Wg Cdr Jaya Tare (Retd): From Cockpits to Cosmos

Some careers begin with ambition; others begin with a moment that quietly changes how one sees the world. With over two decades of experience across aviation and space, Wg Cdr Jaya Tare (Retd) has been shaped by precision rather than spectacle. That defining moment came high above the ground during her first flight with the NCC . What began in the sky soon became a lifelong commitment to service, discipline, and responsibility—leading her to the Indian Air Force and later into the evolving landscape of space education.

Flying military aircraft for over two decades instilled lessons that extended far beyond the cockpit. Decision-making under pressure, accountability with no margin for error, and trust within tightly knit teams became second nature. Representing India as an Analog Astronaut, and being part of the first all-women crew to land at advanced and sensitive airfields, further reinforced her belief that leadership does not announce itself it up prepared, composed, and willing to take responsibility when it matters most.

“Fill your life with small actions every day. Let your work speak louder than words.”

Choosing Continuity Over Change

Retirement from the Air Force did not signal a change in direction for Jaya; it marked a continuation of service. As Founder and CEO of Newrizon Space, she extended the discipline of the cockpit into expanding scope for aviation and space ecosystems . Her belief is simple yet powerful: the right exposure at the right moment can alter the trajectory of a life. That conviction continues to guide her work, especially during phases that demand patience and persistence.

As the Indian Ambassador for Mission ShakthiSAT, she plays a pivotal role in mentoring and enabling young girls from across India to build a historic all women lunar satellite. This is to engage meaningfully with space science , with structured opportunity and disciplined execution.

Strength Built in Silent Spaces

One of the defining forces in Jaya’s journey has been self-reliance—often cultivated in environments where the margin for error is zero. Such spaces demand clarity, composure, and complete ownership of decisions. Over time, this shaped a leadership style that is steady, grounded, and deeply anchored in preparation.

Years of discipline ingrained through flying and unseen hard work have influenced her professional ethos. She values effort done away from applause, believing that meaningful work does not require constant visibility to hold significance.

For her, success is not measured by speed or external milestones only . It is organic growth—the ability to lead with compassion while nurturing a grounded, loving home. Balance, she believes, is not something to chase, but something that emerges when one stays aligned with purpose.

Leadership for a New Generation

In a world increasingly defined by hustle culture, Jaya offers a measured perspective. Hustle without purpose, she believes, inevitably leads to exhaustion. What sustains momentum is an anchor—a reason that keeps one grounded and motivates to show up every day. When work is aligned with meaning, balance follows naturally.

Her advice to younger generations is quietly powerful: leadership does not need to be loud or forceful. She challenges stereotypes that equate strength with aggression or ego, emphasizing instead that true strength—especially in women—lies in being calm, composed, and self-assured, without the need to perform toughness every time.

In Her Own Words

Leadership: Responsibility

Failure: A stepping stone

Success: Organic growth

Freedom: Choice

An early riser who values purpose over pay checks, structured planning with room for spontaneity defines her rhythm of lifeone shaped by intention rather than impulse.

Wg Cdr Jaya Tare’s journey reminds us that meaningful leadership often unfolds long before the spotlight. Rooted in discipline, guided by purpose, and sustained by quiet conviction, her work continues to influence not just careers, but the very culture of how leadership is understood.