Soaring From Cockpit to Boardroom

Currently a Partner at McKinsey in the Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice, Oliver is looking after the aviation clients, driving operational and commercial excellence, transformation, digitisation, innovation, and change.

Having held several industry roles in the Aviation and IT sectors, he possesses a unique combination of expertise and more than three decades of experience in the aviation and technology space.

We spoke to him to learn about his career transformation, pursuit of passions, and how being an NBS alumnus helps him keep up with the evolving market ecosystem.

 

What are your top career achievements?

Being able to transition from a commercial pilot to a Partner in one of the top consulting firms globally is not a typical career path and counts as one of my top achievements. Aviation is an industry that I’m passionate about and I am fortunate to be able to have continuously reinvented myself to make the transition from an operational role to high-touch consultancy.

I am also honoured to be part of a team that was involved in the development of core cockpit digitisation applications early on which today are standard in all commercial airline cockpits, and some have since been patented. I’m thrilled to have been able to play a part in the digitisation of the aviation industry.

This achievement is certainly not mine alone; it is never a single person’s effort that leads to success. I’m immensely grateful to all my friends, colleagues, and superiors at work and NBS who helped me along the way.

What advice would you give to current NBS students and young alumni in the early stages of their careers?

Discover your passion

Looking back, it was difficult to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life while I was a young student. While it is fine to not have everything figured out yet, I believe it is important to embrace your passion and do what makes you happy.

If the exact path is not clear in the beginning, it helps to start acquiring a broad range of knowledge and skill sets. Establishing a broad foundation gives you the flexibility to specialise later and discover and follow your true passion along the way.

Seize opportunities

I live by Richard Branson’s words, "If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!"  

This motto has served me well and it is a great reminder to not give up before we even try. I’m glad that taking the bull by the horns in many previous circumstances has helped me to learn and improve.

Learn to bounce back from failure

Life has taught me to see failure and setbacks as opportunities to learn. This is how we improve and become stronger. There was a point when I had to give up my flying career due to medical reasons, but I learnt that lost opportunities can be the beginning of something even greater.

So don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Pick yourself up, start over, and learn to soar again!

 

How has being an NBS alumnus contributed to your career growth?

Connections and network

NBS has provided me with invaluable access to an extensive network across industries and geographies, which helped me professionally and personally. I have forged lifelong friendships with professionals from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds.  This network goes far beyond the direct connections in my own NBS alumni cohort. It extends to new connections that I make at NBS events and even on alumni social media networks.

Continuous learning

NBS supports my interest in continuous learning. There are many opportunities for alumni to attend specific industry events featuring trending issues. This is how I can continually reinvent myself to stay relevant while networking with my peers.

Global and Asia focused at the same time

Through my connection with NBS, I gained insights into Asian leadership styles and better understanding of cultural differences. This helps me bridge global and western approaches with local nuances. Being part of this multicultural and multi-industry alumni community empowers transformative ways of thinking.

 

How do you balance your professional life with personal interests and commitments?

Beyond career achievements, what is most important for me is that I find time for my family. This is not easy, and I am thankful for having a very understanding wife and two kids that I bring along whenever possible.

It is a constant juggling act to prioritise time between professional and private life. There are times when work is important and there are times when family and friends come first.

I know that trying to do everything at the same time is not possible. That's why prioritisation and focus is key.