The Aerospace Executive Podcast

Business Aviation will see monumental opportunities and face monumental challenges. Acclaimed industry expert Rolland “Rollie” Vincent candidly shares what it will take for business jet OEMs and operators to thrive amidst an uncertain landscape. People want more comfort in the cabin. In the future, this will have to translate into design - even on smaller aircrafts. -Rolland Vincent Takeaways + Tactics Cabin designs will become revolutionary versus evolutionary New safety features are here and will become standard equipment The political environment cannot be ignored – ever! Guest Bio: Rolland Vincent is the President of Rolland Vincent Associates, a consulting firm dedicated to helping clients navigate for global aviation leadership. He has 35 years of experience in the fields of marketing, strategy, economics and business development, and is an expert in market research, demand forecasting, and industry and competitive analysis, among others. To find out more about Rolland, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolland-vincent-027a3512 https://www.navigating360.com/#about You can also contact him on 9724392069 And [email protected] 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.

What goes up, usually comes down and cycles are called “cycles” for a reason! Dr Adam Pilarski, Senior Vice President of AVITAS, shares his thoughts on the economic changes in commercial aviation. Aviation is cyclical; we have to remember cycle means not only up but also down. There will be some negative moments in the coming future. -Dr Adam Pilarski Takeaways + Tactics Pay attention to politics. A major reason for the sudden expansion of the industry is government-sponsored programs across the globe. Accept the cycle. The aviation industry is cyclical, meaning sometimes there will be negative moments. Hard times are inevitable. While it’s easy to think the current boom is positive, be aware that over supply of airplanes will, likely, cause the next industry crash Guest Bio: Dr Adam Pilarski is a writer, speaker and the Senior Vice President at AVITAS. He holds a BA in Economics, a MA in Development from Tel Aviv University, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Illinois. Dr Pilarski is a well-known academic writer, and is the author of the book, Why Can’t We Make Money in Aviation? Thanks to his experience in the industry, Dr Pilarski is considered one of the foremost experts in aviation, and is the 2013 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Airfinance Journal. To find out more about Dr Adam Pilarski, visit https://www.avitas.com/team/adam-m-pilarski-ph-d/ And for his book, head to https://www.amazon.com/Why-Cant-Make-Money-Aviation/dp/0754649113 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.

CIA Tactics for the boardroom? Michele Rigby Assad, former CIA undercover operative and author of Breaking Cover, My Secret Life in the CIA shares why human connection is so important and what being a CIA operative has taught her about communication. Learning how to make connections with others is really fundamental to being successful. -Michele Rigby Assad Takeaways + Tactics Be prepared! The more we know about the person on the other side of the table, the more confidently we can engage. DO NOT underestimate the value of finding common ground. The more you have, the better the communication. Respect is critical. Treat everyone with respect and train your teams to do the same. At the start of the episode, Michele explained that the CIA tactics of connecting with people are completely applicable in every business. We also discussed that every meeting is a negotiation we need to be prepared for. We also spoke about: The importance of body language Why we should always aim to be the smartest person in the room How telling our stories can help us build connections more easily Regardless of the industry we’re in, if we want to be successful, we have to make connections with people. To build connections with better results, we have to go into meetings armed with information, and know what we have in common with the people we’re meeting. Throughout the process, remember to be respectful; when we’re dealing with human beings, it’s easy to draw conclusions prematurely. But if we can train ourselves and our teams to treat everyone respectfully, we’ll be well on our way to building stronger, more effective connections. Guest Bio Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph (also a former agent) joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq that was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in December 2015. Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Today, she serves as an international security consultant. She is also the author of Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For. To find out more about Michele, visit: https://michelerigbyassad.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/ And find Breaking Cover online at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N79ILGD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 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.

CIA Tactics for the boardroom? Michele Rigby Assad, former CIA undercover operative and author of Breaking Cover, My Secret Life in the CIA shares why human connection is so important and what being a CIA operative has taught her about communication. Learning how to make connections with others is really fundamental to being successful. -Michele Rigby Assad Takeaways + Tactics Be prepared! The more we know about the person on the other side of the table, the more confidently we can engage. DO NOT underestimate the value of finding common ground. The more you have, the better the communication. Respect is critical. Treat everyone with respect and train your teams to do the same. At the start of the episode, Michele explained that the CIA tactics of connecting with people are completely applicable in every business. We also discussed that every meeting is a negotiation we need to be prepared for. We also spoke about: The importance of body language Why we should always aim to be the smartest person in the room How telling our stories can help us build connections more easily Regardless of the industry we’re in, if we want to be successful, we have to make connections with people. To build connections with better results, we have to go into meetings armed with information, and know what we have in common with the people we’re meeting. Throughout the process, remember to be respectful; when we’re dealing with human beings, it’s easy to draw conclusions prematurely. But if we can train ourselves and our teams to treat everyone respectfully, we’ll be well on our way to building stronger, more effective connections. Guest Bio Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph (also a former agent) joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq that was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in December 2015. Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Today, she serves as an international security consultant. She is also the author of Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For. To find out more about Michele, visit: https://michelerigbyassad.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/ And find Breaking Cover online at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N79ILGD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 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.

