Profile: Amandine GICQUEL (MS MTA 2004)

1.Can you introduce yourself in a few words? What are the key words about you ? 

My name is Amandine, I am French and the mother of a 7-year-old boy.  I grew up in the world of aviation thanks to my parents who were air traffic controllers, my grandfather who was a teacher at ENAC and other family members who worked in the industry.

For the past 19 years, I have worked for IATA, including 15 years in Montreal.

I handle industry relations for Canada, a role combining advocacy efforts on behalf of our member airlines, commercial activities and the development of partnerships and coalitions. Today, I embrace my mid-forties with a smile and pride in having evolved throughout my career with the support of people who inspired me to move forward.  Also, I feel the need to help and give back, particularly to women and youth, and thus contribute to a solid future for our great industry.

2. What are the biggest challenges you have experienced during your overall career ?
The stars aligned perfectly after I graduated from ENAC.  At IATA, I had the chance to work in incredible teams, to benefit from the kindness and professionalism of excellent supervisors, to have very interesting and varied missions, to change offices, countries, departments…etc.

However, my biggest challenge for many years was public speaking.  I didn't enjoy the experience, it terrified me, and I was always very uncomfortable and stressed at every opportunity that presented itself.  Until the day I was somehow pushed to overcome my fear; I threw myself into the water, I went outside of my comfort zone, I took it upon myself to go further.

I challenged myself to represent IATA in front of an audience and learned to do even better on the next occasion... and all this was not so long ago!  I discovered a new self through this experience, I am proud to have been able to go beyond my apprehensions, and grateful for the many new opportunities provided to me.

3.    What are the characteristics to progressing as a woman in aeronautics ?

My mother having been in aviation, I grew up with this model of female success without realizing it!  And when I think of my mum, she is assertive, sociable, determined, passionate and dedicated in everything she does.  And I think all of these qualities contributed greatly to his career and benefited me entirely.

In my opinion, the basis of any success in our industry is above all a solid and reliable professional network that we nurture and maintain over time, and on which we can rely and call upon.

Then, I would say that it is essential to be supported by mentors, allies, and models who will help you grow alongside them, encourage you, guide you, and inspire you.

Finally, having self-confidence, being yourself and daring to assert yourself are for me essential assets to shine as a woman in aeronautics.

4.    How would you describe ambition as a Woman in this business ?

Be ambitious... It’s having a vision, a guideline, aspiration and will.

It’s knowing how to assume responsibility for your choices, taking risks, questioning yourself.

It’s about climbing the ladder with pride and using your talents wisely.

It's believing in yourself, remaining genuine while being strong, motivated and lucid.

It’s celebrating your successes, welcoming your failures, bouncing back, surpassing yourself and achieving your full potential.

5.    How would you say Enac Alumni networking has an impact in your career?

I was far from realizing the benefits that the ENAC Alumni network would bring me when I joined it following my studies. First of all, it was thanks to the network that I landed my first job at IATA. A former ENAC alumni, who was at IATA when I applied, kindly offered his help me in the process (Victor, if you read this message, I still owe you one!).

Then, the network supported me in my integration in Canada through the numerous gatherings made within the Quebec group at the time, including colleagues and friends!

For two years, I have had the pleasure of leading the ENAC Alumni Canada Chapter with my teammate Hélène.  We work together to promote ENAC at the local level, to strengthen and grow our community, to program activities for our group, and to create internship and career opportunities for students and ENAC alumni interested in Montreal, Quebec and Canada.

My membership in ENAC Alumni also gives me the opportunity to get involved at the level of the Board of Administration and the Secretariat, but also to support and offer more resources to our beautiful association which only deserves to develop further and provide even more of value to its members.

6. What one piece of advice would you give to any aspiring female business leaders reading this?

First of all, thank you for having taken the time to read this... 

What I'm going to say is a bit cliché in the context of aviation, but it's so true: "The sky is the limit!" »

Stay true to yourself, find inspiration, be inspirational to others.  Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will support you.

Listen to yourself, give yourself the time and space to grow at your own pace.  Be curious and learn to gain more knowledge and skills.

Strengthen your network of contacts, volunteer, get involved in causes that are close to your heart.

Smile at life, don't give up on your dreams, aim for the stars... because it's never too late to soar!