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I
am pleased to feature several articles
that celebrate some positive
developments within the aviation
industry. Two articles are look at how
Continental Airlines, the world’s
sixth-largest carrier, is succeeding,
despite economic uncertainties, by
focusing on its customers and
maintaining global diversification. A
third aviation article contains a
one-on-one interview with Captain
Karl Minter, the newly appointed
President and CEO of the Organization
of Black Airline Pilots (OBAP).
I find it exciting
that both organizations are actively planting
seeds for the future, despite the present
turbulence within the aviation industry.
Professional
pilots have been hurt as struggling carriers
make deep cuts in operations and personnel.
Despite industry instability, OBAP continues to
find innovative ways to support the aspirations
of young men and women who desire careers as
professional pilots. Over the years, OBAP has
raised over $1 million to fund scholarships that
help defray the costs of education and
training. As support for such scholarships
decreases, at least monetarily among the major
carriers, OBAP has had to find other ways to
encourage youth. The organization has
established a mentoring program that allows
aspiring aviators to benefit from personal
contact with experienced pilots. These
mentoring relationships are helping to nurture
and sustain the dreams of many bright and
promising individuals.
The Bible defines
faith as the “substance of things hoped for and
the evidence of things unseen.” As a
visually-oriented person, I appreciate evidence
of things that are not only hoped for, but seen
and attainable. I am delighted to call
attention to Continental Airlines’ support of an
Upward Bound program that provides
students in the Houston area with the
opportunity to take free flights to visit
prospective colleges.
On occasion, each
of us needs to see how we can live life more
meaningfully and productively. While the
plausibility of a more meaningful life might
come to some young people after they take their
first flight in an aircraft, others find it by
visiting institutions of higher learning.
Things are a bit
more challenging for us adults. As many of us
mature in our careers, we wonder if we are
living according to our purpose. While the
answers are specific to each individual, many
people find their purpose by making a positive
difference in the lives of others.
I have a friend
who was discouraged by the seemingly slow pace
of progress in his career. One day,
unexpectedly, a client sent him a short and
simple thank you via email. That email helped
my friend to see the worth of his journey, and
it provided him with a much-needed boost to
carry on.
There are many
small businesses struggling to become viable and
sustainable. When companies like Continental
Airlines teams up with a local advocacy group to
provide mentoring to its members, the effects
can be amazingly positive - for both the mentor
and the mentee.
This month the
National Minority Supplier Development Council
(NMSDC) will host its annual conference
in Washington, DC. NMSDC is made up of major
corporations that have strong commitments to
supplier diversity and also minority owned
businesses that eager to demonstrate
excellence. NMSDC has been in the business of
seeding faith and fostering minority business
development for 32 years. I salute the
organization, its current and past officers, and
its members for expanding business opportunities
in America, and abroad.
Whether it’s
pilots reaching out to underserved youth, or an
airline that respects its customers’ language
and culture, or an organization that fosters
mutually beneficial relationships between
minority and majority businesses, each of these
is an example of seeding and exercising faith.
As you observe the
leaves turning to hues of gold and brown,
consider how nature is silently, but steadily
making provision for a future season of growth.
It’s a marvelous act of faith. May you find
seeds to sow in your own life and business.
Be blessed and
bless others.
Dan
Perkins |
