How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
The frothiness of the covid market in business aviation may be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean the space has slowed down. We’ve certainly come down from the rabid highs, but we’re still hovering above pre-pandemic levels in terms of activity.
From the Wheels Up/Delta deal to competition in big cabin jets and pilots, there’s a lot happening in the market. What does this activity tell us about the health of and outlook for business aviation? Can we expect more competition between manufacturers?
In this episode, aviation industry strategist, Forbes contributor, and the founder of BRiFO, Brian Foley gives us an update on business aviation trends in 2023.
Guest Bio
Brian Foley is an aviation industry strategist, Forbes contributor, and the Founder of Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO). Foley formed the consultancy Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO) in 2006 to help aerospace firms and investors with strategic research and guidance. Previously he was Marketing Director at Dassault Falcon Jet for 20 years. His career began at Boeing as a flight test engineer and marketing manager. He serves the Transportation Research Board as a member of the business aviation and helicopter subcommittees. He earned a Series 7 General Securities Representative license and is an instrument-rated private pilot. As a Forbes.com contributor and AvBuyer Editor-Market Intelligence, thoughts are shared on the aviation segment. A dual BS degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering from Syracuse University and an MBA from Seattle University are held. He completed Wharton’s Executive Education Program in Corporate Governance and is available for non-executive industry director roles.
To find out more, visit https://www.brifo.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 Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
With even award-winning organizations coming up short in terms of employee happiness, is it possible that everything we think we know about leadership is way off base?
What makes the difference between a good working environment and a GREAT one? What can leaders do to create a better atmosphere, and how can employees play a role in effecting positive changes?
In this episode, CEO of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, Dr Steve Merrill shares the 4 pillars that need to be implemented in ANY business to ensure maximum results.
"The relationship of being able to speak up, knowing you won’t be whacked by your boss for asking a question, is so important. That’s what helps people stay in an organization longer." -Dr Steve Merrill
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to lead effectively without getting mad at everything
It can get frustrating when our teams make a mistake, but getting angry isn’t likely to solve anything. What should we be doing instead and what’s likely to happen when we make that shift?
- The TRUE meaning of compassion in a business sense
Does compassion mean avoiding hurting people’s feelings at all cost, or could giving our teams a reality check be the kindest action?
- How to stop letting our egos run our organizations
As leaders, we tend to think we need to have all the answers, but could that be doing more harm than good?
- Why we need to re-think trust and micromanagement
If you're doing your employee’s jobs, who’s doing the CEO job?
Guest Bio
Dr Steve Merrill is the CEO and Owner of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting. The holder of a Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, Steve has long had a passion for leadership and, more specifically, good leadership. Prior to founding Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, he served as an Adjunct Professor and Student Success Director at Argosy University. Steve is the Vice President of Exclusive Cleaning, Inc.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensmerrill
You can also email him at
Or call or text him on 3855494148.
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 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Success is easy to find when it’s broken down into the basics.
What are the 10 key ingredients of a successful career? How do you avoid the common pitfalls?
In this special 200th episode of the podcast, we talk about the secrets to a million dollar career.
If you don’t understand what you need to do to be successful in a company or it’s ambiguous, stay away. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Mediocrity doesn’t open doors
What are signs that you’re not showing up at peak performance?
- Focus, focus, focus
How do you become a focused, specialized expert?
- Forget being the best of the best
What should we be paying the most attention to?
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 Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
The traditional career is dead. Instead of climbing the resume ladder, many people are waking up to possibilities outside the cubicle or corner office.
We don’t live in an age where people stick with one career for decades. One person can have multiple iterations of their career, but it takes courage to make the leap.
How do you decide what your true calling is? How do you pivot before your job sucks the life out of you?
In this episode of Million Dollar Careers, we discuss an interesting WSJ article, and the new reality of careers.
People allow themselves to get stuck in a cubicle and they get the life sucked out of them and then they don’t know how to pivot. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The courage to reject status
What holds people back from leaving the comfy corner office even when it makes them miserable?
