How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
A big lesson we learn is how quickly change can be forced on us. The people who successfully adapt don’t change by force, they pivot with intention and purpose.
Many think that change and transition are the same thing, but there’s a difference. Change is forced on us; transition is a choice we make and is something we control.
Our world will continue to change and the more we can transition and pivot, the more likely we’ll be able to reach our desired goals.
What are the key differences between people who transition intentionally and people who are forced to change by circumstance? In this episode, Executive Performance and Transition Coach, and author of Transition on Purpose, Dennis Volpe answers this question.
If you don’t decide to do something differently, you’re not going to move from your current reality to your desired one. -Dennis Volpe
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Change vs. transition:
A change is what happens to us under the pressure of an external force. A transition is a mindset, internal push, and self-motivated effort to move from our current reality to our desired reality. By making transitions, we protect ourselves from unwanted changes. - The types of transitions we’ll encounter in our lives:
There are 3 different types of transitions: a forced transition, an accidental transition, and an intentional transition. The more we can get ahead of a forced change by shifting on purpose, the more prepared we are in an unpredictable world. - How to create your happiness equation:
Start with the non-negotiable things you need to add to your life and remove the things that divide or subtract your joy and fulfillment. If we set the intention to build a life that aligns with that equation, we can easily identify when something isn’t in alignment and shift accordingly.
Guest Bio
Dennis is an Executive Performance and Transition Coach, author, and a Principal at the Leadership Research Institute (LRI) He is an experienced leader and mentor with a proven record of leading and developing others to perform at higher levels and improve their overall effectiveness. He has a passion for learning, developing others to improve as leaders, and positively impacting organizational success.
LRI is a global consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational development. The firm partners with leaders across a wide variety of industries, helping them to guide and transform their organizations for success. As a leadership and organizational development consultant and executive performance and transition coach, Dennis partners with individuals and teams to recognize and optimize personal and organizational potential. For more information, visit https://transitiononpurpose.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/djvolpe/.
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 Oct 29, 2020
Thursday Oct 29, 2020
2020 has been a wild ride. Between the pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout, it’s easy to view everything through a negative lens.
Keeping a positive isn’t just necessary, it’s our responsibility. Even in the most challenging times, business leaders have to keep the ship steady, look ahead, and optimize the effectiveness of our teams. If we feel defeated, our teams will follow suit and the organization will fall apart.
It's time to focus on the things we can control. While we can’t change the fact that there’s a pandemic, we can shift on how we respond to it.
How can we be the leaders our teams need during this chaotic time? How do we balance realism and optimism? What is the critical piece people often miss in the conversation on emotional intelligence in the workplace?
In this episode, I’m joined by Executive Performance and Transition Coach, Dennis Volpe. We discuss the challenges leaders are facing in 2020, and how we can deal with them.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The levels of awareness all leaders need to have:
The 3 lenses of awareness essential for effective leadership are self-awareness, social awareness, and situational awareness. We need to have a good understanding of ourselves, others, and how to navigate different circumstances. - Why emotional intelligence shouldn’t be our sole focus:
While it’s important to develop an emotionally intelligent culture in our organization, we have to balance it with what actually drives the business forward. Emotional intelligence without performance and efficiency will only lead to a stagnant organization.
- Why we shouldn’t be the only leaders on our teams:
Our jobs as leaders are made easier when we hire smart people who can lead themselves and solve problems independently. There should be leadership at every level in an organization, and that’s accomplished by hiring people who don’t always look to us for the answer or solution.
Guest Bio:
Dennis is an Executive Performance and Transition Coach, author, and a Principal at the Leadership Research Institute (LRI) He is an experienced leader and mentor with a proven record of leading and developing others to perform at higher levels and improve their overall effectiveness. He has a passion for learning, developing others to improve as leaders, and positively impacting organizational success.
LRI is a global consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational development. The firm partners with leaders across a wide variety of industries, helping them to guide and transform their organizations for success. As a leadership and organizational development consultant and executive performance and transition coach, Dennis partners with individuals and teams to recognize and optimize personal and organizational potential. For more information, visit https://transitiononpurpose.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/djvolpe/.
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.
Wednesday Oct 21, 2020
Wednesday Oct 21, 2020
Leading a small business in the current business climate comes with many challenges, but there’s still a lot of opportunity for leaders who have the right mindset.
The pandemic has affected manufacturing extensively but this also creates SIGNIFICANT opportunities for local businesses to gain market share, and help OEMs protect their supply chains.
How can small and mid-sized businesses grow through this crisis? Why is marketing so important right now? In this episode, Anchor Harvey Components CEO, Tom Lefaivre shares why he is optimistic about business, even with the challenges he’s navigated.
Always think about the future, even if you’re on a roll and things are good right now. -Tom Lefaivre
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The best ideas often come from your own employees. If we create a space in our companies for them to share their ideas, it will help us improve the products we create.
- With restrictions and lockdowns, there will be a slowing in manufacturing outsourcing to foreign nations. US manufacturers now have a chance to prove themselves.
