How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
The light jet market has been evolutionary for a long time, but the time has come for us to move into revolutionary territory.
What does the future of light aircraft look like, and where do the opportunities for forward-thinking engineers lie? What are the challenges ahead for those wanting to make big moves in a small space?
In this episode, CEO of XTI Aircraft, Bob LaBelle shares how his small team has blazed the trail for the next step in light commercial aviation.
"As the leader of a disruptive organization, you have to remain positive in all situations and have the perseverance needed to keep everyone motivated, even when you’re having doubts." -Bob LaBelle
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why smaller aircraft are so popular in business aviation
Why are light aircraft preferable for business aviation fliers, and what’s the chief drawback of the lighter models we’ve seen until now?
- The innovative thinking revolutionizing the light jet as we know it
Helicopters have been around for years and eVTOL has been a buzzword in the industry for some time now, so what’s the benefit of hybrid electric integration like that used by XTI Aircraft?
- Where to find the talent required to transform the small aircraft space
How can we recruit the top minds in the industry who will take our industry into the future?
Guest Bio-
Bob LaBelle is the CEO of XTI Aircraft, a small aviation startup set to define the future. As the former Chairman and CEO of AgustaWestland North America, Bob has more than 2 decades of experience in the business. Currently responsible for the development of the TriFan 600 aircraft, Bob is a US Navy veteran, having served as a Major Program Manager for the E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.xtiaircraft.com/#Air-mobility-revolutionized
https://www.xtiaircraft.com/cm/the-XTI-team
https://www.facebook.com/xtiaircraft/
https://twitter.com/xtiaircraft?lang=en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xti-aircraft-company
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 Jul 29, 2021
Thursday Jul 29, 2021
Today’s workforce is teeming with high-level talent possessing a wealth of wisdom and decades of experience. Do leaders have the confidence and maturity to hire them?
Young managers can learn a lot from the veteran players but only if they’re able to see past the age gap and manage the relationship maturely.
What are some of the insecurities leaders have around recruiting people with more experience, and how are they mitigated?
In this episode, Matt Johnson joins me to discuss why people with more experience and wisdom are such great recruits and the right way to do it.
"Young managers fear that they need to have all the answers, but you don’t have to know everything. You just need to know how you get there through the perspective, wisdom, and experience of others." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we have to approach hiring differently
The things that matter to employees today are vastly different from what mattered in the past. How do executives make sure their offering measures up to what they want?
- The biggest barrier to hiring confidently
Young managers are afraid of not having the answers and this holds them back from dipping into an amazing talent pool. How can you overcome this fear?
- How to establish a strong working relationship
Why is open dialogue such an important part of getting on the same page with a recruit, and setting the tone for a harmonious working relationship?
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
Thursday Jul 22, 2021
In the last 18 months, aerospace and defense have undergone changes and dealt with challenges few of us could have anticipated. The question is, what now?
What can we expect to see in the industry in the near future? Are there new developments we need to be aware of?
In this episode, Founder and President of Alderman & Company and one of the most respected “Sell Side” investment bankers, Bill Alderman shares his views on where our business is headed.
"When the boardroom is diversified, you get better collective thinking." -Bill Alderman
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The impact of greater inclusivity on aerospace and defense
How is diversity in the boardroom driving positive change in the industry?
- How PPP programs have affected aviation
Has government assistance done more to help or hinder the aerospace business?
- What to expect from industry behemoths in the near future
What’s in store for big players like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin?
Guest Bio-
William ‘Bill’ Alderman is the Founder and President of Alderman & Company. While Bill started his career as an Investment Banker, he never felt like a banker at heart. As a commercial pilot and owner of an aircraft, Bill’s real passion lies in aviation, and today he uses both his strength and interests to represent Middle Market Sellers in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
To find out more, go to:
https://aldermanco.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 Jul 15, 2021
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Business aviation is on the up and up, and opportunities abound. But what is the likelihood of success for new businesses?
How can aviation startups get a real shot at the big leagues? Do young businesses actually have an advantage over bigger, more established organizations?
In this episode, co-founder and CEO of Jet It, Glenn Gonzales shares why the sky is the limit for his burgeoning business.
"My co-founder always says being an entrepreneur is like being alone in the ocean, without a raft, at night time. You don’t know when the sun is coming up or if anyone is coming to save you: all you know is you have to keep treading water." -Glenn Gonzales
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to make the jump from employee to business owner
Running a business is an entirely different experience from working in one. How does an executive make the transition from employee to entrepreneur?