- Getting fired might be the best thing to happen to you
What triggers the great awakening that gets people to go after what they really want?
- The trap too many people fall into
A counter offer might just be a one-way ticket to nowhere-ville, how do we avoid taking the bait?
Read the full article here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-rules-of-success-in-a-post-career-world-3e54b343
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 Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Leading an aircraft carrier with a 5,000 person crew is like running an entire city. The flight deck is dangerous, the number of moving parts is countless, the stakes are high. and the magnitude of responsibility is unparalleled.
How do you deal with all this and still manage to be an approachable leader with the respect and loyalty of your crew? Why is delegation THE key to success?
In this episode, I’m joined by retired Navy captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, Brett Crozier. He talks about his incredible career, his philosophy on leadership and what any leader can learn from running an aircraft carrier.
Never overreact. The truth is always in the third report. -Brett Crozier
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The curse of the founder: Delegation is key to leadership efficiency, but why do so many leaders struggle to offload certain responsibilities?
- How to be an approachable leader: The temperament of a leader has a huge effect on the culture, how do we keep our emotions in check?
- The right way to process information: We live in a world of unfiltered information and rushes to judgment. How do we manage this as leaders?
Guest Bio
Brett Elliott Crozier is a retired US Navy captain and the author of “Surf When You Can: Lessons in Life, Loyalty, and Leadership from a Maverick Navy Captain”. He embarked on a thirty-year career in the Navy, flying dozens of combat missions over Iraq and leading at the highest levels of operational command. He served as the commanding officer of a combat F/A-18 strike fighter squadron, the world’s largest and most advanced communications ship, and ultimately the USS Theodore Roosevelt before retiring from the Navy in 2022.
Pre-order your copy of the book here.
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 Jun 08, 2023
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Data, data, and more data. The issue isn’t a lack of data but the inability to use it effectively.
It could be a challenge of interoperability, formatting or turning the data into motivation across the organization. The truth is: there’s a real art to utilizing the intelligence a business already has.
What can we do to organize scattered data? How do you use data to not just learn, but to motivate different areas of the business?
In this episode, I’m joined by the CEO of Nowsight™, Michael Schader. We talk about the biggest challenges businesses face in collecting, assessing and leveraging all the data flowing through the organization.
It’s answering the right questions with the right data and providing those answers with the right visualization. -Michael Schader
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The real challenge in business intelligence
Are companies in need of more data or are they unable to use what they already have?
- Why data gathering has to go deeper than the basics
What are the critical stats leaders worry about and how can they easily access that data?
- Data-driven or emotion-driven
How do most leaders currently make decisions?
Guest Bio
Michael Schader is a highly sought-after software architect, who brings a unique, elegant approach to solving complex business problems. His company, Nowsight™ stitches together company data-sources to create a real-time, always-on view of the company that you can access 24/7/365. For more information, head to https://nowsight.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 Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
The NFL draft is the greatest talent-hunting mission on display, and it’s a master class in excellence, business, recruiting, and people development.
Millions of kids play high school football. In college that number precipitously drops to 96,000 and at the professional level that drops further to 1,600. That exponential leap in caliber raises the game, and only the exceptional can make it.
What parallels can we draw in the business world? What makes the superstars so special? In this episode, we talk about why The Draft is such a great learning tool for leaders and employees alike.
Millions of kids play high school football. In college, that number precipitously drops to 96,000. In the NFL, it drops to 1,600. The caliber is an exponential leap. -Craig Picken
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Drafting on potential vs. drafting on experience: How do we determine the kind of player that will fit our teams well?
- The worst draft picks: There’s no force as disruptive as an un-coachable player. How do we avoid them?
- It all comes down to “do you your job”: Talent alone doesn’t make a great player. Why is EQ so important?
- Put more plays in your playbook: You never know what’s out there that’s going to kill you unless you’re looking out for it. How do you keep your head on a swivel?
