Episodes

Monday Jun 10, 2019
What Business Can Learn from Fighter Pilots - Paco Chierici
Monday Jun 10, 2019
Monday Jun 10, 2019
If people saw how people with big egos teach each other and review each other, a lot of CEOs could learn a lot in building their teams. -Craig Picken

Monday Jun 03, 2019
Best Practices in Marketing Your Business to the Government - Mark Amtower
Monday Jun 03, 2019
Monday Jun 03, 2019
Only 5-10% of people are doing an adequate job when it comes to branding their business and just 3-4% are doing a great job. Pretty much everyone else sucks at it.
How do we create a successful brand? How is selling to the government different from selling to another corporate entity?
Mark Amtower shares how to build a brand effectively to win government contracts.
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 May 17, 2019
The Team You Start With Isn’t the One You Finish With
Friday May 17, 2019
Friday May 17, 2019
Starting a business is difficult at best. And, one of the most difficult aspects of scaling up is shaping the team. With growth comes challenges and the need for new and different skillsets. On this episode, Matt Johnson and I discuss how the relationship with the team will change.
Networking is crucial. How do you know you’ve got a great team if you’ve never seen how other teams operate? -Craig Picken
Takeaways + Tactics
- Understand that the people you start with are not always the same people who will get the business to where it needs to be. Growth creates challenges and a need for evolving skillsets.
- The most difficult challenge entrepreneurs face is the ability to let go. As the business grows, it is hard for them to recognize that they can’t be everywhere at once. A good COO is “gold.”
- Networking is vital— not only for building contacts, but to see how other teams are run.
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, email craig@northstaresg.com
You can also call him on 910 509 7129
And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

Thursday May 09, 2019
Where Did They Come From?
Thursday May 09, 2019
Thursday May 09, 2019
Are you looking over your shoulder? Maybe you should be.
Tiger Woods and Texas Tech basketball are recent proof that the competition is better than you think and should never be discounted. What are the threats to your business or career that you’re not seeing or taking seriously?
Matt Johnson and I discuss what you should be doing to stay on top.
Takeaways + Tactics
- Even when you’re at the top, keep looking over your shoulder. It only takes one misstep.
- Have contrarians on your team who will question ideas and norms.
- Be the leader who allows respectful criticism. Create an environment where anyone who sees something wrong feels comfortable to speak up.
- Pay attention to the competition... no matter how insignificant it may seem.
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 May 03, 2019
A Lesson in Exercising Empathy w/Sean Douglas
Friday May 03, 2019
Friday May 03, 2019
Emotional intelligence is crucial in all walks of life – including the military and industry. What does it mean to live out your core values? On this episode, I talk with Air Force maintenance leader and fellow podcaster, Sean Douglas, to hear why he believes empathy is a critical element in business and society.
The best way to manage poor performers is to educate them. Train them so they won’t repeat mistakes.
Put people in the places they belong and in areas where they will excel. Don’t set them up for failure.
Exercise empathy. People with personal issues don’t always perform well. Support them in their struggles and they’ll support you.
Resources:
To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/.
For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://goo.gl/3piJkw.
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 Apr 26, 2019
The Boeing Crisis & Jumping to Conclusions
Friday Apr 26, 2019
Friday Apr 26, 2019
The Boeing 737 Max crisis has caused considerable anxiety throughout the world. Should customers really be hesitant to board an airplane? Matt Johnson and I discuss why we should avoid jumping to conclusions in the wake of the crisis.
Resources
For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/
To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.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 Apr 04, 2019
Teamwork, Training and Faith with John Alvarez
Thursday Apr 04, 2019
Thursday Apr 04, 2019
John Alvarez is a member of the Air Commando Hall of Fame and the first aviator in US history to be restored to full combat flying status after losing his leg during combat. I first met him when we were young Ensigns in the Navy, he was in Primary Flight Training and I was on my way to starting flight school.
His story is fascinating and involves a host of different players to include Ross Perot, a USMC Drill Instructor, friends and a loving family. It also comes with several lessons:
- With high performing teams you need to be aware of the competitive environment
- Recognizing your teammates skills, strengths and weaknesses is crucial to success
- Military training from Day 1 is brutal and designed for high stakes situations, but it can save your life
- Dealing with a disability can positively impact you and your outlook on life. It teaches you that you can withstand much more than you think you can.
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.
Call-to-Action - For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://goo.gl/3piJkw. To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/.

Friday Mar 22, 2019
A Center of Excellence to Transform MRO with Tony Bailey
Friday Mar 22, 2019
Friday Mar 22, 2019
With a massive divide between technology and current skills occurring, the MRO Center of Excellence aims to bridge the gap and ensure the people, processes, and skills are growing as fast as new technologies.
The MRO Center of Excellence is a public-private partnership involving multiple OEMs, Academic Institutions and Government entities that will help ensure the future of aviation.
We’re seeing constant changes across industries, and we have to start working with them. This means we need to speak to the newest additions to the industry. College and high school students alike should be told about the aviation industry and the career opportunities. Aviation requires us to keep going higher- the only way to do that is by boosting young people into practical experience.
Guest Bio
Tony Bailey is a former United States Marine, who went on to pursue a career in aviation. After obtaining degrees in Aviation Science and Aviation Maintenance Technology, among other qualifications, Tony has enjoyed a successful career in the aerospace industry. What sets him apart is his ability to see how the industry is changing, and where it needs to be adapted. Tony is currently involved in a project with the state of Ohio to create an MRO Center of Excellence, and is excited about the project’s growth in the future.
To get in contact with Tony, you can email him at: tbailey@maonoolc.com
Learn more about the MRO Center of Excellence at www.amrocenterofexcellence.org
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 Feb 25, 2019
Where Did All Our Pilots Go?
Monday Feb 25, 2019
Monday Feb 25, 2019
Our industry is at a crossroads. The older generation of pilots is about to retire, and the younger generation is either restricted from the cockpit or they don’t view piloting as a career path.
So… we now have a pending shortage of people and the ramifications will be huge!
Unfortunately, time, the unions and the government are not on our side…
In this episode, I talk with Matt Johnson about how the pilot shortage became what it is today, and how this issue could be resolved.
As an industry we have to start to get our arms around how to either keep pilots in the cockpit longer, or quickly grow a pipeline and get them experienced so that we’ve got a future that we can deal with. -Craig Picken
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 Feb 15, 2019
Chaos Is King! Embrace Change.—with Bob Sullivan
Friday Feb 15, 2019
Friday Feb 15, 2019
Aviation has experienced massive change in recent years. How can companies embrace the changes and benefit from them?
Every time you have a monumental change, it helps you become thankful for the culture you have in your company. –Bob Sullivan
Guest Bio:
Bob Sullivan is the Chief Administrative Officer at OneSky Flight portfolio. With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Bob is passionate about ensuring everyone involved in aviation work in harmony with one another. Bob’s enthusiasm for treating everyone as a valuable cog in the machinery is what keeps companies under the OneSky Flight portfolio unique from their competitors. To find out more about OneSky Flight, go to http://www.onesky.com/. To learn more about Bob, see https://www.linkedin.com/in/careerforward.