Podcasts about Naval flight officer

Drones flying over Air Force bases. Unidentified aerial systems evading detection. A homeland vulnerable to $1,000 weapons while billion-dollar jets sit powerless. It's not the plot of a futuristic war movie. It's the uncomfortable reality facing U.S. defense leaders today. In this episode, I'm joined by retired four-star General and former Commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and NORAD, Glen VanHerck. This is an unfiltered look at the growing threats to homeland security and the urgent need to rethink how America defends its skies. With decades of experience flying F-15s, F-35s, and stealth bombers, General VanHerck has spent his career on the frontlines of aerospace defense.  But what he witnessed during his final years in command prompted him to speak out: America is not ready for the threats of today, let alone tomorrow. From the vulnerabilities exposed by drones over Langley to the ambitious "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, General VanHerck offers an insider perspective on why policy, not just technology, is our greatest weakness and how a layered, agile, and industrial-scale approach could change the game.   You'll learn: Why low-cost drones may pose the biggest threat to U.S. national security  The real story behind the drone incursions at Langley Air Force Base  “Golden Dome” and why it's America's Manhattan Project for defense  The policy, tech, and industrial changes needed to protect critical infrastructure  How the U.S. can rebuild trust, capacity, and innovation across its defense ecosystem  Why vocational education, industrial revitalization, and AI will define the next era of defense   Golden Dome isn't just missile defense. It's a Manhattan Project-level effort. -Gen. Glen VanHerck   Guest Bio General Glen D. VanHerck is Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).  NORAD conducts aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning in the defense of North America.  USNORTHCOM partners to conduct homeland defense, civil support, and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests. General VanHerck is a graduate of the University of Missouri and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program.  He has a diverse operational and training background that includes assignments in the F-15C, F-35A, B-2A, and B-1B with over 3,200 flight hours.  He has served as an instructor pilot and flight examiner in the F-15C, B-2A, and T-6A. Additionally, he served as a U.S. Air Force Weapons School instructor in the F-15C and the B-2A. Connect with Gen. VanHerck on LinkedIn.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In complex industries like aerospace, defense, and manufacturing, there's a dangerous disconnect between the boardroom and the factory floor. Executives focus on margins, growth, and shareholder value—but the employees making daily decisions often don't understand how their work impacts the bottom line.  Why? Because no one ever taught them. In this episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, Dr. Kevin Koharki, former investment banker and now finance professor at Purdue University, explains how companies can unlock massive performance gains by teaching finance fundamentals to their workforce. From engineers and sales teams to HR and operations, when employees understand financial strategy - how cash flow works, what drives ROI, how margin impacts decisions - they become smarter, more aligned, and more effective. Kevin shares how he's helped Fortune 100 companies, private equity-backed aerospace firms, and industrial organizations build a culture of financial literacy that transforms performance from the ground up.   You'll learn: Why frontline employees often don't understand P&L ownership The ROI of teaching finance basics across the organization Why most corporate leaders don't know how to read financial statements The difference between academic finance and real-world business acumen How financial education improves decision-making, culture, and cash flow If you're leading a complex organization and want to align your teams around financial outcomes, this episode is for you.   Guest Bio Kevin Koharki MBA, PhD is the founder of CAE Consulting, LLC.  He consults with, advises, and provides keynote speeches for some of the world's largest firms (e.g., Fortune 100) across various industries such as aerospace and defense, banking, insurance, distribution, manufacturing, law firms, among others. He specializes in developing employees' and Executives' financial acumen so they understand and can communicate the financial value of their work, optimizing CEOs' capital allocation priorities across their respective organizations. In doing so, clients benefit from enhanced organizational trust, culture, and performance.  Kevin is an expert financial analyst who has analyzed hundreds of firms over a 20-year career (including as an M&A analyst).  In addition, he has taught financial statement analysis at the Executive, Masters, and Undergraduate levels for 15 years at Top 50 universities.   He can be reached at kevin.koharki@caecoach.org, www.caecoach.org, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkoharki/, or (765) 637 – 3206   About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Welcome to "The Readiness Brief," a limited podcast series hosted by The O2X Podcast, designed to explore the critical importance of readiness within the tactical community. In each episode, we bring to the forefront seasoned members of the O2X Integrated Readiness Platform (IRP) network, engaging in insightful conversations with senior leaders across the tactical population."The Readiness Brief" aims to foster a deeper understanding of the O2X Integrated Readiness Platform (IRP) while spotlighting successes and valuable insights from organizations committed to preparedness.Part 4 features O2X Program Manager Brendan Stickles and Captain David "Heavy" Ganci.Captain David "Heavy" Ganci, a Naval Flight Officer who commissioned through OCS in 1999, has served as a cornerstone of the VAQ Electronic Attack community for over two decades. His operational career spans combat deployments with four distinguished squadrons—the "Gauntlets" of VAQ-136, "Patriots" of VAQ-140, "Gray Wolves" of VAQ-142, and as commanding officer of the "Zappers" of VAQ-130—participating in Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. Between operational tours, he served as a tactics instructor at the Electronic Attack Weapons School, worked as Assistant Aviation Officer Community Manager at PERS-43, earned his Master's degree at the Naval War College, and served in the Pentagon's Office of Legislative Affairs before being selected as Aide-de-Camp to Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite. Currently serving as Deputy Commodore of Commander Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet, Captain Ganci's decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Individual Action Air Medal with combat "V," and Strike Flight Air Medal with six awards, reflecting a distinguished career leading the Airborne Electronic Attack Community across the globe.Brendan Stickles currently serves as Program Manager for Federal Government Accounts at O2X Human Performance, following a distinguished career that blended military service with high-level government advisory roles. A Navy Commander with over 18 years of jet flying experience and more than 550 carrier landings, he commanded an EA-18 squadron aboard the USS Eisenhower that earned consecutive "Battle E" awards for combat efficiency during Operation Inherent Resolve. After his military career, Stickles transitioned to serve as Special Advisor for Defense to Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, where he managed a comprehensive portfolio including veterans' issues, national security, defense innovation, and military readiness as Director on the National Security Council. A Naval Academy graduate with degrees in history, an MBA from UNC, and an MPA from Harvard, he later served as a consultant with Boston Consulting Group before joining O2X in 2023, bringing his unique combination of operational military experience, senior government advisory expertise, and business acumen to the human performance sector.Building Homes for Heroes:https://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/Download the O2X Tactical Performance App:app.o2x.comLet us know what you think:Website - http://o2x.comIG - https://instagram.com/o2xhumanperformance?igshid=1kicimx55xt4f 

Send us a textRon Higgs shares insights on transforming engineers into effective executive leaders, drawing from his extensive experience in military aviation, aerospace, and consulting. He discusses the critical skills engineers need to advance into leadership roles, emphasizing people skills, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.Main Topics:Journey from Naval Flight Officer to Executive CoachDeveloping People Skills in Technical ProfessionsSystems Thinking in LeadershipOvercoming Communication and Leadership ChallengesStrategies for Engineers Transitioning to Leadership RolesAbout the guest: Ron Higgs is an experienced executive coach and operational strategist with a strong background in both military and corporate leadership. A U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School graduate, he began his career as a Naval Flight Officer, developing key leadership skills in adaptability and mission execution. With over 20 years in engineering and operations roles at companies like Boeing and L3 Technologies, Ron has successfully led initiatives that enhanced performance and increased company valuations.He now leads Wolf Management Solutions and serves as a Scale Architect using the Predictable Success model, helping technical leaders grow into visionary executives. Ron also acts as a Fractional COO and board member, emphasizing emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and sustainable team development. His human-centered approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that great leaders are made and that engineers have the potential to become exceptional leaders.Links:Ron Higgs LinkedInWolf Management Solutions Website 

