How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
Many people talk about wanting to be leaders, but the truth is, most of us aren’t doing what it takes to become leaders.
Leadership is about more than money, status, or power. Those may be perks of the job, but effective leadership is dependent on having uncomfortable conversations, making tough decisions, and taking radical ownership of everything that happens in our businesses.
How can we make the necessary mindset shift into that of a leader, so attributes like accountability become second nature to us? Is it even possible to learn to be a leader, or is it a trait we need to be born with?
In this episode, President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss what it really means to be a leader.
"Leadership is not always doing the fun or nice thing, it’s doing what’s right for the business." -Robert Houghton
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to attain freedom as a leader
Most of us can relate to being fearful of doing or saying the right thing, for fear of the consequences. How can we get to the point where those consequences no longer hold us back, so we can focus on moving forward?
- The key difference between managers and leaders
Many people have the ability to manage; how many have the skills to actually lead?
- How to start taking radical responsibility
What are we doing to avoid taking radical ownership today, and what can we do to change that?
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.
To find out more, go to
You can also email him with rhoughton@mrfairfax.com
Books mentioned in this episode:
https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057
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 Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Everybody wants to onboard superstars, but just how many business owners are doing what it takes to recruit and retain them?
The truth is, not nearly enough of us are. We all speak about wanting our businesses to grow to new heights, but when it comes to taking on the kind of talent that will help us get there, we fail to jump at the opportunity.
Why is it that so few of us are willing to take a chance on superstars in the making? How can we get better at spotting that special something so we never have to pass up on the chance again?
In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to spot, hire and retain superstar talent.
"If you want a Million Dollar business, get people who think like a Million Dollar Business!" -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why recruiting superstars is a completely different animal
What’s stopping more leaders from taking on a more hands-on approach to the hiring process, especially when it comes to game-changing talent?
- Why superstars need to be defined differently
Just how accurate is a checklist and expectation of experience when it comes to pinpointing the kind of recruits who could totally transform our businesses?
- The key to retaining top talent
The thing with superstars is, if we want them, so do our competitors. How can we make it worth their while to choose us over everyone else?
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.
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 Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Every business wants to onboard top talent, but are we actively positioning our organizations as the type of place people want to work, or are we letting that crucial element slip through the cracks?
For most businesses, the latter is true. The reality is, we don’t do enough to entice talented would-be recruits, and in today’s world, where salary alone just isn’t enough to impress, not being clear on what sets us apart from our competitors will only put us on the back pedal.
So, how can we get more intentional about creating a brand identity that resonates with our ideal employees?
In this episode, Founder and CEO of Ph.Creative, Bryan Adams shares how to build the kind of company the workforce is lining up to join.
"As an employer, you have to know exactly who you are and what you’re looking for." -Bryan Adams
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The factors most likely to attract top performers
What are our ideal recruits looking for in a new position, and how can we be the ones to give it to them?
- Why our interview process is more crucial than we think
Could an ineffective interview system actually cost us business, as well as the potential to onboard top recruits?
- How to continually attract the A-players
What can we do to entice top talent both now and in the long term?
Guest Bio-
Bryan Adams is the Founder and CEO of leading employer brand agency, Ph.Creative. A two-times bestselling author, Bryan is also a podcaster and specialist speaker, passionate about getting his audiences to think differently. Bryan is widely renowned as an employer brand thought leader, and has worked alongside some of the world’s best-known brands to reshape their image over the years.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanadams1
https://www.amazon.com/Give-Get-Employer-Branding-Belonging-ebook/dp/B084ZCJWTJ
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099555949X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1
You can also contact Bryan directly 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 Dec 09, 2021
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Everyone wants to have A-players in their teams, but when it comes to recruiting those rockstars, many of us don’t even know where to start.
Does recruitment look any different when we’re looking to onboard the best of the best? How do top-tier achievers want to be approached, and what could entice them to work with our organizations, over everyone else?
On the flipside, how can recruits present themselves as the kind of talent companies are willing to go the extra mile to bring into their worlds?
In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to spot (or become!) top talent.
"The ideal recruit is looking towards a goal, not running away from something." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- 5 things that separate A-players from everyone else
Is there an easy way to spot the ideal hire, from a distance?
- The non-negotiables A-players are looking for
Why would a rockstar be willing to up and move to another organization? How can we make joining our teams worth their while?
- How to tell if a rockstar recruit is really interested
Are would-be recruits really interested in joining our teams, or could they be easily persuaded to stay where they are now?
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
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.