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The Aerospace Executive Podcast

The Aerospace Executive Podcast

317 episodes — Page 6 of 7

Ep 67Serving the New Generation of FBO Clients w/Anthony Banome

The new challenge in Business Aviation is catering to a new generation of aircraft owners and flyers. On this episode, FBO Director of Sales for Fontainebleau Aviation, Anthony Banome shares his thoughts on keeping the FBO flourishing in the future. Focus on speeding up your responsiveness- younger owners are typically pretty savvy with communication and response time. -Anthony Banome Takeaways + Tactics Be more communication savvy and offer quicker response times. The younger generation of aircraft owners tend to expect faster results. Mimic the format of larger FBO chains but take advantage of their weaknesses. Clients are accustomed to bigger FBO chains, but there’s always room for improvement. Work with the client’s preferred mode of communication in mind. There are so many ways to communicate today, that it only makes sense to tailor our interactions to the clients’ needs and desires. On this episode, we spoke about the importance of building and maintaining relationships in an FBO business. After discussing how to interact with new clients, we also discussed how business aviation can impact our clients’ lives- both in terms of their businesses and with regard to family life. We also discussed: Why word-of-mouth advertising will always have tremendous value That we need to stop comparing ourselves to competitors and strive to be the best The key changes in the business aviation and FBO space Guest Bio Anthony Banome is the FBO Director of Sales for Fontainebleau Aviation. Banome joined the company in 2017 to help manage, grow, and overlap all aspects of Fontainebleau’s brand new facility and services. Building a strong network and providing first-class hangar, office, and fuel services are the primary focus. Anthony received his education from Saint John’s University Tobin College of Business in New York City. Before breaking into the corporate world, he taught Mathematics for the New York City Department of Education. After teaching, he honed his FBO management and aviation skills during his ten years as Director of Sales at Meridian – located at Teterboro Airport. Anthony was presented the “40 under Forty” award by Airport Business in 2013 for being one of “the best and brightest” in the industry. He looks to bring the same passion and analytical approach to Fontainebleau Aviation. Banome is also a volunteer and active member in Humble Heroes; a group of committed volunteers joining forces with members of the FDNY to achieve one common goal- to lift the spirits of ill and grieving children. Disguised as the most infamous superheroes of our time, they visit local hospitals and grief centers to bring joy and inspire kids to keep fighting life’s injustices. To find out more about Anthony, visit: https://fontainebleauaviation.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-banome-39036341/ You can also call him on O.(305) 685-4646 or C.(718) 344-3638 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.

Feb 27, 202029 min

Ep 66Resolutions: What Happens When You Stick to Them?

It’s the end of New Year Resolution Season. How are yours coming along? On this episode, we talk about eliminating resolutions and substituting them with small, actionable habits and routines that get results. Tie your goals to a metric- it gives you something more concrete to work on. -Matt Johnson Takeaways + Tactics Resolutions are thoughts and wishes, while habits are action. Create simple habits. Results require commitments. Commitments require conscious decisions. Be intentional! Tie your goals to easy actions in order to achieve metrics which give you something concrete to work towards. Everyone can walk 100 more yards or make 3 more phone calls a day. 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.

Feb 20, 202016 min

Ep 65Everything Has a Shelf Life - Make Yours Unlimited

The abrupt dismissal of Boeing CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, proves that all jobs have a shelf life. How can we extend ours and is there any risk in having conversations with other industry players? On this episode, we share the power of networking and how to make our career opportunities unlimited. Go to conferences, and pay your way if need be. See what’s out there and learn something. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Don’t get complacent. No matter how comfortable you are there is always a chance that could change. Every company is for sale! Conversations, Networking and Industry Conferences are essential to build relationships and learn about career opportunities. Read, Read and Read some more. Knowledge about your industry is power! Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. Call-to-Action - For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://goo.gl/3piJkw. To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/.

Feb 13, 202030 min

Ep 64How to Treat Your Business Like a Bicycle w/Rich Allen

Creating a better team, with a clear vision, is like riding a bike. It’s a simple matter of ensuring everyone gets a smooth and comfortable ride. Rich Allen, author, speaker and business advisor at Tour de Profit, Rich Allen, shares why building a business is like riding a bike. If any function of a bike goes down, it becomes unrideable. No part is more important than another - whether on a bicycle or in a business. -Rich Allen Takeaways + Tactics Business is like a bike. If one component of a bike stops working, it’s trouble ahead. For a smooth ride, every team member has to be the right fit. Set the vision and steer the business. It’s impossible to arrive at the right destination if we don’t know where we’re going. Think of hiring processes and onboarding programs to the business like a bicycle seat. Make it as comfortable as possible for new talent to join our ranks. We also discussed: How to motivate team members Why we need stricter hiring processes in place When culture is more important than skill Guest Bio Rich Allen is a business advisor at Tour de Profit with a mission to put an end to small business failure. As an engaging speaker focused on inspiring businesses and helping them strategize new ideas, Rich is passionate about helping small business owners tackle the challenges they face in a competitive marketplace. In his sessions, he teaches business owners how to create profitable, sustainable businesses driven by precision-selected, high performance teams. To find out more about Rich and Tour de Profit, head to tourdeprofit.com/aerospace 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.

