How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
20 minutes ago
20 minutes ago
The way we travel hasn’t changed much in decades, and it’s not because people don’t want better. It’s because legacy systems have kept the industry locked into outdated models.
But a major shift is underway, and it’s poised to radically redefine the entire experience of booking, flying, and managing travel.
At the heart of this transformation is AI-powered personalization and the modernization of airline infrastructure. The goal? To give travelers a seamless, flexible, customizable, retail-like experience, from the moment they think about a trip to the moment they return home.
That means smarter pricing, bundled offers, and digital self-service that actually works—even when your plans don’t.
FLYR is one of the companies leading this evolution, helping airlines move from rigid legacy systems to modern platforms that allow for dynamic retailing.
Joining me today is Sam Chamberlain, Chief Product Officer at FLYR and a veteran in the travel technology space. Sam and his team are building the digital engine behind what they call the “limitless future of travel” and today, he’s giving us a look under the hood.
We explore what this shift means for travelers and what airlines need to do to stay competitive in a world where customers expect more than just a seat from point A to point B.
You’ll also learn:
- Why booking travel hasn’t changed in decades
- “Offer-and-order” booking and how it will change how we travel
- How airlines can capture more customer loyalty and revenue
- How to shift legacy travel booking into the modern world
We’re crafting the limitless future of travel. It’s the notion of moving away from the flight being the center of everything, to a more digital retail standard. -Sam Chamberlain
Guest Bio
Sam Chamberlain is the Chief Product Officer at FLYR. He is an experienced product leader in travel technology, having worked in and with airlines for the last 20 years, predominantly in the Pricing and Revenue Management space. He helps airlines optimize revenue generation through the entire ecosystem of offer-and-order-based travel retailing and, more recently, in the development of ancillary-powered travel experience products. Sam has launched multiple new commercial revenue optimization products that have helped power the generation of billions of dollars of annual airline revenue globally. He has a broad experience of leading teams that bring value-driving products to market through a market-driven (outside-in) product development philosophy and has held responsibility for multiple aspects of the product life cycle. Visit https://flyr.com/ for more information, and connect with Sam on LinkedIn.
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.
To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
After the Eagles’ Super Bowl LVII loss in 2023, Jalen Hurts said, “You either win or you learn.”
It was a powerful reflection on turning setbacks into lessons. Fast forward to 2025, Hurts led the Eagles to a dominant Super Bowl win, exemplifying how learning from past defeats can pave the way to future success.
But here's the question: Do we need to wait for failure to start learning?
Success can be a comfortable place, but it's also where complacency can creep in. The key is to stay proactive in our growth, even when things are going well.
What if we could learn while we're winning, so we don't have to learn because we lost?
In this special Million Dollar Careers edition of The Aerospace Executive, we delve into strategies for continuous learning during times of success.
We discuss how high achievers can maintain their edge, avoid complacency, and prepare for future challenges by embracing a mindset of constant improvement.
Tune in to discover how to keep evolving, even at the top of your game.
You’ll also learn:
- Why learning doesn’t have to be punitive
- Why you need to watch the tape even if you won the game
- How to self-awareness into self-actualization
Guest Bio
Robert is the Founder & President of Houghton Search Group (formerly Management Recruiters of Fairfax, Inc.). Rob inspires trust and guides the Mid-Atlantic insurance community in the acquisition and retention of Top Talent. Rob specializes in the executive placement of Property and Casualty and Employee Benefits professionals across the United States. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Every business leader dreams of building a team of A-players—but what happens when your top performer can’t seem to collaborate with the rest of the team?
When one standout employee clashes with others, it doesn’t just create tension—it can disrupt workflow, derail morale, and impact your entire company culture. And while high performers often drive results, the real question becomes: at what cost?
So how do we handle this dilemma? Should we keep the rainmaker and risk losing loyal, dependable team members? Or is there a way to address the conflict without compromising the health of the organization?
In this episode, I revisit a conversation I had with the CEO of MicroFamous and producer of this podcast, Matt Johnson.
We unpack how to navigate employee conflict—especially when one person is operating on a completely different level. We’ll explore how to spot the warning signs, what to consider before taking action, and how to make decisions that serve your business in the long run.