- How to on-board top talent
How can we convince the right people to join our teams when we’re entirely new to the space?
- Where to turn for support
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely experience. Who should we reach out to when the going gets tough?
Guest Bio-
Glenn Gonzales is the CEO and co-founder of Jet It. A former fighter pilot and Gulfstream International Demonstration Captain, prior to founding Jet It, Glenn worked as a Honda Aircraft Co. sales executive. Today, Glenn and his co-founder, Vishal Hiremath use exclusively Honda jets in their rapidly expanding fleet to fly clients across North America, Europe and beyond, for 3 times less than traditional private travel platforms.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/gojetit/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gojetit
https://www.instagram.com/gojetit/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/GoJetIt_?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Or call them on 833-TO-JET-IT (833-865-3848)
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 Jul 01, 2021
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
As individuals and companies start thinking about how they'll move forward in the coming months, it's time to re-evaluate how we present ourselves.
How can we position ourselves for the roles of our dreams? What can we do to stand out before we even get an interview?
In this episode, I'm diving into what business leaders care about in ANY market.
"If you really want more money and a better title, quit asking for a job and tell recruiters where you add value to their organization." -Craig Picken
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 10, 2021
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Transitioning from the military to the corporate world comes with its fair share of difficulties, and it's something veterans need to be prepared for. The question is, where do we start?
What are the unique challenges faced by former military personnel, and what can be done to overcome them? Is there anything civilians can learn from the transition path veterans need to take?
In this episode, Founder and President of PreVeteran, Jason Anderson shares how to make a smoother transition from the military to the corporate sector.
"We need to be more precise when we talk about military transition and how to do it right." -Jason Anderson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The problem with government-funded transition programs
How can we expect government officials to train veterans for civilian employment when they have no experience in that area themselves?
- What makes veterans so problematic in the eyes of recruiters
Why are veterans more likely to struggle to adapt than non-veteran recruits, and how can we get to the source of the issue fast?
- The key thing to remember as a veteran transitioning into corporate America
Our prior leadership roles may look great on paper, but they aren’t necessarily going to make business leaders sit up and take note. What should vets be talking about in interviews, instead?
Guest Bio-
Jason Anderson is the Founder and President of PreVeteran, an organization dedicated to helping military veterans make a more seamless transition into their civilian careers. An Air Force veteran himself, Jason knows the struggle of transition all too well, having dealt with the frustration of not knowing the steps to success. Today, he is passionate about helping others find a way forward as they enter a new stage in their lives, through his PreVeteran Beta courses. Jason is the Global Strategy and Foreign Military Sales SME at Collins Aerospace.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/preveteran
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-anderson-preveteran/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EKGhfxoomB_UenF6Bx40w
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.
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
The optimism for the future of aviation also provides a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on our leadership abilities.
What marks the difference between top-performers and everyone else? How can we demonstrate our strengths as leaders today?
In this episode, show producer Matt Johnson and I discuss the characteristics every high-achieving aerospace executive must have.
"We keep hearing that we’re in unprecedented times, so maybe we need to do some things that are unprecedented to deal with it. Be willing to stick your neck out and find different solutions." -Matt Johnson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Fostering Emotional Intelligence while teams are working from home
What can we do to keep everyone engaged?
- The importance of honing creative problem-solving skills
How can we get more comfortable taking risks and trying out new ideas?
- Why adaptability is a must
Are we doing enough to prepare for the future?
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.
You can reach Craig on 910 509 7129
Or email him at craig@northstaresg.com
And to find out more about Matt, go to:
Thursday May 06, 2021
Thursday May 06, 2021
The whole world is going mental at the moment, and that's because we're taking on too much at once. From getting the corner office at work, to homeschooling our kids during Covid, to getting the perfect body in the gym, we're trying to do it all, and in the process, we're not giving enough of ourselves to any of the tasks we take on.
The only way to reach our goals, both professionally and personally, is by prioritizing. What needs to be done now, and what can be looked at later?
Where do we draw the line between planning for the future and giving our best in the present?
In this episode, I share why focus is the key to success, and the surprising NFL Draft Day lesson we can use in our businesses.
"Think about how to prioritize your team building and where those people are coming from. What would happen if you already had a bench of great players before you needed it?" -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to stop sabotaging our chances of success
Trying to take on too many things at once will only overwhelm us. Don't fall into the trap of being a jack of all trades and master of none: slow down and give each task the amount of energy it deserves.
