The Aerospace Executive Podcast

It’s really easy to wreck a great career when you make decisions based on emotions and take action with no real vision, and unfortunately, we’re seeing a lot of that right now. There are many people making career moves for the sake of it instead of taking a rational approach to make sure the job actually serves them long term. Just like planes, your career needs a flight plan, measurable milestones and a realistic endpoint. How do we simplify the decision making process? In this edition of Million Dollar Careers, we talk about the importance of starting with the end in mind. Before you quit your job and trade a known for an unknown, make sure you know what the end is. -Rob Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The cost of jumping ship without thinking it through Why are many of the people quitting their jobs doomed to end up frustrated again? Why vision and self-realization are so important Are you on the path that leads you to your desired end point? If not, how do you change that? Emotional moves vs. rational decisions How do you take a measured and vision-informed approach to mapping out your career? Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

There’s a lot of passive aggressive behavior in the working world right now, and doing the bare minimum isn’t just something employees do - companies do it too. Quiet firing is the practice of slowly freezing out an employee hoping they self-select out, instead of just facing the issues head-on. It’s dishonest, unproductive and wholly unnecessary and entirely avoidable. How can you tell you’re being quietly pushed out? How can organizations refrain from quiet firing? In this edition of Million Dollar Careers, we dig into quiet firing and why it’s such a bad practice. Hiring authorities and supervisors really owe it to themselves, their company, and the individual candidates to confront the issue. -Rob Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode What to be on the lookout for From demotions to reassignments, quiet firing takes on many forms. What are the subtle signs? The people who’ll never get quietly fired Can you take corrective action when you realize you’re being quietly fired? Why quiet firing is the action of a cowardly leader If an employer isn’t happy with an employee’s performance, why is it so critical to cut the BS and just let them go? Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Even the most talented and driven people can find themselves feeling stuck in their careers, dealing with job circumstances that suck the life out of them. From working with quiet quitters, to feeling like you’ve hit the ceiling in the organization or your capabilities not being noticed, how do you get unstuck? What actions can you take to keep expanding and building up your profile? In this episode of Million Dollar Careers, we talk about navigating some of the common issues people face in their careers today. Curiosity and questions will get you a lot further than confidence and answers. -Rob Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to become the smartest person in the room Why is curiosity such a critical character trait of people with million dollar careers? The power of a quiet hiring initiative Do companies rob themselves of valuable talent by favoring external hires over the ferocious players within the organization with the potential to become superstars? The smartest way to flex your expertise How do you show your network that you have the mental capacity needed to excel? Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

The foundation of a million dollar career is your ability to be so valuable and knowledgeable that people need you more than you need them. You don’t have to be the CEO to have this advantage - you just need to master your craft, show that you’re an asset and position yourself strategically to use your voice when it matters. In this edition of the Million Dollar Careers, Rob Houghton and I discuss how to become THE guy or gal in the organization, and how it supercharges your career. You want to be the expert, you want to be the person people come to when they need something, and that’s where you get your freedom. -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The power of thinking differently Being willing to go against the grain and “red team” is highly valuable, but how do you do it without upsetting the team dynamic? How to build up your mental acuity Making great decisions is key to a successful career, but how do we build that skill? How to become an indispensable resource How do you find and own a valuable corner to dominate in your industry or company? Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

As the aerospace industry emerges from the last kicks of covid, mergers and acquisitions are a great barometer of the new developments, the big market needs and the concerns of both buyers and sellers. Even though there’s still a little caution in the air, many corners in the industry are poised to make major moves going forward. Where are big firms looking to participate right now? How can buyers and sellers approach the deal so everyone wins? In this episode, managing partner of Coeptis Consulting Group, Chuck Adams, shares what’s happening in M&A and what we can expect over the next couple of years. There’s uncertainty around the economy, but there are still some good solid deals going on. -Chuck Adams Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why the frenzy died down in multiples Are we seeing a compression of multiples caused by covid, and when can we expect them to pick back up? How to tap into a global market What kind of opportunities are emerging markets creating for aerospace operators? What’s driving open operators to sell How should buyers approach the owner operators who are selling a business that’s really close to their heart? Guest Bio Chuck Adams is the managing partner of Coeptis Consulting Group. He brings years of experience to the firm with a background in the aviation/aerospace, automotive, and industrial goods industries. His deep, technical engineering expertise, combined with his business background, provides our clientele with a comprehensive, technical-business examination when providing our services. Prior to co-founding Coeptis Consulting Group, he spent over six and a half years at GE Aviation providing engineering & business services, interacting with internal & external production and MRO shops around the globe on various product lines, including the CFM56, LEAP, GE90, and CF34 commercial lines, as well graduating from GE’s Engineering Development Program. Before GE, he also spent time in the automotive, food manufacturing, industrial goods, construction, and video game industries. Additionally, he has founded a few companies, including a profitable residential & commercial construction firm in the local Idaho area, and is well-versed in data analysis, including programming (Python, MATLAB, SQL, and more). Chuck holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University, a MS in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University, and an MBA from Indiana University. To find out more, go to https://www.coeptiscg.com/ or phone 253-720-9058. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

The pandemic created a unique set of circumstances for private aviation; an alignment between the forced adoption of technology and the emergence of a new type of consumer has given the sector an incredible boost in demand and volume. A monumentally entrepreneurial organization like Sentient Jet is primed for this private aviation gold rush, and on the forefront of evangelizing the sector. What are some of the pieces they are lining up to continue expanding market share? How is tech fueling their organizations growth? In this episode, President and CEO of Sentient Jet, Andrew Collins shares why the last few years have been so fruitful for private aviation and what the company aims to accomplish. We’re trying to remove as much friction as we can from private aviation and generate the most positive experience. -Andrew Collins Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The truth about market rationalized pricing Is the idea of the democratization of business aviation an unrealistic oxymoron? Why Sentient Jet is investing in eVTOL Can aviation create a frictionless and convenient way to do short distances? The rise of a new customer How has this post-pandemic era impacted what business aviation customers expect? Sentient Jet’s main focus How can the private aviation industry improve the experience for a growing customer base? Guest Bio Andrew Collins is the President and CEO of Sentient Jet, he is responsible for a $450 million consumer travel and aviation business that has rapidly flourished over the last six years. Under his leadership the company has benefited from both a digital and business model transformation, in addition to an organizational restructuring. This includes setting market, product, and brand strategy, integrating a full suite of retail and wholesale technology applications, tripling sales, optimizing client acquisitions costs, and significantly moving top-line revenues, while also evolving Sentient into an EBITDA-positive entity. In addition to running Sentient Jet, Collins is a lead executive at parent company OneSky where he is focused on M&A, operations, and revenue management activities. In 2021 Collins led the acquisition of Halo Aviation in London and integrated the company with Associated Aircraft Group (recently acquired from Sikorsky Lockheed Martin) in NYC to form OneSky’s Vertical Lift division, creating a global fleet of 24 helicopters and a platform for the future of flight. Inclusive with this effort was an order for 200 eVTOL (electric vertical take off and landing) vehicles from Embraer’s EVE. To find out more, go to https://sentient.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

