Elevate: Transforming Leadership from the Inside Out


September 8–12, 2025

Leadership is not about title or rank, it’s about having the mindset, confidence, and the tools to create value — no matter your role.


Elevate is a transformative leadership development experience designed specifically for private aviation professionals at all levels. Whether you’re running a flight department, managing operations, or leading from within a team, this program will help you grow your leadership from the inside out.

Led by Don Henderson and Dr. Jeff Baker

Elevate combines industry expertise with proven leadership strategies — the new and improved class is now more relevant than ever.

This program is for anyone in private aviation who is ready to step into leadership — formally or informally:

  • Flight department leaders
  • Maintenance and operations professionals
  • Crew members and schedulers
  • OEM, MRO, and Management Company leaders
  • As well as others in private aviation seeking to influence, guide, or support others more effectively

 

This immersive program will help you:

  • Clarify the value you bring
    Define the unique value you bring by gaining insight into how you are perceived.
  • Understand how you’re wired — and how that affects others
    Gain insights into how your personal patterns, drivers, and blind spots impact your leadership.
  • Navigate conflict and difficult conversations
    Build the skills to address tension head-on with confidence, empathy, and clarity.
  • Lead through times of change
    Learn frameworks and tools to navigate uncertainty during times of change.
  • Develop your own personal coaching approach
    Develop a plan to continue your development beyond the classroom.
  • Protect your energy and stay grounded
    Identify what fuels and drains your energy – and how to build resilience.

 

VanAllen has spent decades working alongside private aviation professionals — we understand the realities of your world. Elevate is based on 12 years of successful leadership development, now expanded for broader participation and even deeper growth.

Register Now

Whether You Lead a Team or Lead by Example — This Program is for You

Dates: September 8–12, 2025
Cost: $6,500
Location: Town of Trilith, Fayetteville, GA (just south of the Atlanta airport)

Register Now

Don Henderson

Managing Director, VanAllen | Leadership Strategist | Aviation Consultant

Don Henderson brings a rare blend of flight department leadership and executive consulting expertise. With over 25 years in aviation leadership at KeyCorp — including roles as Captain, Chief Pilot, and Director of Aviation — Don understands how leadership takes shape at every level, from the hangar to the boardroom.

Since joining VanAllen in 2013, Don has worked with a wide range of clients on organizational design, team development, and cultural alignment. His approach begins with the customer’s perspective and is informed by years of experience engaging with aviation teams across the country.

Don is a co-creator and instructor of a longstanding leadership development course tailored for business aviation professionals. The program has helped over 200 participants strengthen their leadership clarity, communication, and confidence — and Don continues to guide professionals through that journey today.

An EMBA graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Don is a certified Hogan assessment administrator, former Chairman of NBAA’s Corporate Aviation Management Committee, and a trusted advisor for professionals seeking to lead with purpose and authenticity.

 

Dr. Jeffery Baker, Ph.D.

Leadership Consultant | Clinical Psychologist | Organizational Advisor

Dr. Jeffery Baker brings over 30 years of experience helping individuals grow from the inside out. As a licensed clinical psychologist and seasoned leadership consultant, he specializes in guiding professionals to better understand themselves, build emotional intelligence, and lead with authenticity.

His work spans healthcare, business, law enforcement, and ministry, offering a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective on leadership and human behavior. Jeff’s approach focuses on developing the inner awareness and resilience leaders need to navigate conflict, change, and complexity — especially when they lead without formal authority.

Dr. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a certified mentor coach. His role in the Elevate program helps participants uncover what drives their leadership and equips them to lead with clarity and purpose.