Impulse from aviation: Nicola Winter on decision-making under pressure

Around 100 guests from turnaround management and insolvency fields attended a special event hosted by BayBG’s Head of Turnaround, Dr. Thomas Bucksteeg. Former fighter pilot and space expert Nicola Winter provided fascinating insights into decision-making under extreme conditions and drew compelling parallels to corporate practice.

A key focus of her presentation was the ability to make sound decisions under intense time pressure. In aviation, this relies heavily on thorough and structured preparation. “In critical situations, there is no time for lengthy analysis – every move must be precise,” Winter explained. This principle can be directly applied to business crises, where fast and reliable decisions are essential.

Another important aspect was the role of clear processes and routines. In complex and dynamic situations, relying on proven structures helps maintain the ability to act. For the audience from restructuring and insolvency environments, these insights provided valuable inspiration for their daily work.

Winter also emphasized the importance of “debriefing.” In aviation, it is a standard practice after every mission: decisions and processes are systematically reviewed, mistakes openly analyzed and improvement potential identified. The goal is continuous learning and minimizing future risks – an approach that is equally relevant for companies, especially in challenging phases.

The presentation made one thing clear: successful decision-making under pressure is not a matter of chance, but the result of preparation, clear structures and continuous learning. An impulse that resonated strongly with the audience.