“You go do your thing—I've got this.” The words every CEO wants to hear. It means the job will get done – no excuses!. That's real ownership—not just doing tasks but taking full responsibility for results, owning the outcome.  But can you teach that mindset? In this episode, we get straight into extreme ownership—what it means, how it shows up in high-performing executives, and why it separates the top 5% from the rest. In today's talent market, where every hire needs to be strategic, accountable, and fast-moving, ownership is non-negotiable.   We cover: Why ownership means relieving your boss of mental overhead How to move from reactive to proactive leadership What hiring managers really look for in executive candidates Why tracking activity (yes, still) matters How true leaders handle career and financial decisions How to recognize—and reject—blame culture   And yes, we take on the sacred cow of “relationship selling” and why it might be killing your sales team's performance.   About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In the aerospace and defense industry, unpredictability is a constant—but there's a big difference between manageable risk and outright volatility. With tariff changes, shifting trade policy, and rising political uncertainty, the real threat isn't just higher costs. It's the cascading impact these factors have on employment, supply chain stability, and economic confidence across the sector. But while headlines focus on chaos, the real story is unfolding elsewhere. Aerospace market fundamentals are solid. Demand is strong. And strategic investors are making big moves—especially in business aviation.  Behind the scenes, this sector is evolving fast, and the implications for OEMs, MRO providers, and private equity are significant. In this episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, sell-side investment banker Bill Alderman joins us for his quarterly deep dive into the state of the industry. We unpack why business aviation remains a top-performing segment, how consolidation in the MRO and aftermarket services space signals deeper transformation, and what smart leaders are doing to stay ahead—by focusing on what they can control rather than chasing headlines.   Key Topics Covered: → Tariff Whiplash and Aerospace Workforce Planning How rapid shifts in international trade policy could lead to unintended layoffs across aerospace and defense sectors. → The Rise of Business Aviation Why record-low inventories, continued demand, and strong order backlogs are fueling growth for business jet OEMs and MRO providers. → Private Equity's Big Bet on MRO What's driving the surge in M&A activity as investors snap up smaller aerospace maintenance and repair shops. → Boeing's Cultural Crossroads Why Boeing's biggest challenge isn't global politics—it's rebuilding internal morale, leadership credibility, and trust with customers.   Anecdotally, things look good in the M&A market, but I am worried that the noise in the system could lead to layoffs, and that's not good for anybody. -Bill Alderman   Guest Bio William H. Alderman (Bill) is the Founding Partner of Alderman & Company. Bill is an M&A specialist in the middle market of the aerospace and defense industry with over $2 billion in mergers and acquisition-related transactions to his name. Prior to founding Alderman & Company in 2001, Bill worked for 15 years on Wall Street and in the Aerospace & Defense Industry, principally on M&A transactions in the middle market. His employers included BT Securities, Fieldstone, and General Electric. Bill is a Securities Principal registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and has four securities industry licenses (Series 7, 24, 63, and 65). Bill is a commercial pilot and owns and operates a Cirrus SR22. URL Link: https://www.aldermanco.com/ LinkedIn - William Alderman https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamalderman/   About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

My guest today is Steve Whearty.Steve is a certified executive coach and learning & development specialist with over 30 years of experience in leadership and learning professional roles. He began his career as a Naval Flight Officer, serving on active duty in the U.S., Italy, and Japan. Steve continued to serve as a civilian employee of the Federal Government in various roles from 2009-2022, including at the State Department's Foreign Service Institute and the Federal Executive Institute.  Since 2021, Steve has also served as an independent learning consultant, working with a variety of public and private sector clients on leadership development experiences and coaching.Steve received a B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University, an M.B.A. from Cameron University, and a M.A. in Education and Human Development from George Washington University. He resides in Charlottesville, VA.Steve and I met through mutual work opportunities and happened to be on a group call a couple of months ago when the topic of disruption came up.  I asked Steve if he'd be willing to have a deeper conversation about disruption, given that many people are facing a variety of disruptions currently.  I'm grateful he said yes, because this conversation you're about to listen to is the outcome.  And while we don't come up with a lot of answers, we share ideas, challenges, and stories of attempts to respond with agency to the disruptions in our own lives.  Steve, thank you for jumping into this conversation with curiosity and thoughtful reflection.  Thank you for sharing your stories, your questions, and your wisdom.  I'm both inspired and challenged to better my own response to the series of disruptions we call life!You can reach out to Steve at: stevewhearty@sentiero.consulting Make Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

The helicopter industry is known for sky-high complexity, but one company is proving that innovation doesn't have to be complicated. For too long, the industry has settled for slow, costly, and overly complex machines, pushed forward by legacy manufacturers who cater to large government contracts and niche elite buyers.  But there's a shift happening now, one that puts simplicity, reliability, and affordability at the center of innovation. At the forefront of this transformation is Robinson Helicopter, a company best known for its rugged, no-nonsense civilian aircraft.  Under the leadership of CEO David Smith, Robinson is entering a new era, one that's not only challenging the norms of vertical lift but redefining what modern utility helicopters can look like with the launch of the new R88. David isn't just an industry veteran, he's a rare blend of engineering insight, strategic leadership, and real-world pragmatism.  With roots at Bell Helicopter and MIT, and deep experience in clean-sheet design and simulation technology, he's now steering Robinson into ambitious territory, from launching new aircraft to manufacturing drones and reshaping workforce culture. In this episode, David gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of the R88, his approach to leading a legacy brand into the future, and how Robinson is quietly disrupting both the manned and unmanned aircraft space. You'll also learn: Why helicopter designs have remained stagnant for so long How Robinson plans to compete on simplicity, reliability, and price What makes the R88 a game-changer for EMS, utility, and tourism missions Why vertical integration and in-house manufacturing are Robinson's biggest strengths How Robinson is entering the drone market (and what makes their design better than quadcopters) What it takes to build a high-performance, high-loyalty workforce in aerospace today   Guest Bio David Smith is the president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. He leads employees as they develop and produce cost-effective, efficient, and safe helicopters for customers all over the world. David loves helping teams grow and improve performance in engineering and manufacturing companies, especially in the aerospace industry, where he has a proven track record of delivering results and driving innovation. Prior to joining Robinson Helicopter Company in March 2023, David held leadership positions at Bell Flight and TRU Simulation + Training, where he successfully executed cost restructuring measures, improved business performance, and helped to drive the next generation of manufacturing operations. Dave is passionate about supporting non-profits and charitable efforts to help our veterans, develop tomorrow's leaders, and grow the American manufacturing industrial base. Connect with David on LinkedIn.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

The way we travel hasn't changed much in decades, and it's not because people don't want better. It's because legacy systems have kept the industry locked into outdated models.  But a major shift is underway, and it's poised to radically redefine the entire experience of booking, flying, and managing travel. At the heart of this transformation is AI-powered personalization and the modernization of airline infrastructure. The goal? To give travelers a seamless, flexible, customizable, retail-like experience, from the moment they think about a trip to the moment they return home.  That means smarter pricing, bundled offers, and digital self-service that actually works—even when your plans don't. FLYR is one of the companies leading this evolution, helping airlines move from rigid legacy systems to modern platforms that allow for dynamic retailing.  Joining me today is Sam Chamberlain, Chief Product Officer at FLYR and a veteran in the travel technology space. Sam and his team are building the digital engine behind what they call the “limitless future of travel” and today, he's giving us a look under the hood. We explore what this shift means for travelers and what airlines need to do to stay competitive in a world where customers expect more than just a seat from point A to point B. You'll also learn: Why booking travel hasn't changed in decades “Offer-and-order” booking and how it will change how we travel How airlines can capture more customer loyalty and revenue How to shift legacy travel booking into the modern world    We're crafting the limitless future of travel. It's the notion of moving away from the flight being the center of everything, to a more digital retail standard. -Sam Chamberlain   Guest Bio Sam Chamberlain is the Chief Product Officer at FLYR. He is an experienced product leader in travel technology, having worked in and with airlines for the last 20 years, predominantly in the Pricing and Revenue Management space. He helps airlines optimize revenue generation through the entire ecosystem of offer-and-order-based travel retailing and, more recently, in the development of ancillary-powered travel experience products. Sam has launched multiple new commercial revenue optimization products that have helped power the generation of billions of dollars of annual airline revenue globally. He has a broad experience of leading teams that bring value-driving products to market through a market-driven (outside-in) product development philosophy and has held responsibility for multiple aspects of the product life cycle. Visit https://flyr.com/ for more information, and connect with Sam on LinkedIn.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