Feb 6, 202035 min

Ep 63Effective Negotiation: Remaining Calm and Nimble During Difficult Conversations - Derek Gaunt

Negotiations can be uncomfortable, difficult and even contentious. Former Hostage Negotiator Derek Gaunt, author of “Ego, Authority, Failure”, teaches business leaders to gain trust and negotiate evenly when emotions are running high. Every difficult conversation is a guided discovery process. -Derek Gaunt Takeaways + Tactics A negotiation is nothing more than a difficult conversation. Discomfort and negative emotions impede our ability to cognitively process that which is in front of us. Awkwardness promotes accelerated learning because it forces the brain to focus more. When feeling awkward, our brain is telling us there’s no synaptic connection developed for the skill. Most of us are intermittent or rebuttal listeners. We get so focused on the threat, demand or request, that we don’t try to find out which is driving it. It is impossible to be angry and afraid if you’re genuinely curious about what the other side has to say. Guest Bio Derek is a lecturer, expert negotiation trainer, coach at Black Swan Group and author of Ego, Authority, Failure: Using Emotional Intelligence Like a Hostage Negotiator to Succeed as a Leader. He has 29 years of law enforcement experience - 20 of which as a team member, leader, and then commander of hostage negotiations teams in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He is a hostage negotiation and incident command subject matter expert who frequently speaks at hostage negotiations and SWAT conferences across the country. As a member of the Black Swan Group, he is a negotiation trainer and personal coach. Derek has trained throughout the US and around the world, instructing business organizations on how to apply hostage negotiations practices and principles to their world. Derek presents seminars and in-house training programs in a variety of environments. His presentations are engaging and filled with useful techniques for understanding human behavior and navigating difficult conversations. His training has helped leaders and their organizations increase their performance by changing the way they think about communicating one person to another. For more information visit https://www.blackswanltd.com/ and buy his book Ego, Authority, Failure: Using Emotional Intelligence Like a Hostage Negotiator to Succeed as a Leader 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.

Jan 30, 202040 min

Ep 62Peak Performance & Resilience, Getting to the Top - David Butler

Peak performance is what gets us to the next level, but it doesn’t come easy. What do peak performers have in common? David Butler, Performance Coach, World-Class Athlete and experienced business leader, discusses what it takes for us to reach our goals. Part of mental toughness is understanding that there’s a long-term benefit and a short-term pain in getting what you want to achieve. -David Butler Takeaways + Tactics True resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and re-engage life with enthusiasm The reason people quit is because the cost of what they want to achieve isn’t worth the end result Mindfulness is the ability to look at the present and let go of the past In most organizations, trust is only surface deep. The distrust underneath is what makes it hard for people to form cohesive teams Guest Bio David is the Senior VP of Leadership and Organizational Development. He is a recognized thought leader in peak performance strategies with over 30 years of executive leadership in human capital performance. He develops solutions for addressing leadership and organizational challenges and is an elite performance consultant for Olympic athletes and military special forces operators. 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.

Jan 23, 202035 min

Ep 61Effectively Transitioning to a Leadership Role - Jason Roncoroni

Transitioning to a leadership role can be overwhelming. Are you mentally prepared for the task? President of Ordinary Hero Coaching Jason Roncoroni shares best practices to transition into bigger roles. People who adapt will thrive, and those who don’t will be left behind. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Stop attaching identity (title) to positions. To thrive, we have to become our most authentic selves. Effective leaders are those who emulate the type of leadership they have thrived under. Stop playing it safe. People often avoid leadership positions because they fear change. Guest Bio Jason Roncoroni is a retired Lieutenant Colonel and former battalion commander from the United States Army. He served 33 months in combat over 3 deployments and has the unique distinction of having transitioned from the military twice. He left the army as a junior captain only to return to the military after 9/11, and he most recently retired after 21 years of active duty service. Since leaving the military, Jason has become a nationally recognized thought leader who has advised senior military leaders, policy makers, and government officials on military transition and reintegration. Jason has also authored white papers and won several awards for innovations related to veteran health and military transition. He has been invited to be a core member of international collaborative efforts created to address issues related to military transition and civilian reintegration, and recently co-authored the book Beyond the Military: A Leader's Handbook for Warrior Reintegration. As the founder of Ordinary Hero Coaching, Inc., he is a nationally recognized executive coach and leadership consultant. He is Commandant's List graduate from the United States Military Academy, the recipient of a Master of Science in I/O Psychology from Capella, and graduated valedictorian from his MBA class at the University of North Carolina's Keenan-Flagler Business School. His notable military awards include the Legion of Merit, 3 Bronze Stars, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. Jason lives in North Carolina with his wife - Jill, his two sons - Aidan and Everett, and his dog - Marley. To find out more about Jason, head to: https://www.OrdinaryHeroCoaching.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonroncoroni/ You can also email him 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.

Jan 16, 202040 min

Ep 60How Business can Benefit from Military Aviation Training – Kevin Sweeney

Military tactics can easily transition to business and help build strong teams. Accomplished author, businessman and USAF pilot talks about the importance of teamwork and how, as leaders, we should be interacting with those around us. When it comes to surviving a disaster, it’s not what you do at the time of crisis, it’s what you’ve done prior to that. -Lt Colonel Kevin Sweeney Takeaways + Tactics As individuals, it is easy to focus on climbing the corporate ladder. But success comes when we work in teams. Empower every team member to say something if they see a problem because, when disaster strikes, everyone is at risk. Train teams to anticipate problems to ensure they can handle pressure before they find themselves in a difficult position. Guest Bio Kevin Sweeney, 'The Colonel,' has been a leader of men and women for over 30 years. He is a leadership expert who speaks to corporations and associations on performance under pressure, decisive leadership, and how to become the teammate your customers covet. He is the author of two books, Conversations with the Colonel: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Wisdom & Pressure Cooker Confidence, How to Lead When the Heat is On. 'The Colonel' is the only person to have ever landed a KC-135, the military version of the Boeing 707, after the two engines on his left wing came totally off the airplane — and he did it at night, at maximum gross weight on a Desert Storm Combat mission. He has also been an Executive at a Fortune 50 company, a major software company, and an all conference athlete in college. To find out more about Kevin, visit https://sweeneyspeaks.com/about/ You can also email him on [email protected] Or call him directly on 8172518767 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.

