Insights from Head of Coaching

Dear Students,
 

Joanna Geraghty, the first woman CEO of a major US airline, recently shared some great advice for aspiring professionals like you: “Don’t avoid jobs that don’t seem exactly like what you were looking for.” At first, this guidance might seem counter-intuitive: After all, an ambitious international student, (like you or your friends), in coming to the US, may well be laser-focused on pursuing that long-held dream of getting a first job in consulting, investment banking or these days, game design, here in the West.
 

What Geraghty coaches young professionals like you about is well-founded, however, as some new grads (hopefully not you!) may unnecessarily, and unintentionally, limit yourselves through looking past what may be seen as “grunt” jobs. Geraghty’s own trajectory reflects an openness to “new adventures,” having graduated from college as a Sociology major, with a year spent in the UK. Knowing that she wanted to “do something international,” the third-generation Irish American next chose Syracuse University for both a JD and a Master’s degree in International Relations.
 

Geraghty’s study of law eventually led her to JetBlue, where she began in legal roles, completed a 4-year stint heading HR, and then another 4 years leading Customer Experience. Parlaying background in such diverse functions led Geraghty into the COO and President seats in 2018, followed by appointment as CEO in 2024. During some of the most challenging events her team faced, Geraghty gained insight into the value of persistence, problem-solving skills, creativity and resilience, admitting that “…with some ingenuity and a little focus, you can do just about anything.”

In particular, Geraghty has focused her efforts on creating tailwinds for women in aviation, driving a national push to increase female representation in the industry, through the JetBlue Foundation’s “Fly Like a Girl” initiative. She isn’t shy about advising young talent (this means you!) to access support and encouragement early in your career, either, highlighting the importance of “mentorship” (which could be described as very similar to coaching): “Mentors help you think you can do things beyond what you’re doing,” Geraghty said. “They advocate on your behalf, recognize opportunities and encourage you to throw your hat into the ring.”
 

https://news.erau.edu/headlines/jetblue-ceo-to-students-take-chances-in-your-careers
 

Flying solo is definitely not Geraghty’s preferred route, and upon being named CEO, she voiced her pride “…in all the 25,000 JetBlue crewmembers who are as energized as I am about challenging the status quo and bringing humanity to an industry long dominated by the legacy carriers.” (as mentioned in the Irish Star).
 

May candidates like you come to believe that your “wings” can fly you anywhere you want to go, while being “fueled” by your “internal engines” and the wise words and encouragement from our seasoned coaches.
 

Best,
 

Amy-Louise