How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
The mark of a great organization is a leader who empowers their people to make decisions at a tactical level; and employees who can advocate for change within the system.
When business owners micromanage and smother their top talent, they make progress impossible. When employees complain about the shortcomings of the company without coming up with real solutions, they can’t thrive in their roles.
How do both sides of the business relationship set themselves up for success?
In this edition of the Million Dollar Career Series, Robert Houghton and I discuss the entrepreneur trap from two different perspectives.
"It’s your job to figure out how to give the best results in the environment you’re in, with the dollars you have and communicate what the strategy is. If you keep telling people your baby’s ugly, you’re going to fail." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to empower your entire organization
What can the military teach us about the danger of extremely hierarchical organizations? - What new recruits get wrong
How do we advocate for change in a new company without disparaging the people and the system? - How to get buy-in from the start
We have the most leverage during an interview, but how do we actually use it?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Jun 16, 2022
Thursday Jun 16, 2022
Too many people find themselves stressed and burnt out - not because their lives are too busy, but because they’re piling on way more BS on their plates than they need to.
Our lives would be way easier if we followed this simple golden rule: if it’s not a hell yeah, it’s a no. Whether it’s jobs, business opportunities or even social commitments, we need to value our time by saying no to what doesn’t serve us.
How do we escape the trap of overcommitting? When we actually do want to say no, what’s the best way to say it?
In this episode, executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton returns for our Million Dollar Career Series, and today we talk about valuing our time by getting used to the word no.
"If you want to say no to something, tell them why it’s a no straight up. It has to be one reason, not two, three or four." -Robert Houghton
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why so many give their power away by overcommitting
When it comes to valuing our time, what can we learn from Warren Buffett’s approach? - The importance of valuing your time
How do we avoid being someone’s patsy and getting taken advantage of by overcommitting? - The root of burnout and frustration
How does overcommitting impact the way we show up in different areas of our lives?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
In today’s fast-paced world of algorithms and shiny objects, people overcomplicate career and business success, but just like in fitness, committing to a few simple actions is what drives results.
The simpler we make things, the better we get at our jobs, and the faster we get to our goals.
How do we simplify what we’re doing, and cut out the unnecessary complexity? In this episode, Robert Houghton and I share why simple things make a huge difference.
"The 3 things a salesperson needs to focus on who their customer is, how to stay in touch with them and how to provide value." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The benefits of cutting out the complexity
Why does simplicity make our metrics and insights more actionable? - How to uncover what pushes the needle in our careers
What can the military and law enforcement teach us about taking action in our careers? - How successful people present themselves to the world
How do we dress for success without overcomplicating things?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Robert is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast.
To find out more, go to
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286
You can also email him with rhoughton@mrfairfax.com
Thursday May 26, 2022
Thursday May 26, 2022
As of May 2022, inflation remains the biggest concern for businesses. It’s not only raising production costs and eroding earnings, it’s also slowing down mergers and acquisitions, which should be very active right now.
Is it all gloom and doom or is this a speed bump before the big opportunity?
In this episode, President of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman returns to share how inflation is affecting aviation businesses, and some of the solutions coming down the pipeline.
In this episode, President of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman returns to share how inflation is affecting aviation businesses, and some of the solutions coming down the pipeline.
I think this inflation thing is a speed bump and the opportunities on the other side of it will be monumental. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we’re experiencing so much inflation
Is this current rate of inflation a lesser evil if we consider what the alternative could have been? - Why the M&A space has been so sluggish lately
What’s holding up the deal flow in M&A, and can we expect a change anytime soon? - The good news about the US supply chain
How will the reshoring of manufacturing impact the US economy?
Guest Bio
William ‘Bill’ Alderman is the Founder and President of Alderman & Company. A former investment banker, Bill has always had a passion for aviation, and is both a commercial pilot and aircraft owner. Today, he uses his expertise, coupled with his interests to represent Middle Market Sellers in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
To find out more, go to:
https://aldermanco.com/
You can also call or text him on:
914-414-4070
Or email him at:
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday May 12, 2022
Thursday May 12, 2022
Once in a lifetime opportunities and massive breakthroughs don’t happen by accident - they are a direct byproduct of how we position ourselves. The next great career move could be one conversation or one even question away, but if we’re complacent or comfortable in what we know right now - it will always be out of reach.
What keeps people from professional and personal growth? In today’s special episode, we’re celebrating our 150th episode!
I’m joined by our show’s producer, founder of Pursuing Results and author of MicroFamous, Matt Johnson. I share what I’ve learned from successful people and how they chase opportunities.
"Opening new doors and finding opportunities is a continuous process. It never stops." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to reach beyond your own competence
Can we open the door to more knowledge by asking one simple question? - The truth about the “safety” of big companies
What stops people from getting out of the limits of corporate to create bigger opportunities out of the corporate machine? - The fine line we have to walk in order to succeed
How do we balance between staying relentlessly focused on our goals and closing ourselves off to new opportunities?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday May 05, 2022
Thursday May 05, 2022
When it comes to investing in recruiting A+ talent, most companies talk a big game, but just don’t do enough to really appeal to those heavy hitters in the job market. Where are they going wrong?
