Combining Software and Emotional Intelligence for Safety Advances: Kellie Roby

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Kellie Roby, Vice President of Polaris Aero, a safety services software company. Kellie’s career began with flying and evolved into a leadership role that now impacts how flight departments think about safety, audits, and culture. She shares how she balances technical expertise with the human side of aviation and why listening and emotional intelligence are at the heart of effective safety leadership.

Tune in as they discuss:

• How Kellie transitioned from the cockpit into safety leadership
• What a day in aviation safety services looks like
• Why communication and emotional intelligence matter in aviation safety roles
• The challenges of building trust and having difficult conversations in high-stakes environments
• Advice for women who want to pursue a career in safety and risk management

About Kellie Roby
A 2024 recipient of the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation award, and a 2022 NBAA 40 Under 40 recipient, Kellie Roby has spent more than a decade honing her skills in Part 135 and Part 91 operations. Roby’s roles ranged from Fixed Based Operator (FBO) operations, a flight crewmember on a Beechjet 400 and Hawker 800, Safety Manager,and managing both scheduling and charter sales for a Part 135 charter and management company.

Roby has a bachelor’s degree in aerospace science from Middle Tennessee State University with dual pro-pilot and air traffic control concentrations and an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) certification. Roby’s education and diverse aviation experience are valuable in the tactical implementation of safety best practices in her current role as Vice President of Safety Services at Polaris Aero. Roby enjoys giving back to her industry by volunteering for the NBAA Professional Development Program committee, Bombardier Safety Standdown Committee, NBAA Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPro) council, and the Tennessee Business Aviation Association.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-n-roby-cam-150a3674/

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Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!

https://weareflygirls.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/
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