In a post-pandemic world of work, the frustrations and concerns that led to The Great Resignation have morphed into a more passive aggressive trend. Quiet quitting has emerged as the way unhappy employees express their job dissatisfaction, but does it actually do more harm to the worker than the employer? In this episode of Million Dollar Careers, we’re going to talk about why quiet quitting destroys your own career, and the more productive way to deal with any career frustrations. Setting boundaries is the alternative to quiet quitting. -Rob Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why hard work doesn’t have to come at the expense of our personal lives How can we give 110% at work without burning ourselves out? Why the solution is often setting better boundaries Quiet quitting is often driven by well-founded concerns about the job. How do we communicate how we truly feel instead of being passive aggressive? The importance of mentorship If you can’t afford a coach, how can you still get the guidance of an expert in your corner? 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.

Big ships and tugboats are entirely different machines, and the captains who steer them serve very different roles. This rule shows up in our careers - it’s hard for someone who thrives in a start-up to excel in a large corporation, and the people who are great in corporate would struggle in a more entrepreneurial environment. There’s nothing wrong with either path, but the key is knowing yourself and placing yourself in the right environment. What are the key differences between corporate-oriented people and those more suited to startups? In today’s edition of Million Dollar Careers, we talk about the Tugboat Theory and how to use it to get the most out of your career. Everybody brings skills to the table, you’ve got to know where you sit. If you’re a small company person at heart, don’t go looking for jobs at big companies. -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The root of career friction Why do many entrepreneurial people drown in the corporate world? Why you don’t have to bite off more than you can chew Can you set up your career path in such a way that you get the best of both worlds? Why startups offer an amazing opportunity How can a corporate worker make the switch to a startup and what makes it such a great move? 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.

In football, throwing a red flag allows a coach to contest the ref’s decision. It installs an extra layer of accountability and fairness. In military operations, we red team our strategies to identify weaknesses that can be improved upon. Corporate organizations and businesses can benefit from the same approach. Having someone on the team who can interrogate a decision or call BS on a potential move, makes the business stronger. How does this show up in companies? Who are the people we should really be listening to before we proceed on a plan? In this episode of the Million Dollar careers series, we talk about the power of a red team strategy. "Throwing a red flag provides outside input, accountability, empowerment, and it can help you avoid a lot of bad decisions." -Robert Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why accountability improves a business Does throwing the red flag subconsciously make everyone better at their jobs? The importance of having a frenemy in the business Some people find finance roles like accountants and auditors annoying, but why are they so critical to our success? How to red team our own lives What’s one simple thing we can do to keep ourselves from making bad decisions? 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 resumes, even the ones with the most impressive accomplishments, are nothing more than a list of boring bullet points. If you’re trying to get a great job with a profile that’s devoid of personality and storytelling, it’s going to be really hard to stand out. Everyone has an incredible story to tell about their lives and careers, the more we tell them, the more people want to bring us into their worlds. In this episode of the Million Dollar Careers series, Robert Houghton and I talk about what the history of America teaches us about storytelling. When you’re doing a resume, you’re telling your story and the story has to be informative, inspiring and it has to be entertaining. If it’s just a bunch of bullet points, no one will read it. -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why we have to create career vignettes How do you transform an accomplishment on your resume into a mini story? How to balance humility with pride Can we talk about our proudest accomplishments without coming off braggy and arrogant? A storytelling lesson from Bill Gates How did the founder of Microsoft use mosquitoes to tell a memorable story? 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.

Recruiting the next generation of professionals is a big concern for the aviation industry. It is now mandatory that aviation companies, large and small, to paint a clear picture of attractive career opportunities. How can the industry accomplish this? Andy Priester, Chairman and CEO of the world's largest and oldest family-owned Management and Charter company talks about navigating challenges surrounding recruitment, how to attract the right team members and make team members feel more valued. The more we’re connected, the more job satisfaction our team members can get. - Andy Priester Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to make your company an employer of choice What are the different ways to make your team members feel more valued? How aviation companies can attract top pilot talent How can we project an image of career consistency that is attractive to pilots? How to hire the right team members What qualities should you look for when hiring applicants? Guest Bio- Andy Priester serves as Priester Aviation’s Chairman and CEO. He is the third generation of Priesters to lead the business, the world's largest and oldest family-owned Management and Charter company. The Priester family has a rich aviation history starting in 1945, including owning Palwaukee Airport – KPWK (now renamed Chicago Executive Airport), operating a flight school, operating multiple FBOs, providing 145 maintenance services, and operating an aircraft sales division. During Andy’s tenure at Priester, he has grown the fleet from seven to over 65 aircraft they manage from 15 bases globally today. Andy currently sits on the board of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, is current Chair of YPO Chicago – Windy City, and is past Chair of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). Andy is a proud University of Dayton Flyer and holds a Master’s degree from Concordia University. To find out more, go to: https://www.priesterav.com/about-us/priester-team/. You can also email Andy directly at [email protected] or call his office at 847-537-1133. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

One of the fastest ways to tank a career with a lot of potential is to be the guy or gal known for gossiping, whining and loudly airing discontent. It drags down the morale of the whole office and you become a cancer the company desperately wants to cut out. Instead of being the resident naysayer on the team, how do we show up ready to pull our weight and get the job done with minimal grumbling? In this episode, Robert Houghton returns for our Million Dollar Careers series. Today, we talk about the danger of being the negative person in the office. "If you take someone who is gossiping, whining and complaining - the opposite is someone who makes a mistake and extremely owns what they do, they are accountable. Those are the leaders a company needs." -Robert Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The other side of gossiping and complaining What can we learn from a gas station attendant’s act of extreme ownership? What rudderless companies have in common If a company is failing to weed out the gossipers and complainers, what does it say about the organization? How to increase your chance of promotion Could refusing to show up to the office be keeping you from the promotion you want? 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.

