What does leadership look like when the stakes are high and lives are on the line? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Scott Williams to explore leadership, commitment, and decision-making from the world of air traffic control.

Scott Williams has spent more than 25 years with NAV Canada, beginning his career as an air traffic controller and working his way up to Director of the Edmonton Area Control Centre. He oversees some of the largest and most complex airspace in the world, covering Western and Northern Canada. In this conversation, Scott shares how he entered a career he never planned for, why commitment matters more than comfort, and how leaders can support people in high-pressure environments.

Scott explains what it takes to train air traffic controllers, how stress is managed in critical roles, and why perseverance and delayed gratification played a major role in his success. He also discusses the shift from hands-on technical work to people leadership, managing hundreds of professionals, and ensuring safety while maintaining morale.

Listeners will also hear Scott’s thoughts on taking smart risks, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and why seeking expert help—especially in financial planning—can make a meaningful difference over the long term. The episode wraps with a look ahead at exciting innovations in air traffic control and what the future holds for aviation in Canada.

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