Jan 9, 202030 min

Ep 59Have the Conversation

The end of the 20th century brought the end of job security. It’s now evident… Your job or your best employee can quickly disappear in the keystrokes of a simple email. It’s for that reason why we should NEVER STOP HAVING CONVERSATIONS! Companies should always be recruiting, because you never know when your talent will leave. The last thing you need is to say ‘what now?’ -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Never have a mindset that all the seats are full. No matter how good your current team, keep recruiting. You never know when someone might leave. Always be having conversations. They’re the best way to network and gain an understanding of the world around you. Continual conversations show that we’re open to change and show other industry players we are adaptable. 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.

Jan 2, 202012 min

Ep 58Changing Your Career Path - Michael Alan Tate

Many find themselves unhappy in their career paths and get lost when switching directions. Accomplished author and career coach, Michael Alan Tate, discusses how to be more intentional in career planning and how to effectively change career paths. Get intentional about what you want. -Michael Alan Tate Takeaways + Tactics Family history is a great guide Putting personal skills and values in writing helps to identify individual strengths and weaknesses. Writing is a strong tool in intentional career planning Gravitate to the language you love being around and follow its direction to the most suitable industry Guest Bio Michael Alan Tate is the President of On the Same Page Consulting, Inc. As a consultant passionate about career transitioning, Michael has authored The White Shirt: Find Your Ideal Career with the Secrets Hidden in This Ancient Story, Design a Life that Works, On the Same Page, Faith Matters, and is the writer behind the Leadership and Life Journal blog. He has a formal education in psychology, education and religion, and holds professional certifications including Benchmark® facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership and Birkman Method® Consultant. Michael is also a Compression Planning® storyboard planning specialist and graphics facilitator, and has had active involvement in the Institute for Career Certification International Institute, having served as CFO and sitting Governor on the ICCI worldwide board. To find out more about Michael, his work and his books, visit: https://michaelalantate.com/ https://whiteshirtbook.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.

Dec 26, 201934 min

Ep 57Becoming World Class?

To BE world-class means understanding what world-class is. To get there requires a complete understanding of the world around you and seeing how others do it differently. Indeed, people and companies may think they’re good! But if they’re not looking beyond themselves, and understanding what the competition is doing, then they’ll never really know. The only way to know you’re world class is by constantly looking at what your competitors are doing. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Look around! World-class means taking journeys beyond the comfort zone. World class today doesn’t guarantee being world class tomorrow. It’s a constant battle for improvement. Nobody gets better via preaching the status quo. 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.

Dec 19, 201917 min

Ep 56A Rapidly Changing Aviation Industry - Richard Aboulafia

Aircraft Deliveries, Declining Lease Rate, Airbus, MAX, Safety and more! Richard Aboulafia, one of the world’s premier aviation analysts, offers his thoughts on the state of our industry. There might be a time and place for breaking rules, but there needs to be a different mindset in Washington when it comes to airplane safety. -Richard Aboulafia Takeaways + Tactics The Airbus A220 was corporate suicide for Bombardier, but will become a premier aircraft under the Airbus banner Boeing MAX, WILL be a very successful airplane, but the drama around it will dramatically change how aircraft are designed and certified throughout the world. Commercial airlines are changing the world in more ways than most people can envision Guest bio Richard Aboulafia is the Vice President of Analysis at Teal Group. Richard is also a well respected writer in the aviation industry, and in addition to writing and editing Teal’s World Military and Civil Aircraft Briefing, he has published numerous articles in Aviation Week and Aerospace America, among others. Richard is considered a foremost industry authority by trade and news publications, and has made a number of appearances on news programs and at conferences. To find out more about Richard, visit RichardAboulafia.com You can also email him directly at [email protected] Or call his office at 1-703-385-1992 extension 103. 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.

Dec 12, 201937 min

Ep 55Taking Aerospace Start-Ups to the Next Level - Wil Benton

Accelerator programs help start-up companies and major aerospace corporations develop technology. Will Benton, Venture and Ecosystem Developer at ATI Boeing Accelerator discusses start-ups, industry investment and the future. Accelerator programs offer participants a lot of value, like the varied network of individuals they provide participants access to. -Wil Benton Takeaways + Tactics ATI Boeing Accelerator connects start-up companies with investors and helps establish investment relationships. For both big players and start-ups, accelerator programs offer access to a vast network of individuals who bring valuable experience Industry giants view accelerator programs as a way to access and develop cutting-edge innovations Guest Bio Wil Benton is one of the two program directors at Ignite. He is currently delivering the ATI Boeing Accelerator as the Director of Venture and Ecosystem. Wil is no stranger to accelerator programs, having developed a number of them across the UK. Wil is passionate about mentoring start-ups, and has personally invested in around 15 businesses to date. To find out more about Wil, visit https://uk.linkedin.com/in/fatkidonfire You can also find him on twitter: @fatkidonfire To sign up for the next ATI Boeing Accelerator Program (held September 2020), visit https://atiboeingaccelerator.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.

