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Everyday Better with Leah Smart

Second Acts: How Captain Carole Hopson Found Her ‘One True Thing’

Nov 12, 2024
Carole Hopson, a United Airlines Boeing 737 captain and author of ‘A Pair of Wings,’ shares her inspiring transition from a corporate career to aviation. She reflects on overcoming challenges and emphasizes the importance of pursuing your dreams. Carole balances her roles as a pilot and a parent, showcasing how motherhood can enhance career excellence. She passionately discusses Bessie Coleman’s legacy and her ambitious goal to fund flight school for 100 Black women by 2035, encouraging others to embrace their unique paths.
47:01

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Carole Hopson's journey from corporate success to becoming a Boeing 737 captain demonstrates the importance of courage and determination in pursuing one's lifelong passions.
  • Her novel about Bessie Coleman highlights the obstacles faced by women of color in aviation, serving as an inspiration for future generations to defy societal limitations.

Deep dives

Carol Hobson's Inspiring Career Pivot

Carol Hobson transitioned from a successful corporate career to become a United Airlines captain, illustrating the power of pursuing one's passion. Despite holding high-paying positions in HR and learning and development for major brands, she felt a persistent calling to fly. At 30, after a soul-searching conversation with her husband, she voiced her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, marking a pivotal moment in her life. This leap into aviation required not just courage but also a planned exit strategy, taking her six years of hard work and determination to finally take flight.

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