We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karina Gaynutdinova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karina below.
Karina, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
I channeled my energy and determination towards pursuing my ultimate aspiration of becoming a pilot.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Arriving in this country in 2005 with only $300 in my pocket and knowing just one person, I faced the daunting challenge of starting a new life. Despite not speaking any English, I held onto the belief that I would find better opportunities here in the United States compared to Russia. Leaving behind my loving family, friends, and comfortable lifestyle, I embarked on a new adventure to pursue my aviation goals in a better country. I have had many ups and downs on my aviation journey, but I am dedicated to making my dreams a reality.
Over the 18 years in the USA, I became an American citizen. Currently, I work as a Professional Air Medical Pilot .
In addition to my passion for aviation, I am deeply invested in volunteering with organizations such as Special Olympics, Women in Corporate Aviation, Women in Aviation International, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Ninety-Nines Organization, and Angel Flight West. These groups have provided me with a significant support network of mentors. I owe a significant part of my journey to the selfless people in aviation who have helped me thus far, and I am committed to paying it forward.
Some of the ways I have already started to pay it forward include my involvement with Women in Corporate Aviation and volunteering in their booth at numerous aviation events. While at these events, I have had the opportunity to mentor young women who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation by sharing my experiences and providing guidance to help them navigate the challenges they may face. Additionally, I have also volunteered with Angel Flight West, which allows me to combine my passion for aviation with my desire to help others, and I hope to continue to provide that support for our industry.
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?
Focus, network and never ever give up
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Discovering that my fiancé was unfaithful was a painful revelation. However, I have chosen to forgive myself for not recognizing the warning signs and instead redirect my attention towards personal growth and achieving my goals to become a professional pilot.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Pilot.Karina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karina.gaynutdinova?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-gaynutdinova-a39a9159
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@karinagnova9491
Image Credits
Oxana Melis