From unexciting job listings to an unwillingness to pay for the best, we’re seeing employers make various mistakes, and as a result, their recruiting efforts keep falling flat.
This is the craziest job market we’ve ever seen, and the best people won’t even consider you as an employer unless you’re doing something really different.
What does it take to become the organization the best people want to work for? In the latest episode in the Million Dollar Career Series, Robert Houghton and I discuss how companies can get the talent they need to scale their business.
"Companies don’t understand that the people they’re recruiting don’t want jobs, they want careers." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why money isn’t enough to attract the best talent
What valuable recruiting lessons can we learn from the Navy and Army? - The kinds of companies people want to work for
Why are so many major organizations suffering brain drain and losing their best people? - How to hook in the right candidate
Heavy hitters aren’t actively looking for jobs, they are passive candidates who are relatively happy where they are, so how do we appeal to them?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Guest Bio-
Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Robert is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast.
To find out more, go to
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286
You can also email him with rhoughton@mrfairfax.com
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Everyone wants to land that big promotion, but when it comes down to snagging the role, many of us find ourselves stuck.
So, how can we get unstuck?
What would it take for us to impress the leadership in our organizations so much so that we’re the natural choice, when it comes to promotions?
In this episode, Robert Houghton and I unpack the 3 ways to get unstuck, so you can finally land that million dollar career.
"Tearing ideas down for the sake of it is worthless. Always come armed with a solution." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to be a solutions-based devil’s advocate
Where do we draw a line between pointing out potential flaws and just being a pain in the neck? - Why we need to communicate both down and up the line
It’s one thing to communicate with those we’re tasked with managing, but how can we get better at speaking with those in leadership positions? - The importance of tracking our personal achievements
If we’re not advocating for ourselves, who is going to advocate for you?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Guest Bio-
Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Robert is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast.
To find out more, go to
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286
You can also email him with rhoughton@mrfairfax.com
Thursday Apr 21, 2022
Thursday Apr 21, 2022
Everyone wants to have a million dollar career, but when it comes down to thinking of how we’ll get there, things tend to get foggy.
The only way to reach our goals is by getting practical and tactical. We can’t expect to see big results if we’re not actively planning how to attain them.
How do we start planning accordingly? Is there a foolproof formula that takes our goals from dream to reality?
In this episode, Robert Houghton and I explain why the key lies in working backwards.
"Unless you have the end in mind, you don’t know how to get there, or have the motivation to get there." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why planning for success is simpler than we think
Does plotting out our next moves require extensive mathematical calculations, or are we overcomplicating things? - The importance of having an executive coach
Doing it on our own is certainly cheaper in the short term…but will it get us results? - Why we need to be intentional with our inner circles
Can we really expect to build something incredible if we’re constantly surrounded by under-achievers?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Guest Bio-
Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management.
Rob is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast.
To find out more, go to
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286
You can also email him with rhoughton@mrfairfax.com
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
In order to build a successful, scalable business that sets us free, we have to first build a really great team.
Our teams and the way they operate dictate the success of our organizations, and most of us know that. However, when it comes to building those teams, most of us just don’t know what we don’t know.
So, how can we build the kinds of teams that allow us to create the businesses of our dreams?
In this episode, author, speaker and serial entrepreneur, Carl Gould reveals the 7 stages of growing a great business, and the 2 stages guaranteed to help you assemble an unstoppable team.
"The people who got here are not necessarily the people who’ll get you there, and that’s okay." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- One thing we tend to forget when building teams
Could promoting our best players actually do more harm than good to our organizations? - The key to attracting top talent
Are we missing out on a crucial factor when trying to recruit the best players in the game? - Why turnover isn’t always a bad thing
No one likes the thought of losing employees, but could high turnover actually be the best thing for our businesses?
Guest Bio-
Carl Gould is a best-selling author, sought after speaker and the serial entrepreneur behind three multi-million-dollar businesses The founder of 7 Stages Advisors, over the past two decades, Carl has worked with more than 7000 Business Coaches and mentored the launch of over 5000 businesses. Thanks to his expertise, Carl has been featured by a number of top-tier publications including, among others, Wall Street Journal and Forbes. Carl’s forthcoming book, The Obnoxious Offer will hit shelves in Fall 2022.
To find out more, go to:
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
"The minute you go into a performance review, understand where you added value to the business." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of knowing our numbers
If YOU don’t know your numbers how do you know how well you performed?
- The one thing we should be documenting more often
It’s one thing to say we provide value to the company and colleagues, it’s another thing to prove it!
- Why extreme ownership will always serve us
Nobody is perfect! How can we get better at taking responsibility for our shortcomings?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.