You’ll also learn:
- Questions to ask when faced with a disconnected team
- Who to keep on our teams (and who to let go)
- How to tell when an A-player is more trouble than good
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
A shift in leadership often brings a shift in economic direction, and with that, a wave of uncertainty for business leaders. Recent changes in trade policy have sparked a great deal of conversation (and concern) around tariffs, trade imbalances, and global supply chains. But what we’re seeing now isn’t the final chapter—it’s part of a broader strategy to reshape the future of international trade and industrial development in the U.S.
The goals are ambitious: addressing the national debt, correcting long-standing trade deficits, bringing key industries back onshore, and rethinking the rules of global commerce. While the path forward may seem unpredictable, there is a long-term vision driving these moves.
The U.S. has long relied on the free market to guide economic outcomes, but certain challenges, like national security and the health of strategic industries, require more than market forces alone. Trade, especially when it intersects with geopolitical and security interests, demands a more hands-on approach.
So, what does this mean for today’s financial leaders? How should CFOs be preparing for the ripple effects of tariffs and other trade measures?
In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Dr. Steve Horan, Former Managing Director of the prestigious CFA Institute and Finance Professor at UNC-Wilmington, to explore the broader implications of evolving trade policy. We talk about the big picture—debt reduction, onshoring trends, and how leaders can position their organizations for success in this dynamic environment.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The least painful path to reducing the national debt
- Are tariffs a tax or a tool?
- Will tariffs be an effective trade negotiation lever
- What’s really driving interest rates
- The biggest concern for CFOs right now (hint: it’s not what you think)
Guest Bio
Dr. Steve Horan is an Associate Professor of Finance at UNC Wilmington. Throughout his 30 years in the industry, Steve has leveraged his experience as a practitioner, educator and thought leader to engage the investment management profession on key industry issues. Steve’s distinct blend of academic and professional experience has given him a strong strategic sense, and the ability to apply a rigorous analytical framework to any situation. He strives to stay current in his knowledge and progressive in his thinking. Steve has written and co-written numerous articles and books, received several industry awards, and enjoyed a spell as an Financial Times columnist. He continues to provide media commentary, cited in publications from The Wall Street Journal to The New York Times to the South China Morning Post. Steve believes that an industry composed of competent and ethical practitioners is a necessary ingredient to build an investment profession that protects investors and ultimately contributes to a better society. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Once again, the aviation industry is in the spotlight, but this time for all the wrong reasons. With the recent accidents and mishaps, safety management systems have become a major topic in mainstream discussions.
The problem is, those conversations often turn into a rush to judgment, throwing around blame, prematurely pointing fingers, and ignoring the most important thing - the data.
This doesn’t help anyone at all.
What the industry does in the aftermath of an accident is critical. Instead of rushing to conclusions, we have to let the investigations play out and let the data come in so we know what actually happened. When we wait for data, we often discover that the system does work or we’ll uncover learnings we can use to get better.
What’s the right way to react to a mishap? Do we need more state sponsored safety mechanisms?
In this episode, Bob Waltz returns for an insightful conversation. Bob is now the VP of Flight Operations at Surf Air Mobility, and he shares what the aviation industry should be doing in the aftermath of recent unfortunate events.
You’ll also learn:
- How to avoid letting a sense of complacency can creep in
- The value of a system safety approach
- The rule every aviation safety officer must follow
- If AI can help the human be a better operator
Guest Bio
Bob Waltz is the VP of Flight Operations at Surf Air Mobility. As an award-winning and industry-recognized executive operational leader in the aviation industry, Bob has the experience in Fortune 500 global businesses and proven performance managing operational budgets of up to $3.5B and capital expense budgets of up to $500M. He is honored to serve as the Part 119 Director of Operations and Senior Director of Flight Operations at Sun Country Airlines, responsible for the stewardship of the Pilot group and the entire Flight Operations team. Additionally, Bob consults worldwide on Safety Management Systems and serves as an industry research lead as part of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety. As an ERAU Adjunct Professor, he leads courses in aviation safety, airline management, and emergency response at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional development levels.