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 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
It’s an exciting time to be in the business of aviation. The industry finds itself at the confluence of exciting and game-changing technologies and innovations.
The advancement of electric propulsion, the evolution of eVtol, and the massive increase in computing power. All these changes are creating a leap forward akin to the revolutionary jump from analog to digital.
How will all these advancements change aviation as we know it for the next 10-20 years?
In this episode, President and CEO of Aspen Avionics and COO of The AIRO Group, John Uczekaj shares what he’s excited about in aviation, and what the future holds for the business.
We want to merge smaller companies and provide enough mass to be competitive with larger companies, while still retaining the small company innovation, entrepreneurship, and nimbleness. -John Uczekaj
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Upgrade the cockpit
How will technology make the process of flying safer, more efficient, and equipped for the future?
- Drones and evTol, the new frontier for aviation
What changes will electric mobility introduce in both logistics and passenger movement?
- Huge developments, all at once
What are all the forces coming together to create a huge shift in aviation?
Guest Bio
John Uczekaj is the President and CEO of Aspen Avionics and COO of The AIRO Group. has over 35 years of experience in the avionics industry, starting as an engineer at Boeing and moving into key management positions at Sperry and Honeywell. Before his position as COO at The AIRO Group, John led Aspen Avionics as CEO for 15 years and has grown the company into one of the leading avionics manufacturers in general aviation. Immediately before joining Aspen, John was president and COO of The NORDAM Group. John received the Aviation Industry Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012 from the Living Legends of Aviation and was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation in 2013. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Mr. Uczekaj holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Oregon State University and an MBA from City University, Seattle, Washington. John is an instrument-rated private pilot.
Head to https://theairogroup.com/ for more information.
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 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
The charter space is a high-touch, high-trust business with a lot of moving parts, especially when you’re dealing with the political elite. They aren’t just after a great experience, considerations like security have to be made too.
What are charter businesses doing to stay on the leading edge? How do they ensure the highest level of service, care, convenience, and safety?
In this episode, I’m joined by the founder and CEO of Advanced Aviation Team, Gregg Brunson-Pitts. He talks about his experience working at the White House and how his team handles the demands of such a high-pressure business.
Our clients come to us for an experience, not just a plane and a crew. -Gregg Brunson-Pitts
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Managing chaos
What did Gregg learn from handling travel for presidents and political campaigns?
- The importance of operational security
With everything happening in the world, what security issues do charter businesses and clients need to be thinking about?
- The future of charter businesses
Can we expect more consolidations of charter companies?
Guest Bio
Gregg Brunson-Pitts is the founder and CEO of Advanced Aviation Team. He has been managing safe and cost-effective charter aircraft solutions for candidates, campaigns, national leaders, heads of state, and government agencies for 15 years. Gregg’s experience with chartering aircraft spans every state in the US, more than 40 countries, and 6 continents. Whether it is a small aircraft for a few passengers or a large airliner for a few hundred, Gregg upholds his reputation for attention to detail, passion for his work, and superior dedication to his clients. For more information, visit https://advancedaviationteam.com/. You can also send an email to charter@adavteam.com or gregg@adavteam.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 May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
When it comes to finding and bringing on superstar talent, some companies just can’t get out of their own way. They don’t do enough to make themselves a destination for the best of the best. They don’t offer enough value to stand out in the marketplace and they look for candidates in all the wrong places.
How do you shift your recruiting strategy? How do you open up your aperture when it comes to finding talent?
In this episode of Million Dollar Careers, we talk about what keeps superstars out of the reach of many businesses.
Stop focusing on money, start focusing on creating a destination. -Rob Houghton
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to get employers immersed in your business
Offering money isn’t good enough to get and keep the best people. What do we need to provide?
- Don’t create a game of musical chairs
Why do many organizations end up with a revolving door of employees?
- Think beyond the job spec
Some of the most talented people don’t necessarily fit into the description of the job on offer. Why do we have to look past that for the right people?
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.