Meet Karina Gaynutdinova

 

We were lucky to catch up with Karina Gaynutdinova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing in a traditional Russian family that valued hard work and perseverance. Raised in a culture where women often faced limited opportunities, I was inspired by my mother’s unwavering determination to defy expectations and advocate for my education and independence. This instilled in me a drive to overcome obstacles and pursue my ambitions, even in male-dominated fields like aviation. As a commercial pilot and contract Corporate Flight Attendant, I have experienced firsthand the challenges and inequalities in the industry. Despite facing adversity, I remain steadfast in my goal to break barriers and create more opportunities for women in aviation.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a Russian immigrant who came to the US with only $300 in my pocket, leaving behind my family and friends. Despite not speaking any English, I had the belief that I would find success in the land of opportunity, compared to my native home. Currently, I work as a commercial pilot. Due to my experience and journey to becoming a pilot, many people, especially women, have approached me for guidance on how to become a pilot. I am about to launch a new product, a step-by-step guide on how both women and men can become pilots in the United States.

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?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey were learning the Aviation language early on in my training, understanding all aviation regulations and laws, and having access to a good aviation lawyer for any uncertainties. My advice for those starting their journey is to not hesitate to ask questions and not be discouraged if things don’t click right away. Persistence is key. If you aim to become a professional pilot, be prepared to make sacrifices. Forget about weekends off or spending holidays with your family and loved ones. While aviation is an amazing career, it is not suited for homebodies. Be prepared to be on the road for up to 24 days a month.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I like to take a break, breathe, spend time with my dog or my little niece, or help people with special needs. These activities help me appreciate the little moments in life and everything I have. I remind myself that it’s okay not to be okay and to slow down. I have also learned in Bali that if you want something badly, let it go, forget about it, and if it’s meant for you, it will come to you.

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Image Credits

Oxana Melis

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