For more information, head to https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-waltz-1829a51b/.
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Business aviation is a critical part of the U.S. economy, yet it’s often misunderstood as a luxury for the wealthy. While some may criticize the corporate executive boarding a Gulfstream, the reality is that this industry supports jobs, commerce, and economic growth nationwide. But are we, as an industry, doing enough to communicate its true value?
Challenges continue to emerge—from regulatory scrutiny and negative public perception to pressing issues like safety, technology modernization, tariffs, and the ongoing pilot shortage. Recent high-profile accidents have placed aviation safety under the microscope, making it more important than ever for industry stakeholders to collaborate and reinforce best practices.
However, these challenges also bring opportunities. By addressing safety concerns, modernizing technology, and advocating for business aviation’s critical role, we can foster an environment where the industry not only survives but thrives.
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Broom, Chief Revenue Officer at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), to discuss the efforts being made to keep business aviation at the forefront of safety, innovation, and industry advocacy.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
- The Swiss cheese model: how to reverse engineer and address safety concerns
- How to modernize business aviation
- What’s actually happening in Part 135
- The most exciting developments in business aviation
- How NBAA is handling business aviation’s biggest challenges
In the Swiss cheese model, many things have to line up for an accident to happen. We’re doing a better job of figuring out where those initial holes start to line up. -Andrew Broom
Guest Bio
Andrew Broom is the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). With over 20 years of senior executive experience in the general and business aviation industry, Andrew is a strategic and innovative leader who drives growth, improves performance, and delivers exceptional results in highly competitive marketplaces. Currently he oversees the development and execution of strategic road maps, business processes, membership and event marketing initiatives, sponsorships and advertising, and efforts to grow event and non-event revenue for the largest and most influential organization in the business aviation industry. As a former CEO of a pilot association and a chief marketing and communications officer of a leading aircraft manufacturer, Andrew has a track record of building lasting internal and external relationships, leading cross-functional teams, and orchestrating ideas across complex organizations. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
In aerospace and defense, predictability, stability and certainty are the fuel all deals run on. Buyers purchase companies expecting a sure thing that will sustain for decades.
What happens when you throw the possibility of unpredictable tariffs into this market?
You get buyer and seller uncertainty which slows the market down. No one knows exactly how President Trump’s tariffs will impact the supply chain and the deals that will get done.
That doesn’t mean it’s gloom and doom, though. The market is still good, there’s still plenty of deals to be done, and investor uncertainty is turning into cautious optimism. With a little more comfort that the wheels won’t come flying off the bus, we’ll see more movement in the market.
How is the new administration going to affect aerospace and defense? What’s the current state of M&A? In this episode, M&A specialist Bill Alderman returns for his quarterly check-in and today we talk about the tariffs and their impact on the market.
You’ll also learn:
- What’s really going on with American defense contractors
- The pandemic hangover, aircraft production and how it’s affecting the market
- How the market is reacting to President Trump’s tariffs
- The talent crisis America has to solve
Guest Bio
William H. Alderman (Bill) is the Founding Partner of Alderman & Company. Bill is an M&A specialist in the middle market of the aerospace and defense industry with over $2 billion in mergers and acquisition-related transactions to his name. Prior to founding Alderman & Company in 2001, Bill worked for 15 years on Wall Street and in the Aerospace & Defense Industry, principally on M&A transactions in the middle market. His employers included BT Securities, Fieldstone, and General Electric. Bill is a Securities Principal registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and has four securities industry licenses (Series 7, 24, 63, and 65). Bill is a commercial pilot and owns and operates a Cirrus SR22.
- URL Link: https://www.aldermanco.com/
- LinkedIn - William Alderman https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamalderman/
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
The aerospace industry thrives on precision, strategy, and resilience—the same qualities that define elite intelligence operations. But how do the skills developed in espionage translate to executive leadership, negotiation, and business strategy?
In this re-run episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, we revisit a compelling conversation with Michele Rigby Assad, a former CIA officer and counterterrorism expert. With years of experience in covert operations, Michele shares how the principles that kept her alive in high-stakes environments can also drive success in corporate leadership, deal-making, and career growth.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- The psychology of trust—how to build credibility and influence in any industry.
