Dr Sally Dixon

Sally completed her MBA at Kent Business School in 1998 while working part-time at the Kent Training & Enterprise Council. Upon graduation, she transitioned to a career in aviation, working on airport acquisitions globally. In 2014, she earned a PhD from Cranfield University's Centre for Air Transport Management. Currently, Sally is an aviation consultant and the founder of Azimuth Associates, where she specializes in strategy and innovation for cargo airports. She also lectures at Cranfield and Coventry Universities.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I undertook my MBA studies part time, working at the Kent Training & Enterprise Council for most of my three years at the University of Kent. Just before completing my studies, I became a freelance business consultant, working with companies such as Pfizer. However, after graduating, I realized I should attempt to fulfil my passion to work in aviation, particularly with airports. In 2000, I realised that dream, working on airport acquisitions all over the world. After nearly a decade I gave in to the itch to continue my education and was accepted to research part time for a PhD at Cranfield University’s Centre for Air Transport Management, graduating in 2014. I now work as a strategy & innovation specialist in cargo airport, and lecture at Cranfield and Coventry Universities. For the past eight years I have provided consultancy to River Oak Strategic Partners on the reopening of Manston Airport in Ramsgate, Kent. I also work with a colleague from Cranfield designing rapidly deployable, drone enabled cargo processing facilities.

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

No day is typical! My work for Manston Airport covers several areas. One of these is stakeholder engagement, a considerable task across a wide range of organisations and industries. I am also responsible for staying up to date with innovations such as the use of hydrogen in aviation, the potential for cargo drones, using the river Thames to connect Manston to London using green river vessels, and on sustainable aviation generally. I also lead an outreach team to connect with education and training providers and engage with school and university students. When I’m not working on Manston Airport issues, I provide specialist lectures at several universities, and work with other airports and aviation-focused organisations to support their development. The COVID pandemic was a crazy time for me. When most passenger flights ceased, we lost belly hold capacity for cargo. This meant a dramatic switch to freighters, something the UK was not geared up for. It felt like I worked 24/7 during the whole crisis, which at least took my mind off the situation. 

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

I think having successfully defended my forecasting for air traffic movements at Manston, and providing the need case as part of the Development Consent Order process has been a highlight. I was cross examined by the opposition’s barrister during the process, and then sat through hearings at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. All judges, one in the first case and three in the second, accepted my work in the face of concerted criticism from those bringing the Judicial Review of the Government’s decision on Manston. 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career? 

I had some wonderful lecturers at the Business School as well as some outstanding fellow students. I learnt a huge amount from both. The MBA gave me a wonderful grounding from which to move forward in my career. I will be forever grateful to the University of Kent for giving me the opportunity to study at Masters level.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

I guess my top tips would be 1) first jobs post-university are a toe in the water – sometimes you learn what you don’t want to do rather than loving your initial option; 2) use your network to find work experience or employment - make connections, help others, and let them help you; 3) get a mentor; 4) be flexible, be a team player, be adaptable, and 5) keep reinventing yourself – your skills and experience will always find new applications. 

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

I undertook the MBA part time so missed out on 'proper' student life as I fitted in work, study, and renovating a house.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

I think my favourite memory is of leaving the university after lectures on a Tuesday evening and going to France for supper. One of our classmates worked for Eurotunnel and we jumped in his car and rush off to the station, flying through gates to catch the shuttle just in time. We had a wonderful meal in Escalles returning to Kent very late. 

 
Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I would have loved to maintain more friendships with the wonderful cohort in my year.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Not too many academics are still teaching at the Business School from my time there, and I sadly lost touch with alumni after graduation. I remember them all fondly though.

What are your future ambitions? 

I hope to ensure airports decarbonise their operations, both in their buildings and in ground operations. I am very much looking forward to the introduction of clean propulsion systems for aircraft and next gen designs for airframes. Aside from work, I want to see as much of the world as possible.