Ryanair mogul speaks at Aviano

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sarah Gregory
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (USAFENS) --  In a Project Connect initiative, Aviano Airmen were treated to a motivational speech by the former director of ground operations and sales and marketing at Ryanair here Aug. 10.

Kell Ryan, who has 43 years of commercial aviation experience, was invited to speak to Aviano Airmen by Gen. Robert “Doc” Fogelsong, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.

“I have always felt that it’s nice to give back some of the things you learned, to impart some of your knowledge and experience,” said Mr. Ryan, who says he likes talking to young people because it keeps him youthful.

Mr. Ryan was at Aviano participating in a flag talk event -- a branch of Project Connect.

Project Connect is a USAFE mentoring program designed to develop future leaders of the Air Force, said Capt. Wally Contreras, Aviano’s Project Connect coordinator.

“Flag Talks provide a forum for successful leaders and managers from both the private and military sector to share their experiences and lessons learned to a large audience,” he said.

After starting and successfully running what is currently Europe’s largest low-fair airline for more than 18 years, Mr. Ryan had a lot of life and business experience to share with the future leaders of the Air Force.

“It’s important to tell people how things worked for them; how they personally came about their success,’ said Mr. Ryan. “Success is about encouragement, determination and knowing what you want and how to get there. Anyone who has a will and determination can succeed.”

During his visit, Mr. Ryan received an orientation flight on a 31st Fighter Wing F-16.

“Maybe we should cancel the 737s [we’ve got ordered] and get these F-16s instead,” he laughed.

The motivational speech to Aviano’s leadership was just one way Project Connect works to reach key decision makers. Although it is still in the early planning stages, Aviano hopes to present another development program to Airmen in the future.

“We hope to begin offering a leadership and management seminar to both our enlisted and officer force sometime in the beginning of fiscal year 2006,” said Captain Contreras.

“Overall, Project Connect is in line with the Chief of Staff's Force Development initiative to help the Air Force grow and ensure future success,” said Captain Contreras.

In addition to the key to his success, Mr. Ryan also shared his personal philosophy for life with Airmen.

“Above all, take your job seriously, but not yourself,” advised Mr. Ryan. “Find a balance between your career and personal life and have fun in life.”