My Story

Sharing Experiences

I have now also published my first book, “Good day, this is your captain,” in which I give a glimpse behind the scenes of flight operations and talk about what it means to be a woman in this industry. It is my vision to pass on my knowledge and experience and thus contribute to a safer and healthier working world. I am also now part of the expert team at C-Lab and International Football Concepts GmbH. C-Lab and International Football Concepts GmbH support people and organizations in navigating the modern working world by assisting with the evidence-based development or redesign of modern corporate culture and innovative leadership skills. I am also now a member of the Premium Leaders Club as a speaker at the Bertelsmann speaker agency and as a 1st Row Woman Speaker, where I pass on my experiences.

Strengthening Mental Health

In close collaboration with renowned institutions such as the “Klinikum rechts der Isar”, “TUM”, and the “AO Foundation”, I have developed these skills with the Human Factors Academy and transferred them to the medical world through Human Factors Competency Trainings. How can companies proactively take measures to strengthen the mental health of their employees? This question deeply concerns me. Through my long-standing work in Peer Support, especially in the Critical Incident Stress Management of the Mayday Foundation, I demonstrate how processing critical incidents in professional life can increase resilience. My support of Corinna Cremer and the skyminds Foundation which is dedicated to safeguarding and fortifying mental health within organizations has become very important to me.

MY References

My Journey

For over 35 years, I have been passionately and wholeheartedly involved in the aviation industry. My exciting journey began in 1994 as a commercial pilot with Lufthansa Passage Airlines. Throughout my 30-year career, I have not only gained extensive experience as a pilot but have also led a team of up to 25 professionals as a commander for 19 years.

However, my expertise extends beyond the cockpit. At Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH, I have served as an assessor, developer, and trainer in recent years and I have put my heart and soul into my role as training captain since 2009 and into the training and development of our colleagues in the cockpit. In this role, I have conducted training and coaching in various sectors, both internally and externally. Additionally, I have developed and implemented HR projects to promote the development of professionals.

A highlight of my career was my involvement in the project team for the introduction of the A350 at Lufthansa. As a project team member, I contributed to the development and implementation of a training plan that ensured a smooth introduction in February 2017.

My expertise also extends beyond the aviation industry. As the author of a book to be published by Penguin Random House in March 2024, I share my experiences and insights to be not just a woman but also a human being in this industry.

Throughout my career, I have delved deeply into human factors. As the initiator and host of the LH Human Factors Action Group, I have created platforms to promote safety and a culture of learning from mistakes. The establishment of websites, podcasts, and conferences reflects my commitment. As the responsible CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) officer for the cockpit at Lufthansa and as a member of the Peer Support Foundation Mayday since 2002, I actively support the psychological well-being of colleagues.

I believe in the development of teams and individuals. Through workshops and training in safety culture, error culture, Crew Resource Management, and more, I contribute to forming psychologically safe teams. My international collaboration with various airlines demonstrates my versatility and willingness to learn and share across industries.

With a clear focus on development and safety promotion, I use my expertise to help people and organizations unleash their potential and create safer working environments.

Current projects

Cordula Pflaum combines the precision of the flight cockpit with the sensitivity of human leadership. As captain of the Airbus A350 and A380, she combines her expertise in aviation with the intricacies of team leadership. She shares her passionate approach to psychological safety in teams in rousing keynotes, practical workshops and targeted training sessions. With valuable experience gained in the training and development of colleagues, she brings Crew resource management to the business world to strengthen interpersonal skills and transform leadership cultures. Her work with international airlines and medical facilities has made Cordula Pflaum a sought-after expert who knows that respectful, trusting interaction at eye level is the basis for any strong leadership.

Podcasts & Shows

My media presence

Interviews

Contact

Contact Information

Reviews & Feedback