Meet Victor Eduardo Garrido Solis

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victor Eduardo Garrido Solis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Victor Eduardo, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Even though I’m the only one in my friend group who’s in aviation, I’ve found a lot of value in staying open to learning from everyone around me—regardless of their background or profession. People have so much to share, and I believe there’s always something to learn if you’re willing to listen. That openness has helped me grow and find success, even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me or shares my experience.

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

I’m currently working as an airline captain for a regional airline based in San Francisco, CA. In addition to flying passengers across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, I also hold a flight instructor certificate, which allows me to teach others how to fly—something I find incredibly rewarding.

What I love most about being a pilot is the variety and impact of the job. One day you might be teaching a student pilot during their first flight, and the next you’re flying passengers across the country or even operating a medevac flight that saves lives. I think being an airline pilot is something many kids dream about, so being able to live that dream every day feels really special.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work for different employers, but my current role is by far the most fun. We operate flights on behalf of four different major airlines, so I get to experience the culture, procedures, and differences of each one. It keeps things interesting and gives me a broader view of the aviation 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?

Looking back, there are three qualities that have had a huge impact on my journey:

1. Learning English – I was born and raised in Chile, a Spanish-speaking country, so learning English from a young age was a game changer for me. It opened up opportunities and made it possible for me to study and work in aviation internationally. For anyone pursuing a career in this field, especially in the U.S., mastering English is a key skill that can really set you apart.

2. Positivity – I’m naturally a very positive person, and that mindset has helped me overcome a lot of challenges. Aviation isn’t an easy path—finding your first job after flight school can be tough—but staying optimistic and focused makes a big difference. A good attitude attracts good opportunities.

3. Resilience – Becoming a pilot takes a lot of hard work and perseverance. The training can be intense, with so many new concepts and responsibilities to learn. And once you’re flying professionally, there are still daily challenges. But resilience has helped me push through those tough moments and come out stronger.

My advice for anyone just starting out is this: focus on learning every day, keep a positive attitude no matter how hard things get, and remember that resilience is what keeps you moving forward when things don’t go as planned. Stick with it—it’s all worth it in the end.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that’s had a big impact on me is Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. It’s not just about networking—it’s about the importance of building genuine friendships. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the idea that true connection comes from being thoughtful and intentional. Something as simple as sending a message to a friend when you’re in their city—even if you don’t have time to meet—shows you care and helps keep the relationship strong.

The book really reinforced for me that friendships go a long way. It’s not just about what someone can do for you professionally, but how you show up for others as a person. That kind of mindset has shaped how I connect with people in both my personal and professional life.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vgarridos/