How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Friday Nov 26, 2021
Friday Nov 26, 2021
We’ve all heard about the importance of investing in our businesses, but when it comes to investing in ourselves, more often than not, we miss the boat completely.
What is it about pouring into ourselves that feels so foreign, and what are we missing out on by failing to do it?
More importantly, what do we stand to gain by investing in ourselves?
In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to get started with self-investment.
"How you get to a million dollar career is being able to establish common ground with business leaders. Be an interesting person and keep educating yourself." -Robert Houghton
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to develop better interpersonal skills
Great people skills are non-negotiable for leaders, but how do we develop them?
- How to invest in ourselves without spending a fortune
Does self-investment have to be expensive, or are there ways of pouring into ourselves that won’t break the bank?
- Why an MBA isn’t always the way
Many of us assume an MBA is a great investment, but when is it really necessary, and when is it just an added cost?
- The importance of image
How many CEOs are walking around in bad suits and cheap shoes? Are we shooting ourselves in the foot, trying to save a buck on the things that really make a difference?
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. 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.
To find out more, go to
You can also email him with rhoughton@mrfairfax.com
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 Nov 18, 2021
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Our industry has dealt with unbelievable challenges over the last 20 months, but in spite of that, we seem to be holding up relatively well.
The real question is, as we near the 2-year mark of the global onset of COVID-19, what will the long-term effects of these challenges be? What does the future look like for the little players, and how can they position themselves for not only survival, but success?
In this episode, President of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman returns to share his thoughts on the state of our industry today and his predictions for the future.
"The industry is changing, so smart people in it need to get together and think about how they’ll do things differently." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The economic impact we’re seeing on aviation
Many of us went into the pandemic anticipating seeing a lot of distressed selling, but that hasn’t really happened on a wide scale. Are people just being optimistic, or is there deeper reasoning behind that?
- What’s in store for industry veterans
Commercial aviation looks set to make its comeback in the next 18 months, but what does that mean for industry veterans planning to retire?
- 1 thing we need to realize about innovation
Is it realistic to expect to see new advancements in aviation in the immediate future?
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:
9144144070
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 Nov 11, 2021
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Many people talk about wanting to be leaders, but a very small number actually turn that dream into reality.
The harsh truth is, most people won’t become CEOs or even grow their careers to a higher level, because they’re just not thinking the right way.
So, how does a leader think, and how are their habits different from those of the average Joe? Is there a way to change our mindsets so they’re better suited to a leadership role?
In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I are discussing the common attributes ALL great leaders have in common, and how to emulate them in our own careers.
"Thinking like a CEO is a difficult thing to master because you have to be part-owner, part-employee and captain of the ship." -Robert Houghton
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of maintaining focus
It’s impossible to reach our goals if we’re easily distracted. How can we really zone in on the activities guaranteed to help us push the needle forward?
- The education EVERY CEO needs to have
What are the non-negotiable skills leaders need to have and how can we go about acquiring them?
- Why communication is key
How can we expect to grow our careers to the next level if we don’t know how to communicate our ideas with others?
- The best way to handle Negative Nancies in our organizations
It’s not easy to work when we’re surrounded by negativity, so what can we do if we find ourselves in that situation?
Thursday Oct 21, 2021
Thursday Oct 21, 2021
The recipe to a million dollar career isn’t easy, but it is simple, and most of the time, the right attitude is the key ingredient to success. That said, maintaining a positive attitude can be easier said than done, especially if we’re clashing with our superiors.
How can we get better at dealing with bosses we don’t agree with, or who just aren’t seeing our value? Should we be switching up our approach, or is it a smarter idea to cut our losses and seek employment elsewhere?
In this episode, Founder and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to stay optimistic when we’re not seeing eye-to-eye with our leaders.
"If you want a million dollar career, you have to be resilient. If you can't bounce back, you'll be run over." -Robert Houghton
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The danger of bad-mouthing a bad boss
Interviewers love asking potential recruits about their current leaders. The question is, how should we respond if we’re unhappy in our present situations?
- How to shift our perspectives in a positive direction
Are we spending more time thinking about what we want to achieve, or what we’re unhappy about?
