Pivots
Pivot 1 - Start where you are.
Man lost on country road.
English teacher to checkin agent - what's transferable?
Traditions
Midwestern vibe #1.
Sushi Friday, Happy Hours, JPMorgan race, Thanksgiving lunch, games at Christmas party.
Mom's Advice.
"Check your work." You only get 1 chance to make a first impression.
Customer Service Mentor.
Have a thick skin and remember, you have the power.
Be Yourself.
Wrote a poem for interview panel for airline check-in agent position.
Pivot 2 - It's an Emergency!
Volunteered to help Flt 1713 and changed trajectory of my career. On C-Span, helping to draft airline emergency response family assistance law. And, 9/11 at LHR.
Being Silly.
Nerf gun wars, at-home Olympic games, Decorations for Easter, World Cup, Family Fun Day.
Say "Yes" even when it's hard.
"Sweep the Concourse" - for Newark Terminal C inauguration.
Uh-oh....
Admit mistakes. Don't let boss find out from other sources.
Dad's Advice
Try it! What's the worst that can happen?
Pivot 3 - Can I become a Ramp Babe?
After 24 years, choice was a lay-off or train to become a Ramp Babe. Could I do it?
Make it personal.
Home-made birthday cakes for 12 years 2008-2020.
Cboe Song for Christmas Party.
Change your view to change the outcome.
Vermont country store. And, Margie's supervisor vacancy.
NY Times
Watch what you say and what you write. "Front page of the NY Times."
Power of Words
Pivot 4 - Hanging with the stars!
Eos Airlines - all Business class start-up. On first-name basis with Duchess of York, Kate Winslet, 50 Cent, Liam Neeson, Dustin Hoffman, James Taylor, etc.
Lunch together
Decorations, games, quiz, cultural info, goodies - find reasons to mix teams at lunch tables.
Speak Up!
Presentation to Continental CEO where I said "I don't think that's a good idea."
Have a hook.
Always leave a unique impression - something to be remembered for.
Don't wait to be asked. Jump up and offer. And, be the first to volunteer....for whatever!
Pivot 5 - Exchange airlines for an Exchange!
What do you think prepared me for this career?
During Covid
Ministry of Fun was invented. Photo contest, weekly game, drawing classes, online Happy Hour, Teambuilding channel.
One fork at a time.
Career will be wiggly. Make decisions as they come up. You never know what's going to happen next.
Be Nice.
To everyone. VPs and guy who runs the loading bay.
The last 18 months.
Received cancer diagnosis. What did I do? Flew to Rio de Janeiro, kissed boys, ate brownies.... What would you do with last 18 months of your life?