Over the last few years, what people expect from an employer-employee relationship has shifted significantly, and leaders have to keep up. The days of the traditional clock-in-clock-out, 9-5 job are over. People want real meaning, equity and trust out their companies. How do we progress towards happier workplaces? What are the employees of today seeking from their leaders, and how do so many companies get it wrong? In this episode, solopreneur, strategy consultant, speaker, trainer and author of “The Lovable Leader”, Jeff Gibbard joins me for a great conversation on becoming a leader people will happily follow. Leaders underestimate how simple it is to make progress toward better. To move towards environments where more people are happy requires small shifts. -Jeff Gibbard Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why trust is key to a great employer-employee relationship Why does micromanaging say a lot more about the leader than it does the employee? How to deal with activist employees What's at the root of the employer vs. employee friction we see in so many organizations? Why a leader’s first month is mission-critical to their success in the role If the first month of leading a team is rough does that mean it’s the wrong fit? Guest Bio Jeff Gibbard is a solopreneur, strategy consultant, speaker, trainer and author of The Lovable Leader. Commonly known as the World's Most Handsome Strategist and Professional Speaker. Jeff has noticed that our culture of work glorifies profits over people, burnout over quality of life, and dominance over autonomy. He believes that we can no longer pretend that our work is separate from who we are. Our work is a part of who we are. What we do and how we do it, should be in alignment with who we want to be. For more information and to sign up for Jeff’s newsletter, visit https://jgibbard.com/ and buy his book “The Lovable Leader: Build Great Teams with Trust, Respect, and Kindness” here. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Over the last 2 decades, the needs of veterans have come into the spotlight more than ever before, and there’s still a huge need to understand the challenges that come with military service. How do we make the transition out of service less difficult? What can civilians and the private sector do to better support the men and women who have served our country? In this episode, Fighter Pilot, Military and Veteran Advocate, Consultant, Speaker, and Coach, Brigadier General Odie Slocum, shares how his organization Others Over Self is helping veterans. Guest Bio General Odie Slocum is a Fighter Pilot (ret), Military and Veteran Advocate, Consultant, Speaker, and Coach. He works with the organizations Others Over Self and Warriors With Warriors. For more information head to https://othersoverself.com/ae/. 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 mark of a great organization is a leader who empowers their people to make decisions at a tactical level; and employees who can advocate for change within the system. When business owners micromanage and smother their top talent, they make progress impossible. When employees complain about the shortcomings of the company without coming up with real solutions, they can’t thrive in their roles. How do both sides of the business relationship set themselves up for success? In this edition of the Million Dollar Career Series, Robert Houghton and I discuss the entrepreneur trap from two different perspectives. "It’s your job to figure out how to give the best results in the environment you’re in, with the dollars you have and communicate what the strategy is. If you keep telling people your baby’s ugly, you’re going to fail." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to empower your entire organization What can the military teach us about the danger of extremely hierarchical organizations? What new recruits get wrong How do we advocate for change in a new company without disparaging the people and the system? How to get buy-in from the start We have the most leverage during an interview, but how do we actually use it? 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.

Too many people find themselves stressed and burnt out - not because their lives are too busy, but because they’re piling on way more BS on their plates than they need to. Our lives would be way easier if we followed this simple golden rule: if it’s not a hell yeah, it’s a no. Whether it’s jobs, business opportunities or even social commitments, we need to value our time by saying no to what doesn’t serve us. How do we escape the trap of overcommitting? When we actually do want to say no, what’s the best way to say it? In this episode, executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton returns for our Million Dollar Career Series, and today we talk about valuing our time by getting used to the word no. "If you want to say no to something, tell them why it’s a no straight up. It has to be one reason, not two, three or four." -Robert Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why so many give their power away by overcommitting When it comes to valuing our time, what can we learn from Warren Buffett’s approach? The importance of valuing your time How do we avoid being someone’s patsy and getting taken advantage of by overcommitting? The root of burnout and frustration How does overcommitting impact the way we show up in different areas of our lives? 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.

In today’s fast-paced world of algorithms and shiny objects, people overcomplicate career and business success, but just like in fitness, committing to a few simple actions is what drives results. The simpler we make things, the better we get at our jobs, and the faster we get to our goals. How do we simplify what we’re doing, and cut out the unnecessary complexity? In this episode, Robert Houghton and I share why simple things make a huge difference. "The 3 things a salesperson needs to focus on who their customer is, how to stay in touch with them and how to provide value." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The benefits of cutting out the complexity Why does simplicity make our metrics and insights more actionable? How to uncover what pushes the needle in our careers What can the military and law enforcement teach us about taking action in our careers? How successful people present themselves to the world How do we dress for success without overcomplicating things? 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. Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Robert is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286 You can also email him with [email protected]

As of May 2022, inflation remains the biggest concern for businesses. It’s not only raising production costs and eroding earnings, it’s also slowing down mergers and acquisitions, which should be very active right now. Is it all gloom and doom or is this a speed bump before the big opportunity? In this episode, President of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman returns to share how inflation is affecting aviation businesses, and some of the solutions coming down the pipeline. In this episode, President of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman returns to share how inflation is affecting aviation businesses, and some of the solutions coming down the pipeline. I think this inflation thing is a speed bump and the opportunities on the other side of it will be monumental. -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why we’re experiencing so much inflation Is this current rate of inflation a lesser evil if we consider what the alternative could have been? Why the M&A space has been so sluggish lately What’s holding up the deal flow in M&A, and can we expect a change anytime soon? The good news about the US supply chain How will the reshoring of manufacturing impact the US economy? Guest Bio William ‘Bill’ Alderman is the Founder and President of Alderman & Company. A former investment banker, Bill has always had a passion for aviation, and is both a commercial pilot and aircraft owner. Today, he uses his expertise, coupled with his interests to represent Middle Market Sellers in the Aerospace and Defense industry. To find out more, go to: https://aldermanco.com/ You can also call or text him on: 914-414-4070 Or email him at: [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.

Once in a lifetime opportunities and massive breakthroughs don’t happen by accident - they are a direct byproduct of how we position ourselves. The next great career move could be one conversation or one even question away, but if we’re complacent or comfortable in what we know right now - it will always be out of reach. What keeps people from professional and personal growth? In today’s special episode, we’re celebrating our 150th episode! I’m joined by our show’s producer, founder of Pursuing Results and author of MicroFamous, Matt Johnson. I share what I’ve learned from successful people and how they chase opportunities. "Opening new doors and finding opportunities is a continuous process. It never stops." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to reach beyond your own competence Can we open the door to more knowledge by asking one simple question? The truth about the “safety” of big companies What stops people from getting out of the limits of corporate to create bigger opportunities out of the corporate machine? The fine line we have to walk in order to succeed How do we balance between staying relentlessly focused on our goals and closing ourselves off to new opportunities? 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.

