How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
The most conflict-ridden, unproductive and ineffective organizations have one thing in common - a severe lack of honesty. Getting the unsaid said is critical - it’s common sense, but it’s certainly not easy.
Very often, people have valuable thoughts about the organization, but they are afraid to bring them up. Whether it’s issues or ideas, allowing people to share honestly makes our teams more effective.
If you’re a leader and you’re constantly getting blindsided by things you should have known, you’ve created a dishonest organization without even knowing it.
How do leaders inadvertently keep their employees from being open with them? How do we create the conditions for honesty? When we’re trying to identify the problem, how can we tell the difference between the facts and our imagination? In this episode, consultant, speaker, and author of Unconditional Power, Steve Gaffney returns. We talk about what erodes honesty in teams and how to rectify it.
It’s hard to get people to speak up and if you create any conditions for them not to speak up, that becomes a reason for them not to. -Steven Gaffney
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Common sense isn’t all that common
There are a lot of leadership principles and best practices that are obvious, why do people struggle to do them?
-Individual accountability vs. all-in collective accountability
People often cite the boss as the reason they can’t do something. How do we get them to start holding each other accountable instead?
-Don’t imagine, notice
When it comes to resolving issues and conflict, people often create solutions without looking at the root cause. What steps can we shift to get to the core of the matter?
-Repeat, repeat, repeat
The most successful organizations codify their culture. As leaders, how do we bake in our vision for the business?
Guest Bio
Steven Gaffney is a consultant, speaker, CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company, and author of Unconditional Power. He is the leading expert on creating Consistently High Achieving Organizations (CHAO)™ including high-achieving teams, honest communication, and change leadership. With almost 30 years of experience, Steven has become the go-to person and trusted advisor for countless top leaders and executive teams from Fortune 500 companies and associations, as well as the U.S. government and military. He is also a highly regarded author and sought-after speaker.
To get Steve’s free resources, go to https://justbehonest.com/ and mention this podcast in your contact.
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 OEMs, 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 May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Running a fast-moving parts-trading business with 200 employees. Maintaining a hawk-like focus on demand, every line item and deal that crosses your desk. Capturing every last dollar of value across the supply chain.
These aren’t easy things to do simultaneously but that’s what it takes to succeed.
David Chaimowitz, CEO of Setna iO has achieved this and more in just 7 years and his company is not showing any signs of slowing down.
He also feels his company is perfectly positioned to continue on this upward trajectory as many industry experts believe that the season of supply chain woes is almost over. David certainly begs to differ.
The global fleet has a long term supply shortage and the industry will be feeling the pain for decades to come as Boeing and Airbus struggle to increase production to meet demand.
How did Setna iO’s journey begin and how have they set themselves up for success? Why will it be hard for the supply chain shortage to resolve in a few years? In this episode, we’re joined by the founder and CEO of Setna iO, David Chaimovitz. He talks about what it’s like running a fast-moving, highly-caffeinated parts-trading business and where the opportunity is right now.
I'm confident that there will be an aircraft shortage 15 years from today because of the issues that started 5 years ago. If we can go out and buy aircraft, that will work out pretty well for us. -David Chaimovitz
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Don’t let inventory nuke your business
Covid revealed a lot of the weaknesses of businesses in the industry. How is Setna iO structured to prevent catastrophe?
-What it takes to thrive in the parts-trading game
Setna iO might be a business that specializes in selling parts, but pattern recognition and opportunity-spotting are more important than being good at sales.
-A 20-year crisis
Many people believe that the industry’s supply chain issues will soon be a thing of the past. Could the shortage of aircraft actually be a problem we’ll feel for decades?
-Growth with guardrails
How does Setna iO maintain discipline in a fast-moving, rapidly-changing and often chaotic market?
Guest Bio
David Chaimovitz is the founder & CEO of Setna iO, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing commercial aviation component suppliers, specializing in investing in inventory via asset acquisitions. Setna iO offers a comprehensive range of products for the commercial, regional, and business jet market, from engines and avionics to emergency equipment and landing gear. With over seven years of experience in this role, David understands the nuanced details of the airframe and engine component market, MRO business, and aviation component supply chain. His mission is to provide global airlines with cost-effective and reliable solutions for their aircraft aftermarket needs. Go to https://setnaio.com/ and connect with David on LinkedIn.
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 OEMs, 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 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Today’s workforce is teeming with high-level talent possessing a wealth of wisdom and decades of experience. Do leaders have the confidence and maturity to hire them?
Young managers can learn a lot from the veteran players but only if they’re able to see past the age gap and manage the relationship maturely.
What are some of the insecurities leaders have around recruiting people with more experience, and how are they mitigated?
In this episode, Matt Johnson joins me to discuss why people with more experience and wisdom are such great recruits and the right way to do it.
"Young managers fear that they need to have all the answers, but you don’t have to know everything. You just need to know how you get there through the perspective, wisdom, and experience of others." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why we have to approach hiring differently
The things that matter to employees today are vastly different from what mattered in the past. How do executives make sure their offering measures up to what they want?
