When To Pivot In Business (ft. Ava Williams) S1|E17

In this episode of She Built Success, your bold moves bestie Claudia talks with Ava Williams, a solution consultant and DEI strategist, about navigating the complexities of pivoting in business, overcoming fear, and the importance of perseverance.

Ava shares with us her unique journey from aspiring flight attendant to Air Force engineer, pilot, and ultimately a thriving DEI consultant. Their conversation also delves into how Ava overcame a near-death experience that left her paralyzed with fear, reignited her passion for flying, and eventually found her true calling in DEI strategy.

You’ll discover grit as Ava's story is truly a testament to resilience and the power of pivoting when life demands it. Join Claudia and Ava as they explore how to face fear head-on and pivot successfully in business and life. Tune in.

KEY POINTS:
- A glimpse through Ava’s life journey
- How a rafting accident left Ava paralyzed with fear and how she overcame it
- The pivotal moment Ava decided to become a pilot
- Ava's role in co-founding the @blackgirlsflyinc for young women to pursue aviation
- On pivoting into business and founding a successful DEI consultancy
- Some strategies Ava uses to deal with the ‘ímposter syndrome’
- How Ava's company integrates DEI into organizational culture and operations
- The importance of setting boundaries and taking time for personal wellbeing

QUOTES:
"Growing up, I didn't know women could be pilots…It wasn't until I worked for the Air Force and met pilots who encouraged me that I took my discovery flight and was hooked." – Ava Williams

"My biggest challenge, over the years, has been the imposter syndrome — that I could build this company that I would want to work for… In business, like entrepreneurship, it's going to test you in your weak areas." – Ava Williams

RESOURCES
Ava Williams

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