A flight attendant’s path to the boardroom and the lessons she wants young women to hear.
Leeanne Langridge’s career in aviation did not start with a five-year plan – it started with a flight attendant job she “kind of fell into.” A few years later, she led teams, negotiated for hundreds of colleagues, and built a career in aviation.
From Flight Attendant to the Boardroom
Everyone hears “women in aviation” and thinks of pilots. How did your career start?
“I started as a flight attendant. I kind of fell into that, really. I’d just arrived back from traveling the world and thought this was a way to keep the travel bug going. It gave me the privilege and ability to raise my boys in a way that suited my lifestyle as well by working part-time.
When I was ready, I moved into other roles within the organization. Working in a big airline, you’re able to progress through different roles if you show experience and talent in the areas they’re looking for.
A big stepping stone for me was moving into a leadership role – it came naturally, because I’d been in a leadership role on board the aircraft. It was an easy progression because it was what I loved doing, and from there I went into more commercial roles within Air New Zealand.”
Your Biggest Skill Might Show Up By Accident
What made the difference in how you led?
“I discovered, by accident, that I had a skill in negotiating. From the beginning, I realized I could see both sides of the equation as a union delegate – how might we make the role better for the people I work with, but also for the airline and customers?
My skill in negotiating was around being grounded and authentic, having a collaborative style that saw both sides – not only what the airline was looking for, but also our people, the ones I represented.”
Leadership Starts With Purpose, Not a Résumé
You’ve talked about “selling the vision.” What does that look like for a woman who doesn’t see herself as a leader?
“We all have the ability to lead. It’s about how you go about that in my view. Understanding your purpose, your values, your ‘why’ is fundamental – people often dull it down or don’t think about it because it feels like it’s not a technical business skill.
In my view some look at it too academically: ‘I’ve got these three skills, but not this one, so I won’t be a great leader.’ But tapping into your purpose, values, and intuition sets you up, no matter what age you are.
For me, articulating a vision is easy if I understand it and believe in it. If I’m unclear on the purpose for a strategy or business direction, it’s more difficult – for me. You have to really understand the facts behind a strategy or business decision so you can articulate it clearly in language people understand. Believing in it and understanding it is fundamental.”
Respect the Industry – What It Actually Takes to Stay Standing
If a woman is serious about aviation, what’s the one thing you’d want her to know?
“It’s a tough industry, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. There’s a lot of moving parts. Safety is non-negotiable. But balancing customer, culture and commercial outcomes has been a game changer for me – it’s like a three-legged stool: come at it from one angle only, and one leg topples the whole thing. So I always think about the 3 C’s and finding the right balance.”
Belief Comes Before Permission
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a woman just starting out – something you wish someone had told you?
“Believe in yourself. Believe in the industry you’re going into. I was lucky – I never had that self-doubt, but some incredible leaders and people saw something in me that gave me the confidence to do it.
It’s not an easy industry. I won’t say you can just go to university and learn how to do this. You need to be constantly juggling things. Being curious, having an open mind, and being a problem solver sets you up well for a career in aviation.”
Skip the Job Boards – Start With a Conversation
If a student wanted to go into aviation, what would you tell her to do first?
“Start looking, look at websites. But the most important thing is to talk to people in the industry. If somebody says, ‘I want to get into aviation – what should I do?’ I’m always up for a conversation, and you’ll find most people want to share their experience.
Just ask. Never be afraid. Be brave. Be bold.”
The Path In Is Broader Than You Think
Are there real organizations, scholarships, or mentorship programs out there?
“Yes – and it’s finding the right one for you. The most valuable information comes from people who’ve been in the industry. There are mentorship, internships and ambassador programs you can get involved in.
If you want a university path, I’d suggest a focus on management, productivity, sales and finance. It’s broad – marketing, communications, operations – so many areas you could go into. Do your research.”
You Don’t Need the Technical Background to Belong
What if she’s worrying that she needs a technical or engineering background?
“I’d go into it really curious. You may have decided on a certain career path – pilot, flight attendant, engineer – be very determined about it. The best opportunities come from being curious, asking questions, and following the path that feels right. You can always pivot. Keep asking questions to understand more, and you’ll find the right place for you.”
Name: Leeanne Langridge
Bio: Leeanne Langridge has spent nearly four decades in aviation, from flight attendant to senior executive roles at Air New Zealand and Qantas. She’s led teams through major transformation, championed customer and culture-led strategy, and now advises startup founders across Australia and New Zealand. She holds Stanford CFI credentials and mentors emerging entrepreneurs.
