How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Space-based intelligence is the new frontier of effective and scalable energy infrastructure monitoring. The world’s oil and gas pipelines need persistent monitoring, and technology can be leveraged to avoid catastrophe.
This problem is tailor-made for the space sector. The industry can deal with large-scale environmental concerns and make our world a safer place. Orbital Sidekick is a startup unlocking the power of Hyperspectral Intelligence™ to deliver value to the end-user.
How did this startup emerge out of new developments in space-based technology? What are some of the biggest real-world problems that can be solved by satellites?
In this episode, I’m joined by co-founder and CEO of Orbital Sidekick, Dan Katz. He shares why energy infrastructure monitoring is so important, how his company is providing this service, and what the future holds in this exciting sector.
The space industry has become mature enough that we can focus on end-users outside of the space industry. -Dan Katz
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How current energy monitoring methods increase the risk of disaster
Oil and gas pipelines are everywhere, and they are old and prone to leaks. The current models of monitoring them are not thorough, effective, or scalable enough, which increases the risk of disaster. Pipelines need persistent monitoring with the ability to see below the surface and detect changes before it’s too late to fix them. - The true potential of space-based environmental monitoring
For space-based solutions to sustain demand, they need to have a use case in solving bigger environmental problems. From detecting wildfires to discovering new energy sources and monitoring pipelines, providing solutions to real-world problems outside of the space sector is vital to growth. - The biggest concerns around Hyperspectral Intelligence™
Hyperspectral Intelligence™ has the potential to unlock new trillion-dollar energy economies. The same technology that is changing the world of oil and gas pipeline monitoring can be applied to new energy exploration and discovery. With all this innovation and growth, however, there’s a huge concern around increased space junk and debris.
Guest Bio
Dan Katz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Orbital Sidekick. Orbital Sidekick (OSK) provides space-based hyperspectral monitoring solutions powered by Spectral Intelligence™. OSK's unique radiometric speciation and change detection capability enable unparalleled target monitoring services for both commercial and defense users on a global scale. OSK's first space-based hyperspectral payload is currently operational on the International Space Station, and the company is on schedule to build a constellation of five microsatellites by 2021. This growing constellation will enable daily target monitoring of customer assets at a relatively low cost.
For more information visit https://orbitalsidekick.com/ and connect with Dan https://www.linkedin.com/in/katzdaniel34/.
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 Mar 25, 2021
Thursday Mar 25, 2021
The biggest obstacle to cybersecurity stems from our unwillingness to understand our risks. We can set up all the security systems in the world, but if we’re not actively looking for threats, it’s all for naught.
Ignoring threats until they become a reality means setting ourselves up for bigger problems.
What’s stopping us from facing the truth head-on? How do we prioritize our cybersecurity? Is the risk really imminent?
In this episode, Founder and President of Defense Cybersecurity Group, Vince Scott shares what we should be doing to combat cyber-attacks.
"If you have a detection process in place, you can shut down attacks before they happen and mitigate a lot of risk." -Vince Scott
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- IT is NOT a Cost
For many business leaders, IT is nothing more than a ‘cost’, and that’s why they’re hesitant to spend anything more than the bare minimum. However, IT isn’t just an add-on: it's the backbone of every business. - The cyberthreat we should be most concerned about
Ransomware should be the least of our worries because we know the risk is there. The real danger comes from something that happens without our knowledge. - Who to hire to optimize our cybersafety infrastructure
When it comes to cybersecurity, willingness to learn trumps experience. While it’s a good idea to hire experienced tech personnel for leadership roles, those who monitor our systems can often grow into their roles.
Guest Bio -
Vince Scott is the Founder and President of the Defense Cybersecurity Group. A Navy Veteran, Vince has an extensive track record in cybersecurity and defense. Before founding Defense Cybersecurity Group, he served as the CSO at Solutions Through Innovative Technologues, Inc., Director of Cyber Security and Privacy at PwC, and the Global Cyber Security Detection at Procter & Gamble.
To find out more, visit:
https://www.cybersecgru.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-scott-cybersecurity?trk=author_mini-profile_title
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.