-The biggest barrier to hiring confidently
Young managers are afraid of not having the answers and this holds them back from dipping into an amazing talent pool. How can you overcome this fear?
-How to establish a strong working relationship
Why is open dialogue such an important part of getting on the same page with a recruit, and setting the tone for a harmonious working relationship?
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 OEMs, 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 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
In many organizations, the gap between the generations is a point of conflict and friction but it doesn’t have to be.
Sure, millennials/Gen-Z see work differently to their older coworkers and superiors, but there’s a lot of value in the perspectives each generation have, and that can make for a more resilient organization.
How do we facilitate better communication and collaboration between the generations?
In this episode, executive and transition coach and change strategist, Julie Noonan talks about how leaders can eliminate generational friction and create harmony in the workforce.
Get rid of as many stereotypes as possible because as soon as you put someone in a box, you’ve limited their ability to shine, and that’s for anyone across the board regardless of generation. -Julie Noonan
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How the conversation around work changed
Did covid actually accelerate generational harmony in the workplace?
-Why younger employees aren’t interested in the corner office or titles
How has the younger generation redefined what the pinnacle of success looks like?
-The power of two-way mentorship
There are tremendous opportunities for both generations to learn from each other, how can companies facilitate it?
Guest Bio
Julie is an executive and transition coach, change strategist and speaker helping mid- to late-career executive leaders successfully ride the waves of change. Julie has years of executive-level experience in consulting in both the private and public sectors, as well as years of experience as a corporate employee. She has spent her career coaching leaders at all levels in many industries and through many challenges – both professional and personal.
For more information, head to https://www.jnoonanconsulting.com/ and connect with her on LinkedIn.
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 28, 2024
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
Before the pandemic much of the industry ran on cruise control. Unfortunately, covid and the post-covid era exposed a lot of underlying weaknesses. From raw materials shortages to labor and production, everyone has a headache and there’s not enough aspirin to go around.
Before new solutions can be found the real challenge is stabilizing the processes we have now while also trying to make this an industry people will clamor to work in.
Although there is a flurry of activity within MRO, production and manufacturing need to bounce back and meet demand and the teething problems of LEAP and GTF engines need to be ironed out.
What are some of the moves that can be made to turnaround manufacturing? Is it high time for a new commercial airline program? What makes the jet engine business so great?
In this episode, Senior Aerospace/Defense and Airline analyst at Bloomberg Research, George Ferguson discusses what’s on the horizon for aviation, the challenges the industry is facing and possible profitable solutions.
We’re an aerospace nation. It’s a core industry we want to protect here in the US. -George Ferguson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Protecting American aerospace
Aviation used to be an industry that attracted young talent, but now…not so much. How do we fix this urgent talent drain?
-The beauty of the engine business
We’ve pushed jet engine technology as far as it can be pushed. What comes next?
-Not all bad news for Boeing
Is Boeing closer to being investable again than we think? Should they just consider building a new airplane entirely?
Guest Bio
George Ferguson is a Senior Aerospace/Defense and Airline analyst and Research team leader at Bloomberg Intelligence, Bloomberg's research group. He’s experienced in portfolio management, equity and debt analysis. George is also a U.S. Army veteran, and served as an intelligence officer (S2) in Iraq during 2003. His education includes a B.A. in Economics from Penn State University, an MBA with a finance concentration from Rutgers Graduate School of Management. He’s also a CFA charterholder and a Private Pilot. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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 OEMs, 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 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
The skilled American worker has the resourcefulness to create better opportunities for themselves, so they’re not going to tolerate being treated poorly, even if they’re employed by a mega industry player.
What will it take for business owners to stand out to recruits at a time when the balance of power is rapidly shifting in favor of employees? What can we do to not only attract, but retain their interest, so they’re less likely to look elsewhere?
In this episode, we’re discussing how to become (and stay!) the top choice for top talent.
"If you come into negotiations from a power position, you’ll win every time." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The key to keeping our teams enthusiastic
It’s one thing to recruit talent, but how do we keep them interested and invested?
-How to build high-performing teams on a budget
Realistically, top talent are not likely to accept below-market compensation, so what does that mean for companies with smaller budgets? Is there a way to onboard talent without forking out a ton of cash?
-One thing to be mindful of when recruiting
If we’re continually going outside our organizations to find talent, rather than developing skills internally, what message are we sending to our employees?
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 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
What separates the companies knocking it out of the ballpark and those running in place? Oftentimes it’s just simple communication.
Lack of achievement isn’t just a function of what people do, it’s what’s they don’t say…. But really need to!
The best leaders recognize the need for open communication and prioritize it, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Why is the distinction between a high-performance and high-achievement so important in our organizations? How do we become unconditionally powerful? How do we remove static from our communication lines?
In this episode, I’m joined by consultant, speaker, and author of Unconditional Power, Steven Gaffney. We talk about the secret to successful organizations and how to empower the people who work in them.