- Why we need to connect with our leaders
How can we build personal relationships with our superiors? Is doing so even appropriate?
Guest Bio -
Robert Houghton is the Founder and President of MR Fairfax. A business veteran and the CEO of a number of successful businesses, Robert is an expert in executive recruitment in the commercial insurance sector. A prolific writer on the WDC metro insurance community, Rob is passionate about sharing his knowledge, through his blog and podcast, WDC Metro Insurance Careers.
To find out more, go to:
https://mrfairfax.com/robert-w-houghton/
Or email Robert directly on rhoughton@mrfairfax.com
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Everyone has the potential to have a million dollar career - whether you’re starting your own business or climbing the corporate ladder, the recipe is really simple.
The things that separate thousands of college athletes from the 200 that are drafted into the league are the same things that separate mediocre players from the cream of the crop in the professional arena.
There will always be barriers to excellence and success, and most of them are internal. How do we identify and eliminate the things that stand between us and the careers we want? What are the attributes of people with million-dollar careers?
In this episode, I’m joined by executive recruiter and president of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton. We discuss the ingredients of a high-level, high-earning career, and why it’s easier to accomplish than you think!
"Anyone can have a million-dollar career, just get rid of the bad influences that prevent you from doing it." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to “elevate your neighborhood”
Who do we have to hang out with if we want million dollar careers?
- The power of finding what fuels your success
Every successful person has something that won’t allow them to quit. How do you identify what that is for you?
- Why success starts within
What strategies can we use to reorganize our mindsets and how we view ourselves so we can create the careers we want?
Guest Bio
Robert Houghton is the president of MR Fairfax, headquartered in the WDC metro region. MR Fairfax is the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. A twenty year veteran of the local business community and former founder and 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. For more information, visit https://mrfairfax.com/.
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 Sep 30, 2021
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
There’s no two ways about it, the future of aviation is electric. In fact, by 2040, the majority of sub-1000 mile flights in the US will be electric.
The question is, what can we do now to best equip ourselves for that? Is there anything in particular holding us back from an electric reality in our more immediate future?
In this episode, CEO of magniX, Roei Ganzarski discusses the massive changes our industry is set to see.
"Aviation is ripe for a change that addresses both lower emissions and lower operating costs." -Roei Ganzarski
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The one place aviation is lagging behind most other industries
On-demand has become a staple in the vast majority of industries. What’s stopping aviation from following suit?
- Why aviation companies are set to experience challenges with hiring
How will a bigger dependence on software impact staffing in our industry?
- How to educate the future leaders of aerospace
What does incoming talent need to know before coming into aerospace, and how is our existing education system putting them at a disadvantage?
Guest Bio-
Roei Ganzarski is the CEO of magniX and the Executive Chairman of Eviation Aircraft Ltd. Passionate about seeing the aviation industry transform and adapt, Roei is a strong advocate for electric flight, so it’s no surprise that he’s a pioneer in the space. An industry veteran of nearly 2 decades, Roei previously held various roles at Boeing.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roeiganzarski
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 Sep 23, 2021
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
With even award-winning organizations coming up short in terms of employee happiness, is it possible that everything we think we know about leadership is way off base?
What makes the difference between a good working environment and a GREAT one? What can leaders do to create a better atmosphere, and how can employees play a role in effecting positive changes?
In this episode, CEO of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, Dr Steve Merrill shares the 4 pillars that need to be implemented in ANY business to ensure maximum results.
"The relationship of being able to speak up, knowing you won’t be whacked by your boss for asking a question, is so important. That’s what helps people stay in an organization longer." -Dr Steve Merrill
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to lead effectively without getting mad at everything
It can get frustrating when our teams make a mistake, but getting angry isn’t likely to solve anything. What should we be doing instead and what’s likely to happen when we make that shift?
- The TRUE meaning of compassion in a business sense
Does compassion mean avoiding hurting people’s feelings at all cost, or could giving our teams a reality check be the kindest action?
- How to stop letting our egos run our organizations
As leaders, we tend to think we need to have all the answers, but could that be doing more harm than good?