Friday Mar 19, 2021
Friday Mar 19, 2021
The aerospace industry was rocked in 2020 and nobody went unscathed. While many focused on Boeing, Airbus the bigger companies, very few talked about the little guys.
How has the lower middle market fared, and what does 2021 have in store for them? Who will bounce back and who is in danger?
In this episode, Managing Director of Patriot Industrial Partners, Alex Krutz shares his outlook for the small and middle-market players.
In this episode, Managing Director of Patriot Industrial Partners, Alex Krutz shares his outlook on the lower middle market.
"Watching a hurricane come on down you is scary, but eventually, it passes and it's time to rebuild." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The unique challenge faced by small businesses
Smaller companies are typically less likely to receive loans than their larger counterparts which puts many at greater risk. - What lower production volumes mean for lower middle-market companies
In the past, when volumes were higher, bigger businesses would source parts from multiple suppliers to curb risks. Now that the demand is low, having more than one supplier is a cost many aren’t willing to bear. - The next step for small companies
Small businesses might not be able to get traditional loans from banks, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Now is the time to get creative with other lenders and investors.
Guest Bio -
Alex Krutz is the Managing Director of Patriot Industrial Partners, an Aerospace and Defense advisory firm that elevates business performance by focusing on manufacturing strategy, value creation, and business transformation. He has been a consultant for Boeing, Tier 1’s, and Tier 2’s on operational turnarounds and private equity groups on value creation planning and execution.
Previous to starting Patriot Industrial Partners, Alex worked for Raytheon Technologies, GKN Aerospace, and various aerospace & defense businesses in roles of general management, operations, supply chain, and program management. His experience spans across Engines, APUs, structures, composites, and large complex assembly business operations.
To find out more, visit:
http://www.patriotindustrialpartners.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/company/patriot-industrial-partners
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexkrutz
You can also email Alex at alex.krutz@patriotindustrialpartners.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 Mar 11, 2021
Thursday Mar 11, 2021
Mindset is the primary driver of our results. To see success requires the right mindset!
What mindset should we be cultivating for the best results and do we hold ourselves back by playing our inner game the wrong way?
In this episode, Founder and CEO of Extraordinary Advisors, Todd Palmer returns to the show to share his tips for getting to the right mindset.
"Your mindset about how you handle losing is more important than your mindset about winning." -Todd Palmer
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to cultivate a winner’s mindset
What separates the Major League players from Triple A? - Where the most successful leaders put their focus
Victory isn’t about ‘me’, it’s about ‘we’. Truly impactful leaders understand that results are a direct reflection of everyone in our operations. - The importance of being proficient in as many aspects as possible
Playing to our strengths is important, but it will only get us so far.
Guest Bio -
Todd Palmer is the Founder, CEO, and President of Extraordinary Advisors. Passionate about helping others step into the best versions of themselves, Todd refers to himself as ‘the guy who exists to improve lives'. Todd is also the Founder and President of Diversified Industrial Staffing- named by INC Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. He is the author of The Job Search Process and From Suck to Success.
To find out more, go to:
https://extraordinaryadvisors.com/
https://www.fromsucktosuccess.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 Mar 04, 2021
Thursday Mar 04, 2021
Touchless travel will extend way beyond the pandemic! Touchless travel isn’t a new idea, but it is time to implement it.
Will we see hands-free technology implemented on airlines in the near future? Are there any other benefits, aside from health concerns, that make the technology a necessity?
In this episode, Founder and CEO of CUSI Aerospace, Kempen Cloete shares how the Nightingale system is set to revolutionize onboard health and safety measures.
"Our business has a moral obligation to seek some kind of solution to prevent going through something like flight restrictions ever again." -Kempen Cloete
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How offerings like the Nightingale system will reduce liability for airlines:
There’s always room for human error when people have to make judgment calls. Having the right technology removes the risk and creates an added layer of defense for everyone involved. - Why thermal imaging assists more than curbing communicable diseases:
Thermal imaging and photo recognition have the ability to identify anyone the moment they step onto an aircraft. This makes it a great way to speed up the boarding process and detect potential terror threats. - How thermal imaging systems will ensure passengers feel comfortable flying:
It doesn’t matter how many times we tell passengers we’ve cleaned an aircraft or that the air onboard is filtered, because seeing is believing. Passengers feel instantly more comfortable when they see a safety feature physically installed.