Extreme ownership creates effective leadership, even when it means fessing up to our shortcomings. Good leaders will accept responsibility for the performance of their teams – good or bad. While leadership is ultimately responsible for results, they must encourage their teams to own that which is theirs. Extreme ownership is realizing that if you’re the captain, you have to take responsibility and cannot blame others for a lack of results. - Craig Picken To be great leaders and executives, we need to accept that we are responsible for everything that happens in our companies. We can never shift the blame to our employees, because win or lose, the results we get are of our own doing. However, that doesn’t mean we should be increasing our mental burdens while tasks are being completed. Encourage employees to take full responsibility of their tasks, but check in with them regularly. Most importantly, don’t shy away from taking responsibility for our actions. No one wants to admit defeat, but by doing so, we put ourselves in a position to grow. 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 [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

It’s vital we start thinking about the company culture – NEVER underestimate its importance. In this 15 minute episode we discuss why and how cultures will make or break companies in 2020. Great company cultures are built by giving people roles they’re capable of handling. If they don’t succeed, it’s up to us as leaders to give them guidance. - Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Identify company culture by monitoring the way employees interact with each other. The way people behave around each other at work says a lot about the overall culture. Never underestimate the importance of culture; the customs of our companies make all the difference. Our values attract recruits who align with them. If we’re aiming to hire self-sufficient employees, we need to offer an environment that allows them to take full ownership of their tasks. The new year is fast approaching, and it’s important we start taking stock of the culture we’re creating in our companies. While it may seem like a minor issue, company culture impacts every part of our businesses: from the way work is completed to the hiring processes. Culture can either make or break our companies. In 2020, let’s strive for the former. 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. To contact Craig, email [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

Everyone has a great story to tell, so tell it! 70% of the buying decision has already been made online and transactional business can be done via online marketing. Strategic buying decisions, however, require sound, professional relationships Tom Schwab discusses how businesses and people can rise from obscurity to share their message. Marketing is starting the right conversation with someone that could be an ideal customer. -Tom Schwab Takeaways + Tactics 70% of the hiring decision is made by what employers see about someone online. It’s easy to make a transactional decision based on an online marketing tactic, but hiring a trusted professional requires a relationship. Many experts believe the future is vivid audio, not video. Video ages but audio doesn’t. When we listen to audio, we’re just focusing on what the person is saying, not how dated the technology, video quality and style is. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. At the start of the show, we talked about the massive opportunities we have to tell our stories and stand out from the crowd. We also discussed how marketing and our online personas play into the hiring process. Next, we talked about the importance of being defined and focused in your marketing, and the difference between transactions and relationships. We also discussed; Why the future of marketing is vivid audio The importance of sharing the good work we do The channels we can use to get our message out Whether we use blogs, podcasts or videos, the barrier to entry to tell our story is extremely low right now, but with that comes a lot of noise and a lot of competition; everyone’s biggest problem is obscurity. In order to stand out, we need to get the marketing tactics right, and understand that in our business, the relationship matters more than the transaction. Guest Bio Tom Schwab is the founder and CEO of Interview Valet. Drawing on his engineering, corporate, and ecommerce inbound marketing experience, Tom helps thought leaders (coaches, authors, speaker, emerging brands) get featured on leading podcasts their ideal prospects are already listening to. Then, he helps them to turn listeners into customers. To get a free copy of his book, go to https://interviewvalet.com/aerospace/. Book Mentioned CLICKSAND: How Online Marketing Will Destroy Your Business (And The Unlikely Secret To Saving It by Bill Troy 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.

Tyler Rogoway, Editor for “The War Zone” (www.thewarzone.com) is THE expert on the world’s militaries, capabilities and defense programs. In this episode he flawlessly highlights Chinese military expansion, why DOD programs are struggling and how Innovation will need to come to the rescue. Takeaways + Tactics China is moving far and fast with incredible technological advancements. The US Military is stuck in its ways and a lack of Engineering talent may be its Achilles Heel. To meet the world’s threats the Pentagon and Aerospace Industry will have to significantly change the way they do business with each other 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.

He’s much more than just “the Black Hawk Down” guy… Mike Durant is also an accomplished entrepreneur, CEO, and business leader who gets results. Learn how he creates a company culture that makes for happier employees and better results. Takeaways + Tactics Having the right people on the team makes all the difference. Leaders must ensure they hire the right people for the job. If an employee is the wrong fit, remove them quickly. Hands-on management is vital. Leaders should be in the trenches with their teams, not in their own, narrow bubbles. Stick to your values! The glue that holds a company together is the standards leaders put in place. 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.

Most organizations screen leaders based on their Brainiac intelligence (IQ). What they ignore is the emotional ability to connect, the EQ, which is a vastly more important tool to drive teams forward. What can EQ achieve that IQ cannot? EQ is all about interacting with people in a strategic way that get things done. Instead of focusing on how smart someone is, we should be more focused on what kind of leader they are, how they communicate and their ability to positively interact with those around them. A big part of EQ is empathy, understanding the other person and walking in their shoes. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics AI is coming and it will be smart. But it cannot connect with people. Those who are accountable for the results must have the responsibility and the authority to achieve them. EQ is the ability to connect with people in a way that helps them and the organization. Books Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin 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 [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

There are two types of business leaders: Top down leader who dictates tasks that needs to be done and the commander-style leader who sets the strategy and relies on his team to implement it. What style do “A” players work with best? CEOs who micromanage cannot be effective. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Sometimes getting the best results means giving control to your teams Hire the right people and let them excel; they will excel and do what’s right People want to be trusted, not micromanaged. 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 [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

The first sale that needs to be made is “you.” A key to success is making sure YOU’RE the first and obvious choice for clients. Founder of the Unstoppable CEO, bestselling author, and podcaster, Steve Gordon, shares how to build a media platform around our expertise. Takeaways + Tactics Stop looking for the ‘secret sauce’. There are really no novel ideas. Instead of looking for something completely new, focus on sharing the expert knowledge you’ve acquired over the years. There is no need to attract a huge audience. Smaller, more focused groups allow you to focus your areas of wisdom more in-depth. By being omnipresent on media platforms, we can prove that we’re an expert and become the obvious choice for prospective clients. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://goo.gl/3piJkw. 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.