Dec 5, 201934 min

Ep 54Why I’m Bullish on Generation “Next”

Drake Massa will be someone’s rising star. At 12 years old he set a goal to make $100,000, and he hit it. Today, he’s a college junior who works full time, is paying for his own college, is taking a FULL load of classes, and is excelling. He’s why I’m bullish on the future! Co-founder of Massa Landscape Design, a Project Manager with Elm Builders and a Finance and Marketing Strategy major at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, Drake shares the steps for companies to attract top, future talent. Offer recruits open opportunities- they want to work somewhere they feel they can move around and make an impact. -Drake Massa Takeaways + Tactics Get involved with mentoring opportunities at universities and training programs. It’s a great way to meet those who are most motivated to excel. Offer solid opportunities for growth. Even at entry-level, young talent wants to make an impact. Be ever-present. Ongoing recruiting is not a one-time, on campus event. Guest Bio Drake Massa is the co-owner of Massa Landscape Design, a company founded with his brother while they were both teenagers. He is currently interning at Elm Builders as an assistant project manager. Drake is also in the process of completing his double concentration in finance and marketing strategy at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, while being part of the Cameron Executive Network, where he is being mentored by Craig Picken. To find out more about Drake, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/drake-massa-321316120 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.

Nov 27, 201922 min

Ep 53The Future of Business Aviation with Rollie Vincent

Business Aviation will see monumental opportunities and face monumental challenges. Acclaimed industry expert Rolland “Rollie” Vincent candidly shares what it will take for business jet OEMs and operators to thrive amidst an uncertain landscape. People want more comfort in the cabin. In the future, this will have to translate into design - even on smaller aircrafts. -Rolland Vincent Takeaways + Tactics Cabin designs will become revolutionary versus evolutionary New safety features are here and will become standard equipment The political environment cannot be ignored – ever! Guest Bio: Rolland Vincent is the President of Rolland Vincent Associates, a consulting firm dedicated to helping clients navigate for global aviation leadership. He has 35 years of experience in the fields of marketing, strategy, economics and business development, and is an expert in market research, demand forecasting, and industry and competitive analysis, among others. To find out more about Rolland, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolland-vincent-027a3512 https://www.navigating360.com/#about You can also contact him on 9724392069 And [email protected] Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Nov 21, 201934 min

Ep 52Highs and Lows of Commercial Aviation Economics - Dr Adam Pilarski

What goes up, usually comes down and cycles are called “cycles” for a reason! Dr Adam Pilarski, Senior Vice President of AVITAS, shares his thoughts on the economic changes in commercial aviation. Aviation is cyclical; we have to remember cycle means not only up but also down. There will be some negative moments in the coming future. -Dr Adam Pilarski Takeaways + Tactics Pay attention to politics. A major reason for the sudden expansion of the industry is government-sponsored programs across the globe. Accept the cycle. The aviation industry is cyclical, meaning sometimes there will be negative moments. Hard times are inevitable. While it’s easy to think the current boom is positive, be aware that over supply of airplanes will, likely, cause the next industry crash Guest Bio: Dr Adam Pilarski is a writer, speaker and the Senior Vice President at AVITAS. He holds a BA in Economics, a MA in Development from Tel Aviv University, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Illinois. Dr Pilarski is a well-known academic writer, and is the author of the book, Why Can’t We Make Money in Aviation? Thanks to his experience in the industry, Dr Pilarski is considered one of the foremost experts in aviation, and is the 2013 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Airfinance Journal. To find out more about Dr Adam Pilarski, visit https://www.avitas.com/team/adam-m-pilarski-ph-d/ And for his book, head to https://www.amazon.com/Why-Cant-Make-Money-Aviation/dp/0754649113 Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Nov 14, 201951 min

Ep 51CIA Tactics That Help You Connect Effectively with People w/ Michele Rigby Assad

CIA Tactics for the boardroom? Michele Rigby Assad, former CIA undercover operative and author of Breaking Cover, My Secret Life in the CIA shares why human connection is so important and what being a CIA operative has taught her about communication. Learning how to make connections with others is really fundamental to being successful. -Michele Rigby Assad Takeaways + Tactics Be prepared! The more we know about the person on the other side of the table, the more confidently we can engage. DO NOT underestimate the value of finding common ground. The more you have, the better the communication. Respect is critical. Treat everyone with respect and train your teams to do the same. At the start of the episode, Michele explained that the CIA tactics of connecting with people are completely applicable in every business. We also discussed that every meeting is a negotiation we need to be prepared for. We also spoke about: The importance of body language Why we should always aim to be the smartest person in the room How telling our stories can help us build connections more easily Regardless of the industry we’re in, if we want to be successful, we have to make connections with people. To build connections with better results, we have to go into meetings armed with information, and know what we have in common with the people we’re meeting. Throughout the process, remember to be respectful; when we’re dealing with human beings, it’s easy to draw conclusions prematurely. But if we can train ourselves and our teams to treat everyone respectfully, we’ll be well on our way to building stronger, more effective connections. Guest Bio Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph (also a former agent) joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq that was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in December 2015. Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Today, she serves as an international security consultant. She is also the author of Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For. To find out more about Michele, visit: https://michelerigbyassad.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/ And find Breaking Cover online at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N79ILGD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Nov 7, 201941 min

CIA Tactics That Help You Connect Effectively with People w/ Michele Rigby Assad

CIA Tactics for the boardroom? Michele Rigby Assad, former CIA undercover operative and author of Breaking Cover, My Secret Life in the CIA shares why human connection is so important and what being a CIA operative has taught her about communication. Learning how to make connections with others is really fundamental to being successful. -Michele Rigby Assad Takeaways + Tactics Be prepared! The more we know about the person on the other side of the table, the more confidently we can engage. DO NOT underestimate the value of finding common ground. The more you have, the better the communication. Respect is critical. Treat everyone with respect and train your teams to do the same. At the start of the episode, Michele explained that the CIA tactics of connecting with people are completely applicable in every business. We also discussed that every meeting is a negotiation we need to be prepared for. We also spoke about: The importance of body language Why we should always aim to be the smartest person in the room How telling our stories can help us build connections more easily Regardless of the industry we’re in, if we want to be successful, we have to make connections with people. To build connections with better results, we have to go into meetings armed with information, and know what we have in common with the people we’re meeting. Throughout the process, remember to be respectful; when we’re dealing with human beings, it’s easy to draw conclusions prematurely. But if we can train ourselves and our teams to treat everyone respectfully, we’ll be well on our way to building stronger, more effective connections. Guest Bio Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph (also a former agent) joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq that was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in December 2015. Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Today, she serves as an international security consultant. She is also the author of Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For. To find out more about Michele, visit: https://michelerigbyassad.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/ And find Breaking Cover online at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N79ILGD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Nov 7, 201941 min