- The role of emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments—from espionage to executive decision-making.
- How businesses can apply CIA-inspired tactics to outmaneuver competitors and dominate the market.
- Strategies to help teams step out of their comfort zones, take calculated risks, and drive growth.
If you’re a business leader, executive recruiter, or entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in now to discover how intelligence tactics can sharpen your leadership skills and negotiation strategies in today's competitive aerospace and business landscape.
Guest Bio
Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations.
Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph (also a former agent) joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq that was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in December 2015.
Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Today, she serves as an international security consultant. She is also the author of Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For.
To find out more about Michele, visit:
https://michelerigbyassad.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/
And find Breaking Cover online at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N79ILGD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
2024 was a solid year for business aviation, and 2025 looks even better. But let’s be real—owning, operating, and maintaining private jets is more complex (and costly) than ever.
We all know about the ongoing pilot shortages and talent retention struggles, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
- Aircraft acquisition hurdles
- Rising maintenance costs & longer lead times
- Increasing regulatory & environmental pressures
In today’s market, being a jet broker isn’t enough—you need to be a true advisor who understands the entire ownership lifecycle. That’s exactly what Michael Mikolay set out to do when he launched Mikolay Jet Group.
In this episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, we dig into:
- The transition from W2 security to entrepreneurship
- How to navigate rising operational costs
- What business jet buyers need to know right now
- How to turn a transactional deal into a long-term asset partnership
Tune in for a deep dive into the future of business aviation and what it takes to succeed in this dynamic market.
I sell time, I’m giving somebody an asset that moves them from point A to point B in the furtherance of their business. -Michael Mikolay
Guest Bio
Michael Mikolay is the Founder and CEO of Mikolay Jet Group LLC. In the complex arena of buying and selling business aircraft, Mikolay Jet Group is your trusted, hands-on partner. Leveraging their deep industry relationships on their behalf, they place their clients’ interests first. With clear communication and swift action, Mikolay Jet Group brings order to each transaction and ensures a hassle-free, successful outcome every time.
Website: https://www.mikolayjet.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@MikolayJet
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mikolayjet
https://www.threads.net/mikolayjet
https://www.facebook.com/mikolayjet
https://www.instagram.com/mikolayjet
https://www.twitter.com/mikolayjet
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.
To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
If there’s one thing that can propel or stall a career, it’s the boss you work for. A great leader can impact you for a lifetime. They create a winning environment, and allow their people to soak in the skills they need to succeed and become great leaders too.
Thinking ahead, taking charge and fixing problems, executing flawlessly and redeeming yourself after an error. These are just a few powerful competencies the right boss can give you - competencies that will make you an A player wherever you go.
Because here’s the thing: if a leader is doing all the right things, the people on their team will advance in the organization and become leaders too. If that’s not happening, there’s a leadership problem that needs to be addressed.
What does it take to do well at work? What are CEOs looking for from their employees? In this episode, I’m joined by aviation lawyer, keynote speaker, veteran naval flight officer and author of “Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders”, Mark C. Fava. He shares what sets great leaders apart, and what they can teach us about becoming leaders in our own right.
You’ll also learn:
- What Mark C. Fava learned from working as an Admiral’s aide
- How to provide opportunities for redemption in your organization
- How to deal with tough losses and fix problems
- The power of having the hard conversations
Guest Bio
Mark C. Fava is an aviation lawyer, keynote speaker, veteran naval flight officer and author of “Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders”. He is a prolific writer and entertaining speaker. Mark retired from the US Navy as a captain having commanded three units, including an aviation squadron. He has been a law firm partner and a corporate executive lawyer. He has written numerous articles, including “What I Learned from the Judge” in the SC Lawyer and “Steering Through a Crisis: Lawyers as Leaders” in The Washington Lawyer. As a law school adjunct professor, he has also taught aviation law and legal writing. Mark was the chief operations attorney at Delta Air Lines on 9/11 and spent years in the Navy’s P-3 Orion chasing Soviet submarines. He has practiced law for more than thirty years and is currently a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace company. To learn more, visit http://www.markcfava.com/.
About Your Host
Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.
Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.
To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.