How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
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.
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.