- Why we need to focus on the here and now
It's always tempting to look to the future, but that shouldn't be our main focus. Success begets success, so instead of agonizing over the next step, years into the future, we should be putting all our energy into performing our current roles to the best of our abilities.
- The quickest way to bomb an interview
We may think we're coming across as helpful and eager by saying yes to other opportunities in an interview, but we're actually showing the interviewer we lack focus. Stay in tune with the original position offered and don't get distracted.
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 29, 2021
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
The aviation business is currently coming off the biggest reset the industry has seen since World War II, and while that brings a host of challenges, it also comes with fantastic opportunities. The sky's the limit, and we're living in exciting times.
What should we expect to see in the near and further-off future in our business? Are we likely to see a bigger move towards eVTOL in the next few years? What are the innovations we're most likely to see implemented?
As we get back into the swing of things after the challenges posed by COVID-19, how can we set ourselves apart from our competitors?
In this episode, Business Editor at Aviation Week, Michael Bruno shares his thoughts on the future of our industry.
"By getting on board with lowering the industry’s carbon footprint, we'll be able to show young people that they won't be hurting the world by joining defense and aviation companies." - Michael Bruno
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why an eVTOL revolution might NOT be imminent
Helicopters have given us the capability to navigate smaller spaces for years, but for the average person, the concept hasn't completely taken off. Urban mobility is an exciting idea, but it's unlikely to become the next big thing (at least soon).
- How increased space travel will impact aviation
At the moment, there are so few spaceports that they're not affecting aviation as we know it, but as more people look to explore the next frontier, that's something we'll need to think about. From increased traffic to physical obstructions like spaceports, space exploration will require a new way of thinking.
- How to combat competition moving forward
With competition comes hostility, but it also makes for better competitors. Instead of finding ways to disqualify other big players, it's up to aviation leaders to up their investments and fine-tune their innovation.
Guest Bio -
Michael Bruno is the Senior Business Editor and Community and Conference Content Manager at Aviation Week. A recipient of the Jesse H. Neal award, known as the 'Pulitzer Prize of business media', Michael covers aviation, aerospace, and defense businesses, their supply chains, and related topics. Before joining Aviation Week, Michael was a staff writer for the Washington Post and Bloomberg NBA.
To find out more, head to:
https://aviationweek.com/author/michael-bruno#
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bruno-469658a
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 22, 2021
Thursday Apr 22, 2021
The aerospace and aviation ecosystem has reached maturity, and some of the most anticipated innovations and advancements are starting to bear fruit.
What we’re seeing is nothing short of an Industrial Revolution, and we can expect the next unicorn company to come out of aviation.
What’s driving the massive advancements and the evolution of start-ups is the decreased cost of launching satellites - turning billion-dollar ideas into viable possibilities.
What are the biggest innovations the industry is looking forward to? Why is this such an exciting time for businesses in aerospace and aviation? In this episode, I’m joined by aerospace engineer, speaker, and founder and managing director of Starburst, Francois Chopard. He shares the most significant technologies that are revolutionizing the industry.
"Space could be the new frontier, but the business model is still going to be related to earth. We still want to protect the earth and relocalize what’s not good for the earth and could be better in space." -Francois Chopard
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The future of travel
Mobility is going to become a bigger theme globally. There’s going to be a bigger focus on going from point A to point B as fast as possible, efficiently and cost-effectively. The enabling technologies behind urban mobility are becoming more accessible to startups which will be a huge boost. - How AI can revolutionize aviation
The autonomous factor is going to play a bigger role in improving aviation going forward, especially at the most challenging parts of flights for pilots. During take-off and landing is when the load on the pilot is the highest and automation and AI can be put in place to reduce it. Automation won’t just benefit aircraft, but also air traffic management. - Why low earth orbit is going to become more important
The opportunity in space is going to be leveraging and innovating in low earth orbit to take pressure off the resources on earth. We will have the opportunity to relocalize certain processes to make the earth better. Data centers are huge consumers of energy on earth, and putting them into low earth orbit is going to save a lot of energy.
Guest Bio
Francois Chopard is an aerospace engineer, strategy consultant, speaker, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and managing director of Starburst, a Venture Capital firm and accelerator dedicated to aerospace and defense startups. With offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal, Paris, Munich, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, and Singapore, Starburst Accelerator is the #1 Aerospace Start-up incubator where all aerospace innovation stakeholders gather and network to help galvanize the future of the aerospace industry. For more information, visit https://starburst.aero/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoischopard/.
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.