After the Eagles' Super Bowl LVII loss in 2023, Jalen Hurts said, “You either win or you learn.” It was a powerful reflection on turning setbacks into lessons. Fast forward to 2025, Hurts led the Eagles to a dominant Super Bowl win, exemplifying how learning from past defeats can pave the way to future success. But here's the question: Do we need to wait for failure to start learning? Success can be a comfortable place, but it's also where complacency can creep in. The key is to stay proactive in our growth, even when things are going well. What if we could learn while we're winning, so we don't have to learn because we lost? In this special Million Dollar Careers edition of The Aerospace Executive, we delve into strategies for continuous learning during times of success.  We discuss how high achievers can maintain their edge, avoid complacency, and prepare for future challenges by embracing a mindset of constant improvement. Tune in to discover how to keep evolving, even at the top of your game.    You'll also learn: Why learning doesn't have to be punitive  Why you need to watch the tape even if you won the game How to self-awareness into self-actualization  Guest Bio Robert is the Founder & President of Houghton Search Group (formerly Management Recruiters of Fairfax, Inc.). Rob inspires trust and guides the Mid-Atlantic insurance community in the acquisition and retention of Top Talent. Rob specializes in the executive placement of Property and Casualty and Employee Benefits professionals across the United States. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.      Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Every business leader dreams of building a team of A-players—but what happens when your top performer can't seem to collaborate with the rest of the team? When one standout employee clashes with others, it doesn't just create tension—it can disrupt workflow, derail morale, and impact your entire company culture. And while high performers often drive results, the real question becomes: at what cost? So how do we handle this dilemma? Should we keep the rainmaker and risk losing loyal, dependable team members? Or is there a way to address the conflict without compromising the health of the organization? In this episode, I revisit a conversation I had with the CEO of MicroFamous and producer of this podcast, Matt Johnson.  We unpack how to navigate employee conflict—especially when one person is operating on a completely different level. We'll explore how to spot the warning signs, what to consider before taking action, and how to make decisions that serve your business in the long run. You'll also learn: Questions to ask when faced with a disconnected team Who to keep on our teams (and who to let go) How to tell when an A-player is more trouble than good    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association. 

A shift in leadership often brings a shift in economic direction, and with that, a wave of uncertainty for business leaders. Recent changes in trade policy have sparked a great deal of conversation (and concern) around tariffs, trade imbalances, and global supply chains. But what we're seeing now isn't the final chapter—it's part of a broader strategy to reshape the future of international trade and industrial development in the U.S. The goals are ambitious: addressing the national debt, correcting long-standing trade deficits, bringing key industries back onshore, and rethinking the rules of global commerce. While the path forward may seem unpredictable, there is a long-term vision driving these moves. The U.S. has long relied on the free market to guide economic outcomes, but certain challenges, like national security and the health of strategic industries, require more than market forces alone. Trade, especially when it intersects with geopolitical and security interests, demands a more hands-on approach. So, what does this mean for today's financial leaders? How should CFOs be preparing for the ripple effects of tariffs and other trade measures? In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Dr. Steve Horan, Former Managing Director of the prestigious CFA Institute and Finance Professor at UNC-Wilmington, to explore the broader implications of evolving trade policy. We talk about the big picture—debt reduction, onshoring trends, and how leaders can position their organizations for success in this dynamic environment. In this episode, you'll learn: The least painful path to reducing the national debt Are tariffs a tax or a tool? Will tariffs be an effective trade negotiation lever What's really driving interest rates The biggest concern for CFOs right now (hint: it's not what you think)   Guest Bio Dr. Steve Horan is an Associate Professor of Finance at UNC Wilmington. Throughout his 30 years in the industry, Steve has leveraged his experience as a practitioner, educator and thought leader to engage the investment management profession on key industry issues. Steve's distinct blend of academic and professional experience has given him a strong strategic sense, and the ability to apply a rigorous analytical framework to any situation. He strives to stay current in his knowledge and progressive in his thinking. Steve has written and co-written numerous articles and books, received several industry awards, and enjoyed a spell as an Financial Times columnist. He continues to provide media commentary, cited in publications from The Wall Street Journal to The New York Times to the South China Morning Post. Steve believes that an industry composed of competent and ethical practitioners is a necessary ingredient to build an investment profession that protects investors and ultimately contributes to a better society. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.      Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Once again, the aviation industry is in the spotlight, but this time for all the wrong reasons. With the recent accidents and mishaps, safety management systems have become a major topic in mainstream discussions.  The problem is, those conversations often turn into a rush to judgment, throwing around blame, prematurely pointing fingers, and ignoring the most important thing - the data.  This doesn't help anyone at all.  What the industry does in the aftermath of an accident is critical. Instead of rushing to conclusions, we have to let the investigations play out and let the data come in so we know what actually happened. When we wait for data, we often discover that the system does work or we'll uncover learnings we can use to get better.  What's the right way to react to a mishap? Do we need more state sponsored safety mechanisms?  In this episode, Bob Waltz returns for an insightful conversation. Bob is now the VP of Flight Operations at Surf Air Mobility, and he shares what the aviation industry should be doing in the aftermath of recent unfortunate events.    You'll also learn: How to avoid letting a sense of complacency can creep in The value of a system safety approach  The rule every aviation safety officer must follow If AI can help the human be a better operator    Guest Bio Bob Waltz is the VP of Flight Operations at Surf Air Mobility. As an award-winning and industry-recognized executive operational leader in the aviation industry, Bob has the experience in Fortune 500 global businesses and proven performance managing operational budgets of up to $3.5B and capital expense budgets of up to $500M. He is honored to serve as the Part 119 Director of Operations and Senior Director of Flight Operations at Sun Country Airlines, responsible for the stewardship of the Pilot group and the entire Flight Operations team. Additionally, Bob consults worldwide on Safety Management Systems and serves as an industry research lead as part of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety. As an ERAU Adjunct Professor, he leads courses in aviation safety, airline management, and emergency response at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional development levels.  For more information, head to https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-waltz-1829a51b/.  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Mark C. Fava, an author, speaker, and career aviation lawyer who currently serves as a Vice President at The Boeing Company.Mark's career spans decades in both the military and corporate worlds. He served as a Naval Flight Officer and Mission Commander in the P-3 Orion, accumulating over 3,000 flight hours. After 30 years in the Navy Reserve, he retired as a Captain, having commanded three units, including a P-3 squadron.Beyond the military, Mark built a distinguished legal career. He previously led a national aviation law practice at a major law firm and served as chief operations attorney for Delta Air Lines from 2001 to 2004.Now, Mark brings his wealth of experience to the world of leadership and storytelling with his first book, Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, published in January 2025 and already an Amazon bestseller.Join us as we discuss:✔️ His journey from military aviation to corporate leadership✔️ Lessons in decision-making from the cockpit and the courtroom✔️ The leadership principles in his new book✔️ The importance of resilience and adaptability in high-stakes environmentsTune in for an insightful conversation packed with wisdom, leadership insights, and real-world stories from a career that has navigated the skies, the seas, and the boardroom.