Ep 50High Performers and Extreme Ownership

Extreme ownership creates effective leadership, even when it means fessing up to our shortcomings. Good leaders will accept responsibility for the performance of their teams – good or bad. While leadership is ultimately responsible for results, they must encourage their teams to own that which is theirs. Extreme ownership is realizing that if you’re the captain, you have to take responsibility and cannot blame others for a lack of results. - Craig Picken To be great leaders and executives, we need to accept that we are responsible for everything that happens in our companies. We can never shift the blame to our employees, because win or lose, the results we get are of our own doing. However, that doesn’t mean we should be increasing our mental burdens while tasks are being completed. Encourage employees to take full responsibility of their tasks, but check in with them regularly. Most importantly, don’t shy away from taking responsibility for our actions. No one wants to admit defeat, but by doing so, we put ourselves in a position to grow. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. To contact Craig, email [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

Oct 31, 201919 min

Ep 49Culture Will Make or Break Your Company

It’s vital we start thinking about the company culture – NEVER underestimate its importance. In this 15 minute episode we discuss why and how cultures will make or break companies in 2020. Great company cultures are built by giving people roles they’re capable of handling. If they don’t succeed, it’s up to us as leaders to give them guidance. - Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Identify company culture by monitoring the way employees interact with each other. The way people behave around each other at work says a lot about the overall culture. Never underestimate the importance of culture; the customs of our companies make all the difference. Our values attract recruits who align with them. If we’re aiming to hire self-sufficient employees, we need to offer an environment that allows them to take full ownership of their tasks. The new year is fast approaching, and it’s important we start taking stock of the culture we’re creating in our companies. While it may seem like a minor issue, company culture impacts every part of our businesses: from the way work is completed to the hiring processes. Culture can either make or break our companies. In 2020, let’s strive for the former. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. To contact Craig, email [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

Oct 24, 201917 min

Ep 48Messaging Tactics that WILL Win You Business – Tom Schwab

Everyone has a great story to tell, so tell it! 70% of the buying decision has already been made online and transactional business can be done via online marketing. Strategic buying decisions, however, require sound, professional relationships Tom Schwab discusses how businesses and people can rise from obscurity to share their message. Marketing is starting the right conversation with someone that could be an ideal customer. -Tom Schwab Takeaways + Tactics 70% of the hiring decision is made by what employers see about someone online. It’s easy to make a transactional decision based on an online marketing tactic, but hiring a trusted professional requires a relationship. Many experts believe the future is vivid audio, not video. Video ages but audio doesn’t. When we listen to audio, we’re just focusing on what the person is saying, not how dated the technology, video quality and style is. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. At the start of the show, we talked about the massive opportunities we have to tell our stories and stand out from the crowd. We also discussed how marketing and our online personas play into the hiring process. Next, we talked about the importance of being defined and focused in your marketing, and the difference between transactions and relationships. We also discussed; Why the future of marketing is vivid audio The importance of sharing the good work we do The channels we can use to get our message out Whether we use blogs, podcasts or videos, the barrier to entry to tell our story is extremely low right now, but with that comes a lot of noise and a lot of competition; everyone’s biggest problem is obscurity. In order to stand out, we need to get the marketing tactics right, and understand that in our business, the relationship matters more than the transaction. Guest Bio Tom Schwab is the founder and CEO of Interview Valet. Drawing on his engineering, corporate, and ecommerce inbound marketing experience, Tom helps thought leaders (coaches, authors, speaker, emerging brands) get featured on leading podcasts their ideal prospects are already listening to. Then, he helps them to turn listeners into customers. To get a free copy of his book, go to https://interviewvalet.com/aerospace/. Book Mentioned CLICKSAND: How Online Marketing Will Destroy Your Business (And The Unlikely Secret To Saving It by Bill Troy Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Oct 17, 201934 min

Ep 47China, Engineers and Innovation! Oh, My!

Tyler Rogoway, Editor for “The War Zone” (www.thewarzone.com) is THE expert on the world’s militaries, capabilities and defense programs. In this episode he flawlessly highlights Chinese military expansion, why DOD programs are struggling and how Innovation will need to come to the rescue. Takeaways + Tactics China is moving far and fast with incredible technological advancements. The US Military is stuck in its ways and a lack of Engineering talent may be its Achilles Heel. To meet the world’s threats the Pentagon and Aerospace Industry will have to significantly change the way they do business with each other Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Oct 3, 201944 min

Ep 46Values, Culture and Teamwork! Building a Great Business with Mike Durant

He’s much more than just “the Black Hawk Down” guy… Mike Durant is also an accomplished entrepreneur, CEO, and business leader who gets results. Learn how he creates a company culture that makes for happier employees and better results. Takeaways + Tactics Having the right people on the team makes all the difference. Leaders must ensure they hire the right people for the job. If an employee is the wrong fit, remove them quickly. Hands-on management is vital. Leaders should be in the trenches with their teams, not in their own, narrow bubbles. Stick to your values! The glue that holds a company together is the standards leaders put in place. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Sep 26, 201934 min

