I qualified as an instrument rated pilot after 9 months of intensive training. Experiencing the freedom of flying was something I’d always wanted to do, and it was a pivotal moment for me – one that I’m now able to share with family and friends.

Not only does aviation open up the world, but it puts everything into perspective. An aerial view continually reminds you what a small part of the world you really are, how lucky you are to be in it, and that you can choose the impact you have on it.

Not only does aviation open up the world, but it puts everything into perspective. An aerial view continually reminds you what a small part of the world you really are, how lucky you are to be in it, and that you can choose the impact you have on it.

It also got me thinking about the link between aviation and entrepreneurship. Do pilots and successful business leaders have characteristics in common?

In an academic study, it was found that CEOs who are pilots are associated with significantly better innovation outcomes. After ruling out other outcomes, the study concluded that CEOs who are pilots are sensation seekers. They combine risk taking with a desire to pursue novel experiences, associated with creativity. The study cites evidence that highlights sensation seeking as a valuable personality trait that can be used to identify CEOs who are likely to drive innovation success.

In an academic study, it was found that CEOs who are pilots are associated with significantly better innovation outcomes.

I’ve spoken a lot about how entrepreneurs are driven by purpose. They tap into the creativity of the human spirit to pursue a longer-term purpose, vision and desire to change something in the world, whether it’s big or small. It’s no surprise that many successful CEOs and entrepreneurs are pilots, because pilots tend to have the same drive.

I also think it’s about curiosity. Flying is something human beings shouldn’t be able to do. But, thanks to the Wright brothers, we can. Aspiring to something that’s seemingly impossible (like humans flying) is for me, reflective of the entrepreneurial spirit. One entrepreneur recently said to me that for her “maximum discomfort equals maximum growth” and it really struck a chord with me as an entrepreneur, and as a pilot.

To be a successful entrepreneur takes vision, passion, and purpose. There’s no one route – every entrepreneur’s story is different, often unconventional. Sure, there have been many entrepreneurs who have followed the ‘traditional’ school, university, MBA-type route. But there are also many others who have flown a very different path, making courageous decisions and taking calculated risks on the way to achieving their purpose. It takes a certain mindset to build a business, and I think it’s one that pilots have too.

This is what inspired us to create a new Elixirr series, Airtime. By connecting the spirit of aviation and entrepreneurialism, we share the stories of the people behind some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies.

During the series, I’ll be flying them over, and to, the places that have shaped who they are today as they tell us how they made it. We dig into where they get their entrepreneurial drive from, and the people and places that have inspired them along the way. These are the inspirational stories of entrepreneurs who have founded some of the world’s most innovative and disruptive businesses. All told at 3,000 feet.

I admire anyone who has built a successful business and as a firm, we take inspiration from entrepreneurial stories. By sharing these stories with you, we hope to inspire the aspiring entrepreneurs and CEOs of the future…

We’ve got some incredible guests who have built brilliant businesses, and you’ll be able to watch them all here when we release the episodes on 23rd September. I’d love to hear what you think of the series, and who you’d like to see featured next.

I hope you enjoy flying with us!