When it comes to investing in recruiting A+ talent, most companies talk a big game, but just don’t do enough to really appeal to those heavy hitters in the job market. Where are they going wrong? From unexciting job listings to an unwillingness to pay for the best, we’re seeing employers make various mistakes, and as a result, their recruiting efforts keep falling flat. This is the craziest job market we’ve ever seen, and the best people won’t even consider you as an employer unless you’re doing something really different. What does it take to become the organization the best people want to work for? In the latest episode in the Million Dollar Career Series, Robert Houghton and I discuss how companies can get the talent they need to scale their business. "Companies don’t understand that the people they’re recruiting don’t want jobs, they want careers." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why money isn’t enough to attract the best talent What valuable recruiting lessons can we learn from the Navy and Army? The kinds of companies people want to work for Why are so many major organizations suffering brain drain and losing their best people? How to hook in the right candidate Heavy hitters aren’t actively looking for jobs, they are passive candidates who are relatively happy where they are, so how do we appeal to them? 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- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Robert is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286 You can also email him with [email protected]

Everyone wants to land that big promotion, but when it comes down to snagging the role, many of us find ourselves stuck. So, how can we get unstuck? What would it take for us to impress the leadership in our organizations so much so that we’re the natural choice, when it comes to promotions? In this episode, Robert Houghton and I unpack the 3 ways to get unstuck, so you can finally land that million dollar career. "Tearing ideas down for the sake of it is worthless. Always come armed with a solution." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to be a solutions-based devil’s advocate Where do we draw a line between pointing out potential flaws and just being a pain in the neck? Why we need to communicate both down and up the line It’s one thing to communicate with those we’re tasked with managing, but how can we get better at speaking with those in leadership positions? The importance of tracking our personal achievements If we’re not advocating for ourselves, who is going to advocate for you? 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- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Robert is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286 You can also email him with [email protected]

Everyone wants to have a million dollar career, but when it comes down to thinking of how we’ll get there, things tend to get foggy. The only way to reach our goals is by getting practical and tactical. We can’t expect to see big results if we’re not actively planning how to attain them. How do we start planning accordingly? Is there a foolproof formula that takes our goals from dream to reality? In this episode, Robert Houghton and I explain why the key lies in working backwards. "Unless you have the end in mind, you don’t know how to get there, or have the motivation to get there." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why planning for success is simpler than we think Does plotting out our next moves require extensive mathematical calculations, or are we overcomplicating things? The importance of having an executive coach Doing it on our own is certainly cheaper in the short term…but will it get us results? Why we need to be intentional with our inner circles Can we really expect to build something incredible if we’re constantly surrounded by under-achievers? 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- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Rob is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286 You can also email him with [email protected]

In order to build a successful, scalable business that sets us free, we have to first build a really great team. Our teams and the way they operate dictate the success of our organizations, and most of us know that. However, when it comes to building those teams, most of us just don’t know what we don’t know. So, how can we build the kinds of teams that allow us to create the businesses of our dreams? In this episode, author, speaker and serial entrepreneur, Carl Gould reveals the 7 stages of growing a great business, and the 2 stages guaranteed to help you assemble an unstoppable team. "The people who got here are not necessarily the people who’ll get you there, and that’s okay." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode One thing we tend to forget when building teams Could promoting our best players actually do more harm than good to our organizations? The key to attracting top talent Are we missing out on a crucial factor when trying to recruit the best players in the game? Why turnover isn’t always a bad thing No one likes the thought of losing employees, but could high turnover actually be the best thing for our businesses? Guest Bio- Carl Gould is a best-selling author, sought after speaker and the serial entrepreneur behind three multi-million-dollar businesses The founder of 7 Stages Advisors, over the past two decades, Carl has worked with more than 7000 Business Coaches and mentored the launch of over 5000 businesses. Thanks to his expertise, Carl has been featured by a number of top-tier publications including, among others, Wall Street Journal and Forbes. Carl’s forthcoming book, The Obnoxious Offer will hit shelves in Fall 2022. To find out more, go to: https://carlgould.com/ https://carl360.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.

News Flash!! The Performance Review doesn’t need to be a nerve-wracking experience. All it takes is a confidence. In this episode, Robert Houghton and I share strategies on how to master the art of the performance review and get your career to the next level. "The minute you go into a performance review, understand where you added value to the business." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The importance of knowing our numbers If YOU don’t know your numbers how do you know how well you performed? The one thing we should be documenting more often It’s one thing to say we provide value to the company and colleagues, it’s another thing to prove it! Why extreme ownership will always serve us Nobody is perfect! How can we get better at taking responsibility for our shortcomings? 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 we think back to the group activities we did in school, there were always a few top achievers who took the lead, while the rest put in the bare minimum. The former were the group’s ‘A-players’, and they’re not limited to school environments: in fact, we often see the same dynamic play out in our organizations today. So, what is it that makes some people more likely than others to put in the hard yards? Are some simply more driven to succeed? More importantly, how can leaders identify those A-players for their companies, and how can those A-players make themselves known in the first place? In this episode, Robert Houghton and I dive deep on the concept of A-players and how to recruit them. "If you’re an A-player, you have a better chance than ever before to reach leadership positions." -Robert Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to pinpoint A-players in an interview Some questions are more effective than others at unearthing who really has the drive to go the extra mile. What are they? What A-players need to demonstrate to potential employers Sure, A-players are willing to put in the work, but how can that be articulated to recruiters? The 1 thing likely to keep most A-players truly content Is working for someone else ever going to be ‘enough’ for those with a huge amount of drive? 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 there’s one thing that could characterize our present moment, it’s a general sense of unhappiness. People just aren’t content in their jobs anymore, and as a result, they’re quitting en masse. Thus, The Great Resignation. What’s behind this general discontent and what can we do about it? Is there a simple solution or do we need to dig deeper to reach the roots of the issue? In this episode, MR Fairfax’s Robert Houghton and I are diving deep into The Great Resignation and what it means for your business. It’s less expensive and more beneficial to pay a great employee a little more than you want than it is to have them quit and need to replace them. -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The true extent of The Great Resignation How many people are really leaving their jobs, or dropping out of the workforce altogether, and why are they doing it? 1 thing employees want more Are we doing enough to ensure our employees are actually happy in our organizations? How to retain top talent against the backdrop of The Great Resignation What will it take to retain the top players on our teams? 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- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. Rob is the host of the Talent + Trust podcast. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talent-trust/id1489738286 You can also email him with [email protected]

There’s a general trend taking place at the moment, across industries, where everyone seems to be more concerned with what everyone else is doing, but that’s not going to get us anywhere. Only focus can do that. What’s stopping more people from staying dialed in to their own jobs, and what can we do as leaders to make that easier for them? Is there a way to pinpoint recruits more likely to knuckle down on what they’ve been hired to do? In this episode, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to instill a culture of focus in our organizations. Focus on whatever it is you've been hired to do and don't worry about anything else. -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The importance of setting expectations How can we expect our team members to do anything without communicating what we need from them? How to hold employees accountable to their unique commitments Are we doing enough to encourage our employees to stay focused on their assigned tasks? 1 thing stopping people from staying focused Focus isn’t a particularly difficult concept on paper, so what’s stopping the vast majority from knuckling down in their areas of expertise? Guest Bio- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ You can also email him with [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.

