How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
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.
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Highly acclaimed industry analyst and Forbes contributor, Brian Foley, shares his thoughts for 2021.
With the New Year comes a ton of excitement. While many of us are still feeling cautious, many are also curious as to what the future holds.
How big a dent did 2020 leave in our industry, and what can we do to rebuild and move forward? Did anyone benefit in spite of the difficulties?
"The strength of the preowned market in 2020 is a sign that things are going to improve in our industry more than anyone is expecting them to." -Brian Foley
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The great news for business travel:
While business travel took a backseat last year, business aviation utilization only went down by 15%. By the time business travel returns completely, we’re likely to overflow! - Where the opportunities lie for business aviation:
As smaller cities deal with cut back schedules and higher prices, business aviation will have a competitive advantage which makes now a good time to invest.
- Why we shouldn’t get too excited for eVTOL just yet:
Silicon Valley investors may be throwing capital into urban mobility, but it’s important to put the numbers into perspective. What may seem massive in aviation is pocket change in tech, and it’s not guaranteed that eVTOL will take off in reality anytime soon.
Guest Bio-
Brian Foley is an aviation industry strategist, Forbes contributor, and the Founder of Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO). Brian began his career as a flight test engineer and marketing manager, and prior to founding BRiFO he spent two decades as the marketing director at Dassault Falcon Jet.
To find out more, visit:
https://www.brifo.com/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianfoley1/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brifo
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 14, 2021
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
What is the future of aviation? Will we be bearing the brunt of coronavirus for years to come or will the impact be short-lived?
In this episode, author of Aircraft Valuation, David Yu shares his prognosis for aviation in 2021 and beyond.
The faster we take the difficulties of our reality into account, the faster we can get back on a growth path as an industry. -David Yu
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The impact of furloughed skills on the industry:
Letting people go in a crisis is relatively easy, but getting them back isn’t so simple. As an industry, aviation is at risk of a potentially long-term talent gap. - Why new investors are at an advantage during this period:
Now might not be the worst time to start an airline. Between open routes and the availability of assets and labor force, there are a ton of opportunities for those willing to take the plunge. - How the ‘new normal’ will affect aviation in the first quarter of 2021:
With more people working from home full-time we should expect to see a portion of business aviation demand fall away, at least in the short term.
Guest Bio-
David Yu is the Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, and co-founder of aviation investing and financing firm, Inception Aviation Holdings, and the Executive Director Asia of IBA Group, a leading global aircraft appraisal and consultancy. A recognized expert in cross-border finance and investing, he is also an Adjunct Professor of Finance at NYU Shanghai, where he teaches the ‘Investing and Financing In and With China’ class. David is the author of Aircraft Valuation: Airplane Investments as an Asset Class.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Valuation-Airplane-Investments-Asset/dp/9811567425
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 07, 2021
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Alpine Advanced Materials innovative HX5 composites are driving weight-saving solutions that took a whopping 2,000 lbs. of weight out of a Boeing 777! As a venture-backed, early stage start-up, the company is also creating big waves in aerospace manufacturing.
Getting a startup off the ground is challenging in the best of times, and a pandemic only adds another hurdle to the mix. What have Roger Raley and Joe D’Cruz done to thrive amidst the chaos? Do startups have advantages over their established competition that allow them to dominate?
In this episode, Roger Raley and Joe D’Cruz of Alpine Advanced Materials share how they got their company off the ground in the midst of a global health crisis.
The question isn’t how to be successful, it’s who we need to connect with to become successful. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why our investors make all the difference:
Having the right investors does more than inject capital into our businesses, it also gives us credibility. Focus on partnering with the right investors who have the right experience. - Why keeping our teams lean is the best way forward:
Startups need to protect their capital, so avoid unnecessary expenses wherever possible and focus on fundamentals. - The importance of staying cool under pressure:
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in times of crisis, but the key to success lies in staying calm in every situation. Shift energies towards finding opportunities to partner with the right people and companies.
Guest Bio-
Joe D’Cruz is the Executive Chairman of Alpine Advanced Materials, and Founder of its parent company, Catalyze Dallas. With a deep knowledge of the aerospace, defense, energy, and transportation markets, Joe is an experienced senior executive with an impressive track record in both early-stage and established multinational corporate environments.
To find out more, go to:
https://catalyzedallas.com/our-team/
https://alpineadvancedmaterials.com/about/leadership/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedcruz
Roger Raley is the President of Alpine Advanced Materials. An international executive with deep roots in aerospace, defense industries, and the commercial space, Roger has spent over 20 years delivering solutions that improve complex defense and commercial supply chains. Prior to joining Alpine, Roger served as the Vice President of the Military and Aerospace Business Unit at TTI, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company.
To find out more, visit:
https://alpineadvancedmaterials.com/about/leadership/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerraley
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 17, 2020
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
Despite receiving billions in government bailouts, the world’s airlines are struggling and will continue to do so.
Bank bailouts and state financial assistance have certainly done their part to provide lifelines, but this path is not the most sustainable path forward.
Will the aid and bailouts do more to help the industry or hurt it? Are there any viable alternatives?
In this episode, renowned airline, finance expert, and author of Aircraft Valuation, David Yu returns to the show to share how financial assistance will impact our industry moving forward.
Instead of relying on financial assistance, airline carriers need to take the pain now. Get into a more sustainable state to set yourself up for long-term growth. -David Yu
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why leaning on aid isn’t a long-term solution:
Financial assistance and bailouts are attractive options, but they cannot be relied upon for too long. Waiting on aid will only delay the inevitable for many airlines and leasing companies.
- Why we shouldn’t expect a second round of bailouts:
While airlines have received a lot of financial assistance, other industries have not. Governments are now being forced to look at a wider swath of bailout needs.
- Why banks will become less accommodating:
Banks have been generally amenable in the wake of COVID-19, but that might not always be the case. There is only so much the financial institutions can do.
Guest Bio-
David Yu is the Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, and co-founder of aviation investing and financing firm, Inception Aviation Holdings. A recognized expert in cross-border finance and investing, David is also the Executive Director Asia of IBA Group, a leading global aircraft appraisal and consultancy. David is also an Adjunct Professor of Finance at NYU Shanghai, and author of Aircraft Valuation: Airplane Investments as an Asset Class.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Valuation-Airplane-Investments-Asset/dp/9811567425
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