Thursday, March 20th, 2025Today, Judge Chutkan has blocked Trump and Musk from cancelling $20B in climate grants; Judge Ana Reyes has blocked the Trump administration's ban on transgender people serving in the military; Trump has fired the Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission; Judge Beryl Howell has denied the temporary restraining order for the US Institute of Peace; Republican members of the Senate and House armed services committee are pushing back on Trump's plan to abandon a NATO command that has been exclusively American since Eisenhower; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Guest: Congresswoman Sara JacobsU.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs | CA 51st District@RepSaraJacobs • Blue Sky@repsarajacobs • Instagram@RepSaraJacobs • TwitterThank You, Fast Growing TreesGet 15% off your first purchase.  FastGrowingTrees.com/dailybeans.Thank You, IQBAR20% off all IQBAR products. Text dailybeans to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Stories:Judge Reyes BLOCKS Trump's Ban on Transgender Service Members- Allison Gill | MullershewroteTrump Fires FTC's Democratic Commissioners | HuffPost Latest NewsTrump admin considers giving up NATO command that has been exclusively American since Eisenhower | NBC NewsJudge temporarily blocks EPA's effort to cancel $20 billion in climate grants | CBS NewsGood Trouble:WisDems is sponsoring phone banking to get out the word about the upcoming April state Supreme Court race. WisDems Virtual Phonebank!Volunteer Opportunities Near Me · WisDems on MobilizeShare your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/From The Good NewsAmerican Climate Corps - WikipediaBeware the Ides of March: Ides of Trump Postcard Campaign – Dynamic SubspaceMomsRising.org | Sign Up for the Moms Next Door Pilot ProjectNO KINGS OC: Hands Off! Orange County Fights BackHRC Los Angeles Dinner - March 22Darrell Issa Empty Chair Town Hall Presented by Indivisible - March 23Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

Business aviation is a critical part of the U.S. economy, yet it's often misunderstood as a luxury for the wealthy. While some may criticize the corporate executive boarding a Gulfstream, the reality is that this industry supports jobs, commerce, and economic growth nationwide. But are we, as an industry, doing enough to communicate its true value? Challenges continue to emerge—from regulatory scrutiny and negative public perception to pressing issues like safety, technology modernization, tariffs, and the ongoing pilot shortage. Recent high-profile accidents have placed aviation safety under the microscope, making it more important than ever for industry stakeholders to collaborate and reinforce best practices. However, these challenges also bring opportunities. By addressing safety concerns, modernizing technology, and advocating for business aviation's critical role, we can foster an environment where the industry not only survives but thrives. In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Broom, Chief Revenue Officer at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), to discuss the efforts being made to keep business aviation at the forefront of safety, innovation, and industry advocacy.

In aerospace and defense, predictability, stability and certainty are the fuel all deals run on. Buyers purchase companies expecting a sure thing that will sustain for decades.  What happens when you throw the possibility of unpredictable tariffs into this market?  You get buyer and seller uncertainty which slows the market down. No one knows exactly how President Trump's tariffs will impact the supply chain and the deals that will get done.  That doesn't mean it's gloom and doom, though. The market is still good, there's still plenty of deals to be done, and investor uncertainty is turning into cautious optimism. With a little more comfort that the wheels won't come flying off the bus, we'll see more movement in the market.   How is the new administration going to affect aerospace and defense? What's the current state of M&A? In this episode, M&A specialist Bill Alderman returns for his quarterly check-in and today we talk about the tariffs and their impact on the market.    You'll also learn: What's really going on with American defense contractors The pandemic hangover, aircraft production and how it's affecting the market How the market is reacting to President Trump's tariffs  The talent crisis America has to solve  Guest Bio William H. Alderman (Bill) is the Founding Partner of Alderman & Company. Bill is an M&A specialist in the middle market of the aerospace and defense industry with over $2 billion in mergers and acquisition-related transactions to his name. Prior to founding Alderman & Company in 2001, Bill worked for 15 years on Wall Street and in the Aerospace & Defense Industry, principally on M&A transactions in the middle market. His employers included BT Securities, Fieldstone, and General Electric. Bill is a Securities Principal registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and has four securities industry licenses (Series 7, 24, 63, and 65). Bill is a commercial pilot and owns and operates a Cirrus SR22. URL Link: https://www.aldermanco.com/ LinkedIn - William Alderman https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamalderman/ About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

The aerospace industry thrives on precision, strategy, and resilience—the same qualities that define elite intelligence operations. But how do the skills developed in espionage translate to executive leadership, negotiation, and business strategy? In this re-run episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, we revisit a compelling conversation with Michele Rigby Assad, a former CIA officer and counterterrorism expert. With years of experience in covert operations, Michele shares how the principles that kept her alive in high-stakes environments can also drive success in corporate leadership, deal-making, and career growth. Key Takeaways from This Episode: The psychology of trust—how to build credibility and influence in any industry. The role of emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments—from espionage to executive decision-making. How businesses can apply CIA-inspired tactics to outmaneuver competitors and dominate the market. Strategies to help teams step out of their comfort zones, take calculated risks, and drive growth. If you're a business leader, executive recruiter, or entrepreneur, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in now to discover how intelligence tactics can sharpen your leadership skills and negotiation strategies in today's competitive aerospace and business landscape.   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  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In the business of buying, owning and operating private jets, 2024 wasn't a bad year. 2025 promises to be even better, but it won't come without the ongoing challenges the industry has been facing for years.   We're all well aware of the ongoing pilot shortages and talent retention challenges, but there's more.  A lot of the services that surround operating a jet have increased both the cost and complexities of business aviation. From the challenges of buying these assets to maintenance lead times and environmental concerns, there's a lot to deal with.   In this market, you can't just be another jet broker, you need to become a true advisor who understands what the landscape of owning, operating and maintaining an aircraft really looks like. Michael Mikolay took this challenge upon himself and made the leap into starting his own business. How do we smooth out the roadblocks and speed bumps so that owners can have a great experience?  What was it like going from the comfort of a W2 to betting on yourself? What's the prognosis for the bizjet market? In this episode, the founder and CEO of Mikolay Jet Group talks about his leap into entrepreneurship, and how the industry can navigate the complexities of business jets.    You'll also learn: Micheal's leap into entrepreneurship How to mitigate the bizjet cost crisis What bizjet buyers need to be aware of How to turn a transactional deal into an asset partnership     I sell time, I'm giving somebody an asset that moves them from point A to point B in the furtherance of their business. -Michael Mikolay   Guest Bio Michael Mikolay is the Founder and CEO of Mikolay Jet Group LLC. In the complex arena of buying and selling business aircraft, Mikolay Jet Group is your trusted, hands-on partner. Leveraging their deep industry relationships on their behalf, they place their clients' interests first. With clear communication and swift action, Mikolay Jet Group brings order to each transaction and ensures a hassle-free, successful outcome every time. Website: https://www.mikolayjet.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikolay/    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.   Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

If there's one thing that can propel or stall a career, it's the boss you work for. A great leader can impact you for a lifetime. They create a winning environment, and allow their people to soak in the skills they need to succeed and become great leaders too.  Thinking ahead, taking charge and fixing problems, executing flawlessly and redeeming yourself after an error. These are just a few powerful competencies the right boss can give you - competencies that will make you an A player wherever you go.  Because here's the thing: if a leader is doing all the right things, the people on their team will advance in the organization and become leaders too. If that's not happening, there's a leadership problem that needs to be addressed.  What does it take to do well at work? What are CEOs looking for from their employees? In this episode, I'm joined by aviation lawyer, keynote speaker, veteran naval flight officer and author of “Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders”, Mark C. Fava. He shares what sets great leaders apart, and what they can teach us about becoming leaders in our own right.    You'll also learn: What Mark C. Fava learned from working as an Admiral's aide How to provide opportunities for redemption in your organization How to deal with tough losses and fix problems  The power of having the hard conversations  Guest Bio Mark C. Fava is an aviation lawyer, keynote speaker, veteran naval flight officer and author of “Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders”. He is a prolific writer and entertaining speaker. Mark retired from the US Navy as a captain having commanded three units, including an aviation squadron. He has been a law firm partner and a corporate executive lawyer. He has written numerous articles, including “What I Learned from the Judge” in the SC Lawyer and “Steering Through a Crisis: Lawyers as Leaders” in The Washington Lawyer. As a law school adjunct professor, he has also taught aviation law and legal writing. Mark was the chief operations attorney at Delta Air Lines on 9/11 and spent years in the Navy's P-3 Orion chasing Soviet submarines. He has practiced law for more than thirty years and is currently a vice president at the world's largest aerospace company. To learn more, visit http://www.markcfava.com/.  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.  