If you think you’re a maverick leader it’s probably time to put on the brakes … your shelf-life may be short. Every once in a while, companies go through a tornado of sorts, where chaos reigns supreme in the name of change. What are the dangers of disruptive leaders? When is it appropriate to hire or be one and what does it mean for the existing guard? Takeaways + Tactics As leaders, we can’t just steamroll everyone. Listen to those you lead, rather than forcing your will. Mature wisdom and youthful energy both have merits- they should be paired together, not pitted against one another. Disruptive leaders aren’t always inherently ‘bad’. ‘Tornado boss’, head to companies that need drastic change. 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.

The macro-trends of society are making it increasingly difficult to build a skilled aviation workforce. John Holmes, CEO of AAR Corp., discusses AAR’s leading role in skills development and how trends in aviation will create new opportunities for both airlines and MROs. Takeaways + Tactics By creating programs that serve as career pathways for young people, we can introduce them to the value, benefits and longevity of a career in aviation maintenance. The two main challenges independent service providers have with hiring airplane mechanics are finding people in their markets that meet the requirements, and competing with offers from non-independents like airlines and OEMs. By offering benefits like tuition and A&P license assistance, flexible hours and a healthy working environment, independent service providers can attract and retain a strong workforce despite not being able to compete dollar-for-dollar with non-independent providers. 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.

The rise of digital platforms has changed nearly every industry, from aerospace to banking. How can we continue to thrive as the world gears up for the next industrial revolution? Where are we going wrong? And will our missteps today have a big impact on our businesses in the future? On this episode, best-selling author and podcaster, Michael Gale, shares how we can take our businesses into the digital age. Takeaways + Tactics Pay attention to the world around us. Far too many business leaders are detached from the reality of most people’s lives. Commit to change. We need to make sure we’re keeping up to date with developments and shifting strategies as needed. Focus on constant growth. We must continue educating ourselves as we grow as individuals and as business owners. At the start of the episode, we discussed the prominence of artificial intelligence in modern life. We explained why we need to change the way we- as humans- think, in order to make sure AI is used in the right way. We then spoke about the importance of working with the younger generations in mind. We also shared insights on: The role partnerships will play in the future Rethinking the way we make money How to get started with making changes The changes brought about by the digital era are exciting, but also require us to rethink the structures of our businesses. We need to change alongside digital advancements, and stay up-to-date with new developments. To do this, we have to pay more attention to the world around us. We have to commit to change and growth if we want to take our businesses into the digital age. Guest Bio Michael Gale is the bestselling author of The Digital Helix, host of the Forbes Insights Futures in Focus podcast, and a Thinkers 360 Top 10 AI Influencer. He is passionate about helping companies take their businesses into the future, and strongly believes the best way to do that is by embracing digital technology. To find out more about Michael, head to his Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/migale You can also email him directly on: [email protected] The Digital Helix is available on Amazon and all good bookstores. 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.

Everyone wants the “A’s.” Getting them is easier said than done. Worse, some companies discourage the best candidates via poor recruiting practices. On this episode, we discuss the best way to approach the recruitment process. You should always be recruiting internally first. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics ALWAYS develop your bench. Constant people development is THE key to long-term success Your best recruiting pipeline comes from your teammates. Want a great Ops Manager? Ask one of your Ops Managers… Status quo gets you nothing. Your competitor’s superstar VP of Sales already has a good job. What are you going to do for him or her that makes THEIR life better? 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 him on 910-509-7129 Or email him on [email protected]

Sam Mehta, President of Collins Aerospace Mechanical Systems, shares how the Rockwell Collins and UTAS integration is helping the industry soar. A few points he delivers upon in this fantastic 30-minute podcast: Driving a customer-centric approach How companies will make money in the aftermarket Industry recruiting and next generation of required skills Playing a leading role in developing technology While the aerospace industry is undergoing a lot of changes, the important thing to remember is that the industry itself is going nowhere. We need to change our approaches somewhat to be more internationally relevant, and we need to keep introducing new people into the industry. The aerospace industry needs to become much more inclusive. Guest Bio Sam Mehta is the head of the strategic business unit at Collins Aerospace’s Mechanical Systems. With a desire to keep the aerospace industry moving forward, he is passionate about introducing integrated and diverse approaches to existing products. To learn more about Sam, head to: https://www.collinsaerospace.com/en/who-we-are/leadership/samir-mehta 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.

