Similar to business leaders, educational leaders are determined to improve education for the young generation, motivate others to follow in their footsteps, and exhibit remarkable leadership qualities. Quick communication and simple access to information have given today’s education systems a new dimension. Therefore, educational leaders must constantly seek new and more effective approaches. Thinking outside the box is crucial because innovation and creativity are essential for navigating the complexity of a constantly changing world. They must adapt to change and acquire an entrepreneurial mindset, as a long-term view is required even for short-term success.
The success of the next generation of professionals depends on strong and successful educational leaders because they shape the idea of creating and applying the information in ways that will make a positive difference. According to Vincent Incammicia, CEO of The International Flight Operations Academy (IFOA), it is critical to educate students on acquiring the competencies required to fulfill their current or future professional positions, as well as continual learning and personal growth. Vincent asserts, “Never stop learning! A 21st Century educational leader must be open to continuously learning, unlearning, and relearning as well as adopt a growth mindset.”
The Journey from Flight Dispatcher to CEO
As the CEO of a global aviation training organization, Vincent has come a long way from his position as a flight dispatcher. When he was a teenager, he didn’t enjoy going to school and thought that was because of the ineffective teachers and the defective educational system. Additionally, obtaining a State job was typical in his family to ensure professional stability. As a result, he quit school and joined the Belgian Air Force as an air traffic controller, where his love for aviation became apparent.
From this experience, Vincent never stopped learning and earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management at the City, University of London, a few years after receiving his FAA Flight Dispatcher certification. He is currently applying to the Swiss School of Business and Management for a doctorate in business and administration. Vincent thinks his schooling has opened the way for his profession, which has seen him advance from a flight dispatcher to Senior Manager to CEO of his own aviation training company. He was motivated to assist and positively impact the present and upcoming generations of aviation professionals by offering a suitable education through his expertise as an instructor.
IFOA: Foundation & Programs
Founded in 2021, the International Flight Operations Academy (IFOA) is a Switzerland-based aviation training institution. It has been built on the robust foundations of the Danish business Kronborg Air Consult. The Academy applies the principles of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) in its training programs. It focuses on topics strongly connected to each area of duty rather than just comprehensive general aviation theoretical knowledge.
The academy offers introductory, continuing, and advanced training for operational control and ground handling professionals. Additionally, it offers training in aviation sustainability, carriage of dangerous goods by air, and a crucial Train the Trainer course.
Overseeing Strategic Management
Vincent’s principal duty as CEO of the IFOA is to oversee the strategic administration and development of the organization’s global training operation. He develops effective strategies with commercial partners to carry out the purpose, vision, and values of the IFOA. The academy’s success is strongly tied to the outstanding teamwork and reliable collaboration. It employs a top-notch team that is “unbossed” and given authority over tasks.
The instructors at the Academy draw on more than a century of combined experience and knowledge in a variety of aviation-related professions. The best possible education and development of students is the academy’s primary objective. Vincent explains, “We want them to be ready to enter the wonderful world of Aviation with the right competencies in knowledge, skills, and attitude, thus significantly impacting our students.”
Approach towards Changing Trends
The aviation industry has quickly evolved into a technology-dependent field that needs highly skilled workers to remain viable. The training of operational control staff must change to meet the demands of the twenty-first century. These particular skills and competencies are in danger of becoming obsolete shortly since many training institutions are unable to adapt to the shift and keep up with the rate of development. Many airlines and the young generation frequently view the present training methodologies and their abilities as being irrelevant. Additionally, aviation education costs are typically high, creating an imbalanced ratio between expensive training and subpar knowledge.
The IFOA keeps a close eye on the most recent developments and specifications in the aviation industry. The academy seeks to offer students around the world an inexpensive education of the highest caliber. The digital age altered the dynamics of education. To attract and keep the up-and-coming younger generation workforce, the IFOA seeks to maintain a specifically modified form of traditional and personalized classroom education while utilizing the advantages of digital learning.
Work-life Balance
In the context of work-life balance, growing a young company to become well-known worldwide is a significant task. However, Vincent always keeps a work-life balance and makes time for Sandra, his wife, and Giorgio, his dog. He enjoys seeing the world, getting to know people from different cultures, and learning something new as it makes his personal and professional life better. Vincent has also been training in martial arts for almost 15 years.
Inspirations & Advises
Vincent claims he doesn’t have a role model, but most of his aviation managers, coworkers, friends, and teachers have helped him along the way in both his professional and academic lives. Sandra, his wife, has consistently encouraged him to go outside his comfort zone and take on new challenges.
When asked for advice to aspiring business owners, Vincent suggests that being enthusiastic and resilient is essential because improving a firmly embedded traditional educational environment is challenging. Furthermore, business owners should be proactive and consistently educate themselves to ensure they meet the next generation’s academic standards. In the end, he states, “encourage and energize your team to learn, develop, and become leaders themselves.”
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