COVID-19 was destructive to the aviation industry. However, nearly 2 years after the global onset of the virus, much of the world is reopening. So, where does our industry stand today? Are we finally on the road to recovery, or is there still a long way to go? Will we ever fully bounce back from the effects the pandemic has had on our business? In this episode, co-founder of Inception Aviation Holdings, David Yu returns to the show to share his outlook on the state of aviation in 2022. At the end of the day, I don't think things will get worse for airlines. -David Yu Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode What the reopening of travel means for our industry How much of an impact will the resumption of leisure travel make on our industry? When to expect a real recovery How long will it take for us to see the industry surpass where it was in 2019, and move on to bigger things? 1 thing to know before investing in an airplane Is it a wise choice to invest in aircraft before the industry has completely bounced back? Guest Bio- David Yu is the Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, and co-founder of aviation investing and financing firm, Inception Aviation Holdings. He is also the Executive Director of IBA Group in Asia, a leading global aircraft appraisal and consultancy. A recognized expert in cross-border finance and investing, David is an Adjunct Professor of Finance at NYU Shanghai, where he teaches the ‘Investing and Financing In and With China’ class. David is the author of Aircraft Valuation: Airplane Investments as an Asset Class and a Forbes contributor. To find out more, go to: http://davidyuda.com https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Valuation-Airplane-Investments-Asset/dp/9811567425 https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidyu/?sh=51431f782d7d Or contact David at [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.

Making the transition from a military career to civilian is no easy task, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With the right tools and support finding the career of your dreams is within reach.. The question is, what do the right tools and support look like? Moreover, how can veterans show potential employers that they’re capable of adapting their skills to a whole new world? In this episode, founder of PreVeteran, Jason Anderson returns to the show to emphasize the importance of mindset when making a transition. Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode What stops more employers from hiring veterans: How do common misconceptions surrounding veterans impact the way employers hire, and is there anything we can do to change that? How to understand the difficulties veterans face in the civilian workplace: Do veterans struggle to adapt to their new realities because they’re incapable of doing so, or do their challenges simply boil down to a lack of prior experience in the space? The role veterans need to play in their transition: Should the onus of support fall solely on a veteran’s new employer? Guest Bio- Jason Anderson is the Founder and President of PreVeteran, an organization dedicated to helping military veterans make a more seamless transition into their civilian careers. An Air Force veteran himself, Jason knows the struggle of transition all too well, having dealt with the frustration of not knowing the steps to success. Today, he is passionate about helping others find a way forward as they enter a new stage in their lives, through his PreVeteran courses. Jason is the Global Strategy and Foreign Military Sales SME at Collins Aerospace. To find out more, go to: https://preveteran.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/preveteran https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-anderson-preveteran/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EKGhfxoomB_UenF6Bx40w 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.

Every business leader wants to have an abundance of A-Players but what happens when the “rainmakers” have trouble working with the rest of the team? A disconnect between employees often causes havoc in our businesses and once disruption starts it may be hard to contain. The question is, however, how do we even begin to find the solution? Is retaining a rainmaking disruptor really worth losing the other dedicated employees? In this episode, Matt Johnson and I share how to deal with employee conflict. A-players will not tolerate mediocrity being tolerated, so if you’re in charge of how the team is structured, get rid of the C-players. -Matt Johnson Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Questions to ask when faced with a disconnected team What are the questions we need to ask when disruption occurs? Who to keep on our teams (and who to let go) Is there a ‘right’ way to reshuffle our teams, and who stays? Who goes? How to tell when an A-player is more trouble than good Is the cost of a star employee worth the benefit? 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.

We’ve all heard the cliche saying, ‘people don’t leave jobs, they leave people’, but it’s time to debunk that idea, once and for all! People leave jobs for all kinds of reasons, from higher pay, to better opportunities for growth and even convenience, so we’ve got to stop chalking it all up to leadership. The question we should be asking is, what happens when people do leave? In this episode, Matt Johnson and I discuss how to respond to a turnover within our organization. We have got to move beyond the unrealistic expectation that any turnover is bad. -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to tell when a turnover is indicative of a problem When is a turnover simply a reality of life, and when should it raise red flags? Why we should look at turnover as an opportunity How can we stop equating a resignation with a loss, and start thinking about it as a chance to onboard an even better fit for our organization? How to ensure we’re never without a vital team member Losing an important team member could impact our operations, so what can we do to make provisions for the situation, well in advance? 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.

Satellites have been around for decades, but thanks to the new affordability of low earth orbit, they're finally more attainable, so it's no surprise that the market is on fire right now. The question is, what are all those satellites being used for? What opportunities do satellites afford us today, and what can we expect the satellite business to look like in a few years' time? In this episode, co-founder of Terran Orbital, Marc Bell shares what he's most excited about in the satellite space. "If an iPhone has more computing power than a space shuttle, why is anyone still building a shuttle the size of a school bus?" -Marc Bell Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The truth about space being crowded Is space really at risk of overcrowding, or can the growing traffic be managed effectively? How satellite manufacturers hire How are satellite manufacturers identifying the best and brightest minds in the business? What does it take to stand out to these organizations? How satellites will be taken into the future With technology moving at such a rapid rate, it's not uncommon for once cutting-edge innovation to become obsolete in a matter of years. How will the satellite business continue to adapt with the times? Guest Bio- Marc Bell is a space entrepreneur, passionate about pushing the needle forward. The co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Terran Orbital Corporation, Marc is at the helm of small satellite innovation. Marc was previously the Chairman and CEO of Globix Corporation, and in addition to countless other ventures including a publicly traded mortgage REIT, he is also a Two-Time Tony Award-Winning Stage Producer. To find out more, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbellmiami https://www.terranorbital.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.

Many people talk about wanting to be leaders, but the truth is, most of us aren’t doing what it takes to become leaders. Leadership is about more than money, status, or power. Those may be perks of the job, but effective leadership is dependent on having uncomfortable conversations, making tough decisions, and taking radical ownership of everything that happens in our businesses. How can we make the necessary mindset shift into that of a leader, so attributes like accountability become second nature to us? Is it even possible to learn to be a leader, or is it a trait we need to be born with? In this episode, President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss what it really means to be a leader. "Leadership is not always doing the fun or nice thing, it’s doing what’s right for the business." -Robert Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to attain freedom as a leader Most of us can relate to being fearful of doing or saying the right thing, for fear of the consequences. How can we get to the point where those consequences no longer hold us back, so we can focus on moving forward? The key difference between managers and leaders Many people have the ability to manage; how many have the skills to actually lead? How to start taking radical responsibility What are we doing to avoid taking radical ownership today, and what can we do to change that? Guest Bio- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ You can also email him with [email protected] Books mentioned in this episode: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057 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.

