🎧 Episode Summary

What happens when leadership meets grit, curiosity, and a genuine love for people? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker spotlights Michelle Leon, Operations Manager at Levil Aviation, and one of aviation and manufacturing’s most powerful emerging voices. Michelle’s journey spans hospitality, dental leadership, Lockheed Martin, and now cutting-edge avionics—and along the way, she’s mastered the art of servant leadership.

From breaking barriers as a woman in male-dominated industries to inspiring young students through hands-on trades education, Michelle shares how saying “I don’t know” can be a strength, why manufacturing is everywhere in our lives, and how early exposure can change the trajectory of future careers.

The episode also shifts gears into a high-energy segment on aviation photography, where Shawn and top creators break down how anyone—from smartphone shooters to DSLR pros—can capture jaw-dropping aircraft photos. From shutter speed to vapor trails, you’ll walk away ready to level up your aviation content.

This episode is about leadership, representation, practical innovation, and capturing the magic of aviation—whether through people or through the lens.

✨ Key Points

Michelle Leon’s Journey

• Transitioned from hospitality and dental leadership to aviation and advanced manufacturing
• Became Operations Manager at Levil Aviation with no prior CNC or avionics experience
• Embraced servant leadership learned through Heartland Dental
• Advocates for learning by asking questions and admitting what you don’t know
• Helped navigate NORSEE (Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment) approvals
• Instrumental in launching Level’s BOM portable flight instrument

Leadership & Representation

• How being in the “trenches” builds trust and stronger teams
• The evolving role of women in aviation and manufacturing
• Why credibility matters—and how to protect it
• The importance of mentorship and professional associations for women

Trades & Workforce Development

• Why career exposure should start in middle school
• How many students are never introduced to skilled trade careers
• “Itchy butt syndrome” — when hands-on learners are forced into traditional classrooms
• Five-year-olds running CNC machines and working with robots
• Trades can offer $40/hour careers directly out of high school

Aviation Photography Tips

• Use slow-motion video on your phone and grab screenshots
• Shoot from low or side angles for dramatic effect
• Story-driven aviation photography
• Use fast shutter speeds for jets (1/1000+)
• Slower shutter speeds for props (around 1/250) for motion blur
• Shoot in RAW format for better editing flexibility
• High humidity = better chance of vapor trails

SKYSCHOLAR

• Personalized aviation career roadmaps
• Smart training without unnecessary debt
• Real-world, industry-driven career guidance
• Flexible pathways across aviation careers
• Confidence through clarity and planning

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: Industry game changers
0:45 – 3:30 | Michelle’s background & servant leadership
3:31 – 5:32 | Women in aviation and earning credibility
5:33 – 7:23 | Early exposure to trades & education reform
7:24 – 9:12 | Manufacturing impact + NORSI explained
9:13 – 10:09 | Michelle’s message and life philosophy
10:10 – 10:43 | Creative Relay Media sponsor message
10:44 – 12:20 | Intro to aviation photography
12:21 – 14:20 | Smartphone & camera photography tips
14:21 – 16:30 | Story-driven aviation photography
16:31 – End | Pro techniques, shutter speeds & vapor trails

🔗 Links

Level Aviation: https://levelaviation.com
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/