Many CEOs fall into the “growth trap” as their business scales. What is it, and how do you avoid it? Mark Green, author of Activators, shares strategies on the best ways to find personal and business growth. Takeaways + Tactics Leaders MUST discover personal growth. Without it, their teams cannot advance. How to ask the right questions when interviewing for a senior role Surrounding yourself with people who challenge your ego is crucial for business growth Want better results? Change your neighborhood… Guest Bio Mark Green is the CEO of the Performance Dynamics Group. As a strategic advisor and coach, Mark has helped countless CEOs and business leaders to success. He is passionate about helping business owners within the $50-400 million category scale up their companies. Mark is the author of Activators. To contact Mark, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmarkgreen/ And to get a copy of his book, visit: https://activators.biz/

Being a leader amongst peers is a challenge. Leading a team with big egos is a bigger challenge. Accomplished author, documentarian, and fighter pilot, Paco Chierici discusses how businesses can better conduct review processes, manage opposition to change, and how to stand out as a leader to our peers. 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

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.

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 [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

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.

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.

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.

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/.

On this episode, I talk with Tony Bailey, a 30-year MRO veteran, who is involved in the creation of the MRO Center of Excellence in Ohio. 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: [email protected] 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.

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.

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 Bob Sullivan, Chief Administrative Officer of OneSky Aviation talks about pilots, travel patterns, a flourishing industry and the importance of hiring talented people who are really good at what they do. 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.

The benefits of business aviation are immeasurable. But the perception of the corporate jet?... not so much. The perception that it’s an industry that only benefits the top 1% exists because it’s an industry that keeps shooting itself in the foot. Just as Americans supported anti-business policies in the 1930s, after the extravagance of the Roaring 20s, people are still reeling from our most recent “Great Recession.” And, the political landscape continues to change, and move to the left. One only need watch the recent State of the Union address to see that fact. Every time we portray business aviation as a luxury, we isolate those who would never experience it. -Craig Picken Business aviation is a $180 Billion industry that supports thousands of jobs and helps numerous companies reach their goals. Perhaps that’s a better story to tell than the one being told on CNBC’s “Secret Lives of the Super Rich” and on the pages of various lifestyle magazines. Come join Matt Johnson and I as we discuss various ways to change the perception, and highlight the benefits of business aviation. 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.

The aerospace and aviation industries are changing as result of consolidation. Driven by need and the demands of large OEM’s, Rockwell Collins, UTC, B/E Aerospace, Esterline, Embraer and Bombardier and others have taken some dramatic steps to ensure shareholder value. Where does this leave the little guy? Is he sunk, or is there room for entrepreneurial spirit? How does he compete if he’s, defacto, competing against his customer? In a quick 20 minutes, my good friend Matt Johnson and I discuss the coming changes that smaller players will face. If Boeing succeeds, it will change the industry. –Craig Picken Takeaways Boeing’s move into “Global Services” means they are now competing against their former suppliers. But $60 Billion is a BIG number. If successful, Boeing will transform an entire industry. Innovation in the industry is alive and well. And, it’s coming from smaller, more versatile players with quick reaction times. Don’t ignore them. Smaller companies need to find strong players who can multi-task. The successful “big company” executive doesn’t necessarily bring the right skills to a start-up. 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.

With so many shifts happening in the aviation industry, the big question is whether regulators and stakeholders are keeping up with the changes. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to pilots, mechanics, and airports? What are the demands that regulators have to meet? How can consumers protect themselves in an age of charter by-the-seat aviation? On this episode, aviation attorney Paul Lange shares some of the exciting and challenges changes happening in our world. What we’re doing on a day-to-day basis is dealing with the future of what our industry is going to look like in the next 5,10, and 15 years. -Paul Lange Takeaways + Tactics “Democratization of Business Aviation” presents significant regulatory challenges. Insurance companies DO have a say. And their regulations may be stricter than those of the FAA. It’s not just pilots and mechanics— airports are also threatened by legislation and the perceptions of people living near them. At the start of show, we talked about how the charter industry has changed and evolved from the days of illegal charters, and how regulatory boards still have to catch up to all the new developments taking place. We talked about whether these new charter companies can lawfully operate with an on-demand air carrier certificate or a commuter authority. Paul also shared on the work he’s doing in the new developing areas of aviation, why airports are under attack and some recent legal cases in the industry. We also mentioned how a person getting a charter jet can protect themselves in the event of an incident. We also discussed; Pilot shortages and mechanics Legal ramifications of the Falcon 50 crash in South Carolina and the Hinman grey charter case The standard of FAA regulations People are finding innovative ways to fly and make money off of aircraft, and it’s driving the huge wave of change that’s hitting the industry right now. As the democratization of business jets rises, regulatory boards need to be prepared. They need to be ready to provide standards and guidance material to keep up with the new needs of the industry, new ways to bring talented pilots into the industry and new ways to protect the public. We are a dynamic industry with a lots of changes happening and a lot of opportunities. It’s something to be excited about. Guest Bio Paul Lange represents aviation businesses in solving significant and challenging problems. His background litigating and trying to verdict judgment aviation matters nationwide before federal and state courts as well as administrative agencies, sometimes simultaneously, brings a breadth of opportunities to the table when seeking to resolve disputes at their earliest opportunity or in complicated business structures restricted by regulatory overlays. In addition to remaining current trying cases, Paul’s transactional and aviation regulatory practice includes formation, mergers and acquisitions of fixed base operators (FBO’s), air carriers, air charter brokers, public charter operators, maintenance and repair organizations (MRO’s), and the purchase, sale and lease of aircraft. Go to http://lopal.com/.