Everybody wants to onboard superstars, but just how many business owners are doing what it takes to recruit and retain them? The truth is, not nearly enough of us are. We all speak about wanting our businesses to grow to new heights, but when it comes to taking on the kind of talent that will help us get there, we fail to jump at the opportunity. Why is it that so few of us are willing to take a chance on superstars in the making? How can we get better at spotting that special something so we never have to pass up on the chance again? In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to spot, hire and retain superstar talent. "If you want a Million Dollar business, get people who think like a Million Dollar Business!" -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why recruiting superstars is a completely different animal What’s stopping more leaders from taking on a more hands-on approach to the hiring process, especially when it comes to game-changing talent? Why superstars need to be defined differently Just how accurate is a checklist and expectation of experience when it comes to pinpointing the kind of recruits who could totally transform our businesses? The key to retaining top talent The thing with superstars is, if we want them, so do our competitors. How can we make it worth their while to choose us over everyone else? Guest Bio- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. As a well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ You can also email him with [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.

Every business wants to onboard top talent, but are we actively positioning our organizations as the type of place people want to work, or are we letting that crucial element slip through the cracks? For most businesses, the latter is true. The reality is, we don’t do enough to entice talented would-be recruits, and in today’s world, where salary alone just isn’t enough to impress, not being clear on what sets us apart from our competitors will only put us on the back pedal. So, how can we get more intentional about creating a brand identity that resonates with our ideal employees? In this episode, Founder and CEO of Ph.Creative, Bryan Adams shares how to build the kind of company the workforce is lining up to join. "As an employer, you have to know exactly who you are and what you’re looking for." -Bryan Adams Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The factors most likely to attract top performers What are our ideal recruits looking for in a new position, and how can we be the ones to give it to them? Why our interview process is more crucial than we think Could an ineffective interview system actually cost us business, as well as the potential to onboard top recruits? How to continually attract the A-players What can we do to entice top talent both now and in the long term? Guest Bio- Bryan Adams is the Founder and CEO of leading employer brand agency, Ph.Creative. A two-times bestselling author, Bryan is also a podcaster and specialist speaker, passionate about getting his audiences to think differently. Bryan is widely renowned as an employer brand thought leader, and has worked alongside some of the world’s best-known brands to reshape their image over the years. To find out more, go to: https://www.ph-creative.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanadams1 https://www.amazon.com/Give-Get-Employer-Branding-Belonging-ebook/dp/B084ZCJWTJ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099555949X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1 You can also contact Bryan directly at: [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.

Everyone wants to have A-players in their teams, but when it comes to recruiting those rockstars, many of us don’t even know where to start. Does recruitment look any different when we’re looking to onboard the best of the best? How do top-tier achievers want to be approached, and what could entice them to work with our organizations, over everyone else? On the flipside, how can recruits present themselves as the kind of talent companies are willing to go the extra mile to bring into their worlds? In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to spot (or become!) top talent. "The ideal recruit is looking towards a goal, not running away from something." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode 5 things that separate A-players from everyone else Is there an easy way to spot the ideal hire, from a distance? The non-negotiables A-players are looking for Why would a rockstar be willing to up and move to another organization? How can we make joining our teams worth their while? How to tell if a rockstar recruit is really interested Are would-be recruits really interested in joining our teams, or could they be easily persuaded to stay where they are now? Guest Bio- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. A well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ You can also email him with [email protected]

We’ve all heard about the importance of investing in our businesses, but when it comes to investing in ourselves, more often than not, we miss the boat completely. What is it about pouring into ourselves that feels so foreign, and what are we missing out on by failing to do it? More importantly, what do we stand to gain by investing in ourselves? In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to get started with self-investment. "How you get to a million dollar career is being able to establish common ground with business leaders. Be an interesting person and keep educating yourself." -Robert Houghton Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to develop better interpersonal skills Great people skills are non-negotiable for leaders, but how do we develop them? How to invest in ourselves without spending a fortune Does self-investment have to be expensive, or are there ways of pouring into ourselves that won’t break the bank? Why an MBA isn’t always the way Many of us assume an MBA is a great investment, but when is it really necessary, and when is it just an added cost? The importance of image How many CEOs are walking around in bad suits and cheap shoes? Are we shooting ourselves in the foot, trying to save a buck on the things that really make a difference? Guest Bio- Robert Houghton is an executive recruiter and the President of MR Fairfax, the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. A well-established former CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. To find out more, go to https://mrfairfax.com/ You can also email him with [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.

Our industry has dealt with unbelievable challenges over the last 20 months, but in spite of that, we seem to be holding up relatively well. The real question is, as we near the 2-year mark of the global onset of COVID-19, what will the long-term effects of these challenges be? What does the future look like for the little players, and how can they position themselves for not only survival, but success? In this episode, President of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman returns to share his thoughts on the state of our industry today and his predictions for the future. "The industry is changing, so smart people in it need to get together and think about how they’ll do things differently." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The economic impact we’re seeing on aviation Many of us went into the pandemic anticipating seeing a lot of distressed selling, but that hasn’t really happened on a wide scale. Are people just being optimistic, or is there deeper reasoning behind that? What’s in store for industry veterans Commercial aviation looks set to make its comeback in the next 18 months, but what does that mean for industry veterans planning to retire? 1 thing we need to realize about innovation Is it realistic to expect to see new advancements in aviation in the immediate future? Guest Bio- William ‘Bill’ Alderman is the Founder and President of Alderman & Company. A former investment banker, Bill has always had a passion for aviation, and is both a commercial pilot and aircraft owner. Today, he uses his expertise, coupled with his interests to represent Middle Market Sellers in the Aerospace and Defense industry. To find out more, go to: https://aldermanco.com/ You can also call or text him on: 9144144070 Or email him at: [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.

Many people talk about wanting to be leaders, but a very small number actually turn that dream into reality. The harsh truth is, most people won’t become CEOs or even grow their careers to a higher level, because they’re just not thinking the right way. So, how does a leader think, and how are their habits different from those of the average Joe? Is there a way to change our mindsets so they’re better suited to a leadership role? In this episode, executive recruiter and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I are discussing the common attributes ALL great leaders have in common, and how to emulate them in our own careers. "Thinking like a CEO is a difficult thing to master because you have to be part-owner, part-employee and captain of the ship." -Robert Houghton Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The importance of maintaining focus It’s impossible to reach our goals if we’re easily distracted. How can we really zone in on the activities guaranteed to help us push the needle forward? The education EVERY CEO needs to have What are the non-negotiable skills leaders need to have and how can we go about acquiring them? Why communication is key How can we expect to grow our careers to the next level if we don’t know how to communicate our ideas with others? The best way to handle Negative Nancies in our organizations It’s not easy to work when we’re surrounded by negativity, so what can we do if we find ourselves in that situation?