In the aircraft parts market, some SKUs fly off the shelves easily, but that's not the case for every part. Some parts sit in warehouses for years, gathering dust, adding up to hundreds of billions in write-offs.  80% of inventory gets snapped up, but the 20% can't sell itself. It requires someone to do some in-depth spelunking to breathe new life into these forgotten parts and connect them with buyers.   The industry has long been aware of this problem - everyone complains about it but no one has ever done anything about it.  Until now.  Oyster Aero decided to tackle this hundred billion dollar problem. By getting the surplus inventory moving again, they are helping companies get cash back on written off parts, and getting shunned and forgotten inventory back into the market.  How are they finding this buried inventory and doing the work to get it sold? What inspired the founder of Oyster? In this episode, Oyster Aero's CEO, Jeff Jerge joins me to talk about how they've gained hundreds of clients in just 8 months, and how the company is tackling one of the industry's biggest problems.    You'll also learn: How Oyster Aero got 450 sign ups in just 8 months Legwork behind the listing: what Oyster Aero does to get parts sold Why the key to starting your business is action How Oyster Aero deals with with part traceability     We're high touch for inventory that people shun. We're the Ritz-Carlton for inventory that's been forgotten. -Jeff Jerge    Guest Bio Jeff Jerge is the founder and CEO of Oyster Aero. Oyster Aero was founded on the premise that buyers and sellers desire an innovative online deal marketplace within the Aviation Supply Chain. The name “Oyster” was born from the identification of a unique niche offering, paralleling the act of opening shells to find pearls, i.e., there are pearls in every inventory. We are purposeful in cultivating an exclusive community with validated Buyers, Sellers, and Partners that can communicate and transact in a trusted and secure manner. To learn more visit https://oysteraero.com/ or connect with him on LinkedIn.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/.     Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

An aviation education can turn into an incredible career with countless opportunities to put passion and talent to work. But that requires training programs that open people's eyes to the different ways they can leverage their expertise.  The industry is evolving, and so the career paths within it have to shift too. From regulatory roles and jet pilots to aviation-trained business leaders, there are many ways to leverage the skills you gain at flight school.   For years, aviation education has been pretty straightforward. But now, schools like Kansas State's Aviation School, led by Tysen Pina, are shifting the approach. They're creating programs that produce well-rounded professionals who are ready for all corners of the industry. Introducing new training programs. Leaning on alumni. Driving excellence at the instructor level. Creating partnerships with different companies in the industry. These are just some of the ways the school is preparing students for more than just airport management. These future leaders are learning how to turn technical knowledge into business strategy and make smart decisions for the future of aviation. How is Tysen using his military background to lead the aviation school? How is the school training talent for the different aspects of the industry? In this episode, Tysen Pina talks about how he's shaking up aviation education and helping students become the well-rounded, business-savvy leaders that the industry needs. He shares all the exciting initiatives he has spearheaded since he took over, and what he hopes to achieve next semester.  You'll also learn: How flight schools are leveraging cutting edge tech in the training process How Kansas State University's Aviation School is attracting talent from far and wide The key to training the aviation professional of the future  Tysen's journey from the military to academia  I want to grow the program but we're not growing anything until I'm sure that we're at an excellent level. -Tysen Pina   Guest Bio Tysen is the Department Head for Kansas State University Aviation School. As an accomplished aviation operations executive and retired USAF officer, Tysen brings extensive leadership experience in managing complex flight operations, talent development, and process optimization. He currently oversees 500+ personnel, 30 aircraft, and a $7M budget, while executing over 17,000 annual flight hours. Previously, Tysen held leadership roles in the USAF, commanding teams of 300+ members and spearheading critical missions and organizational improvements. He has successfully managed operations, led strategic planning, and driven performance enhancements across multiple roles, including director-level positions in aviation and airborne command & control. Tysen is passionate about developing future leaders and optimizing processes to boost efficiency and performance. Connect with him on LinkedIn.     About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.      Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In the aerospace industry, growth and innovation aren't just buzzwords—they're vital for survival in one of the most competitive sectors in the world.  This year, I had the privilege of sitting down with some of the most forward-thinking leaders, companies that have not only weathered the turbulence of today's challenges but have come out stronger on the other side. From supply chain crises to strategic turnarounds, these conversations offer a deep dive into what it takes to succeed in aerospace today. In this special highlight episode, we're revisiting some of the best insights shared by industry leaders who are driving change and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.   You'll hear about: The Aircraft Shortage That Won't Go Away Turning a 60-Year-Old Company into a Market Leader Why Efficiency is Everything for Mid-Sized MROs Why Small Suppliers Make the Biggest Impact A Masterclass in Growth Rate Management   About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.      Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

The airline industry is renowned for its safety, but the pandemic threw a curveball into the mix. The world was forced to grapple with new realities of travel, and even though it was a challenge, it also presented new opportunities that the industry can go after. Fleet flexibility, operational efficiency, and paying attention to demographic shifts—these are some ways the industry can adapt and pivot. Airlines have been forced to reimagine their models and rethink how they deliver value to customers, while balancing cost structures and new health and safety protocols. Former Spirit Airlines CEO, Ben Baldanza, joined me on the show back in 2021 to discuss these critical changes in the aviation industry. He shared his insights on how airlines could navigate the turbulent times ahead, emphasizing the importance of adapting to shifting travel demands, especially as corporate business travel declined and more passengers prioritized low-cost options. In sad news, Ben passed away recently, and I wanted to take this moment to remember him and the tremendous impact he made on the aviation industry. This episode is a special replay of my conversation with Ben.  Ben is known for his visionary leadership at Spirit, candid commentary on the future of air travel, and his unwavering commitment to making the industry more accessible and efficient for all travelers. His legacy continues to shape the industry, and we are grateful for the lasting mark he left on it.   The idea is to make flying touchless, with less time spent face to face. The virus will end at some point, but the sense of risk has changed completely. -Ben Baldanza   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode  Why the future of flying is touch-free 5 years from now touchless check-ins and minimal personal contact will be a norm and will be worthy investments. What the pandemic means for bigger planes It could take a couple of years to build back demand. Smaller, narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 Max, Airbus A320s, and A321s will have an advantage.  How aviation has prioritized safety since the start of the virus From the onset of the coronavirus, the aviation industry has done its part in visible safety precautions, from mask mandates to putting up shields at airports. As an industry, we've shown an operational AND biological commitment to safety.   Guest Bio -  Ben Baldanza was an industry veteran. Previously the CEO and President of Spirit Airlines, and then he served as the CEO for Diemacher, LLC, and was an Independent Board Director at JetBlue Airways. Ben was also a Forbes Contributor, co-host of the Airlines Confidential Podcast, and was featured on multiple platforms including Fox Business News, The Today Show, and CNBC. Ben was an Adjunct Professor of Economics at George Mason University.    To find out more, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-ben-baldanza https://www.forbes.com/sites/benbaldanza/ https://diemacherllc.com/about https://airlinesconfidential.com/ Learn More About Your Host: Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to download the Apple Podcast app and leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

