How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
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/.
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
In the aircraft parts market, some SKUs fly off the shelves easily, but that’s not the case for every part. Some parts sit in warehouses for years, gathering dust, adding up to hundreds of billions in write-offs.
80% of inventory gets snapped up, but the 20% can’t sell itself. It requires someone to do some in-depth spelunking to breathe new life into these forgotten parts and connect them with buyers.
The industry has long been aware of this problem - everyone complains about it but no one has ever done anything about it.
Until now.
Oyster Aero decided to tackle this hundred billion dollar problem. By getting the surplus inventory moving again, they are helping companies get cash back on written off parts, and getting shunned and forgotten inventory back into the market.
How are they finding this buried inventory and doing the work to get it sold? What inspired the founder of Oyster? In this episode, Oyster Aero’s CEO, Jeff Jerge joins me to talk about how they’ve gained hundreds of clients in just 8 months, and how the company is tackling one of the industry’s biggest problems.
You’ll also learn:
- How Oyster Aero got 450 sign ups in just 8 months
- Legwork behind the listing: what Oyster Aero does to get parts sold
- Why the key to starting your business is action
- How Oyster Aero deals with with part traceability
We’re high touch for inventory that people shun. We’re the Ritz-Carlton for inventory that’s been forgotten. -Jeff Jerge
Guest Bio
Jeff Jerge is the founder and CEO of Oyster Aero. Oyster Aero was founded on the premise that buyers and sellers desire an innovative online deal marketplace within the Aviation Supply Chain. The name “Oyster” was born from the identification of a unique niche offering, paralleling the act of opening shells to find pearls, i.e., there are pearls in every inventory. We are purposeful in cultivating an exclusive community with validated Buyers, Sellers, and Partners that can communicate and transact in a trusted and secure manner. To learn more visit https://oysteraero.com/ or connect with him 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 Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
An aviation education can turn into an incredible career with countless opportunities to put passion and talent to work. But that requires training programs that open people’s eyes to the different ways they can leverage their expertise.
The industry is evolving, and so the career paths within it have to shift too. From regulatory roles and jet pilots to aviation-trained business leaders, there are many ways to leverage the skills you gain at flight school.
For years, aviation education has been pretty straightforward. But now, schools like Kansas State’s Aviation School, led by Tysen Pina, are shifting the approach. They’re creating programs that produce well-rounded professionals who are ready for all corners of the industry.
Introducing new training programs. Leaning on alumni. Driving excellence at the instructor level. Creating partnerships with different companies in the industry. These are just some of the ways the school is preparing students for more than just airport management. These future leaders are learning how to turn technical knowledge into business strategy and make smart decisions for the future of aviation.
How is Tysen using his military background to lead the aviation school? How is the school training talent for the different aspects of the industry?
In this episode, Tysen Pina talks about how he’s shaking up aviation education and helping students become the well-rounded, business-savvy leaders that the industry needs. He shares all the exciting initiatives he has spearheaded since he took over, and what he hopes to achieve next semester.
You’ll also learn:
- How flight schools are leveraging cutting edge tech in the training process
- How Kansas State University’s Aviation School is attracting talent from far and wide
- The key to training the aviation professional of the future
- Tysen’s journey from the military to academia
I want to grow the program but we’re not growing anything until I’m sure that we’re at an excellent level. -Tysen Pina
Guest Bio
Tysen is the Department Head for Kansas State University Aviation School. As an accomplished aviation operations executive and retired USAF officer, Tysen brings extensive leadership experience in managing complex flight operations, talent development, and process optimization. He currently oversees 500+ personnel, 30 aircraft, and a $7M budget, while executing over 17,000 annual flight hours. Previously, Tysen held leadership roles in the USAF, commanding teams of 300+ members and spearheading critical missions and organizational improvements. He has successfully managed operations, led strategic planning, and driven performance enhancements across multiple roles, including director-level positions in aviation and airborne command & control. Tysen is passionate about developing future leaders and optimizing processes to boost efficiency and performance.
Connect with him 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 Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
In the aerospace industry, growth and innovation aren’t just buzzwords—they're vital for survival in one of the most competitive sectors in the world.
This year, I had the privilege of sitting down with some of the most forward-thinking leaders, companies that have not only weathered the turbulence of today’s challenges but have come out stronger on the other side.
From supply chain crises to strategic turnarounds, these conversations offer a deep dive into what it takes to succeed in aerospace today. In this special highlight episode, we’re revisiting some of the best insights shared by industry leaders who are driving change and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
You’ll hear about:
- The Aircraft Shortage That Won’t Go Away
- Turning a 60-Year-Old Company into a Market Leader
- Why Efficiency is Everything for Mid-Sized MROs
- Why Small Suppliers Make the Biggest Impact
- A Masterclass in Growth Rate Management
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 Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
The airline industry is renowned for its safety, but the pandemic threw a curveball into the mix. The world was forced to grapple with new realities of travel, and even though it was a challenge, it also presented new opportunities that the industry can go after.
Fleet flexibility, operational efficiency, and paying attention to demographic shifts—these are some ways the industry can adapt and pivot. Airlines have been forced to reimagine their models and rethink how they deliver value to customers, while balancing cost structures and new health and safety protocols.
Former Spirit Airlines CEO, Ben Baldanza, joined me on the show back in 2021 to discuss these critical changes in the aviation industry. He shared his insights on how airlines could navigate the turbulent times ahead, emphasizing the importance of adapting to shifting travel demands, especially as corporate business travel declined and more passengers prioritized low-cost options.
In sad news, Ben passed away recently, and I wanted to take this moment to remember him and the tremendous impact he made on the aviation industry. This episode is a special replay of my conversation with Ben.
Ben is known for his visionary leadership at Spirit, candid commentary on the future of air travel, and his unwavering commitment to making the industry more accessible and efficient for all travelers. His legacy continues to shape the industry, and we are grateful for the lasting mark he left on it.
The idea is to make flying touchless, with less time spent face to face. The virus will end at some point, but the sense of risk has changed completely. -Ben Baldanza
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why the future of flying is touch-free
5 years from now touchless check-ins and minimal personal contact will be a norm and will be worthy investments. - What the pandemic means for bigger planes
It could take a couple of years to build back demand. Smaller, narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 Max, Airbus A320s, and A321s will have an advantage. - How aviation has prioritized safety since the start of the virus
From the onset of the coronavirus, the aviation industry has done its part in visible safety precautions, from mask mandates to putting up shields at airports. As an industry, we’ve shown an operational AND biological commitment to safety.
Guest Bio -
Ben Baldanza was an industry veteran. Previously the CEO and President of Spirit Airlines, and then he served as the CEO for Diemacher, LLC, and was an Independent Board Director at JetBlue Airways. Ben was also a Forbes Contributor, co-host of the Airlines Confidential Podcast, and was featured on multiple platforms including Fox Business News, The Today Show, and CNBC. Ben was an Adjunct Professor of Economics at George Mason University.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-ben-baldanza
https://www.forbes.com/sites/benbaldanza/
https://diemacherllc.com/about
https://airlinesconfidential.com/
Learn More 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.
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