- Now is not the time to skimp on Sales and Marketing. Now is the time to amp it up!
Guest Bio
Tom is the President and CEO at Anchor Harvey Components. Anchor Harvey is a data-driven aluminum forging company with a century-long legacy in precision manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management. They’ve modernized the age-old aluminum forging process by introducing sophisticated technology to monitor and control every step of the operation. For more information visit https://anchorharvey.com/ and connect with Tom here https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lefaivre-8804a013/. To get in touch with Tom call 815.494.9183.
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 Oct 15, 2020
Thursday Oct 15, 2020
2020 has been anything but the norm for businesses, entrepreneurs, employees, and customers. Every business has been hit with new challenges.
Some businesses have come out stronger. These are the companies that successfully pivoted, kept a focus on their marketing, treated their employees well, and kept going despite the challenges.
Anchor Harvey is an example of a company that pivoted, rolled with the punches, and found a new path to success. How did they stabilize their business and identify new opportunities?
In this episode, Anchor Harvey President and CEO, Tom Lefaivre shares how his team is navigating the challenges of running a business in a COVID economy.
The things you should do for your employees cost money, but there’s always a payback. -Tom Lefaivre
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Our clients, prospects, and customers want to hear from us during this time of uncertainty. They want to know that we’re still active and working, and how we’ve shifted operations in response to the pandemic.
- With more people working from home, website clicks rates and email open rates have increased significantly. This is a great time to intensify our online marketing efforts instead of slowing or shutting them down.
- For many business owners, the 2020 crisis has been a time to put more into taking care of their employees and boosting morale. When we show our people that we care, especially in tough times, we earn a lifetime of loyalty.
Guest Bio
Tom is the President and CEO at Anchor Harvey Components. Anchor Harvey is a data-driven aluminum forging company with a century-long legacy in precision manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management. They’ve modernized the age-old aluminum forging process by introducing sophisticated technology to monitor and control every step of the operation. For more information visit https://anchorharvey.com/ and connect with Tom here https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lefaivre-8804a013/.
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 Oct 01, 2020
Thursday Oct 01, 2020
COVID-19 dealt a devastating blow to the airline and aircraft leasing industries, but the cracks were already there pre-pandemic. The pandemic merely sped up the inevitable. How do we rebuild?
Do we play it safe until the storm passes over or do we try new things in a frozen aircraft market?
Industry expert and Partner at Split Rock Aviation, Andy Mansell shares how the industry should use this time to plan for the future.
If you’re patient during this period, the returns can be unbelievably good. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to plan more realistically: Develop a playbook that factors in bad news and the impact it will have on pricing. It is easier to deal with a crisis when it is planned for it in advance.
- How lessors can make the most of the post-COVID industry: The market is cyclical and business challenges are inevitable. The best way for lessors to stay profitable is by aggressively investing immediately after a correction and exiting before the next one begins.
- Why owning every aspect of the production process puts us in danger: Operating without partners may seem like an attractive idea because doing so means we keep all our profits. However, while having partners means we’re sharing profits, it also means we’re sharing the burden of losses.
Guest Bio-
Andy Mansell is a commercial aviation leasing industry veteran with an extensive background in developing, implementing, and executing strategies for aircraft trading and leasing. He is a Partner at Split Rock Aviation and has previously held leadership roles at Charlotte Parker and Associates LLC, Aviation Capital Group, and Boullioun Aviation Services.
To find out more, head to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-mansell
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 24, 2020
Thursday Sep 24, 2020
Hiring the right people is never easy. If we’re seeing talent and potential in someone, odds are our competitors see that too.
It’s also important to remember that people exist in a fluid marketplace – our existing talent is constantly being enticed with other offers. Thus, it is OUR responsibility to ensure they’re happier with us.
What can we do to make sure top recruits are drawn to us, rather than our competition? How do we retain our existing employees?
In this episode, we discuss that hiring and retention are dependent on a clear communication and negotiation process.
We’re not trying to figure out world peace, we’re just trying to see what it’ll take to keep a great person in our organization. Keep it simple and ask the right questions. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The simplest way to find out what someone wants is to ASK! Do not assume what they want or that what you’re offering is good enough.
- Be clear on what you’re willing to give. When we’re clear on what we can and can’t accept, the process becomes very straightforward.
- Negotiation can be a tense experience and it requires emotional intelligence on our behalf. It’s just business… Don’t make it personal.
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.
Contact Craig on 910 509 7129
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
In a completely online world, the difference between Harvard and the University of Phoenix becomes very small. How does one differentiate the two without the personal classroom and extracurricular interaction?
In similar fashion, the Work From Home trend certainly has its advantages. But as the business world goes virtual, how does one differentiate themselves and grow without the ability to network, build relationships, or show leadership ability?
Where new talent could once climb the ladder by taking initiative in the office, the shift towards an online world may lessen that impact. It is hard to impress or bond with co-workers whom you’ve never personally met!
In this episode, we talk about the challenges faced by young recruits as the world moves online.
