Beth Creighton, MBA, PMP

I attribute my success to the foundational advice I received from my parents: “Find a way, make a way.” Their words shaped my approach to leadership and taught me the importance of earning every opportunity through preparation, hard work, and demonstrated competence. Throughout my career, I have learned that success is not defined by circumstances or labels, but by the ability to consistently deliver results, embrace challenges, and remain committed to excellence. These principles have guided me through every stage of my journey and continue to influence how I lead, mentor others, and pursue opportunities with integrity, discipline, and purpose.

The best career advice I have ever received came from my parents and it has been a guiding principle, centered on establishing clear priorities; "Faith and family first, the rest will fall into place." They also taught me that the world does not owe me something simply because I am in it, and they reinforced the importance of being prepared, working hard, and earning every opportunity through demonstrated competence and commitment. My Dad always reminded me that success should never depend on circumstances or labels, but rather on the value, dedication, and expertise I bring to every role. My Mom taught me that JOY comes from serving Jesus, then Others, and Yourself last. These lessons have shaped my approach to servant leadership and continue to inspire me to pursue excellence, overcome challenges, and mentor others to achieve their goals with integrity, resilience, and purpose.

I encourage young women entering the defense, aerospace, and technology industries to approach their careers with intentionality, vision, and a commitment to continuous growth. I recommend creating clear one-year, five-year, and ten-year plans to help guide decisions and ensure each step contributes to long-term success. Your plans should align with your goals to form a complete strategy for achieving your objectives. It is important to immerse yourself in learning, research your field, build meaningful professional relationships, seek mentors, and take advantage of opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Most importantly, remember that preparation builds confidence. Do not allow being the only woman in the room to limit your potential or define your capabilities. Pursue excellence, earn your qualifications, embrace challenges, and lead with integrity, because your expertise and dedication will always speak the loudest.

One of the greatest opportunities in the defense, aerospace, and technology industries today is the continued advancement of women into leadership roles and mission-critical positions. I have witnessed firsthand the progress women have made in military aviation and defense, beginning with my own experience as one of the first women eligible to fly combat aircraft in the Navy. This opportunity came following the lifting of combat exclusion from aviation positions. While entering traditionally male-dominated environments presented unique challenges, I also experienced the tremendous value that diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership bring to mission success, innovation, and operational excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, I believe there is a significant opportunity to expand mentorship, leadership development, and professional networks that empower women to succeed. By supporting one another, pursuing continuous growth, and leading with preparation, resilience, and integrity, women will continue to shape the future of defense, aerospace, technology, and national security while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, service, integrity, and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential. Throughout my career, I have been guided by the belief that leadership is not only about achieving results but also about investing in people, creating opportunities, and serving others with purpose and compassion. Alongside my husband, a fellow retired Naval Aviator, I remain dedicated to mentoring future leaders and giving back to the military and aviation communities that have shaped our lives. Through initiatives such as establishing a scholarship with the Tailhook Educational Foundation in honor of my family and founding Waypoint Zero LLC to encourage young women to pursue careers in naval aviation and defense, I strive to create pathways for the next generation of leaders. Lifelong learning is also central to my values, reflected in my pursuit of a Master’s degree in Theology, my 17 years of teaching theology at my church, and my continued commitment to education and mentorship. Whether through professional leadership, community service, teaching, or personal growth, I find fulfillment in empowering others, building meaningful connections, and making a positive impact through service and dedication.