productive. We should all try to practice the Japanese idea of “Kaizen,” becoming 1% better every day through continual, incremental improvements.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
What I’ve been most proud of over the past year is my emphasis on practicing Mindfulness. I’ve always heard of the benefits of meditating but thought my brain was too restless for it. As with any new activity, practice makes you stronger, and now it’s my favorite activity in my morning routine. Allowing yourself time to be still and present remarkably affects your disposition. So much of your mood can be changed through intentional thinking and breathwork. Situations that used to ruin my day now roll off my shoulders with ease. Journaling and “forest bathing” (spending time in nature) have also brought me more peace. What’s great is that they can be done in conjunction. One of my daily affirmations comes from my favorite book, “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino: “Today, I will be the master of my emotions.” I write this to myself daily as a reminder that no one else can affect my mood unless I give them the power to do so. Never give someone this authority over your life – it’s YOUR life.
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