The recipe to a million dollar career isn’t easy, but it is simple, and most of the time, the right attitude is the key ingredient to success. That said, maintaining a positive attitude can be easier said than done, especially if we’re clashing with our superiors. How can we get better at dealing with bosses we don’t agree with, or who just aren’t seeing our value? Should we be switching up our approach, or is it a smarter idea to cut our losses and seek employment elsewhere? In this episode, Founder and President of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton and I discuss how to stay optimistic when we’re not seeing eye-to-eye with our leaders. "If you want a million dollar career, you have to be resilient. If you can't bounce back, you'll be run over." -Robert Houghton Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The danger of bad-mouthing a bad boss Interviewers love asking potential recruits about their current leaders. The question is, how should we respond if we’re unhappy in our present situations? How to shift our perspectives in a positive direction Are we spending more time thinking about what we want to achieve, or what we’re unhappy about? Why we need to connect with our leaders How can we build personal relationships with our superiors? Is doing so even appropriate? Guest Bio - Robert Houghton is the Founder and President of MR Fairfax. A business veteran and the CEO of a number of successful businesses, Robert is an expert in executive recruitment in the commercial insurance sector. A prolific writer on the WDC metro insurance community, Rob is passionate about sharing his knowledge, through his blog and podcast, WDC Metro Insurance Careers. To find out more, go to: https://mrfairfax.com/robert-w-houghton/ Or email Robert directly on [email protected]

Everyone has the potential to have a million dollar career - whether you’re starting your own business or climbing the corporate ladder, the recipe is really simple. The things that separate thousands of college athletes from the 200 that are drafted into the league are the same things that separate mediocre players from the cream of the crop in the professional arena. There will always be barriers to excellence and success, and most of them are internal. How do we identify and eliminate the things that stand between us and the careers we want? What are the attributes of people with million-dollar careers? In this episode, I’m joined by executive recruiter and president of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton. We discuss the ingredients of a high-level, high-earning career, and why it’s easier to accomplish than you think! "Anyone can have a million-dollar career, just get rid of the bad influences that prevent you from doing it." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to “elevate your neighborhood” Who do we have to hang out with if we want million dollar careers? The power of finding what fuels your success Every successful person has something that won’t allow them to quit. How do you identify what that is for you? Why success starts within What strategies can we use to reorganize our mindsets and how we view ourselves so we can create the careers we want? Guest Bio Robert Houghton is the president of MR Fairfax, headquartered in the WDC metro region. MR Fairfax is the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. A twenty year veteran of the local business community and former founder and CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. For more information, visit https://mrfairfax.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.

There’s no two ways about it, the future of aviation is electric. In fact, by 2040, the majority of sub-1000 mile flights in the US will be electric. The question is, what can we do now to best equip ourselves for that? Is there anything in particular holding us back from an electric reality in our more immediate future? In this episode, CEO of magniX, Roei Ganzarski discusses the massive changes our industry is set to see. "Aviation is ripe for a change that addresses both lower emissions and lower operating costs." -Roei Ganzarski Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The one place aviation is lagging behind most other industries On-demand has become a staple in the vast majority of industries. What’s stopping aviation from following suit? Why aviation companies are set to experience challenges with hiring How will a bigger dependence on software impact staffing in our industry? How to educate the future leaders of aerospace What does incoming talent need to know before coming into aerospace, and how is our existing education system putting them at a disadvantage? Guest Bio- Roei Ganzarski is the CEO of magniX and the Executive Chairman of Eviation Aircraft Ltd. Passionate about seeing the aviation industry transform and adapt, Roei is a strong advocate for electric flight, so it’s no surprise that he’s a pioneer in the space. An industry veteran of nearly 2 decades, Roei previously held various roles at Boeing. To find out more, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roeiganzarski https://www.magnix.aero/ https://www.eviation.co/ 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 even award-winning organizations coming up short in terms of employee happiness, is it possible that everything we think we know about leadership is way off base? What makes the difference between a good working environment and a GREAT one? What can leaders do to create a better atmosphere, and how can employees play a role in effecting positive changes? In this episode, CEO of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, Dr Steve Merrill shares the 4 pillars that need to be implemented in ANY business to ensure maximum results. "The relationship of being able to speak up, knowing you won’t be whacked by your boss for asking a question, is so important. That’s what helps people stay in an organization longer." -Dr Steve Merrill Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to lead effectively without getting mad at everything It can get frustrating when our teams make a mistake, but getting angry isn’t likely to solve anything. What should we be doing instead and what’s likely to happen when we make that shift? The TRUE meaning of compassion in a business sense Does compassion mean avoiding hurting people’s feelings at all cost, or could giving our teams a reality check be the kindest action? How to stop letting our egos run our organizations As leaders, we tend to think we need to have all the answers, but could that be doing more harm than good? Why we need to re-think trust and micromanagement If you're doing your employee’s jobs, who’s doing the CEO job? Guest Bio- Dr Steve Merrill is the CEO and Owner of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting. The holder of a Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, Steve has long had a passion for leadership and, more specifically, good leadership. Prior to founding Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, he served as an Adjunct Professor and Student Success Director at Argosy University. Steve is the Vice President of Exclusive Cleaning, Inc. To find out more, go to: https://www.vlrc1.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensmerrill You can also email him at [email protected] Or call or text him on 3855494148. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Pre-pandemic, the sky was blue and everything was rosy. Value was high, people were paying a ton for airframes, and aerospace was booming. Fast-forward to 2021, however, and the world as we knew it has changed. The question is, how has that impacted the value of airplanes as a whole? How will the legacy of travel restrictions continue to impact our industry both now and in the future? In this episode, President of Universal Asset Management, Richard Spaulding shares his outlook on the state of our industry. "As long as manufacturers keep on thinking there's a market there and that planes continue to fly, the can gets kicked down the road." -Richard Spaulding Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How the pandemic is impacting newer assets New aircrafts are rolling off the assembly line, but where are they going? What parked planes mean for the market What will being parked mean for the value of airplanes, once they are eventually monetized? What to expect once the world re-opens International travel restrictions have had massive repercussions for our industry. Once those are inevitably lifted, where will the biggest opportunities lie? Guest bio- Richard Spaulding is the President of Universal Asset Management. An industry veteran, Richard is revered in the industry for his innovative thinking and strong business savvy, as well as his extensive experience in aircraft acquisitions and portfolio management. To find out more, go to: https://www.uaminc.com/ https://www.uaminc.com/about/leadership https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-spaulding-81732017 Or email him directly on [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.