The future of business aviation is changing as companies recognize the benefits of using corporate shuttles and private jets. What will be the impact of smaller companies in the aerospace industry? Why do many companies use private jets as part of their branding tactics? And why will technology never replace face-to-face business meetings? In this episode, Scott Ashton shares on the future of business aviation. Aviation is an entrepreneurial enterprise led by entrepreneurs. -Scott Ashton Takeaways + Tactics While the goal is to lower the prices for business aviation, this is impossible at the moment, as the wages of pilots and other costs are on the rise. Many corporations are now looking into corporate shuttles to save time when sending their people over to engage with clients. In just a matter of hours, a corporate shuttle can fly back and forth, and this can’t be done by airlines. Video conferences, email interactions, and phone conversations don’t build the same amount of trust as a face-to-face meetings do. At the beginning of the episode, we talked about the costs of business aviation and how corporations and smaller businesses save time by using corporate shuttles. We also covered: The competitive advantage of smaller businesses in the aerospace industry Why a revival of the aerospace industry is only possible if we attract more young people to it How working for a small business is more rewarding Many businesses use private jets as a branding tactic. Mid-level executives, engineers, and salespeople use private jets when meeting with clients, not necessarily because they need to but because it’s a branding and authority move. For many businesses, investing in a private jet is a business need when negotiating with clients. Guest bio Scott Ashton is the President on the board of directors at New England Air Museum, President and CEO at Corporate Service Supply and Manufacturing and a board member of EvoLux Transportation. He has a diverse background that includes knowledge of finance, marketing, sales, finance modeling, mission analysis, and strategic planning. Scott is also an NBAA certified aviation manager and a certified flight instructor. You can find out more about Scott here.

David Marquet show how Intent Based leadership turns compliant followers into engaged leaders— fueling performance and driving results. Leadership isn’t about telling people what not to do. It’s about creating an environment where they can be great just the way they are. -David Marquet Takeaways + Tactics People who feel valued drive results. Make them a part of something big. A single leader who does all the thinking stifles growth and inhibits performance. Force your teams to think, and they will grow. Top-down decisions forced on compliant teams don’t face scrutiny, and the results are often disastrous. David Marquet expertly shows: How forcing people to make their own decisions will increase their job satisfaction and performance Why a great leader doesn’t need to know everything, but should continue learning How great leaders communicate in order to drive performance Guest Bio David Marquet is a nationally recognized speaker and the author of the bestselling book Turn the Ship Around!. As the captain of a nuclear submarine, David experienced the power of intentional leadership and how much it changed his team. Today, he helps companies create leaders at every level and delegate flawless execution. You can find out more about David’s approach to leadership and his educational materials here.

Good leaders teach others how to become leaders themselves. As we grow our team, why is it important to stop giving answers and start helping others find solutions on their own? How can we attract experts to our company? Why should we strive to become better communicators? In this episode, Krister Ungerboeck talks about the most common leadership mistakes and what we can do to lead others to success. Managers can be managed, but executives can only be led. -Krister Ungerboeck For the Resources mentioned by Krister in this conversation, go to https://krister.com/aerospace Takeaways + Tactics There is a big difference between leading small teams and larger ones. Good leaders teach others to ask the right questions… and find their own conclusions. The biggest enemy of entrepreneurs is ego. It’s okay to hire smarter. Empathy and high emotional intelligence are crucial qualities that good leaders develop. At the beginning of the episode, we talked about how small teams are managed differently than big teams. Next, we talked about why it’s important to accept the fact that there are people who are better than us and more qualified to hold certain positions in our company. We also covered: Why a big monetary compensation isn’t enough and what else we can offer to high achievers Why being a lone wolf in the world of entrepreneurship can cost you a lot of learning opportunities How we can learn to communicate better with our team and the role empathy plays in doing so Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/ We can’t become better leaders and grow our business if we don’t learn to communicate more effectively. A crucial element in emotional intelligence is having empathy— the ability to put ourselves in somebody else's shoes even when we have nothing in common. Setting aside time for empathy exercises is crucial for leaders like us, as we have to connect, communicate and lead people on a daily basis. Guest Bio Krister Ungerboeck, The Leadership Archeologist, is a global leadership expert, award-winning CEO, coach, speaker and author. As the world’s first Leadership Archaeologist, Krister is a seeker of secrets. He’s a perspective-changing explorer who ventures beyond the edge of the comfort zone of most leaders and brings back tales of what he’s learned. He experiments with unique, sometimes outlandish approaches to building leadership skills in order to save leaders the time, money, and (possibly) embarrassment of experimenting on themselves. Go to https://krister.com/aerospace for a free Leadership Assessment and more!

Hank Coates, President of the Commemorative Air Force, talks about how his organization inspires people to fight for their dreams. Being a pilot or aerospace engineer was once considered a highly respected career path, but times have changed. How can we inspire the next generation to pursue career paths that are both in demand and high-paying? A lot of young people these days don’t realize that there is a great career in being a pilot or an engineer. -Hank Coates Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Takeaways & Tactics Young people truly seek the role models that the previous generations had. It’s important to remember the amazing acts of heroism that real people did in the past. This gives hope to children who live in poverty or discouraging situations. The United States is the current leader in aviation, but not for long. There’s a world-wide demand for pilots and engineers, and we will lose the lead without new and upcoming talent.