- Why we need to re-think trust and micromanagement
If you're doing your employee’s jobs, who’s doing the CEO job?
Guest Bio-
Dr Steve Merrill is the CEO and Owner of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting. The holder of a Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, Steve has long had a passion for leadership and, more specifically, good leadership. Prior to founding Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, he served as an Adjunct Professor and Student Success Director at Argosy University. Steve is the Vice President of Exclusive Cleaning, Inc.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensmerrill
You can also email him at
Or call or text him on 3855494148.
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 Sep 16, 2021
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Pre-pandemic, the sky was blue and everything was rosy. Value was high, people were paying a ton for airframes, and aerospace was booming. Fast-forward to 2021, however, and the world as we knew it has changed.
The question is, how has that impacted the value of airplanes as a whole? How will the legacy of travel restrictions continue to impact our industry both now and in the future?
In this episode, President of Universal Asset Management, Richard Spaulding shares his outlook on the state of our industry.
"As long as manufacturers keep on thinking there's a market there and that planes continue to fly, the can gets kicked down the road." -Richard Spaulding
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How the pandemic is impacting newer assets
New aircrafts are rolling off the assembly line, but where are they going?
- What parked planes mean for the market
What will being parked mean for the value of airplanes, once they are eventually monetized?
- What to expect once the world re-opens
International travel restrictions have had massive repercussions for our industry. Once those are inevitably lifted, where will the biggest opportunities lie?
Guest bio-
Richard Spaulding is the President of Universal Asset Management. An industry veteran, Richard is revered in the industry for his innovative thinking and strong business savvy, as well as his extensive experience in aircraft acquisitions and portfolio management.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.uaminc.com/about/leadership
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-spaulding-81732017
Or email him directly on
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 Sep 09, 2021
Thursday Sep 09, 2021
Without a strong organizational culture, our companies will never perform at their highest level. That being said, zoning in on culture isn’t always as straightforward as we may think.
What are the intricacies of culture that we need to know before diving in, head first? Is the onus of creating culture on the leaders of organizations, or the individual employees working within it?
In this episode, author of The Missing Links and the man responsible for shifting NASAs company culture after the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster, Dr Phillip Meade shares how to do an overhaul on culture in any organization.
"For your organization to be successful, your strategy and culture need to be in alignment with each other." -Dr Phillip Meade
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to balance a high-performance workplace with psychological safety
The mantra ‘failure is not an option’ can be a great motivator, but how can we ensure our teams also feel safe enough to speak up when they do foresee a problem?
- The 4 elements that make a company’s culture GREAT
What needs to happen in order for our organizational culture to be considered outstanding?
- How to change our company culture for the better
What can leaders do today to bring about a positive shift in their organization’s culture?
Guest bio-
Dr Phillip Meade is the co-owner, COO, leadership expert, strategist and professional speaker at Gallaher Edge. An expert in organizational culture, Dr Meade previously worked to improve the company culture at NASA, after the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster in 2003. Dr Meade holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and is the the co-author of The Missing Links: Launching A High Performing Company Culture.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-missing-links-dr-phillip-meade-phd/1139523996
https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Phillip-Meade-PhD/dp/1637350880
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 Sep 02, 2021
Thursday Sep 02, 2021
The skilled American worker has the resourcefulness to create better opportunities for themselves, so they’re not going to tolerate being treated poorly, even if they’re employed by a mega industry player.
What will it take for business owners to stand out to recruits at a time when the balance of power is rapidly shifting in favor of employees? What can we do to not only attract, but retain their interest, so they’re less likely to look elsewhere?
In this episode, we’re discussing how to become (and stay!) the top choice for top talent.
"If you come into negotiations from a power position, you’ll win every time." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The key to keeping our teams enthusiastic
It’s one thing to recruit talent, but how do we keep them interested and invested?
-How to build high-performing teams on a budget
Realistically, top talent are not likely to accept below-market compensation, so what does that mean for companies with smaller budgets? Is there a way to onboard talent without forking out a ton of cash?
-One thing to be mindful of when recruiting
If we’re continually going outside our organizations to find talent, rather than developing skills internally, what message are we sending to our employees?
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.