Guest Bio:
Kempen Cloete is the President/CEO and Founder of CUSI Aerospace. With over 3 decades of broad business knowledge in the fields of program management and engineering in the aerospace industry, Kempen also has 20 years of experience in senior management at leading aerospace companies, including Boeing and Bombardier. Today, Kempen is part of the team that has developed Nightingale, a system set to change aerospace as we know it.
To find out more, go to:
https://cusi-aero.com/team-details.html
Or contact Kempen directly at
512 470 7574
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 Feb 25, 2021
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Want to be an entrepreneur? Then expect some turbulence along the way.
As in any business, ups and downs are inevitable and one can never be too prepared for the unknown.
What can we do to give our startups the best shot at success, no matter what life throws our way?
From Navy Admiral to Bourbon distiller, Scott Sanders shares how he got his startup off the ground and how his 700 MPH Bourbon will help Marine Corps veterans.
"The key to a successful business lies in doing the research." -Scott Sanders
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why success requires more than passion:
Just because we enjoy doing something, doesn’t always make it a viable business venture. Take the time to research, and don’t jump right into anything. - The importance of being open to mindset shifts:
In business, there are times when pivoting is non-negotiable. If we want to see great results, we have to be humble enough to make changes sooner rather than later. - Why focus is the key to a successful business:
Many business owners fail because they’re trying to be everything to everybody. Go 6 inches wide and one mile deep, rather than the other way around.
Guest Bio -
Scott Sanders is the owner of Tobacco Barn Distillery in Maryland. Prior to starting the business, Scott had a decades-long career in the aviation space, having held executive positions at Wyle and Audley Associates Inc. Scott started his career as a US Navy Rear Admiral, and today, in addition to running Tobacco Barn Distillery, Scott is the Principal Program Director at Envistacom.
To find out more, go to:
https://tobaccobarndistillery.com/
https://tobaccobarndistillery.com/#
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-sanders-45336188
You can also email Scott directly at scott@tobaccobarndistillery.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 Feb 18, 2021
Thursday Feb 18, 2021
Business evolves quickly and if leaders want to survive they need to adapt along the way. Yesterday’s strategies won’t work tomorrow and we have to adapt to the new reality.
But, WHAT IS THE NEW REALITY?
What should leaders be changing today to ensure their organizations make it to tomorrow? Is there a blueprint for uncharted territory?
In this episode, workplace futurist, author, and speaker, Marti Konstant shares how to adapt in a rapidly changing world.
"When change is happening, don't do nothing. Whether it's good or bad change, you can't stagnate." -Marti Konstant
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why poor communication spells disaster in today’s world:
Younger generations expect clear communication from their leaders, especially when “things are going south”. Be transparent! - Why we need to change the way we think about decision making:
Empowerment is the key to effective decision making. Today’s consumers want solutions in real time, so empower employees to resolve issues on their own as they arise. - How to be agile while embracing existing skills:
Leaders should plan for the future by pursuing knowledge, skills, and experience in parallel. These can be used to augment and update existing expertise, without necessarily starting over.
Guest Bio -
Marti Konstant is the CEO and Founder of Konstant Change. A workplace futurist and keynote speaker, Marti is also the bestselling author of Activate Your Agile Career. Marti is a passionate researcher and specializes in curing stagnation for individuals and organizations through agility training and coaching.
To find out more, go to:
http://www.martikonstant.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martikonstant
To sign up for Marti’s newsletter, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-choose-career-agility-2020-marti-konstant-mba
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 Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
The airline industry is renowned for its safety, but the pandemic threw a curveball into the mix. How did airlines fare in terms of creating a safer travel experience in the wake of the virus, and how did our efforts compare to those of other industries?
Ben Baldanza, former CEO of Spirit Airlines returns to share his thoughts on airline safety during and beyond the pandemic.
