Airport Experience® News - Leadership Issue 2024

ERICA DAKEN, commercial transportation administration insurance specialist at Denver International Airport (DEN) From the moment I first spoke with Andrea Albo, I had this gut feeling that an exciting journey was about to begin. I jumped into the mentorship program in March of 2024, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. Our meetings have been packed with fun, growth, and engaging lessons. We’d dive into practice sessions for mock interviews and presentations, but we always made time to get to know each other, realizing how similar our backgrounds are. It brought me so much joy to be paired with someone I could truly relate to. Andrea opened new doors for me by expanding my network and introducing me to people I wouldn’t have approached otherwise. She encouraged me to take a personality test, which revealed strengths I didn’t even know I had. Mock presentations became a chance to unleash my creative side and share bold ideas. Andrea inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and join mini meetups with senior leaders and their teams. It was a little nerve-wracking, but totally worth it! I also discovered a community I didn’t know existed when I attended a Latinas First Foundation event. There, I saw that opportunities extend far beyond the City of Denver. Through it all, our chats have been filled with stories, laughter, and moments when we’d say, “Hey, me too!” These shared experiences made this mentorship not just valuable, but unforgettable. Being under her wing has shaped my own, helping me take flight and reveal who I truly am.

LIONEL BECKLES, Airside Operations Division Director, Miami International Airport (MIA) I have been on both sides of the mentor-mentee coin, and both are rewarding. What you gain from each is very different but equally powerful in your personal growth. I believe the relationship should form organically. I’ve had people directly ask me to be their mentor and I’ve had others naturally come to me for guidance and direction. The latter has always been the most successful and gratifying. A naturally flowing and growing relationship tends to last longer, and trust and commitment are never forced. Being a mentor has been extremely rewarding. I have seen the career growth of someone who I know is deserving. In some cases, it has forced me to grow as well. For example, when someone I have invested in comes to me with an inquiry, I want to ensure I am giving them the best information possible. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing two young men who I fought for in rooms behind closed doors grow into department vice presidents. On the flip side of the coin, I’ve had more than one mentor at any given time. My mentors have been CEOs of organizations I’ve worked for or senior-level colleagues who I saw were experts in areas I needed help in to grow. I have mentors whom I could reach out to for guidance on international business, long-term career planning, and personal development as a leader of people. All have been instrumental in my growth as a professional and as a person. Mentorship and development flow in both directions and are vital.

BOB HELMAN, COO, Aero Service Group Ask lots of questions. Volunteer for every project. Learn as much as you can.

Three phrases I use often when people ask me about my career journey. I have been lucky to have been mentored by a wide variety of professionals along the way. From my first manager, Don Szabo, at just 17, I have been encouraged to take initiative and taught that fear of failure is OK. Every challenge leads to professional growth. Today, as COO at Aero Service Group, I am more removed from daily operations but embrace opportunities to support the next generation. Meaningful connections can happen in everyday conversations. A quick lunch, cup of coffee or walk to the car can be just as significant as a long term formal relationship. I also try to coach my team to recognize that mentoring doesn’t have to be a formal process, nor does it have to be a singular activity. You can be a mentor (or find your mentor) without even trying. Any moment can lead to sharing advice, wisdom and discovering mutual benefits. Being a good mentor means active listening, a desire to understand and mutual respect. I am always happy to hear from the people from my past. Sometimes it comes from an unexpected conversation, or a trivial matter. I am humbled by those that remember a comment or piece of advice that they still remember. I have a great fondness for those who have asked a lot of questions, volunteered for projects and kept learning.

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AX NEWS DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025