The word high-performing is old-hat and it often doesn’t speak to the times. I say high-achieving. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Performance isn’t the problem, achieving is
We’re not paid to work hard, we’re paid to achieve results.
-Team first, position second
How do we pivot from focusing on our own role to thinking of the needs of the whole organization?
-Traits of the powerful
How do we go from powerless to unconditionally powerful?
Guest Bio
Steven Gaffney is a consultant, speaker, CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company, and author of Unconditional Power. He is the leading expert on creating Consistently High Achieving Organizations (CHAO)™ including high-achieving teams, honest communication, and change leadership. With almost 30 years of experience, Steven has become the go-to person and trusted advisor for countless top leaders and executive teams from Fortune 500 companies and associations, as well as the U.S. government and military. He is also a highly regarded author and sought-after speaker.
To get Steve’s free resources and 12 Essential Elements of a Consistently High-Achieving Team and The Fish Isn’t Sick the Water’s Dirty, go to https://justbehonest.com/ and mention this podcast in your contact.
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 OEMs, 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 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
During the pandemic, aviation was in a world of hurt and it took a long time to recover. Now that we’re out of that, everyone is making money…except Boeing and anyone tied to them.
If you’re a well-run company, executing at a high level, you’re benefiting from the industry bounce back. If you’re programmatically connected to Boeing - well, it’s complicated and will be for a while.
Is there any silver lining for Boeing, or can we expect trouble for the next decade? Are interest rates affecting aviation, or is the labor shortage still the most pressing concern? In this episode, M&A banker, Bill Alderman returns to share the state of the industry and it’s so bifurcated.
If you are programmatically tied to Boeing, this is a difficult time for you, and it’s got nothing to do with the industry. It’s that your customer has actual operating problems and that flows right down onto you. -Bill Alderman
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The real problem
Everyone’s talking about the impact of interest rates, but is the labor shortage the real issue?
-Can Boeing get its act together
Why is Boeing having such a hard time while everyone else in the industry is experiencing incredible profitability?
-Boeing’s fate
The market’s lost confidence in Boeing, are they due for an activist investor or total collapse?
Guest Bio
William ‘Bill’ Alderman is the Founder and President of Alderman & Company who are aerospace and defense M&A bankers. Bill has always had a passion for aviation, and is both a commercial pilot and aircraft owner. Today, he uses his expertise, coupled with his interests to represent Middle Market Sellers in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
To find out more, go to:
https://aldermanco.com/
You can also call or text him on:
914.414.4070
Or email him 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 OEMs, 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 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
They are considered “too small”! That is, until there’s an issue with a critical component they supply. Then they become the backbone of the industry. Small suppliers play a big role in aerospace.
With the addition of some “scale,” TLC, and robust business systems, there is also ample opportunity for growth. And this is exact what Scott Ashton is doing with Aerox.
From “big company” to pursuing his entrepreneurial dream Scott is building something great and he’s never looking back.
What’s the difference between working for big corporations and being the captain of a tugboat? What are some of the challenges that come with acquiring smaller suppliers?
In this episode, Scott talks about growing a small company, his latest acquisitions, and what he’s learned on his entrepreneurial journey.
You can have an impact on a company in a way that you can’t have in a much bigger organization. It’s very satisfying. -Scott Ashton
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Building the playbook from scratch
What’s the biggest difference between being an entrepreneur and an employee at a large company?
-The ultimate entrepreneurial opportunity
How do you take a company that hasn’t had much investment and modernize it?
-Due diligence in a resource-scarce environment
What are some of the challenges smaller aerospace suppliers face, and why is it a huge opportunity for the right entrepreneur?
Guest Bio
Scott Ashton is the President and CEO at Aerox®Aviation Oxygen Systems and Aerox® Fluid Power. He is an experienced business aviation executive with P&L expertise managing and operating Part 145 repair stations, and Part 135 charter, aircraft management, and fractional ownership programs.
For more information, head to https://www.aerox.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 OEMs, 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 15, 2024
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
There are two ways to build company culture:
The first is intentional and proactive. The second is by winging it with the hopes that nothing goes wrong, which never happens.
Culture is more than a set of words that hang on the wall. It is a collection of behaviors that permeate so deeply that people do them automatically, even when no one is looking. Hiring those desired behaviors is the key to installing a culture of excellence.
Instead of forcing a set of values on people, think deeply about the values the organization wants to drive and then hire the people who fit them.
Why are company cultures that are built this way more likely to succeed and have engaged employees? How can organizations get this right?
In this episode, I’m joined by Ann Rhoades who has been instrumental in building cultures at Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Double Tree Hotels. She shares why culture matters, how to build it correctly, and what leaders need to be mindful of.
Hire for the right behaviors because 90% of the time, those people will behave that way consistently. -Ann Rhoades
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Focus on behavior
Do organizations skip some important foundational steps in creating their culture?
-The power of intentional culture
How can employees become recruiters and gatekeepers of our culture?
-When culture goes wrong
How did a certain embattled aircraft manufacturer go from a quality-focused culture to looking over its shoulder wondering where and when the next shoe drops?