Which would you pick: success or failure?I thrive on challenges, so I have grown accustomed to welcoming success with a smile and greeting failure as my favorite everlasting teacher. Currently, my favorite challenge is solving interesting problems as a project manager at Boeing. Here’s how I got here:When I was 10, I made ~$200 selling paper airplanes to my classmates. I got called to the principal’s office. I had a great time explaining it to my parents, but paper planes sparked my love of aerospace. Studying Aerospace Engineering at Princeton was full of challenges. When I tackled some (like orbital mechanics or programming), I discovered curiosities that burn to this day. When I faced others (like linear algebra or material engineering), I learned how to rethink my approach to problems and the importance of asking for guidance. After Princeton, I chose flight test engineering (FTE) at Boeing as my next challenge. I manage flight test projects and lead planning, execution, and reporting. Flight tests are on-aircraft tests events that are the final, and usually most exciting, stage of aerospace developmental programs. Initially, the most challenging part of the role was conducting flight tests in a high-pressure control room environment. Now, I appreciate that each test execution is fun challenge of its own. With time, organizing priorities for multiple projects and optimizing collaboration with peers became essential. Believe it or not, a weekly planner, quick team reviews, and WIP boards can do wonders. Then, I found a new challenge to add to my responsibilities: project manager for a development project undergoing a redesign. This role came with treasure trove of challenges. By leveraging my FTE experience, I identified a realistic schedule, budget, and scope for the redesign effort and now manage the effort. I am now collaborating with a group of 30+ multi-discipline experts to get the multi-year project to completion. If you would like to talk about a challenge (or opportunity), let’s connect! The same applies if you share my love of challenges and adventure. P.S. I pick both. I believe success and failure are essential to professional and personal development.