Without a strong organizational culture, our companies will never perform at their highest level. That being said, zoning in on culture isn’t always as straightforward as we may think. What are the intricacies of culture that we need to know before diving in, head first? Is the onus of creating culture on the leaders of organizations, or the individual employees working within it? In this episode, author of The Missing Links and the man responsible for shifting NASAs company culture after the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster, Dr Phillip Meade shares how to do an overhaul on culture in any organization. "For your organization to be successful, your strategy and culture need to be in alignment with each other." -Dr Phillip Meade Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to balance a high-performance workplace with psychological safety The mantra ‘failure is not an option’ can be a great motivator, but how can we ensure our teams also feel safe enough to speak up when they do foresee a problem? The 4 elements that make a company’s culture GREAT What needs to happen in order for our organizational culture to be considered outstanding? How to change our company culture for the better What can leaders do today to bring about a positive shift in their organization’s culture? Guest bio- Dr Phillip Meade is the co-owner, COO, leadership expert, strategist and professional speaker at Gallaher Edge. An expert in organizational culture, Dr Meade previously worked to improve the company culture at NASA, after the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster in 2003. Dr Meade holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and is the the co-author of The Missing Links: Launching A High Performing Company Culture. To find out more, go to: https://www.gallaheredge.com/ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-missing-links-dr-phillip-meade-phd/1139523996 https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Phillip-Meade-PhD/dp/1637350880 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 skilled American worker has the resourcefulness to create better opportunities for themselves, so they’re not going to tolerate being treated poorly, even if they’re employed by a mega industry player. What will it take for business owners to stand out to recruits at a time when the balance of power is rapidly shifting in favor of employees? What can we do to not only attract, but retain their interest, so they’re less likely to look elsewhere? In this episode, we’re discussing how to become (and stay!) the top choice for top talent. "If you come into negotiations from a power position, you’ll win every time." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode -The key to keeping our teams enthusiastic It’s one thing to recruit talent, but how do we keep them interested and invested? -How to build high-performing teams on a budget Realistically, top talent are not likely to accept below-market compensation, so what does that mean for companies with smaller budgets? Is there a way to onboard talent without forking out a ton of cash? -One thing to be mindful of when recruiting If we’re continually going outside our organizations to find talent, rather than developing skills internally, what message are we sending to our employees? Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

The light jet market has been evolutionary for a long time, but the time has come for us to move into revolutionary territory. What does the future of light aircraft look like, and where do the opportunities for forward-thinking engineers lie? What are the challenges ahead for those wanting to make big moves in a small space? In this episode, CEO of XTI Aircraft, Bob LaBelle shares how his small team has blazed the trail for the next step in light commercial aviation. "As the leader of a disruptive organization, you have to remain positive in all situations and have the perseverance needed to keep everyone motivated, even when you’re having doubts." -Bob LaBelle Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why smaller aircraft are so popular in business aviation Why are light aircraft preferable for business aviation fliers, and what’s the chief drawback of the lighter models we’ve seen until now? The innovative thinking revolutionizing the light jet as we know it Helicopters have been around for years and eVTOL has been a buzzword in the industry for some time now, so what’s the benefit of hybrid electric integration like that used by XTI Aircraft? Where to find the talent required to transform the small aircraft space How can we recruit the top minds in the industry who will take our industry into the future? Guest Bio- Bob LaBelle is the CEO of XTI Aircraft, a small aviation startup set to define the future. As the former Chairman and CEO of AgustaWestland North America, Bob has more than 2 decades of experience in the business. Currently responsible for the development of the TriFan 600 aircraft, Bob is a US Navy veteran, having served as a Major Program Manager for the E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft. To find out more, go to: https://www.xtiaircraft.com/#Air-mobility-revolutionized https://www.xtiaircraft.com/cm/the-XTI-team https://www.facebook.com/xtiaircraft/ https://twitter.com/xtiaircraft?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/xti-aircraft-company 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.

Today’s workforce is teeming with high-level talent possessing a wealth of wisdom and decades of experience. Do leaders have the confidence and maturity to hire them? Young managers can learn a lot from the veteran players but only if they’re able to see past the age gap and manage the relationship maturely. What are some of the insecurities leaders have around recruiting people with more experience, and how are they mitigated? In this episode, Matt Johnson joins me to discuss why people with more experience and wisdom are such great recruits and the right way to do it. "Young managers fear that they need to have all the answers, but you don’t have to know everything. You just need to know how you get there through the perspective, wisdom, and experience of others." -Craig Picken Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why we have to approach hiring differently The things that matter to employees today are vastly different from what mattered in the past. How do executives make sure their offering measures up to what they want? The biggest barrier to hiring confidently Young managers are afraid of not having the answers and this holds them back from dipping into an amazing talent pool. How can you overcome this fear? How to establish a strong working relationship Why is open dialogue such an important part of getting on the same page with a recruit, and setting the tone for a harmonious working relationship?

In the last 18 months, aerospace and defense have undergone changes and dealt with challenges few of us could have anticipated. The question is, what now? What can we expect to see in the industry in the near future? Are there new developments we need to be aware of? In this episode, Founder and President of Alderman & Company and one of the most respected “Sell Side” investment bankers, Bill Alderman shares his views on where our business is headed. "When the boardroom is diversified, you get better collective thinking." -Bill Alderman Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode The impact of greater inclusivity on aerospace and defense How is diversity in the boardroom driving positive change in the industry? How PPP programs have affected aviation Has government assistance done more to help or hinder the aerospace business? What to expect from industry behemoths in the near future What’s in store for big players like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin? Guest Bio- William ‘Bill’ Alderman is the Founder and President of Alderman & Company. While Bill started his career as an Investment Banker, he never felt like a banker at heart. As a commercial pilot and owner of an aircraft, Bill’s real passion lies in aviation, and today he uses both his strength and interests to represent Middle Market Sellers in the Aerospace and Defense industry. To find out more, go to: https://aldermanco.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.

Business aviation is on the up and up, and opportunities abound. But what is the likelihood of success for new businesses? How can aviation startups get a real shot at the big leagues? Do young businesses actually have an advantage over bigger, more established organizations? In this episode, co-founder and CEO of Jet It, Glenn Gonzales shares why the sky is the limit for his burgeoning business. "My co-founder always says being an entrepreneur is like being alone in the ocean, without a raft, at night time. You don’t know when the sun is coming up or if anyone is coming to save you: all you know is you have to keep treading water." -Glenn Gonzales Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode How to make the jump from employee to business owner Running a business is an entirely different experience from working in one. How does an executive make the transition from employee to entrepreneur? How to on-board top talent How can we convince the right people to join our teams when we’re entirely new to the space? Where to turn for support Entrepreneurship can be a lonely experience. Who should we reach out to when the going gets tough? Guest Bio- Glenn Gonzales is the CEO and co-founder of Jet It. A former fighter pilot and Gulfstream International Demonstration Captain, prior to founding Jet It, Glenn worked as a Honda Aircraft Co. sales executive. Today, Glenn and his co-founder, Vishal Hiremath use exclusively Honda jets in their rapidly expanding fleet to fly clients across North America, Europe and beyond, for 3 times less than traditional private travel platforms. To find out more, go to: https://www.gojetit.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gojetit/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gojetit https://www.instagram.com/gojetit/?hl=en https://twitter.com/GoJetIt_?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Or call them on 833-TO-JET-IT (833-865-3848) 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.