Ep 45EQ is Smarter than IQ

Most organizations screen leaders based on their Brainiac intelligence (IQ). What they ignore is the emotional ability to connect, the EQ, which is a vastly more important tool to drive teams forward. What can EQ achieve that IQ cannot? EQ is all about interacting with people in a strategic way that get things done. Instead of focusing on how smart someone is, we should be more focused on what kind of leader they are, how they communicate and their ability to positively interact with those around them. A big part of EQ is empathy, understanding the other person and walking in their shoes. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics AI is coming and it will be smart. But it cannot connect with people. Those who are accountable for the results must have the responsibility and the authority to achieve them. EQ is the ability to connect with people in a way that helps them and the organization. Books Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009, Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. To contact Craig, email [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

Sep 19, 201914 min

Ep 44A Different Kind of Leadership

There are two types of business leaders: Top down leader who dictates tasks that needs to be done and the commander-style leader who sets the strategy and relies on his team to implement it. What style do “A” players work with best? CEOs who micromanage cannot be effective. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Sometimes getting the best results means giving control to your teams Hire the right people and let them excel; they will excel and do what’s right People want to be trusted, not micromanaged. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. To contact Craig, email [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

Sep 12, 201919 min

Ep 43Becoming Indispensable - Steve Gordon

The first sale that needs to be made is “you.” A key to success is making sure YOU’RE the first and obvious choice for clients. Founder of the Unstoppable CEO, bestselling author, and podcaster, Steve Gordon, shares how to build a media platform around our expertise. Takeaways + Tactics Stop looking for the ‘secret sauce’. There are really no novel ideas. Instead of looking for something completely new, focus on sharing the expert knowledge you’ve acquired over the years. There is no need to attract a huge audience. Smaller, more focused groups allow you to focus your areas of wisdom more in-depth. By being omnipresent on media platforms, we can prove that we’re an expert and become the obvious choice for prospective clients. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://goo.gl/3piJkw. To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Aug 29, 201943 min

Ep 42Tornado Bosses & The Dangers of Disruptive Leadership

If you think you’re a maverick leader it’s probably time to put on the brakes … your shelf-life may be short. Every once in a while, companies go through a tornado of sorts, where chaos reigns supreme in the name of change. What are the dangers of disruptive leaders? When is it appropriate to hire or be one and what does it mean for the existing guard? Takeaways + Tactics As leaders, we can’t just steamroll everyone. Listen to those you lead, rather than forcing your will. Mature wisdom and youthful energy both have merits- they should be paired together, not pitted against one another. Disruptive leaders aren’t always inherently ‘bad’. ‘Tornado boss’, head to companies that need drastic change. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Aug 15, 201916 min

Ep 41Securing the Future of Aviation Maintenance with AAR Corp. CEO John Holmes

The macro-trends of society are making it increasingly difficult to build a skilled aviation workforce. John Holmes, CEO of AAR Corp., discusses AAR’s leading role in skills development and how trends in aviation will create new opportunities for both airlines and MROs. Takeaways + Tactics By creating programs that serve as career pathways for young people, we can introduce them to the value, benefits and longevity of a career in aviation maintenance. The two main challenges independent service providers have with hiring airplane mechanics are finding people in their markets that meet the requirements, and competing with offers from non-independents like airlines and OEMs. By offering benefits like tuition and A&P license assistance, flexible hours and a healthy working environment, independent service providers can attract and retain a strong workforce despite not being able to compete dollar-for-dollar with non-independent providers. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Aug 9, 201937 min

Ep 40Business Transformation In the Digital Age with Michael Gale

The rise of digital platforms has changed nearly every industry, from aerospace to banking. How can we continue to thrive as the world gears up for the next industrial revolution? Where are we going wrong? And will our missteps today have a big impact on our businesses in the future? On this episode, best-selling author and podcaster, Michael Gale, shares how we can take our businesses into the digital age. Takeaways + Tactics Pay attention to the world around us. Far too many business leaders are detached from the reality of most people’s lives. Commit to change. We need to make sure we’re keeping up to date with developments and shifting strategies as needed. Focus on constant growth. We must continue educating ourselves as we grow as individuals and as business owners. At the start of the episode, we discussed the prominence of artificial intelligence in modern life. We explained why we need to change the way we- as humans- think, in order to make sure AI is used in the right way. We then spoke about the importance of working with the younger generations in mind. We also shared insights on: The role partnerships will play in the future Rethinking the way we make money How to get started with making changes The changes brought about by the digital era are exciting, but also require us to rethink the structures of our businesses. We need to change alongside digital advancements, and stay up-to-date with new developments. To do this, we have to pay more attention to the world around us. We have to commit to change and growth if we want to take our businesses into the digital age. Guest Bio Michael Gale is the bestselling author of The Digital Helix, host of the Forbes Insights Futures in Focus podcast, and a Thinkers 360 Top 10 AI Influencer. He is passionate about helping companies take their businesses into the future, and strongly believes the best way to do that is by embracing digital technology. To find out more about Michael, head to his Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/migale You can also email him directly on: [email protected] The Digital Helix is available on Amazon and all good bookstores. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Aug 1, 201945 min

Ep 39Recruiting “A Players”

Everyone wants the “A’s.” Getting them is easier said than done. Worse, some companies discourage the best candidates via poor recruiting practices. On this episode, we discuss the best way to approach the recruitment process. You should always be recruiting internally first. -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics ALWAYS develop your bench. Constant people development is THE key to long-term success Your best recruiting pipeline comes from your teammates. Want a great Ops Manager? Ask one of your Ops Managers… Status quo gets you nothing. Your competitor’s superstar VP of Sales already has a good job. What are you going to do for him or her that makes THEIR life better? Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. To contact Craig, call him on 910-509-7129 Or email him on [email protected]

