G’day, I’m Sir Charles Kingsford Smith—most people just call me Smithy. It’s a fine day here in Sydney, though the wind is howling a bit. It always reminds me of my early days flying, cutting through the skies with nothing but faith in the machines we’d pieced together and a whole lot of courage.

I was born in Brisbane, but Sydney is where I call home now. It’s 1930, and I can feel that the world is changing, fast. The skies are no longer just for birds. Aviation is growing, and I’m lucky enough to have my name etched in its history. It wasn’t always this way though. As a young bloke, I left school at 16, chasing dreams of engineering. The world was at war, and like many young men, I found myself enlisting. I began as a motorcycle despatch rider, dodging shells and carrying messages on the muddy fields of Gallipoli. But it was in the air, after I joined the Royal Flying Corps, that I truly found my place. I was shot down once—took a bullet to the foot—but I earned my Military Cross for keeping my plane steady and bringing her home. That was a time when fear and excitement blended into one. Up there in the air, you feel invincible, and yet every second reminds you how fragile life really is.

After the war, life didn’t slow down. I became a barnstormer—flying through hoops, performing aerial stunts, sometimes risking life and limb just to earn a living. I did it in England and the United States before returning home to Australia. But the real adventure came when I decided to take on the Pacific. In 1928, I flew the Southern Cross from California to Brisbane, making the first-ever transpacific flight. Three days of flying over endless ocean—no land in sight for what felt like eternity—it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. We had no GPS, just basic instruments, and a hell of a lot of nerve. But we made it. That flight changed everything for me. I wasn’t just a barnstormer or a war pilot anymore; I was a pioneer of commercial aviation.

Flying between Australia and New Zealand, opening up new air routes—this became my life. There’s something almost sacred about connecting people, bringing them closer through the skies. But don’t get me wrong—aviation’s no easy business. The planes are fragile, the weather unpredictable, and the stakes are high. Fear is a constant companion up there, but so is freedom. There’s a unique connection between pilots. When you share the sky with someone, you trust them with your life.

Today, in 1930, we’re on the cusp of something incredible. The world is getting smaller, and aviation is leading the charge. People are more connected than ever before, and I see aviation as the glue that’s binding the world together. My fear? It’s simple. I fear that as we soar higher, the risks will only get bigger. But my desire—to keep flying, keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—that far outweighs any fear I’ve got.

Lessons for Startups: Fly High, But Know the Risks

Looking back at my own journey, I reckon startups today can take a few lessons from the world of aviation. Business, like flying, is a high-risk game. And just like in the air, the key to success is knowing when to push your limits and when to play it safe.

1. Trust in Your Crew: You’re not flying solo. The people around you—your co-founders, your team—are critical to your success. When you’re in the cockpit, trust is everything. In startups, the same rule applies. Surround yourself with a crew you can rely on when things get tough.

2. Innovate Fearlessly, But Respect the Unknown: My transpacific flight wasn’t easy, but it was groundbreaking. Innovation comes with uncertainty, and as a founder, you’ll face countless unknowns. Don’t let fear hold you back, but be prepared for rough skies. Always have a plan B (or C).

3. Know Your Route: As a pilot, I never take off without understanding my flight path. In business, it’s essential to have a clear strategy. Know where you’re headed, but be ready to adapt. The skies change, and so do markets.

4. Take Calculated Risks: Flying was once considered impossible, but we pioneers proved otherwise. Startups are similar—you’ll need to take bold risks to stand out. But always calculate those risks. Don’t fly blindly into the storm.

5. Stay Resilient: The air is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. But resilience—being able to weather storms and keep going—is what separates those who succeed from those who don’t. In business, just like in aviation, persistence is key.

So, strap in, and get ready for takeoff! The journey ahead might be turbulent, but if you’ve got the right crew and the right mindset, the sky’s the limit.