The business jet maintenance industry faces a persistent challenge: getting aircraft out on time and on budget seems nearly impossible. At the core of this issue? Labor shortages, high turnover, and a lack of skilled talent. Hiring new mechanics is costly, the learning curve is steep, and customers ultimately bear the financial burden. While many have tried to solve these issues, Jets MRO took a bold, innovative approach that's transforming the game.  What if the secret to better bizjet MRO performance lies in treating mechanics with respect and offering them a compelling reason to stay? By prioritizing technician satisfaction and retention, Jets MRO has cracked the code for delivering top-tier service without the delays and cost overruns. In this episode, Jets MRO founder and CEO Suresh Narayanan reveals how his company is tackling the labor crisis head-on, building a culture that retains top talent, and reshaping the way bizjet maintenance is done.   Tune in to discover: The origin story of Jets MRO. The innovative strategies they use to overcome MRO labor challenges. Why prioritizing people leads to better outcomes for customers and the industry.   If you're in the aviation or MRO space, this is the must-listen episode for you. Guest Bio Suresh Narayanan is the founder and CEO of Jets MRO. He is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and visionary leader with deep roots in aviation. With a passion for aviation and an unyielding commitment to people first, Suresh continues to raise the bar in how the industry treats its people. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Florida State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. A pilot himself, Suresh's interest in aviation began at a young age in the repair station his parents opened after his father completed his career as a Concorde mechanic. Before incorporating Jets MRO, he worked alongside his brother Raj at Aerospace Quality Research & Development (AQRD), contributing significantly to the growth and success of the aerospace engineering, repair station, and military jet modification firm. Suresh brings invaluable experience as the former COO of JSX and boasts expertise in aviation mergers and acquisitions, steering ventures towards success. He is a proud member of the YPO-North Texas chapter and serves as a dedicated Board Member at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. With a blend of hands-on experience and commitment to driving innovation in the aviation industry, Suresh is poised to lead Jets MRO towards unparalleled heights of success. To learn more visit https://jetsmro.com/ and  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Join Joanna Roche on this week's episode of the Nature of Nantucket podcast as she sits down with former NASA astronaut and US Navy Captain (Ret.), Daniel Bursch, to talk about his Nantucket roots. Bursch is a former Naval Flight Officer and astronaut.  He completed four missions to space, including a 196-day mission to the International Space Station from December 2001 to June 2002 as a flight engineer on Expedition 4. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1979, the US Naval Test Pilot School in 1984 and the Naval Postgraduate School in 1991. He is married to Sharon Yencharis and they have four children, and two grandchildren. He grew up in the Northeast and spent his summers as a child on Nantucket. His hobbies include working on cars, fixing anything and weaving lightship baskets. He retired from the Aerospace Corporation in September 2019. For more details about the Maria Mitchell Association, visit mariamitchell.org.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Dr. Derek Abbey, President and CEO of Project Recover, the nation's leading citizen-led non-profit organization to search, locate, document, recover, and repatriate the over 81,500 American service members missing in action. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestDerek Abbey, Ph.D. is Project Recover's President and CEO. He served for 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. His academic research and his post-military career have focused on connecting veterans with college opportunities, He began as Project Recover team member in 2004 and spent five years on the Board of Directors before being appointed as President / CEO.Derek Abbey grew up in Seattle. He was the only child of a single mom doing the best she could to raise a “rambunctious boy.”  Her unexpected death when Derek was 13 turned his life upside-down. For four years, he lived primarily with his aunt and uncle. Finally, at 17, Derek ran away to the Marine Corps. Derek Abbey had been without a rudder and sail for most of his life. In the USMC, he found a structure and system he could succeed in.First, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a communicator. After his initial enlistment, the Marine Corps selected him for a commissioning program and sent him to Oregon State University to earn a degree. Upon receiving his degree he was commissioned as a ground officer. Finally, Derek was selected for an aviation contract while completing the six months long Basic School.This combination of events, going into the military and then to college, set the stage for Derek's academic and professional accomplishments. It also is the seed that gave rise to a passion for connecting veterans with educational opportunities. It is also, of course, the precursor which led up to his current role with Project Recover.Derek Abbey attended flight school in Pensacola FL and graduated as a Naval Flight Officer. He was then sent to the F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron at MCAS Miramar where he earned his designation as an F/A-18 Weapons Systems Officer. He was then immediately assigned to his first squadron, VMFA(AW)-121, and deployed for Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the next few years, he deployed two more times to Iraq and once to the Far East. He holds more combat hours in the Hornet than hours in peaceful skies. After an extended and successful tour in the Hornet, Derek left flight operations to become a Plank Owner (original member) at Marine Corps Special Operations Command as the Air Officer for the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, now 1st Raider Battalion. During this period with the Marine Raiders, he served in Marine Special Operations Company Delta and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as their Forward Air Controller, Special Operations JTAC, and Executive Officer.In 2009, Derek was selected by the Marine Corps for the Advanced Degree Program and assigned to the University of San Diego. “In 2009-2011, there was a huge influx of military into higher education. Universities were figuring out how to work with these populations.” While earning a Masters in Higher Education Leadership, Derek conducted research on how universities and colleges work with military-connected students on their campuses. His thesis provided best practices for colleges to use in creating successful military programs on their campuses. In his twilight tour from 2011-2014, Derek served as the Director of the Marine Corps' Train the Trainer School in Camp Lejeune, NC. His organization was responsible for the training and education of instructors, curriculum developers, staff and leadership of 93 training units across the Marine Corps. Derek retired from the USMC as a Major in 2014. Shortly thereafter, he began his doctorate in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego. Derek focused again on conducting practical research that would help make higher education more accessible to veterans, the majority of whom would be first-generation college students. His research has garnered national attention and resulted in multiple speaking engagements. Derek earned his Ph.D. in 2019.Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, Derek began working at San Diego State University as a Military Liaison Officer in the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center. In this position, he focused on outreach to the military-connected students in the region in order to provide guidance for them attaining their higher education goals.In 2015, he took over the Military and Veterans Program at The University of San Diego.  During his time with USD, he created and implemented programming that resulted in the growth of the military-connected population by 30% and the program being recognized as one at the top in the nation. Derek was the advocate for this population not only at USD but on other campuses in the region through the Military Ally program and with organizations across the nation attempting to provide better educational guidance for the military population.  In 2017, Derek took over West Coast Operations for the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) as the Senior Director of the West and Northwest Regions. TMF is a veterans service organization that works to unite the American community through programming that emphasizes the value of strong character. In this role, he oversaw the strategy development, program implementation and expansion, budget execution, and evaluation in TMF's largest geographical region. Links Mentioned in this Episode Project Recover Web SitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekFor this week's PsychArmor resource of the week is an episode of the Behind the Mission Podcast, episode 153 with Christina Slentz and the League of Wives Memorial Project. This project honors the story of a group of military spouses who supported their husbands held captive as POWs in the Vietnam war with the establishment of a memorial in Coronado, California.  You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/christina-slentz Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmor

As the aerospace and defense industry continues to face supply resiliency issues coupled with talent shortages, India has emerged as a solution.  Many marquee OEMs have been able to harness the full capabilities that can be found in India and gain all the benefits of manufacturing there.  Jeh Aerospace is helping US companies unlock the talent pool, manufacturing and state of the art technology that has flourished in India, and they are just getting started.  A rising tide lifts all ships, so the goal isn't just to solve the issues of one market, it's to ultimately serve the global supply chain and solve the shortages and delays that way.  What global trends have made aerospace and defense giants look to India? How is Jeh Aerospace working to transform the industry on a global scale?  In this episode, co-founder and CEO of Jeh Aerospace, Vishal Sanghavi shares the organization's story, how they established an incredible footprint in India, and how they are solving the supply chain issues that have plagued this industry for years.    Many times people make perceptions on one experience they had with India. India is very large and diverse. It's important to partner with the right people if you want the best of India. -Craig Picken     Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode  Unlocking the potential of India A lot of marquee OEMs have turned to India. Who are some of Jeh Aerospace's clients?  Talent pool meets technology  It's no secret that labor shortages in the US have become more pronounced. How is India stepping in to solve the problem? What else can the nation do for aerospace and defense?  Jeh Aerospace's ultimate play Solving the supply resiliency issue isn't just about serving one market. How does Jeh Aerospace plan to lift the entire field? Guest Bio Vishal R. Sanghavi is the co-founder & CEO of Jeh Aerospace. He has been a leader in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry for nearly two decades. He co-founded Jeh Aerospace in 2022 with his long-time colleague Venkatesh Mudragalla. This US-based company manufactures aerospace and defense components to address the industry's global supply chain constraints. Vishal is on a mission  to transform aerospace manufacturing by harnessing the power of advanced technologies like robotic automation, AI, and AR/VR and leveraging the vast talent pool of countries like India through friend-shoring. He is building Jeh Aerospace into a new-age technology-driven manufacturing company that will deliver stringent-quality flying parts 10x faster, better, and cheaper. Vishal's entrepreneurial journey began at the renowned Tata Group, where he built and led large multimillion-dollar businesses and became one of the youngest CXOs for the group. He spearheaded numerous aerospace businesses during his tenure, including the Tata Boeing Joint Venture (JV), Tata Sikorsky JV, and Tata Lockheed JV, which manufactures large and complex aerospace systems. To learn more, visit https://jeh.aero/.  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.      Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Former Naval Flight Officer and Naval Physician Dr. Alta DeRoo and Vietnam War infrantryman Dr. Don Elverd from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation join Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster to discuss substance use disorder, ways to prevent and treat addiction, and its implications for national security. As experts in treating substance use disorders and supporting service members through recovery, Drs. DeRoo and Elverd share insights on the addiction crisis affecting Americans, mental healthcare and addiction treatment for veterans, and how communities can support individuals undergoing substance use disorder treatment. They emphasize a focus on resilience, growth, and emerging stronger from overcoming a substance use disorder. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Dr. Alta DeRoo is medical director of the Betty Ford Center's three California facilities. She served 24 years in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer and Naval Physician and was among the first cohort of women to fly in combat. Dr. DeRoo is board-certified in OB-GYN and addiction medicine and is a leading expert on maternal and fetal health implications of substance use disorder treatment. She currently serves on the American Society of Addiction Medicine's board. Dr. Don Elverd served as an Army combat infantryman in the Vietnam War, where he received three purple hearts, a bronze star of valor, and the combat infantry badge. He then earned his doctorate in clinical psychology. Dr. Elverd is an expert on multicultural approaches to healing and speaks on healing and recovery from psychological trauma. Dr. Elverd's clinical focus is supporting active duty and veteran service members. He has worked with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation for thirty-three years. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.