Jul 10, 201923 min

Ep 38Taking Aerospace to New Heights — Sam Mehta

Sam Mehta, President of Collins Aerospace Mechanical Systems, shares how the Rockwell Collins and UTAS integration is helping the industry soar. A few points he delivers upon in this fantastic 30-minute podcast: Driving a customer-centric approach How companies will make money in the aftermarket Industry recruiting and next generation of required skills Playing a leading role in developing technology While the aerospace industry is undergoing a lot of changes, the important thing to remember is that the industry itself is going nowhere. We need to change our approaches somewhat to be more internationally relevant, and we need to keep introducing new people into the industry. The aerospace industry needs to become much more inclusive. Guest Bio Sam Mehta is the head of the strategic business unit at Collins Aerospace’s Mechanical Systems. With a desire to keep the aerospace industry moving forward, he is passionate about introducing integrated and diverse approaches to existing products. To learn more about Sam, head to: https://www.collinsaerospace.com/en/who-we-are/leadership/samir-mehta Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Jun 24, 201937 min

Ep 37Escaping the Growth Trap — Mark Green

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

Jun 17, 201932 min

Ep 36What Business Can Learn from Fighter Pilots - Paco Chierici

Being a leader amongst peers is a challenge. Leading a team with big egos is a bigger challenge. Accomplished author, documentarian, and fighter pilot, Paco Chierici discusses how businesses can better conduct review processes, manage opposition to change, and how to stand out as a leader to our peers. If people saw how people with big egos teach each other and review each other, a lot of CEOs could learn a lot in building their teams. -Craig Picken

Jun 10, 201928 min

Ep 35Best Practices in Marketing Your Business to the Government - Mark Amtower

Only 5-10% of people are doing an adequate job when it comes to branding their business and just 3-4% are doing a great job. Pretty much everyone else sucks at it. How do we create a successful brand? How is selling to the government different from selling to another corporate entity? Mark Amtower shares how to build a brand effectively to win government contracts. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Jun 3, 201935 min

Ep 34The Team You Start With Isn’t the One You Finish With

Starting a business is difficult at best. And, one of the most difficult aspects of scaling up is shaping the team. With growth comes challenges and the need for new and different skillsets. On this episode, Matt Johnson and I discuss how the relationship with the team will change. Networking is crucial. How do you know you’ve got a great team if you’ve never seen how other teams operate? -Craig Picken Takeaways + Tactics Understand that the people you start with are not always the same people who will get the business to where it needs to be. Growth creates challenges and a need for evolving skillsets. The most difficult challenge entrepreneurs face is the ability to let go. As the business grows, it is hard for them to recognize that they can’t be everywhere at once. A good COO is “gold.” Networking is vital— not only for building contacts, but to see how other teams are run. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. To contact Craig, email [email protected] You can also call him on 910 509 7129 And check out his newly revamped website: http://northstaresg.com

May 17, 201915 min

Ep 33Where Did They Come From?

Are you looking over your shoulder? Maybe you should be. Tiger Woods and Texas Tech basketball are recent proof that the competition is better than you think and should never be discounted. What are the threats to your business or career that you’re not seeing or taking seriously? Matt Johnson and I discuss what you should be doing to stay on top. Takeaways + Tactics Even when you’re at the top, keep looking over your shoulder. It only takes one misstep. Have contrarians on your team who will question ideas and norms. Be the leader who allows respectful criticism. Create an environment where anyone who sees something wrong feels comfortable to speak up. Pay attention to the competition... no matter how insignificant it may seem. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

May 9, 201915 min

Ep 32A Lesson in Exercising Empathy w/Sean Douglas

Emotional intelligence is crucial in all walks of life – including the military and industry. What does it mean to live out your core values? On this episode, I talk with Air Force maintenance leader and fellow podcaster, Sean Douglas, to hear why he believes empathy is a critical element in business and society. The best way to manage poor performers is to educate them. Train them so they won’t repeat mistakes. Put people in the places they belong and in areas where they will excel. Don’t set them up for failure. Exercise empathy. People with personal issues don’t always perform well. Support them in their struggles and they’ll support you. Resources: To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://goo.gl/3piJkw. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

May 3, 201925 min

Ep 31The Boeing Crisis & Jumping to Conclusions

The Boeing 737 Max crisis has caused considerable anxiety throughout the world. Should customers really be hesitant to board an airplane? Matt Johnson and I discuss why we should avoid jumping to conclusions in the wake of the crisis. Resources For more aerospace industry news & commentary: http://northstaresg.com/ To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Apr 26, 201911 min

Ep 30Teamwork, Training and Faith with John Alvarez

John Alvarez is a member of the Air Commando Hall of Fame and the first aviator in US history to be restored to full combat flying status after losing his leg during combat. I first met him when we were young Ensigns in the Navy, he was in Primary Flight Training and I was on my way to starting flight school. His story is fascinating and involves a host of different players to include Ross Perot, a USMC Drill Instructor, friends and a loving family. It also comes with several lessons: With high performing teams you need to be aware of the competitive environment Recognizing your teammates skills, strengths and weaknesses is crucial to success Military training from Day 1 is brutal and designed for high stakes situations, but it can save your life Dealing with a disability can positively impact you and your outlook on life. It teaches you that you can withstand much more than you think you can. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves. Call-to-Action - For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://goo.gl/3piJkw. To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit http://northstaresg.com/.