Your choice to interact with leaders in-person might be taken away, but you’ll always grab their attention by solving problems. -Matt Johnson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How to learn about company culture when everyone works from home
We may not be able to walk into a lobby to catch a glimpse of company culture anymore, but we can still do our research. Reach out to employees through tools like LinkedIn to get a better idea of company values.
Being proactive identifies us as future leaders
Identifying problems and providing solutions is a great way to capture the attention of leaders. By taking charge, we’re sure to impress our superiors no matter where we’re working from.
The importance of branding in a virtual world
Being known for what we’re good at is a surefire way to stand out to the right people. Build a personal brand based on strengths and a proven track record.
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.
To contact Craig,
Call or text him on 910 509 7129
Or email him at craig@northstaresg.com
Books mentioned on this episode:
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Starting a small business is daunting. Many people with massive potential don’t take advantage of the opportunities out of fear, but that’s exactly why we need to take the plunge.
There are unique benefits to running a smaller, more nimble operation, especially right now. Small business leadership isn’t for everyone, but those up for the task stand to gain massive success.
What unique opportunities do small businesses have? How can we keep pushing forward and stay optimistic even when faced with challenges? How can we build the right teams to make the most of the opportunity?
Scott Ashton, President and CEO of Aerox, joins me to discuss how he’s built a small business that packs a punch.
As a small business owner, every day is a learning experience. If you’re open to adapting every day, hour and minute, you can be really successful. -Scott Ashton
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to instill a sense of responsibility in our teams
Our reputations are on the line as small business owners, so we have to ensure our employees deliver. The best way to do this is by leading by example. When a leader gets the job done in spite of challenges, the team sees it’s possible for them too. - The importance of checking in with our teams
One of the benefits of a small business is the ability to communicate easily with our employees. Share positive feedback with everyone so they know they’re on the right track. If a customer commends the service, let them know! - How to stay optimistic in the face of setbacks
It’s second nature to feel despondent when something goes wrong, whether we receive negative feedback or don’t meet our targets. To combat this, we have to learn from the experience and keep moving forward.
Guest Bio:
Scott Ashton is the President and CEO of Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems. A passionate business aviation executive, Scott thrives on building client-focused, operationally excellent organizations led by highly skilled teams. Scott has extensive experience in the aviation industry, having served in multiple management and leadership roles throughout his career.
To find out more, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottashton
https://m.facebook.com/pg/aeroxoxygen/posts/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0
You can also email Scott 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 Jul 30, 2020
Thursday Jul 30, 2020
With domestic air travel reopening across the world the airlines are bouncing back. But there is more short term pain.
To move forward from this crisis let’s focus on the fact that there’s opportunity for long-term gain. Who do the airline turn to for survival? Governments? Capital Markets?
Industry expert, Senior ISTAT Aircraft Appraiser and successful investment professional, David Yu, shares his thoughts.
Domestic flights have bounced back somewhat, but when it comes to international travel, governments will be the wild card. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How investors should respond to the ongoing crisis
In light of the continuing challenges faced by the industry, lessors and benefactors may need to consider a second wave of rent deferrals. Debt repayments need to be restructured realistically. - Why we need to avoid liquidation during this period
We’re essentially a frozen market, so now is not the time to liquidate or sell. - Why we need to stop tending the wound It makes sense to reduce risk in a crisis market but there must be a shift to growth. If we keep holding back, we’ll never reach the next stage of development.
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.
Guest Bio
David Yu is the Chairman of China Aviation Valuation Advisors (CAVA) and its sister firms, Asia Aviation Valuation Advisors (AAVA) and Korea Aviation Valuation Advisors (KAVA). He is the only Senior ISTAT Aviation Appraiser in North Asia and China, and is a Forbes Contributor and thought leader in cross-border financing, real assets, and aviation finance and leasing. David is also a Professor of Finance at New York University Shanghai and Stern.
To find out more about David, head to:
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
No one could have predicted everything that’s happened in 2020, or what the rest of the year holds. Uncertain times are tough, but they’re also opportunities for innovation.
Where can business leaders still find great opportunities for growth?
In this episode Chad Cundiff, President of the Astronautics Corporation of America shares his thoughts on the future of aviation and the role innovation will play.
Innovation doesn’t need to come with an exorbitant price tag. In my experience, people with innovative ideas can usually prove out their ideas without a big budget. -Chad Cundiff
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Innovation isn’t limited by the size of your company
Small companies won’t always have access to experts on any given topic, but that doesn’t need to stop us from developing new, original ideas.
How to bring in new ideas & perspectives without breaking the bank
Recruiting straight out of universities brings opportunity to grow talent and get in fresh ideas.
Why money isn’t the problem in innovation
Even when there’s uncertainty, there will always be money for the right ideas to be developed.
Guest Bio
Chad Cundiff is the President at Astronautics Corporation of America. He has over two decades of experience in aerospace, having spent over 15 years at Honeywell Aerospace and later leading strategy and business development for UTC Aerospace Systems. Chad began his career as an engineer at Boeing, developing the Boeing 777 aircraft.
To find out more about Chad, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-cundiff-0434b66
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.