The shift that’s elevating women and workplaces in aviation

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Connico’s latest podcast episode features Linell Olecki, VP and Northeast Aviation Market Sector Lead at AECOM, and Connico President Sri Kumar in a candid conversation on ambition, advocacy, and workplace culture. Linell shares how saying “yes” to opportunities (even before feeling ready) shaped her career – and reveals the secret power of saying “no”! Plus, they talk about how leaders can make aviation more inclusive for the next generation.

Listen for yourself and catch the highlights below!

The catch-22 of ambition

Ambition can be a double-edged sword for women at work. Saying yes can open doors, but it can also lead to burnout, especially when women are expected to take on extra tasks without recognition. Linell tells a personal story about taking on a leadership role before she felt ready. That opportunity ended up changing her career. 

“When I was first approached about working in aviation real estate, I had no idea what that even meant. But someone thought I could do it, so I said yes. That one ‘yes’ led to every other opportunity I’ve had,” Linell shares. 

She’s also learned the power of saying no, for herself and to ensure others get the same opportunities she was given.

“Saying no isn’t always about turning something down. It’s about making room for others to step up,” Linell explains. “If I always take on the extra work, I’m not making space for the next person to grow.”

Building a bigger table

Women in aviation often lack visibility in leadership, but Linell argues that progress isn’t just about bringing more women into the room – it’s about ensuring they’re recognized for what they bring to the table. 

“We need to be intentional about advocating for people. The more someone’s name comes up in leadership conversations, the more opportunities they get,” Linell says. “I know people have done that for me, and I do the same for others now.”

Sri points out that leaders have a responsibility to build inclusive workplaces by hiring diverse talent and fostering an environment where they can succeed.

“It’s not enough to hire a diverse team and say, ‘We did it.’ What happens next? How do we make sure those people feel supported and actually have a future in the company?,” Sri questions. 

Opportunity for all

Linell recently founded and led a Women in Aviation breakfast at the ACC Annual Conference, where she facilitated honest, personal conversations about the challenges women face in the field. These conversations, she says, are just as important as the work itself. 

“People thrive when they’re in environments where they feel valued. That’s why mentorship, advocacy, and culture matter so much – it’s what keeps people here,” she says. 

Celebrating women, setting them up to soar

This Women’s History Month, Connico is reflecting on what it really takes to advance women in aviation and beyond. As a woman-founded company, Connico ensures all employees, especially women, are seen, supported, and set up for success.

Linell and Sri prove that saying yes to opportunities, advocating for others, and prioritizing workplace culture can make a difference.

Listen to the full episode now to hear Linell’s story and how leaders like her are shaping the future of the industry. Take it from Sri, you’ll want to listen to this one multiple times to catch all her insights!