In this inspiring episode of The Female Founder Show, we sit down with Amy Bahrani, an aerospace and defense consulting leader at Accenture. With a wealth of experience in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Amy shares her journey, highlighting her commitment to empowering women in aerospace. She discusses innovative workforce strategies and practical advice for small business owners, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive environment in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Key Takeaways
1. Bahrani’s unwavering commitment to advancing women in aerospace is a cornerstone of her work, particularly in her role on the board of Women in Aerospace. Her focus on equipping women with the skills they need to succeed and advocating for mentorship pathways is a testament to her dedication. Her approach not only seeks to increase representation but also aims to support and elevate the talent already present in the industry.
2. In today’s competitive job market, Bahrani challenges businesses to rethink traditional recruitment practices. She suggests looking beyond typical qualifications, such as specific degrees, and considering transferable skills from diverse backgrounds. For example, automotive or supply chain sector candidates can bring valuable insights into aerospace roles. By broadening the recruitment pool to include those with varied experiences, companies can tap into underutilized talent and create more dynamic teams.
3. Additionally, Bahrani shares a practical and effective strategy for sourcing talent by connecting with local high schools and veterans’ organizations. She advocates for creating internship opportunities for students not pursuing a college path, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience. This approach builds a pipeline of future employees, strengthens community ties, and showcases the company’s commitment to local development.
4. She also highlights the need for structured documentation of processes and responsibilities, allowing new hires to understand their roles while encouraging observational learning. This balance ensures employees are informed and engaged in the learning process, enhancing onboarding experiences.
5. Nonetheless, Bahrani believes that workplace culture can and should be measured. She suggests conducting periodic pulse surveys to gauge employee sentiment and gather insights on workplace dynamics. By tracking responses over time, businesses can identify areas for improvement and implement specific interventions to foster a more inclusive culture. Her definition of culture—“the way things are done around here”—underscores the need for consistent communication and accountability in shaping a positive work environment.
"It's really about understanding how does the talent and the skills of your workforce make you successful and how do you execute on your strategy by getting your people to a place where they feel like they're in the right culture." - Amy Bahrani.
