Shannon O'Hara - A/AA Deputy Chair: 2024
1. Could you share what becoming Deputy Chair of A/AA means to you and your vision for the organisation?
Shannon: I am thrilled to have the trust and support of Kristen, the Board and our operations team to step up this year into the Deputy Chair role. I am excited to build on the years of outstanding leadership and stewardship of the directors who have come before me, and see the vision and values and goals of the organisation achieved.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in the aviation and aerospace industry, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
Shannon: I grew up in the NT Territory living near RAAF Base Tindal, I loved seeing the fast jets flying over every day, but commercial aviation was also special for me as a child because it enabled me to maintain strong connections with family (especially my grandparents) on the east coast of Australia.
From those early days, I always knew that I wanted to be involved with aviation, but I thought I couldn’t do it, because I didn’t love math! My high school legal studies teacher reached out to me one day and said that I might like to consider aviation law - I knew that being able to combine my love of the law, with aviation would be a dream come true! I’ve had the most amazing career in aviation law, travelling the world, meeting amazing people in aviation, working on some of the most incredible aviation law cases with extraordinary lawyers and finding volunteering opportunities with purpose has been so fulfilling and I feel so privileged to have this incredible opportunity.
3. In your opinion, what are the most exciting trends or opportunities currently shaping the aviation and aerospace sector?
Shannon: From an aviation law perspective, the evolution of passenger liability law (both internationally and domestic) is a constant source of interest for me.Additionally, several actions raised in the Australian Government’s recent Aviation White Paper present interesting legal challenges for the aviation law sector in areas such as consumer rights, and accessibility.
Sustainability continues to present exciting opportunities for everyone in the sector! Sustainability in aviation is more than just SAF (although it’s obviously hugely important!) and so there are opportunities for a wide range of people to get involved in efforts to champion change / progress.
Finally, with Australia’s incredible space community thriving, there is undoubtedly strong interest in space law and jurisprudential thinking around topics like intergenerational equity in space.
4. A/AA places a strong emphasis on fostering community and collaboration. How do you envision strengthening these connections among members and stakeholders?
Shannon: From ambitious and solid foundations, A/AA has grown into an incredible community of wonderful contributors and collaborators.Together with share strong values, and have high aspirations for the future of the aviation, aerospace and space industries in Australia.I have a deep respect for the responsibility which comes with stewardship of the organisation and I am committed to fostering an open and accessible community where members can connect with the board (including me) and our operations team to share ideas, to collaborate, to support and to be curious about the mission and goals of A/AA.
5. What role do you think diversity and inclusion play in shaping the future of aviation and aerospace, and how does A/AA support these initiatives?
Shannon: I am 100% passionate about DE&I in the aviation, aerospace and space sectors and I firmly believe that our sector cannot thrive, dare I say survive, into the future without meaningful action and an industry wide commitment to do better.
I’m proud that A/AA has been at the forefront of meaningful DE&I initiatives for more than 10 years and continues, with the invaluable support of our WA/AA Partners and community of incredible volunteers, to bring new ideas, initiatives and opportunities for members to continue pressing for progress!
6. Could you share a memorable experience or project from your career that has significantly influenced your leadership style or approach?
Shannon: When I first started working in aviation law, there were very few other women that I could connect with and look to as role models. Working for and with significantly more senior (and frankly older) men than me, with an absence of women leaders absolutely influenced my leadership style - I am a leader who puts people and purpose at the centre of everything I do (I like to also sprinkle this with service, kindness and a side of fun). I also think that participating in high level competitive team sport for much of life, has also influenced my leadership style – I am so lucky to have had some incredible coaches who were living examples of the kinds of leaders that I have always strived to be.
7. For those looking to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you offer to aspiring professionals in the aviation and aerospace field?
Shannon: Bring your authentic self forward, be who you are and not who you think people want you to be. Find your tribe – volunteer, attend events, take opportunities when offered – community gives so much meaning to what you will do and is an amazing way to connect with new people! Be purposeful, and people-led in your ways of working and leadership. Finally, always look for balance remembering to have fun – undoubtedly the quiet moments in life are just as important as big bang moments.
8. What do you enjoy most about working within the aviation/aerospace community, and what keeps you motivated in this dynamic industry?
Shannon: Without a doubt, I can say that what I enjoy the most are the people – through my work in the aviation / aerospace industry I’ve met so many amazing, incredibly inspiring people.They have become champions, supporters, connectors and friends – these relationships have been engaging and enriching (and at times quite humbling) for me as a person.
9. On a more personal note, when you’re not immersed in your professional commitments, how do you like to spend your free time? Are there hobbies or interests that your colleagues might not know about?
Shannon: I have an amazing family! We love to travel and explore Australia on extended road trips (we also love a good slow camping trip!). My two beautiful children enjoy a range of sporting and non-sporting activities, and I love to support their curiosity, cultural and sporting endeavours.
I am an avid reader of award-winning literature (yes, I am book snob!), love a great new restaurant to try, and am comfortable getting competitive out on the netball court! I am a Pilates addict and love to watch sport on my weekends!