How This Woman Became a Trailblazing Airline Pilot at 50 After Waiting 15 Years

Have you ever looked at your age, your responsibilities, or how long you’ve been putting something off and wondered if you missed your chance? Captain Carole Hopson dreamed of becoming a pilot from the time she was four years old. Then life got full. She built a successful corporate career, became an executive at Foot Locker, and raised two sons. The dream never left her. At 50, Carole began flying for the airlines. Today, she is a Boeing 737 captain for United Airlines. In this conversation, Carole breaks down what starting over actually required and shares how she turned “someday” into a plan she could follow. **In this episode. they get into:** \- The deadline that turned Carole’s childhood dream into a real goal \- How she prepared financially for a major career change \- Why she waited until her children were older to fly professionally \- What it felt like to be the oldest person in the classroom \- How to build a personal “board of directors” for your next chapter \- What pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman taught her about possibility \- Her mission to help 100 Black women attend flight school through the Jet Black Foundation If there is something you keep telling yourself you’ll do one day, Carole’s story will push you to get honest about what you’re waiting for and finally give that dream a date. If you liked this episode, then you’ll like: Thinking About a Career Change? Start Here If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out ⁠this form **Stay connected with Tamsen:** ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Carole on Instagram Get Carole's book, A Pair of Wings **Sponsors:** It’s time to get back to feeling like you again. Visit joinmidi.com right now to book your first visit today. Learn more about your ad choices, click here **Medical Disclaimer:** The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices