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