CEO Crush: Meet 7 Fierce Female Founders Shaking Up Their Industries

Uma Subramanian: CEO of Aero, the semi-private luxury jet service redefining luxury travel and shifting the nature of the modern flight experience

Prior to Aero, what were you up to?
Prior to Aero, I was the founding CEO of Voom. A flights, an Airbus company, which built the world’s first urban air mobility network with helicopters, thus laying the foundation for electric VTOL networks. 

What was 20-year-old Uma doing that Today's Uma is proud of?
20-year old Uma had remarkable balance in her life. She studied engineering and Spanish, covered sports for The Michigan Daily, sang in the Glee Club, had a very active life, and was a true Renaissance lady. She is a role model for Today’s Uma, who fully intends to get some hobbies, one of these days. 

Did you always want to work in Aeronautics? 
Yes, I received my undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School. I’ve spent the majority of my career working in the aerospace industry, first on the space program at Northrop Grumman, then in M&A at Rolls-Royce, Ultra Electronics, and Voom.Flights, prior to launching Aero. 

What obstacles have you faced in your industry/career as a woman if any?
Aerospace / aviation are fields in which women are hugely underrepresented. This has not ever been an obstacle, but rather an opportunity to have my unique, differentiated voice heard. At a time when corporations are increasingly focused on diversity, being different has been very helpful.

What's your advice to fellow female entrepreneurs and women moving in male-dominated industries?
As someone who has experimented a lot in her career, I often find myself advising young women on their career journeys. My advice usually boils down to this: the most important thing for a person to realize is that they are never stuck. I am a big believer that there is a season for every role, and when the season is over, it is important to move on and find the next thing. People get stuck when they view roles as permanent, particularly in this day and age when things are fluid. If something is not working, quit.Take space, find the thing that inspires you and pivot towards it.

[Photo courtesy of Uma Subramanian]