The Foundation that LEAD TO $17+B IN WINS
Donna grew up crewing for her father, who piloted a fleet of hot-air balloons as “floating and drifting billboards” for Coca-Cola’s portfolio—Sprite, Coke, Mr. Pibb, Fanta, and Mello Yello—and some of the earliest special-shaped balloons, including KFC’s chicken and bucket. Along the way, she worked with 60 major brands, including General Mills, 3M, and Simmons.
ACHIEVEMENTS & LEADERSHIP
Earning her pilot’s license at just 14, as a natural coach - by 18 Donna was training others. Serving as a Captain in the Coke fleet working with Coca-Cola’s brands teams, advertising and PR agencies she helped maximize the impact of the promotional work and had set 14 world records.
That same focus drove her advertising career, where she fueled growth for clients like General Mills and Fresca, led leadership training, and drove new business development. From aviation to business, she has built a legacy of consistent success.
what's in a name
legacy
The original Wiederkehr Balloon Academy was founded by Donna’s father, Commander Matt Wiederkehr—one of the first 10 licensed hot air balloon pilots in the U.S. He was a pioneer who wrote the first training curriculum for people who wanted to become hot air balloonists, and he did promotional work for blue-chip clients around the world, working with their advertising and PR agencies. He also set 22 world records.
He had an unmatched spirit of innovation, courage, and generosity in teaching others. His growth mindset belief in possibility runs through every fiber of Donna’s being.
Academy = Teaching + Transformation
“Academy” means that this is not just a consultancy. Clients don’t outsource their growth challenges; they develop capabilities to solve them. They have access to growth leaders who serve as teachers and coaches and inspire belief in what’s possible.
It’s a place of learning and transformation. Clients gain the tools and confidence to drive their transformation.
It signals integrity, ambition, and inspiration, qualities central to both Donna’s personal ethos and professional impact.
I’ve leveraged this approach in driving over $17B+ of growth, let’s discuss how we can fuel yours.