LYNDA DAVISON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE | OWNER
It takes a certain type of mind and mettle to oversee a dynamic helicopter operation specialising in traditional services – let alone one that’s also pioneering progressive new initiatives.
Lynda Davison’s career is underpinned by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for people.
She’s crutched sheep, was once a professional florist, and also a stock manager in Canada’s rural back blocks. She’s spearheaded a successful start-up, specialised in business development and project management in the corporate sphere, and worked in academia. She’s served in governance positions in local government, education, sport and the arts, and mentored young people.
Anyone who knows Lynda isn’t too surprised to discover she’s sold high-end fashion … and rice to China, too.
Lynda has supported husband Darren, Chief Pilot and company co-owner, since he launched the new Southern Heli Lift operation in 2015.
With the business not only growing, but actively pivoting to meet both changing market needs and the sudden challenges wrought by COVID-19, her role was expanded and formalised last year.
Darren and Lynda’s leadership duties dovetail to ensure every facet of the business is operating soundly, safely and in line with the team’s values.
Whatever the job, the challenge, the plan, Lynda’s firmly focused on taking care of business – and that starts with clients, project partners and the Southern Heli Lift team. She is big on team well-being, and is a staunch advocate of values-led business.
Aviation carries inherent risk, and with the Southern Heli Lift team often partnering with the agricultural, forestry and construction sectors, a robust, integrated approach to health and safety is crucial.
Lynda’s developed significant practical business and compliance knowledge, and maintains strong links with educators and regulators to mitigate and manage risk. With her husband up in the air, and their support crew akin to family, she’s particularly driven to keep the operation running in line with best practice.
Throughout her academic study and professional career, Lynda has developed a special interest in designing client care programmes and fostering positive, long-term relationships.
Her focus is ensuring excellent communication and superior, well-priced service, so clients are left not just satisfied, but chuffed.
What are the most satisfying and rewarding parts of your role?
Seeing a plan from inception to completion. I really enjoy the multi-faceted nature of my role, and the fact no two days are the same. It’s extremely important to me that our team and project partners are taken very good care of, and there is absolutely nothing better than knowing we’ve done an excellent job for our clients, and that they’re stoked with the result.
You are particularly passionate about health and safety, client care and communication – what appeals about these to you?
I have a significant vested interest, in that it’s my husband up in the air, and our support crew is like family. From a client’s perspective, I understand what it’s like as a businessperson to carry risk, and we are uncompromising when it comes to making sure everyone gets home safe. I also really enjoy ensuring what’s in the manuals translates to best practice in all aspects of our operation, whatever we’re doing and wherever we’re doing it. Finding new ways to provide exceptional service is one of my great professional passions. There is a dearth of good customer care out there, and it gives us great delight to surprise clients with more than they expect.
What do you want Southern Heli Lift to mean to those who rely on its services?
Service beyond compare, great knowledge, and that we’re a friendly, approachable team committed to building strong, long-term relationships.
What do you like to do outside the business sphere?
I love going home to catch up with our daughters, and also spend time with my girlfriends. These connections are really important to me. I have recently started dabbling in photography, and I love writing and supporting my community. I'd really like to garden more, but kind of rely on it to take care of itself, as I am away quite often. Luckily, I have inherited a garden full of stunning roses and mostly, easy-care plants. I am also an avid reader, when I'm not hooked by a Netflix series.
LYNDA DAVISON
It takes a certain type of mind and mettle to oversee a dynamic helicopter operation specialising in traditional services – let alone one that’s also pioneering progressive new initiatives.
Lynda Davison’s career is underpinned by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for people.
She’s crutched sheep, was once a professional florist, and also a stock manager in Canada’s rural back blocks. She’s spearheaded a successful start-up, specialised in business development and project management in the corporate sphere, and worked in academia. She’s served in governance positions in local government, education, sport and the arts, and mentored young people.
Anyone who knows Lynda isn’t too surprised to discover she’s sold high-end fashion … and rice to China, too.
Lynda has supported husband Darren, Chief Pilot and company co-owner, since he launched the new Southern Heli Lift operation in 2015.
With the business not only growing, but actively pivoting to meet both changing market needs and the sudden challenges wrought by COVID-19, her role was expanded and formalised last year.
Darren and Lynda’s leadership duties dovetail to ensure every facet of the business is operating soundly, safely and in line with the team’s values.
Whatever the job, the challenge, the plan, Lynda’s firmly focused on taking care of business – and that starts with clients, project partners and the Southern Heli Lift team. She is big on team well-being, and is a staunch advocate of values-led business.
Aviation carries inherent risk, and with the Southern Heli Lift team often partnering with the agricultural, forestry and construction sectors, a robust, integrated approach to health and safety is crucial.
Lynda’s developed significant practical business and compliance knowledge, and maintains strong links with educators and regulators to mitigate and manage risk. With her husband up in the air, and their support crew akin to family, she’s particularly driven to keep the operation running in line with best practice.
Throughout her academic study and professional career, Lynda has developed a special interest in designing client care programmes and fostering positive, long-term relationships.
Her focus is ensuring excellent communication and superior, well-priced service, so clients are left not just satisfied, but chuffed.
What are the most satisfying and rewarding parts of your role?
Seeing a plan from inception to completion. I really enjoy the multi-faceted nature of my role, and the fact no two days are the same. It’s extremely important to me that our team and project partners are taken very good care of, and there is absolutely nothing better than knowing we’ve done an excellent job for our clients, and that they’re stoked with the result.
You are particularly passionate about health and safety, client care and communication – what appeals about these to you?
I have a significant vested interest, in that it’s my husband up in the air, and our support crew is like family. From a client’s perspective, I understand what it’s like as a businessperson to carry risk, and we are uncompromising when it comes to making sure everyone gets home safe. I also really enjoy ensuring what’s in the manuals translates to best practice in all aspects of our operation, whatever we’re doing and wherever we’re doing it. Finding new ways to provide exceptional service is one of my great professional passions. There is a dearth of good customer care out there, and it gives us great delight to surprise clients with more than they expect.
What do you want Southern Heli Lift to mean to those who rely on its services?
Service beyond compare, great knowledge, and that we’re a friendly, approachable team committed to building strong, long-term relationships.
What do you like to do outside the business sphere?
I love going home to catch up with our daughters, and also spend time with my girlfriends. These connections are really important to me. I have recently started dabbling in photography, and I love writing and supporting my community. I'd really like to garden more, but kind of rely on it to take care of itself, as I am away quite often. Luckily, I have inherited a garden full of stunning roses and mostly, easy-care plants. I am also an avid reader, when I'm not hooked by a Netflix series.
Southern Heli Lift’s Huey, Thumper, drawing the crowds
at the Big Family Fun Day Out at Oxford.
Southern Heli Lift’s Huey, Thumper, drawing the crowds at the Big Family Fun Day Out at Oxford.
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