Stella Koukouzellis - Head of Workforce Management

My career progression has been supported by a combination of factors, including my years of experience in a fast-paced airline operation and the support of a manager, who believed in my capabilities and gave me the freedom to create space and make the decisions to develop myself in a professional capacity. Throughout my years of experience in the airline industry, I had the opportunity to work in various roles, including customer service, operations, and management. This allowed me to gain a holistic view on workforce planning and management, as I was able to see first-hand how different departments and functions work together to achieve business objectives. Additionally, having a manager who believed in my experience and capabilities was crucial in my career progression. He gave me the autonomy to lead projects and make decisions that challenged me to develop my skills and take on more responsibility.

As a woman in a primarily male-dominated operational industry, having 50% of the Executive Leadership Team made up of females has been a valuable source of support for me. The presence of female executives has allowed my male colleagues to take my senior position and experience seriously, which has been crucial in making operational decisions that are necessary for the success of the business.

Throughout my career, I have faced barriers when progressing into senior positions due to working in male-dominated industries. In some of my previous companies, I witnessed how positions were determined by a woman's appearance, the way she dressed, or the attention that she gave managers. This was a difficult and frustrating experience for me, as I did not want to change my values or who I am to climb the corporate ladder. As a result of not playing these games, I was bypassed for positions that I was fully qualified for. However, I learned that the right company and right manager will measure your abilities and experience instead of your dress code. Therefore, my advice to other women facing similar barriers is to seek out companies and managers who prioritise diversity, inclusion, and merit-based promotions. It is important to find a workplace culture that aligns with your values and supports your professional development, and where you can be recognised and rewarded for your contributions based on your skills and experience.

In my opinion, a good leader is someone who allows their team the freedom to make decisions without micromanaging them. They should provide guidance instead of just instructions, allowing their team members to learn and grow from their experiences. Additionally, a good leader should have an open-door policy, welcoming feedback, and suggestions from their team members without penalising them. They should be supportive of their team's professional development and help them to navigate any challenges they may face in their career. A great leader should also be someone who supports their team members to the wider business, helping them to understand their role in achieving the organisation's goals and objectives. They should be transparent and honest, communicating openly and frequently with their team members.

Balancing work and life responsibilities has been a challenge for me but working remotely has helped me to find a better balance. In the past, I struggled with prioritising work over my family, but I have since learned the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Working remotely has given me the flexibility to be present in my kids' school life and attend their activities without sacrificing my work commitments. It allows me to manage my work schedule more effectively, and I can plan my day around family responsibilities if needed. However, finding the right balance was not easy, and it took some time and effort to achieve. I had to set clear boundaries between work and personal life and prioritise my time effectively. I also had to learn to say no to work commitments that interfered with my family responsibilities.

One of my career highlights was setting up a low-cost airline's rostering and scheduling department in South Africa, which is still running successfully today. I developed a new process for the department and implemented a fatigue management system, which significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced costs. It was satisfying to see the process that I created being used to achieve continued success, and it was an excellent opportunity to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the organisation.

My inspiration is my 12-year-old son. Despite the challenges that come with being a child of divorced parents, he remains optimistic and unwavering in his morals. He challenges himself to learn new things and his ability to embrace his uniqueness and own his individuality is something that I admire greatly. Watching him navigate through challenges and remain positive and true to himself is a constant reminder that no matter what challenges come my way, I can remain strong, focused, and authentic. I'm grateful to have him in my life and for the lessons he teaches me every day.

My advice to the next generation of female leaders would be to believe in yourself and your abilities, even in the face of adversity. Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams, even if they seem challenging or unattainable. It's essential to seek out mentors and surround yourself with people who can support you and provide guidance. Remember that you can be both successful in your career and as a mother or caregiver. Find a work-life balance that works for you and your family - and don't be afraid to ask for support when you need it. Lastly, never forget that your unique perspective and experiences are valuable and can contribute to making a positive impact in the world.