41. Don’t Be Underestimated - Courtney Schoch

Episode 41:  Don't be Underestimated

Courtney's journey is about owning her story and not letting it own her.

As Courtney will tell you, a violent childhood in Atlanta, followed by a decision to drop out of high school, led her down a path of poor decision-making that continued for years. But, since earning her GED in 1992, Courtney has overcome insurmountable obstacles in both her professional and personal life.

Setting the bar high, she overcame her fear of flying and became a pilot in 2002. Two years later she was certified to teach aspiring pilots how to fly and follow their passion. In 2008, Courtney began her professional airline pilot career, in an industry where fewer than 4% of pilots are women. 

Within six years she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Aeronautical Science with specializations in space operations and aerospace safety systems from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. A 2012 Women Future Leaders Scholarship award fueled her determination. In 2014, Courtney moved to Nicaragua and started a nonprofit, Runucate (run+educate), to provide educational scholarships and teach English in the local community while she continued to work as a pilot. She unexpectedly relocated full time to the United States in May 2018 after political unrest erupted in Central America. She shifted her non profit focus and continues to run marathons globally to raise awareness and funds for organizations that fight illiteracy and provide education. In 2020 Courtney published a tell all memoir, This Is Your Captain Speaking - Reaching for the Sky Despite a Lifetime of Depression, Abuse and Fear. 

Through it all Courtney remains true to her mission of inspiration, mentorship and is a fierce advocate of the underdog. 

Podcast sponsor:  William and Lauren

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