Black History Month Spotlight: Pierre Minter
In honor of Black History Month, Bristow is shining the spotlight on the company's diverse workforce that delivers safe, efficient and reliable services every day. This interview features Reliability Analyst Pierre Minter from our Lake Charles base. If his last name seems familiar, you might remember the spotlight featuring his mom, Phyllis Minter.
Talk about your role at Bristow and what are you currently working on?
I am currently a reliability analyst for Bristow. I compile and review raw data for the fleet to analyze trends with the parts and over flight hours, as well as the status of the fleet as a whole. I present that information through charts, graphs, and other statistics so they can be reviewed, and changes can be implemented where needed to improve the safety and sustainability of our aircraft. Right now, I am fulfilling part of my duties from my previous position with the company by training the newest technical records coordinator to fill the spot I left open when I took this position.
What is a recent success you're particularly proud of?
I began as a technical records coordinator last February and recently moved into my current position when a spot opened up in September. I feel extremely proud that my superiors are putting their faith in me and my abilities and work ethic to excel in this new role.
What in your background prepared you for this assignment?
I began at my previous company as a helper for the head of document control filing paperwork and making copies. I quickly worked my way up through different positions until taking over the position as document control myself at one of the plants in Westlake. There I sharpened my skills with multitasking and data entry and analysis, while learning to be as efficient as possible. This gave me a solid foundation for my roles at Bristow.
What are the opportunities and challenges that are unique to your area?
I have a lot of autonomy in my day-to-day work, but I must stay on task because it is very deadline driven. Between compiling data across the fleet, comparing past trends and the possible underlying causes and meeting the deadlines set to keep the company informed of my findings, I can be very busy juggling multiple priorities and processes. The feeling of accomplishment I get in my job is amazing and drives me to do my best each time.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from a colleague?
One of the very first jobs I ever had was as the photographer and videographer at a summer camp during college. It was initially very difficult to juggle the two competing positions and manage my time. One of my coworkers told me to try seeing the challenges (as overwhelming as they seemed), as opportunities to prove to myself just how much I’m actually capable of. Once you start believing you can actually do something and take things one step at a time, it’s truly surprising how you rise to the challenge. I learned to try my best, adjusting as I went, which increased my ability to multitask immeasurably. This shift in thinking also helped me build the resolve and drive to give my very best to each task, even when no one was watching as proof to myself that I am capable of whatever I set my mind to.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is an amazing opportunity for knowledge and conversation. These days, almost anyone can learn about history and culture with the click of a button, but many simply don’t without some sort of catalyst. Black History Month sparks conversation, shining a light on a rich history interwoven with stories at the heart of this country. It inspires those who might never ask questions or search for information on our culture with highlights of our lives from pain and sadness to joy and achievements. This can ignite a passion to learn more and with people about the things that they haven’t personally experienced. It opens the door to connection and understanding.
What Black role models inspire you and why?
I’ve always been an avid reader – even at a young age, I was truly in awe of the works of both Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou. They shaped my views of the world and my place in it as a Black man in America, and also allowed me to see Black writers pouring their souls into their writing and making their voices heard. It was a mirror to my own developing love of literature and language. It was proof that someone like me could inspire others with my words and my truths.
What significant events in Black history do you particularly connect with? What significant events in Black history stand out to you personally? Why?
The March on Washington and subsequent “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. following the march resonated powerfully with me as a child. While there are plenty of other historical events with Black men and women at their cores that I was taught about by my family, the march and Dr. King’s speech were both taught and highlighted in school and nationally on his holiday every year. The fact that it was so widespread and seen by so many as a shining beacon of humanity’s potential for cooperation and inclusion really made me see value in my own voice and in my own skin. It taught me to seek out our similarities and foster more kindness in every encounter I have. It also taught me that each and every one of us, regardless of our skin color, deserves to be treated with respect and love.