Laura Gallaher is helping CEOs build their leadership styles and company cultures. Self-improvement and self-acceptance are not on opposite ends of a continuum. They coexist. -Laura Gallaher Takeaways + Tactics Like it or not, every business has a culture, and it’s set by the CEO. The development of amazing cultures is done with INTENTION and shaped by behaviors that are reinforced. To become great leaders, good leaders must acknowledge the flaws that are holding them back. Guest Bio: Dr. Laura Gallaher has worked in the field of professional and personal development since 2005. Laura is an Organizational Psychologist, Speaker, Facilitator, and Executive Coach. She is the founder and CEO of Gallaher Edge, which she started in 2013 and rebranded in 2018. Her noteworthy career began after the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded upon re-entry in 2003, killing everybody aboard. Following the tragedy, NASA hired Laura and a team of organizational psychologists to change the cultural influences that were deemed to play a role in the accident. She worked for 8 years to positively influence culture, develop leadership capacity, and improve organizational performance at Kennedy Space Center. Laura was also hired to help manage the change associated with radical changes in the performance management process and philosophy at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Laura is an expert teacher, trainer, speaker and consultant, particularly in the concepts of self-awareness, accountability, trust building and team cohesion. Learn more at https://gallaheredge.com/

Many business owners get stuck in the details and miss the bigger picture. Alex Vorobieff, author of Transform Your Company, helps companies fix the root causes of business failures. Hiring based on behavior is far more important than hiring on trainable skills. -Alex Vorobieff Takeaways + Tactics Business transformation starts at the top. Leadership must accept responsibility and affect change. Root Cause Analysis is a valuable tool. Don’t just accept a defeat… identify what caused it. Core Values MUST be factored into the hiring process. Companies AND executives must be aligned. Teaching skills is easy. Training or teaching behavioral patterns is not. Identifying good cultural fit is done via identification of core values, and what makes a culture unique. What are YOUR core values? Guest Bio: A highly sought-after speaker, business alignment coach, and the author of Transform Your Company, Alex Vorobieff has helped scores of business owners replace chaos with clarity and finally attain the success they’ve always imagined. Alex is the founder and CEO of The Alex Vorobieff Company, a premier business transformation company. Go to alexvorobieff.com for more information, or contact Alex directly at [email protected]

A+ players know their worth. Putting them through B processes will turn them off. Understand the difference between an A+ and B players: what turns off the A+ player during the hiring process, and why low level administrators should not manage the hiring process. Matt Johnson and I speak about how companies should treat A+ talent. Takeaways + Tactics A+ player knows their numbers and achievements . B players don’t. Hiring processes for entry level workers and executive level candidates are different. Most A+ players won’t stand for being treated like an applicant. During the good times, companies are more likely to hire B players to ease the workload. During hard times, the rockstar will stand out. 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 Matt Johnson is a marketer, entrepreneur, musician. As founder of Pursuing Results, a podcast PR & production agency based in San Diego, Matt runs a worldwide virtual team helping business coaches and agencies break in and dominate new markets through podcasting.

Strong leaders build strong teams. Dr. Axel Meierhoefer shares why companies need great leaders, and how to spot one. If you can go to work every day and do something you believe in that’s meaningful and has a purpose, then the money is basically out of the picture. -Axel Meierhoefer Takeaways + Tactics Companies focus too much on teaching management skills to their executives, at the expense of teaching leadership skills. Failure analysis and victory celebration are both keys to growth. The biggest motivator for millennials is having a sense of purpose. Good leaders communicate how employee actions impact the overall business.

Bob Sullivan is the Chief Admin Officer for OneSky Aviation, the parent of Flexjet, Flight Options, Sentient Jet and SkyJet. OneSky Aviation is great at adapting to market shifts and new customer demands. Bob Sullivan gives us a peek inside one of the most successful private jet companies in the world. Business is going to have ups and down, but if you surround yourself with the right people and do the right things, you will prosper. -Bob Sullivan Takeaways + Tactics As a company, being privately held gives you the advantage of not having shareholders looking over your shoulder. To survive in this industry, the business must be managed with a long-term outlook. Filter candidates based on personality assessments that are culture focused. It’s important that they know how an entrepreneurial organization is different.

What are the traits of A+ Players, and how do we get them? Matt Johnson and Craig Picken share insight on finding A+ talent. Nothing drives businesses more crazy than people who are afraid of making decisions. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics The two most important business assets are intellectual capacity and ability to adjust to rapidly changing markets Hiring Managers MUST be immersed in the hiring process. It cannot be outsourced. “A” Players will hire other “A” Players, “B” Players will not. “A” Players WILL NOT WORK for “B” Players. The more people involved in the hiring decision, the less chance an A Player will get hired. “A” Players will fix the problem. “B” Players, in the budget, will not.