Apr 5, 20191h 0m

Ep 29A Center of Excellence to Transform MRO with Tony Bailey

On this episode, I talk with Tony Bailey, a 30-year MRO veteran, who is involved in the creation of the MRO Center of Excellence in Ohio. With a massive divide between technology and current skills occurring, the MRO Center of Excellence aims to bridge the gap and ensure the people, processes, and skills are growing as fast as new technologies. The MRO Center of Excellence is a public-private partnership involving multiple OEMs, Academic Institutions and Government entities that will help ensure the future of aviation. We’re seeing constant changes across industries, and we have to start working with them. This means we need to speak to the newest additions to the industry. College and high school students alike should be told about the aviation industry and the career opportunities. Aviation requires us to keep going higher- the only way to do that is by boosting young people into practical experience. Guest Bio Tony Bailey is a former United States Marine, who went on to pursue a career in aviation. After obtaining degrees in Aviation Science and Aviation Maintenance Technology, among other qualifications, Tony has enjoyed a successful career in the aerospace industry. What sets him apart is his ability to see how the industry is changing, and where it needs to be adapted. Tony is currently involved in a project with the state of Ohio to create an MRO Center of Excellence, and is excited about the project’s growth in the future. To get in contact with Tony, you can email him at: [email protected] Learn more about the MRO Center of Excellence at www.amrocenterofexcellence.org Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Mar 22, 201921 min

Ep 28Where Did All Our Pilots Go?

Our industry is at a crossroads. The older generation of pilots is about to retire, and the younger generation is either restricted from the cockpit or they don’t view piloting as a career path. So… we now have a pending shortage of people and the ramifications will be huge! Unfortunately, time, the unions and the government are not on our side… In this episode, I talk with Matt Johnson about how the pilot shortage became what it is today, and how this issue could be resolved. As an industry we have to start to get our arms around how to either keep pilots in the cockpit longer, or quickly grow a pipeline and get them experienced so that we’ve got a future that we can deal with. -Craig Picken Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Feb 25, 201912 min

Ep 27Chaos Is King! Embrace Change.—with Bob Sullivan

Aviation has experienced massive change in recent years. How can companies embrace the changes and benefit from them? Every time you have a monumental change, it helps you become thankful for the culture you have in your company. –Bob Sullivan Bob Sullivan, Chief Administrative Officer of OneSky Aviation talks about pilots, travel patterns, a flourishing industry and the importance of hiring talented people who are really good at what they do. Guest Bio: Bob Sullivan is the Chief Administrative Officer at OneSky Flight portfolio. With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Bob is passionate about ensuring everyone involved in aviation work in harmony with one another. Bob’s enthusiasm for treating everyone as a valuable cog in the machinery is what keeps companies under the OneSky Flight portfolio unique from their competitors. To find out more about OneSky Flight, go to http://www.onesky.com/. To learn more about Bob, see https://www.linkedin.com/in/careerforward.

Feb 15, 201928 min

Ep 26Why Business Aviation Is Shooting Itself In the Foot

The benefits of business aviation are immeasurable. But the perception of the corporate jet?... not so much. The perception that it’s an industry that only benefits the top 1% exists because it’s an industry that keeps shooting itself in the foot. Just as Americans supported anti-business policies in the 1930s, after the extravagance of the Roaring 20s, people are still reeling from our most recent “Great Recession.” And, the political landscape continues to change, and move to the left. One only need watch the recent State of the Union address to see that fact. Every time we portray business aviation as a luxury, we isolate those who would never experience it. -Craig Picken Business aviation is a $180 Billion industry that supports thousands of jobs and helps numerous companies reach their goals. Perhaps that’s a better story to tell than the one being told on CNBC’s “Secret Lives of the Super Rich” and on the pages of various lifestyle magazines. Come join Matt Johnson and I as we discuss various ways to change the perception, and highlight the benefits of business aviation. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Feb 8, 201913 min

Ep 25Is Aerospace Consolidation a Bad Thing, or Just a Thing?

The aerospace and aviation industries are changing as result of consolidation. Driven by need and the demands of large OEM’s, Rockwell Collins, UTC, B/E Aerospace, Esterline, Embraer and Bombardier and others have taken some dramatic steps to ensure shareholder value. Where does this leave the little guy? Is he sunk, or is there room for entrepreneurial spirit? How does he compete if he’s, defacto, competing against his customer? In a quick 20 minutes, my good friend Matt Johnson and I discuss the coming changes that smaller players will face. If Boeing succeeds, it will change the industry. –Craig Picken Takeaways Boeing’s move into “Global Services” means they are now competing against their former suppliers. But $60 Billion is a BIG number. If successful, Boeing will transform an entire industry. Innovation in the industry is alive and well. And, it’s coming from smaller, more versatile players with quick reaction times. Don’t ignore them. Smaller companies need to find strong players who can multi-task. The successful “big company” executive doesn’t necessarily bring the right skills to a start-up. Learn More About Your Host: Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.

Feb 1, 201918 min

Ep 24Changes & Challenges in Today's Aviation Industry with Paul Lange

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

Dec 14, 201842 min

Ep 23The Future of Business Aviation w/Scott Ashton

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

Nov 15, 201834 min

Ep 22Don’t Change the Players, Change the Behaviors w/David Marquet

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

Nov 6, 201830 min

Ep 21Leadership, Attracting Experts, and High Employee Engagement w/Krister Ungerboeck

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

Oct 19, 201850 min

Ep 20Inspiring the Future Generation of Pilots and Engineers with Hank Coates

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

Aug 27, 201839 min

Ep 19Defining Company Culture w/Laura Gallaher

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

Aug 17, 201848 min