AINsight: Staying Connected Is Part of the Job | Aviation International News

AINsight: Staying Connected Is Part of the Job

Making and maintaining industry connections is essential

SDC attendees pack education session in Fort Worth — Education sessions are always a large draw at NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, and this year's event offered a slate of 32 sessions led by industry professionals on subjects including emissions and sustainability, legal issues, emergency response planning, customs and border protection compliance, selecting ground handling providers, and getting the most out of your fuel purchasing dollar. © Curt Epstein/AIN

By Sheryl Barden • AIN Contributor

January 16, 2026

If you’re not thinking about your long-term career, you’re not behind. Most of us in business aviation are focused on the work in front of us. When things are running smoothly, and we’re happy on the job, there’s little reason to think beyond today.

What experience has shown me, however, is that career moments rarely announce themselves in advance. They arrive quietly, through a leadership change, the sale of an aircraft, or a reorganization you didn’t see coming.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Sheryl Barden

AIN Contributor

About the author

Sheryl Barden, CAM, is CEO of Aviation Personnel International, the longest-running recruiting and HR consulting firm dedicated to business aviation. A recognized thought leader on workforce and leadership issues, she is an NBAA CAM Fellow, past member of NBAA’s board of directors and advisory council, and recipient of NBAA’s John P. “Jack” Doswell Award for lifetime achievement and service to business aviation.

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