Are Millennials really the entitled generation who want to start at the top? Or, are they just more flexible and willing to take risks? James Durham, my friend and podcast Producer, shares his insight on millennial values and the challenges companies face in attracting next generation talent. For my generation of job applicants, the benefits they desire are not homogenous. The long-term upsides of 401k matching or retirement plans don’t resonate for everyone the way they used to. -James Durham Takeaways + Tactics Some want freedom and immediate gratification. Others see success as a goal they must work hard to achieve. Companies must pivot to both to match and manage expectations. They are very tech-savvy, and highly skilled Companies need to leverage social media for marketing AND recruiting. Many millennials want to see companies active in social dialogue and modern in their social mindset. Younger workers have become geared towards schedule flexibility, travel opportunities, and autonomy. More importantly, though, it varies greatly from person to person. Want to know what a worker wants? Then be prepared to ask them a direct question. For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. In the beginning of the episode, we talked about how college graduates see the workforce and how likely they are to be attracted by companies who either promote themselves as culture centric (e.g., Google and Amazon) or companies who come with the offer of steady growth. James also shared his opinion on why millenials are more likely to take risks and why they have less to lose than baby boomers did when they were in their twenties and thirties. We also covered: The impact of the “prolonged adolescence” on the workforce Why influencers on social media are good at delivering the information to millenials How the lack of job security has made people think about betting on themselves and starting a business instead of working in the corporate world Millennials are starting families later in life, traveling extensively and changing jobs more frequently, which is having a big impact on the workforce. They are also more likely to take risks and build their own business, as they often feel they don’t have much to lose. Providing relevant benefits and a path for growth is the key to harnessing the power that they bring.

Attracting the right people in your company is vital for success. But what happens when you can’t offer as much financial incentive as the big players? What else can you offer to your future pilots? Is investing in their education worth it? In this episode, Dave Scheu talks about how to find talented pilots and lower turnover rates. The technology is moving fast. It’s almost a shame that I wasted this money on a piece of equipment that is obsolete in a year. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics It’s more than pay. Added benefits, flexibility, and a company culture that values its pilots helps to keep turnover rates low. Pilots who seek continuing challenges won’t always be happy in the airline. They want companies who can deliver on their interests. Hire people who have a future plan, even if your company is not included in that plan. Invest in your people. Investment in their continuing education shows interest in their growth. For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. In the beginning of the episode, we talked about talent acquisition and how important is to invest in the education of your pilots. We also touched on the technological changes and how much money is lost due to buying equipment that will be improved upon the next year. We also talked about: The potential of the supersonic business How automation impacts the skills of a pilot The importance of improved satellite communication It’s hard for flight departments to compete with the airlines on wages alone. But attracting the right people is not impossible… it just takes some thought and creativity.

Thought leader Kevin Michaels draws from his 30 years of experience and shares insights on the current state of the aerospace industry. We are in an industry with enormous entry barriers and incredible complexity. -Kevin Michaels Takeaways + Tactics While the behemoths are rising, the independents are laser focused for success. Air travel demand is on fire globally with 7% annual growth, driving up asset prices. Boeing has set aggressive goals which will change the company mindset and shake up expectations. US-driven trade wars and sanctions are driving uncertainty in the supply chain, particularly in raw materials. We also shared insights on: The tremendous uncertainty in supply (both uranium and aluminum) The impact of geopolitics on the aerospace industry Airlines and the growth of outsourcing in the last few decades The aerospace industry is growing, but we are also living in times filled with uncertainty when it comes to aluminum and uranium, caused by the U.S sanctions on Russian oligarchs. There are 3 strategies that companies can use to grow: low costs, differentiators, and focus. At the moment, the market is evolving towards focus and narrower niches, but the optimistic growth plans set by companies like Boeing can easily be impacted by foreign suppliers. For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/.

Failure is an option, and fear of failure is inevitable. On this episode, Aviation CEO René Banglesdorf shares how she found success out of the depths of the great recession and discusses our role in producing the next generation of innovators. If you can succeed in the bad times, you’ll love the good times. But if you’ve never seen bad times, then watch out! The ability to transform fear of failure into determination to win, no matter what-- THAT’s what makes people rise above the status-quo. -René Banglesdorf Takeaways + Tactics The fight against mediocrity happens every day. Every day we make choices that will either push us forward or make us stall. Companies with a diverse pool of employees are more creative and offer differing points of view. When determining what your company should hire for, look inside the systems and see what is lacking. Millennials need a sense of purpose. Give them something to believe in and they will pour their hearts into it. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. At the beginning of the episode, we talked about the importance of putting people of diverse backgrounds in the aerospace industry. This is not only to give them an equal opportunity to succeed but also to bring new perspectives to the table. Rene also shared insights on: Why the fight against mediocrity starts with emotional resilience The role of innovation in driving younger generations to the industry Universal rules about finding the right candidate You can’t leave a legacy in one day. The secret to success is fighting back after a failure and transforming your fears into fuel to fight the next battle.

We’re often intimidated by co-workers, relatives, and friends that make it big and wonder “What do they have that makes them successful in everything they do?” Is it talent? Or, insane drive and motivation? Jeff Haden shares the surprising truth about success and motivation, and making things happen. Who can I emulate? What roadmap can I find? You don’t have to perfect new wheels. There are perfectly working wheels there already. -Jeff Haden Takeaways + Tactics You don’t need an “Aha moment.” Motivation is something you create. Your goal doesn’t have to be your life’s passion to find motivation to do it. Most successful people are hardworking and persistent. They follow a roadmap and are the last to quit. Success comes in small bites which eventually leads to accomplishments of big goals. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. At the beginning of this episode, we unpacked what Jeff Haden learned about successful people in the process of writing his book “The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win.” We also talked about his conclusions after studying high achievers, and what it really takes to become successful. Jeff also spoke about: Successful people work harder than everyone else around them. Most people are willing to help if you ask them nicely, as they’re flattered by it. Always ask yourself “Will this action bring me closer to my goal?” Many entrepreneurs quit their job after coming up with a business idea, justifying their actions by saying they want to be “all in.” However, this approach is incredibly risky. What if your business doesn't bring any revenue? Are you prepared to take care of all of the aspects of your business? As a worker, your roadmap and job description are well-defined. But as a business owner, you have to fill in many roles, and often won’t know what step to take next. Keep your job, and treat your business as a side hustle. Test your business idea and find out whether you’re suited to be an entrepreneur.