Many people think military leadership is as simple as giving orders and people just blindly following them. They couldn't be more mistaken.  While people will do what they're told, this “sir, yes, sir” style of leadership doesn't lead to high performance. It leads to a workforce that begrudgingly follows orders and passive aggressively does the bare minimum.  Getting people to take pride in their work and do it joyfully is a completely different ball game. It starts with a leadership style that's more heart-centered, shifting from being transactional to being relational. A caring leader enhances the performance of a team, and it's often as simple as learning the names of everyone in the organization.  How can leaders show people that they care? Why do commuting CEOs kill morale? What are the 3 facets of leading from the heart?  In this episode, retired Two-Star Admiral, my former colleague and aerospace and defense leader, Mike Manazir returns. He talks about his new book, “Learn How to Lead to Lead From the Heart” and why heart-led organizations outperform other companies.  Don't ever assume you know what the workforce is feeling or worried about until they tell you. -Mike Manazir     Things You'll Learn In This Episode  What actually drives military performance (it's not giving orders) Some people think leading is as easy as giving an order and people will follow it. Why is there a lot more to it? The most powerful thing a leader can do In any organization, recognition fuels performance. How can something as simple as a leader knowing everyone's names fire them up?  What dysfunctional workplaces have in common It's not hard to identify a workplace that's not being led well. What are the telltale signs of poor leadership?  Transactional leadership vs. leading from the heart In this era of remote work and private equity, we're starting to see CEOs who are okay with commuting. Why does this communicate a negative message to the workforce?      Guest Bio Mike Manazir is a graduate of Top Gun and commanded an F-14 squadron, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, and a Carrier Strike Group. Mike retired as a Two-Star Admiral and is now an executive with a Fortune 100 aerospace and defense company. He is the author of the new book, “Learn How to Lead to Lead From the Heart”. Mike mentors a leadership style based on heart and trust that champions inclusion. Mike believes if you have one or more people looking to you to show the way, you are a leader. He wants to help you be the best leader you can be so you can Lead to Win. For more information about Mike's book head to https://mikemanazir.com/.  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Mark is a University of South Carolina Law School graduate and currently works as the Vice President Ombudsperson at Boeing and is the Author of his brand new book, Lessons From the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders. Mark's career trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a part of the US Navy, he went on to law school, and today, he's an author sharing hard-earned insights and life lessons.We begin at the University of North Carolina, where Mark was part of the ROTC, kicking off a 30-year career in the U.S. Navy. As a Naval Flight Officer, he spent his days tracking submarines. But after some pivotal conversations with a mentor—a JAG officer— it would plant a new direction for Mark: law school. Fast forward, and Mark found himself at the University of South Carolina School of Law, navigating an intense first year that marked a sharp departure from his military background. Yet, he thrived, discovering an affinity for specific areas of law that fueled his next steps.Mark reflects on those transformative years, highlighting the steep learning curve and the unique perspective that his military background brought to his legal studies. We discuss his passion for aviation law and his tenacity in networking, a skill he attributes to landing every position he's held. Mark's advice? Dive in. Find your associations, boards, and mentors; offer value without expectation. His approach to networking is bold and direct, driven by a belief that there's nothing to lose and everything to gain by putting yourself out there.We also explore his latest venture as an author. Mark's new book, Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, is packed with actionable insights on leadership. He shares wisdom on active learning, setting clear expectations, doing your homework, and—perhaps most importantly—investing in people. From thrilling sea stories to grounded leadership advice, Mark's book is a masterclass in resilience and growth.This episode is filled with Mark's hard-won wisdom and tactical advice. Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned leader who's walked the walk. Check out Lessons from the Admiral, coming this January—Mark was kind enough to send me an advance copy, and I can't recommend it highly enough!Mark's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markcfavaMark's Blog: theaviatorlawyer.comLessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders: https://a.co/d/6HBWm87Be sure to check out the Official Sponsors for the Lawyers in the Making Podcast:Rhetoric - takes user briefs and motions and compares them against the text of opinions written by judges to identify ways to tailor their arguments to better persuade the judges handling their cases. Rhetoric's focus is on persuasion and helps users find new ways to improve their odds of success through more persuasive arguments. Find them here: userhetoric.comThe Law School Operating System™ Recorded Course - This course is for ambitious law students who want a proven, simple system to learn every topic in their classes to excel in class and on exams. Go to www.lisablasser.com, check out the student tab with course offerings, and use code LSOSNATE10 at checkout for 10% off Lisa's recorded course!Start LSAT - Founded by former guest and 21-year-old super-star, Alden Spratt, Start LSAT was built upon breaking down barriers, allowing anyone access to high-quality LSAT Prep. For $110 you get yourself the Start LSAT self-paced course, and using code LITM10 you get 10% off the self-paced course! On top of that, Alden offers an upcoming 10-week course for the January LSAT. Using code LITM100 you get $100 off the 10-week course! Check out Alden and Start LSAT at startlsat.com and use both code LITM10 for 10% off the self-paced course, and LITM100 for $100 off the 10-week course! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lawyersinthemaking.substack.com

Whether you're in the Blue Angels, on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier or an elite athlete, being on a high performing team isn't about you. Your success depends on working together, sacrificing, covering for each other and collaborating.  In order to do this right, everyone on the team has to hold up their end of the bargain. The leader has to be willing to hold up a mirror to their own performance and be the basis of all the values they want the team to have.  The team member has to carry their weight. Collectively, the organizational mission has to precede the personal mission.  The moment you have a group of people with their own agendas is the moment performance and ultimately, results get compromised. How do we uphold the 5 core tenants of high performance teams? How do high performance teams have hard conversations?  In this episode, aviation executive, pilot, speaker, former Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels and author of High Trust Leadership, George Dom returns to share how great teams operate, learn from mistakes and work towards their goals.  When you're a team, your success depends on you working together, sacrificing, covering for each other and collaborating. -George Dom   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  5 questions to ask yourself everyday There are interconnected things every single high performance team needs to have. How do we make them part of our daily routines?  Every organization needs a post-flight debrief One of the biggest gaps is corporate America is the inability for leaders to give and get candid feedback. Why is it so important for teams not to shy away from holding a mirror up to their own performance?  High performance team vs. high performance person You either have a team or a group of individuals with their own agendas. What are the core characteristics of a real team?      Guest Bio George is an aviation executive, pilot, speaker and former Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels. Today he is the COO of ACI Jet and the author of the new book, “High Trust Leadership: How to Build a High-Performance Team”.  Through inspiring keynotes, engaging workshops, and expert coaching, George shares critical lessons on leadership, team-building, and high performance based on his 26-year Navy career that included aerial combat missions, flight leader of the Blue Angels, and Topgun instructor. Participants learn the skills that transform managers into leaders and groups into cohesive teams -- High-Trust Leadership and Focused Engagement. To learn more go to https://georgedom.com/ and connect with George on LinkedIn.    Buy the book “High Trust Leadership: How to Build a High-Performance Team” here.      About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Airplanes aren't retiring the way they used to. They are more sophisticated than ever before. They are staying around longer and they are getting larger with each generation.  This creates a challenge and a lot of complexity for MRO but also a massive opportunity.  How do you run an organization with the capacity, talent and sheer size to support all of this growth?  That's something West Star Aviation has figured out at a really high level. As a 77-year old company, the business has a storied legacy. But what they've accomplished recently is impressive and they are only getting started!  The MRO ecosystem has a lot of demand to go around and a huge customer base to serve, and this is great news. What is the secret to their success? Why did the integration with Jet East go so well?  In this episode, I'm joined by the CEO and COO of West Star Aviation, Stephen Maiden and Allen McReynolds. They share their story, how they are solving the talent shortage and why there's so much business to go around right now.    Things You'll Learn In This Episode  An incredible success story West Star Aviation has been around for 77 years. How have they turned a storied legacy into the incredible growth they've seen in the last few years?  The ecosystem has a ton of demand Airplanes aren't retiring how they used to. How will this shape the next decade of MRO?  The fastest, smoothest, greatest integration in aviation When Jet East and West Star came together, they became a bigger force in the marketplace. Why did this integration work so well?  How to find strong technical talent The aviation talent shortage is something we're all aware of. How do we get young people interested in fixing airplanes?  Guest Bio Stephen Maiden is the CEO of West Star Aviation. Allen McReynolds is the president and COO at West Star Aviation. With over 75 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC, as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Chicago, and West Palm Beach. Our extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide. To learn more, head to https://www.weststaraviation.com/.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/. To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit https://craigpicken.com/.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

