When you meet Anas Shargawi, his love for aerospace and commitment to improving things are obvious. He isn’t just an engineer; he’s a leader focused on making air travel safer and manufacturing more effective. Anas now lives in Wichita, Kansas, a major aerospace city, but his journey started in Saudi Arabia.
Anas shared with Business Insiders how moving to the United States shaped his career, the risks he took, the mentors who inspired him, and the habits that drive him. His story is about more than engineering—it’s about resilience and embracing new challenges.
What’s your approach to leadership, and how has it evolved over time?
Leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about guiding a team to find the best solutions together. I used to believe that a good leader needed all the answers. But I’ve changed. Now, I see my role as a coach and a facilitator. I create a space where others feel safe to share their ideas. It’s not about directing every move; it’s about listening actively and staying flexible.
Empowering people is key. When team members feel heard, they bring their best work to the table. Collaboration becomes effortless. The real magic happens when everyone is invested in a shared goal. My job is to foster that sense of ownership and value.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did you learn from them?
My mentor back in Saudi Arabia changed my view on engineering. He was a professor who taught me to approach problems scientifically. But he also stressed the importance of creative solutions. In aerospace, things change fast. You must be resilient. You must adapt. He made me realize that failure isn’t bad. It’s a necessary part of innovation. I now see setbacks as chances to learn and grow. That mindset keeps me pushing forward, even when things get tough.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career, and how did it pay off?
Moving from Saudi Arabia to the United States. I left behind everything familiar. It wasn’t easy. But I knew that staying comfortable wouldn’t get me far. Aerospace engineering was my dream, and the U.S. had the best opportunities. Taking that leap changed my life. At Spirit AeroSystems, I found exactly what I was looking for. Access to advanced aerospace technology. The chance to work with global teams. It wasn’t just about career growth. It was about exposure to ideas and ways of thinking I’d never experienced before.
This risk pushed me to grow. I had to adapt quickly. I learned how to think differently. I became better at solving problems. My personal growth happened just as fast as my professional success. Sometimes, doing what scares you the most leads to the biggest rewards.
What trends do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
One of the most significant trends in aerospace is the integration of advanced materials and additive manufacturing. As sustainability becomes more crucial, companies are exploring lightweight, high-performance composites and more efficient production methods. To stay ahead, I’m focusing on materials engineering and process optimization. My studies help me understand how to leverage these innovations to enhance both safety and efficiency.
What failure taught you the most, and how did you bounce back from it?
One of my toughest failures was an early project where we underestimated the impact of a new ergonomic design on production timelines. It taught me the importance of thorough impact analysis and risk management. Bouncing back required owning the mistake, rallying the team, and implementing a revised plan that worked. The experience humbled me and made me a stronger advocate for testing and simulation modeling before full-scale implementation.
What habits or routines do you follow that contribute to your success?
I prioritize learning. The world is always changing, and so are our industries. Every week, I set aside time to dive into the latest research and tech advancements. Staying current isn’t just useful; it’s necessary.
Mornings are for focus. I review my top tasks for the day. It’s simple but powerful. Knowing what matters most means I can tackle challenges with confidence. It keeps me moving forward, one step at a time.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon that you can share?
I’m focusing more on materials engineering and process optimization. It’s a field that keeps evolving, and I like staying ahead. One exciting challenge is creating materials that are tougher and more efficient. We need to make sure they work well under stress but are still cost-effective.
I’m also digging into optimization studies. One project I’ve worked on is “Optimizing Engine Maintenance Processes through Arena Simulation Modeling.” It’s about finding the perfect balance between safety, efficiency, and cost. We need to keep maintenance fast and reliable, without compromising quality.
Key Takeaways
Anas Shargawi’s aerospace engineering career teaches important lessons in leadership and personal growth. His approach focuses on empowering teams and working well with others.
Moving from Saudi Arabia to the United States was a bold choice that helped him grow both personally and professionally.
Anas also stresses the need for continuous learning and staying flexible in an industry that’s always changing, with new trends like advanced materials and sustainability shaping aerospace. His commitment to combining scientific precision with creative problem-solving and habits like setting priorities and staying active have contributed to his success in aerospace manufacturing.
