Facilitated by Sara Fitchett, AerFin’s learning and development director, this interactive workshop connects personal insight with practical leadership applications, using Insights Discovery results as the foundation.

Prior to ISTAT EMEA, participants will complete the Insights Discovery Assessment, gaining a personalized understanding of their communication style, leadership approach, strengths and potential blind spots. The workshop brings these insights to life, helping participants deepen their self-awareness and refine their leadership approach, with a focus on resiliency, adaptability and leading through change.

Through guided discussion, attendees will explore how individual preferences shape decision-making, communication and responses to uncertainty — critical capabilities in today’s dynamic business environment.

The experience then progresses into a facilitated management simulation, where participants apply their Insights profile to a realistic case-study scenario. Working in small groups, attendees will lead through organizational change, navigate challenges, manage stakeholder dynamics and make decisions under pressure, collaborating and problem-solving in real time. The simulation concludes with open discussion, encouraging reflection on how behavioral agility and self-awareness directly impact business outcomes.

The workshop concludes with a leadership session led by AerFin CEO Simon Goodson, who will share personal perspectives on leadership, culture and the role Insights Discovery has played in building AerFin as a high-performing organization.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with increased self-awareness, practical tools and actionable leadership strategies they can immediately apply within their teams and organizations.

Agenda

• 12:00 - 12:30: Lunch & Networking (optional)
• 12:30 -14:30: Insights Discovery Results Debrief
• 14:30 - 14:45: Break
• 14:45 - 16:30: Situation Room Simulation
• 16:30 - 17:00: Reflection & Wrap-up

By attending this workshop, participants will:

• Receive a personalized Insights Discovery profile (valid for three years), offering valuable insights into individual communication styles, behavioral preferences, strengths and development opportunities.
• Develop a deeper understanding of how self-awareness and behavioral awareness drive effective leadership.
• Gain practical tools to enhance communication, collaboration and relationship-building in the workplace.
• Strengthen leadership capabilities through real-world application in an interactive, strategic business simulation.
• Understand how essential soft skills — such as emotional intelligence, adaptability and mindful leadership — directly impact team and business performance.
• Build confidence in leading conversations, influencing others and navigating complex business situations.

Sara Fitchett, Learning & Development Director, AerFin

Sara Fitchett is the learning and development director at AerFin, where she leads the strategic direction of leadership, learning and capability development across the global business. Working within the aviation sector, she partners closely with senior leaders to strengthen commercial thinking, elevate leadership effectiveness and support the continued evolution of high-performing teams and culture.

Her work focuses on leadership capability, organizational effectiveness and building learning strategies that align people development with business performance. Sara is passionate about creating environments where individuals and teams can grow with confidence, deliver meaningful impact and contribute to long-term organizational success.

Simon Goodson, CEO, AerFin

Simon Goodson is CEO of AerFin, where he leads the company’s global strategy, driving growth through strong customer partnerships and long-term value creation. He joined AerFin in 2021 following a senior leadership career at Rolls-Royce, where he served as senior vice president of customer business, civil aerospace, with responsibility for global sales, account management and digital strategy.

Simon’s earlier roles at Rolls-Royce spanned customer finance, treasury and investor relations. Before entering the aviation sector, he built a foundation in structured asset finance with Barclays and ING, following an initial career as an officer in the British Royal Navy.

Known for his commercial acumen, focus on people development and deep operational insight, Simon brings a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of strategic leadership. His focus at AerFin is on strengthening the business’s position as a trusted partner to airlines, lessors and MROs around the world.