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From Airline Operations to Leadership Coaching: My Career Path

For more than two decades, my career has been shaped by the fast‑paced, high‑stakes world of international air transport. I began my journey with British Airways in Istanbul in 1991, working across airport operations, customer services, catering supervision, aircraft dispatch, and ticketing. These early years grounded me in operational excellence, cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to stay centred in complex, time‑critical environments.

In 1995, I joined DHL as Air Operations Manager for Turkey, where I oversaw the full spectrum of air operations—from managing DHL’s own fleet to negotiating agreements with commercial carriers and ensuring seamless customs processes for express shipments. This role strengthened my capacity to lead diverse teams, navigate regulatory systems, and deliver results under pressure.

My career then expanded into commercial leadership when I joined Alitalia in 1998 as Sales & Marketing Manager. By 2004, I was promoted to Regional General Manager for Turkey and Central Asia, responsible for a broad commercial region and representing the airline in key industry bodies, including the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Airline Representatives. These years deepened my understanding of strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and the cultural intelligence required to operate across borders.

From Aviation Leadership to Executive Coaching

In 2012, I transitioned into executive coaching—an evolution that felt both natural and deeply aligned with my values. Having completed the CTI Core Curriculum, the Co‑Active Coach Certification Programme, the Co‑Active Leadership Programme, and the Organisation & Relationship Systems Coaching Programme, I became an ICF‑accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC).

Today, I bring the full breadth of my leadership experience into my coaching practice. I work with executives across industries—aviation, telecommunications, life sciences, retail, banking—supporting them to lead with clarity, emotional regulation, and cultural awareness. My work also includes extensive Assessment and Development Centre projects, helping organisations identify and grow their leadership talent.

How My Background Shapes My Coaching

My coaching is grounded in:

• Real‑world leadership experience from high‑pressure, multicultural, operational and commercial environments
• Systems thinking, shaped by years of managing complex organisational dynamics
• A global perspective, informed by working across different cultures and international corporate structures
• A relational, experiential approach, rooted in Co‑Active and ORSC methodologies
• A commitment to human development, shaped by decades of leading people through change, challenge, and growth

I support leaders to navigate complexity, build resilience, and expand their capacity to lead with presence and purpose.

Education & Personal Interests

I hold a BA in English Language & Literature and an MA in International Relations & Political Science. I am fluent in Turkish, English, and Italian.

Outside of work, I am a marathon runner and a scuba diver—two practices that continually remind me of discipline, endurance, and the value of being fully present.

If you’d like the LinkedIn version, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-tumay