There is no end to what you can learn about the airplanes you sell, the sales processes, and how to manage a team. But how do you keep reinventing yourself? What are the best sources of leads? How can you add more value to your clients? On this episode, Brant Dahlfors shares his approach to selling jets. I do believe you have to reinvent yourself to stay relevant through your career. -Brant Dahlfors Takeaways + Tactics The best way to sell is to develop a direct relationship with your prospects. Refusing some deals is part of the business. So is bringing more value to your prospects via detailed information that is relevant to their interests Pay attention to the new factors that affect your business. You can never know too much about sales processes, the tech of your competitors, and the technology of airplanes. Word of mouth and recommendations are some of the best lead generation sources. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. At the start of the show, we talked about how to broaden your horizon outside the local market, and the importance of developing a direct relationship with your prospects. We also discussed the value of word-of-mouth and personal recommendations, as well as the importance of keeping an eye on everything that affects your business. We also covered: The importance of being in touch with the latest technology advancements How to improve the dynamics in your sales team How to look more professional in the eyes of the client Constantly reinventing yourself is a strong way to stay relevant in a competitive business. Make the tech work for you. It will keep your work fresh and interesting.

With the growth of global business, airlines are struggling to keep up with the demand of travelers. What does this mean for business aviation as an industry? Are we on the verge of a Golden Age for aviation? What makes this industry so unique? On this episode, I talk to the co-owner and founder of Corporate Jet Investor, Alasdair Whyte, who shares the future for the business aviation industry. We’re about to see a Golden Age of business aviation. -Alasdair Whyte Takeaways + Tactics Business Aviation is a small community. OEMs rely on good brokers. Brokers rely on good operators. OEMs, Brokers and Operators get leads from financiers or lawyers and other channels. When 1,000 random Americans were surveyed, 25% said they’ll fly in a business jet in the next 10 years. The US is a great place to own a jet because fuel is cheap, and it’s easy to take-off, land, & park. Permits are obtainable, and there are many private airports. This is not the case throughout the world Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Alasdair talked about how he got started and the advantages of growing a business in a lean economy. Next, we talked about why business aviation is such a unique industry and what is going to create more demand for it. We also discussed: Why Alasdair thinks business aviation is on the verge of a Golden Age The average age of owners in the business aviation space Different players and countries in the global market The cost of business aviation is coming down, and more people are going to adopt it. Airlines are going to struggle to fulfill the needs of a growing global business community, and this is where business aviation steps in. The US has proven to be THE best places to own a jet from a business standpoint-- and that’s why it’s booming.

The OEM and third-party maintenance worlds are incredibly competitive. How can a company provide value that cuts through the competition? What are some of the additional commodities that can benefit the whole market? How does leveraging of data raise industry standards? On this episode Neil Book, President and CEO of Jet Support Services, Inc shares valuable insights on these topics. I try to bring a sense of urgency and the need to innovate. -Neil Book Takeaways + Tactics A younger fleet means aircraft can be in engine programs a lot longer. As new aircraft sales have stalled, the OEMs are focusing heavily on the aftermarket. As you build new businesses and revenue streams, it is important that they continue to feed the core business. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. At the start of the show, we talked about the work JSSI does, and the changes they’ve made to the age of the aircraft in their engine program. We also discussed why manufacturers and OEMs are focusing more on the after-market. He shares the value-add commodities they have integrated into their customer service. We also discussed: Strategic partnerships and communication How Neil’s tech experience translated to how he does his work at JSSI The importance of new revenue streams the feed into the core business Leveraging buying power with the maintenance community will translate into very competitive rates. This removes the risk of aircraft maintenance and can reduce the overall maintenance cost. Combine technology, innovation and partnerships with the best MROs in the industry, and the ultimate beneficiaries of this are the aircraft operators. Guest Bio: Neil Book, President and CEO of Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI). Find him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbook/.

A winning company is rooted in strong culture and good leadership. When this is lacking, what are the questions you should ask to start turning things around? How do you evaluate whether the management has the appetite to do what needs to be done? How can you go about assembling the right team? On this episode, President and CEO of Zodiac Aerospace, Jeff Barger, shares his strategies for transforming a company from struggle to profitability. The right team has to be assembled. -Jeff Barger Takeaways + Tactics You want collaborative, cross-functional types of leaders. Lead by example and do what you say you’re going to do. Bonuses for operators: money is nice to have, but it’s the recognition they really want. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. At the start of the show, Jeff gave some background on his career. He shared his experiences turning businesses around, and how he has successfully done this over the last 15 years. Next, we talked about how to evaluate the culture and leadership to see what needs to be done, as well as the best ways to incentivize hard work. We also discussed: The kinds of leaders you need to have How do get the buy-in of the workers Dealing with unions Mistakes other companies have made It’s natural for people to be a little cold to a new leader, but when they see that action is taking place, they will start warming up. Once the trust builds, they will start to do the things necessary for their own personal success. That's where you really see the ownership start to get traction at the operator level.