Buddhability

Today we’re talking about how to persevere on a career path when the odds are stacked against you. Mardi Tan, of Long Beach, California, shares her incredible journey to pursue a career in aviation, an industry in which less than 5% of pilots are women. Her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her navigate being a woman, being out, and overcoming every obstacle that came her way in order to open a path for other female pilots.

Show Notes

Today we’re talking about how to persevere on a career path when the odds are stacked against you. Mardi Tan, of Long Beach, California, shares her incredible journey to pursue a career in aviation, an industry in which less than 5% of pilots are women. Her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her navigate being a woman, being out, and overcoming every obstacle that came her way in order to open a path for other female pilots.

CHEAT SHEET

0:47 How Mardi starting practicing Buddhism
6:45 Discovering her dream to become a pilot
14:25 How chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her navigate fear
18:26 What it took for her to bring her authentic self to a male-dominated industry
21:22 How she dealt with discrimination
28:04 The Buddhist concept that helped her persevere
30:44 The ups and downs that almost made her give up
38:17 How lifting up others helped her keep going
40:19 Her vision for the future of aviation
41:46 Advice for anyone struggling to pursue their dream

References:
  • Discussions on Youth, p. 105

What is Buddhability?

The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it every day, and changing the world along the way. Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.