"The idea is to make flying touchless, with less time spent face to face. The virus will end at some point, but the sense of risk has changed completely." -Ben Baldanza
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why the future of flying is touch-free:
5 years from now touchless check-ins and minimal personal contact will be a norm and will be worthy investments. - What the pandemic means for bigger planes:
It could take a couple of years to build back demand. Smaller, narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 Max, Airbus A320s, and A321s will have an advantage. - How aviation has prioritized safety since the start of the virus:
From the onset of the coronavirus, the aviation industry has done its part in visible safety precautions, from mask mandates to putting up shields at airports. As an industry, we’ve shown an operational AND biological commitment to safety.
Guest Bio -
Ben Baldanza is an industry veteran. Previously the CEO and President of Spirit Airlines, today he serves as the CEO for Diemacher, LLC, and is an Independent Board Director at JetBlue Airways. Ben is also a Forbes Contributor, co-host of the Airlines Confidential Podcast, and has been featured on multiple platforms including Fox Business News, The Today Show, and CNBC. Ben is an Adjunct Professor of Economics at George Mason University.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-ben-baldanza
https://www.forbes.com/sites/benbaldanza/
https://diemacherllc.com/about
https://airlinesconfidential.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 Feb 04, 2021
Thursday Feb 04, 2021
Innovation, working in small, nimble teams, and driving a culture is what helps small companies compete. Perhaps it’s just the lack of boundaries.
Airborne ECS is just one example of a small but mighty business making big waves in the industry. The question is, how have they done it?
How can small businesses keep pushing the needle on new ideas, and are they ever at an advantage over their bigger, more established peers?
In this episode, CEO of Airborne ECS, Brian McCann shares how smaller companies can achieve astronomical results.
"A lot of our success comes from contacting an executive level and letting people know a product like ours exists and the technology is possible." -Brian McCann
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The advantage smaller companies have over their bigger counterparts:
While big companies have more resources, their lead times are often much longer because of all the processes they need to go through. Eliminating boundaries produces big results. - How working remotely can help small companies secure top talent:
Engineers are in high demand. Instead of expecting them to relocate or check in every day, give them the option to work from a place that suits them. If allowed to do so, they will do everything needed to meet the mission - How to foster great company culture in a newer, smaller, and remote workplace:
Smaller companies make it easier for leadership to stay dialed in with the team. Take the time to connect with every person in the organization, even via phone conversations, to build stronger, more genuine relationships.
Guest Bio -
Brian McCann is the CEO of Airborne ECS, an organization dedicated to addressing the rapidly growing need for niche cooling systems in airborne and ground-based platforms. Prior to this, he served as the Vice President of Business Development at RAM Manufacturing Company.
To find out more about Airborne ECS and to connect with Brian, go to:
https://airborneecs.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mccann-59bb3aa
You can also email him at
And soon, brianm@ig.space
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 Jan 28, 2021
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
What can we expect from the airlines in 2021? How will they change and what will drive their business?
In this episode, economist and former CEO of Spirit Airlines, Ben Baldanza shares the changes we’ll need to make as an industry.
"Everybody will have to adjust their business model in some way, shape, or form." -Ben Baldanza
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How a decrease in business travel will impact the industry:
As fewer corporate travelers take to the skies, many airlines will need to adapt their strategies and start making space for more lower-cost options. This will impact the existing low-cost carriers, who will be forced to compete in a different manner.
- What less business travel means for wide-body producers:
With corporate travelers flying less frequently internationally, the need for widebody aircraft will be reduced. This will affect Boeing and Airbus production rates significantly but it’s not all doom and gloom. There will be opportunities elsewhere.
- Where the opportunities lie going forward:
Despite the challenges, there is still opportunity for growth in our business. It’s just time to shift our focus into how we’ll make all our passengers feel comfortable throughout the travel experience.
Guest Bio -
Ben Baldanza is the CEO of Diemacher, LLC, an Independent Board Director at JetBlue Airways, and former CEO and President of Spirit Airlines. A Forbes Contributor and co-host of the Airlines Confidential Podcast, Ben is an economist and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Economics at George Mason University. Ben is an industry veteran and has been featured on multiple platforms including CNBC, Fox Business News, and The Today Show among others.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-ben-baldanza
https://www.forbes.com/sites/benbaldanza/
https://diemacherllc.com/about
https://airlinesconfidential.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.