If the Space Won’t Hold You, Move: Leadership and Well-Being with Captain Reyné O'Shaughnessy

If the Space Won’t Hold You, Move: Leadership and Well-Being with Captain Reyné O'Shaughnessy

Author: Shaesta Waiz, Michael Wildes July 31, 2025 Duration: 27:16
In this candid conversation, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Captain Reyné O'Shaughnessy—veteran FedEx pilot, human-performance specialist, and author of This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot’s Mental Health. Together they unpack the realities of high-stakes aviation work for women: chronic stress that accumulates unnoticed, the double standard around mistakes, and the current retrenchment of formal DEI efforts across organizations. Reyné shares why completing the stress cycle matters as much as managing it, why foundational habits (restorative sleep, movement, nutrition, real relaxation) are a first line of defense, and how personal agency can be protective when workplaces deny reasonable needs. She also introduces The Leading Edge Retreat (Oct 2–5, Santa Barbara)—a small-group, science-backed reset that brings together experts in sleep science, hormonal health, nervous-system regulation, and performance coaching to help high performers rebuild their baseline. This episode reframes well-being as core to leadership, not a luxury—especially for women navigating irregular schedules, persistent bias, and high expectations. Chapter Breakdown00:00 | Why mental health in aviation can’t be optional04:42 | The hidden cost of chronic stress for high performers07:29 | Double standards, over-functioning, and burnout10:20 | DEI retrenchment and the reality of invisible bias12:45 | Agency, boundaries, and building a resilience toolbox15:19 | The Leading Edge Retreat: design, experts, and outcomes18:00 | Community and sisterhood as performance infrastructure26:11 | Closing notes and next steps Follow Reyné O'ShaughnessyWebsite: captainreyneo.com LinkedIn: Reyné O'Shaughnessy - TEDx Speaker | Author Follow Shaesta WaizWebsite:⁠ shaestawaiz.com⁠LinkedIn:⁠ Shaesta Waiz⁠Instagram:⁠ @shaesta.waiz⁠TikTok:⁠ @shaestawaiz⁠⁠Shaesta Waiz on YouTube⁠⁠YouTube (Aviate Platform)⁠ Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group⁠www.massifsp.com⁠LinkedIn:⁠ Massif Studio & Production⁠Website:⁠ www.TallawahWorldwide.com⁠LinkedIn:⁠ The Tallawah Group⁠For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In each episode of AVIATE with Shaesta, host Shaesta Waiz-herself recognized as the youngest woman to fly solo around the world-creates a unique space for dialogue. She is joined by co-host Michael Wildes as they connect with a remarkable roster of female aviators. These aren't just interviews; they are honest, meandering conversations with trailblazers, record-setters, mothers, adventurers, and entrepreneurs. Together, they explore the nuanced realities of navigating a field where women are still pioneers. The discussions naturally extend beyond the cockpit, touching on broader themes of society, culture, and the complex relationships and personal dramas that shape these high-flying lives, all while acknowledging the technology that makes their journeys possible. You’ll hear stories of triumph and setback, the balance of personal ambition with family life, and the sheer adventure of viewing the world from above. This podcast goes deeper than the typical aviation narrative, offering a genuine look at the community, challenges, and profound joys that define these women's experiences. Tune in for a series that feels more like a series of intimate, global conversations than a formal show, all guided by Shaesta’s unique perspective and heartfelt curiosity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

AVIATE with Shaesta
Podcast Episodes
Southwest Flight 1380 Captain, Tammie Jo Shults, reflects on her life and talks managing her mental health throughout her career | Tammie Jo Shults, retired commercial airline captain, author, and former naval aviator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:38
Mental health in aviation is a critical issue affecting pilots and the entire aviation ecosystem. The high-pressure environment, long hours, irregular schedules, and extended periods away from home can cause significant…
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'Do what you love, love what you do. Believe you can, and you'll be half way there.' | Rucsandra Magdalena Mihai, Founder and Managing Partner at Train Aviation offers her international perspective on the flight attendant sector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:35
Joining us on the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast this week is Rucsandra Magdalena Mihai, Founder and Managing Partner at Train Aviation in Romania. Rucsandra also serves as the Vice President of Women in Corporate Aviation.…