In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide to Aviation Careers, host René Banglesdorf sits down with Denise Wilson, CAM—serial entrepreneur, pilot, and trailblazer in the aviation industry.
From flying 737s in Hawaii to founding Desert Jet, building an FBO, and launching The Jet Agent, Denise shares the resilience, curiosity, and leadership mindset that shaped her career.
Denise talks candidly about the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and professional development.
She also reveals why embracing diverse experiences across aviation—from safety to operations to sales—can prepare aspiring entrepreneurs to scale companies and create lasting impact.
Whether you’re just starting out in aviation or looking to grow as a leader, Denise’s journey offers insight and inspiration for building a successful career.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How resilience and curiosity fuel success in aviation entrepreneurship
- The role of leadership and relationships in scaling aviation companies
- Why continuous learning and coaching are essential for growth
- Lessons from building Desert Jet into an Inc. 500-ranked company
- How diverse experiences across aviation create opportunities for entrepreneurs
How Excellence Shapes Aviation Entrepreneurship: Denise Wilson, CAM
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About the Guest
Denise Wilson, CAM, is a respected pilot, business leader, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in aviation. She has founded and led several aviation businesses, including Desert Jet, an aircraft charter, sales, management, and maintenance company, the Desert Jet Center FBO, and The Jet Agent, a boutique aircraft brokerage firm specializing in Citation jets. Denise is also an advocate for women in aviation and a recognized voice on leadership and entrepreneurship in the industry.