With the recent Boeing and Textron strikes, it seems the business of manufacturing new planes just can't catch a break.  These labor woes are just another challenge clobbering the production and availability of new aircraft, and we have to brace for a challenging few weeks (or months).  Unfortunately, this could be the tip of the iceberg that can trickle down, but it's not all bad news for the whole industry. There is a glimmer of hope - the aftermarket.  Since the pandemic, this side of the business has been white hot, and the strikes are set to make it hotter. That means a strong M&A market, deals at good multiples and a perfect opportunity for owners looking to cash out.  Why is manufacturing's loss the aftermarket's gain? How can we expect strikes to affect every sector of the industry? How did smaller companies get ahead of it?  In this episode, President of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman returns for his quarterly M&A update. Today, we discuss the recent strikes and how they will shape the rest of 2024.  Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode  You can't change the rules of capitalism The cash injection of covid was necessary but we weren't going to escape scot-free. What's driving the issues in labor right now? The beauty of being small and nimble  When inflation puts a squeeze on wages, the big corporations have the hardest time. How were smaller companies able to get ahead of strikes?  Production problems = the aftermarket's advantage  The aerospace and defense strikes are going to hit airplane production with another challenge. Why will this make the aftermarket more lucrative?  Guest Bio William H. Alderman (Bill) is the Founding Partner of Alderman & Company. Bill is an M&A specialist in the middle market of the aerospace and defense industry with over $2 billion in mergers and acquisition-related transactions to his name. Prior to founding Alderman & Company in 2001, Bill worked for 15 years on Wall Street and in the Aerospace & Defense Industry, principally on M&A transactions in the middle market. His employers included BT Securities, Fieldstone, and General Electric. Bill is a Securities Principal registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and has four securities industry licenses (Series 7, 24, 63, and 65). Bill is a commercial pilot and owns and operates a Cirrus SR22. URL Link: https://www.aldermanco.com/ LinkedIn - William Alderman https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamalderman/   About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In the highly competitive and specialized world of business jet interiors, standing out with something truly unique is no small feat. The challenge of innovation is compounded by the complex certification processes involved, making it difficult for most companies in this space to create disruptive designs. Interestingly, some of the most significant innovations often come from outside the aviation interior industry. A prime example is RCO Engineering, a company originally focused on automotive interiors. This small auto interior company was selected to build custom seats for Gulfstream, making the bold leap from mass production to a highly customized, bespoke business model for the aviation industry. But what drove Gulfstream to choose RCO Engineering for such a critical task? How did they successfully navigate the shift from cars to jets? And what are the key differences between the automotive and business aviation industries? In this episode of the Aerospace Executive Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Simek, General Manager of RCO Engineering & RCO Aerospace. We dive into the fascinating story of how aerospace came knocking, their business model, and why being a smaller, nimble company positions them for success in the aerospace sector. There's a lot involved in business jet interiors. There's a lot of certification at stake and it's risky to bring things to market so a lot of companies won't do it. -Jeff Simek   Key Takeaways From This Episode  Aerospace Innovation: Learn how RCO Engineering's unique approach to building jet interiors caught the attention of Gulfstream Aerospace and set them apart in a competitive field. The Power of a Small Business in Aerospace: Discover how keeping operations small and focused has helped RCO Aerospace achieve agility and innovation, leading to significant impact in the aviation industry. Pivoting from Automotive to Aerospace: The transition from mass production in the automotive industry to a fully customized, high-end business jet interior model presents unique challenges. Find out how RCO made this shift smoothly and effectively.     Guest Bio Jeff Simek is the General Manager of RCO Engineering & RCO Aerospace. He provides passionate leadership, team building, and strategic planning for cost, quality and delivery performance in the Aerospace and Automotive industries. With over 23 years of experience, his first 14 years were spent in the automotive industry where he held the positions of Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Greenfield Site Launch Manager and Plant Manager for large Tier 1 suppliers. Following these positions, he was hired as Business Unit Manager for RCO Engineering's automotive plastics division. After two years with RCO Engineering, he was promoted to General Manager of Operations for RCO Aerospace, a new start-up, offering passenger seating and interior products for large cabin purpose built jets. Jeff is now in charge of both Aerospace and Automotive operations at RCO with a strategy for the 4th industrial revolution. He also serves as a board member for AIAM where he works to ensure Michigan's Aerospace industry is aligned to local and global opportunities. To find out more, head to https://www.rcoeng.com/aerospace and connect with Jeff on LinkedIn.     About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/. To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit https://craigpicken.com/.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

This episode of Hangar Flying, a Smokehouse Pilots podcast, features an interview with Kurt Muller at Sun 'n Fun. Kurt discusses his various aviation roles, including being an aircraft sales representative for American Champion Aircraft and his involvement with Tribute Aviation, a nonprofit organization he founded. Kurt shares his experiences flying different aircraft, from Challengers to Stearmans, and his military background as a Naval Flight Officer. He explains the mission of Tribute Aviation, which aims to provide flight experiences to military veterans, particularly those from the post-9/11 era who may be dealing with readjustment issues. Kurt also touches on his current job as a Challenger pilot for FlexJet and his past experiences in the Navy and Air Force. Sound Bites: "When you're up in a Stearman open cockpit biplane, it's just a very visceral experience and you're looking at it's just a complete change in your look on life." "At the beginning of the day, I don't know where I'm going to end the day. And I'll fly into 5,000 foot strips and stuff in a big jet. And that's just, you know, it's as challenging as a pilot." "It's the wind in the hair, the smell of the oil and the gas and grass because it's open. I mean, you can smell everything and feel it and it's just very visceral." "These guys love it. And it seems like it's almost kind of, you know, because the plane was a veteran and then found a new life in a civilian world. And so I think that really translates." 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Community and networking in aviation can lead to meaningful opportunities and impact. 2. Vintage aircraft experiences can have therapeutic effects on veterans dealing with readjustment issues. 3. Diverse flying experiences, from military aircraft to corporate jets and vintage planes, can enhance a pilot's skills and versatility. 4. Nonprofits like Tribute Aviation play a crucial role in giving back to the veteran community through aviation. 5. The symbolism of repurposed military aircraft resonates with veterans, representing their own transition to civilian life. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying Podcast 00:31 Kurt Muller at Sun and Fun 01:01 Aircraft Sales and Experiences 03:48 Tributive Aviation: Giving Back to Veterans 10:17 Flying Experiences: Challenger vs. Stearman 15:31 Conclusion and Future Events Links: https://tribute-aviation.com/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

In the world of business branding, there are 2 kinds of organizations. The ones that talk about what they do, and the ones that focus on what makes them unique.  You can guess which one grows faster and has more loyal customers. Branding is non-negotiable - it's the only way to stand out in a crowded marketplace.  In this industry, many companies don't do enough to brand themselves differently, or the brands they do have are stuck in the past. As a result, there are hundreds of companies people can't really tell apart.  That's why it's critical to take diligent steps to be memorable and recognizable.  How do you know it's time to rebrand? What are the pillars of a good brand? How can legacy brands harness all their digital power?  In this episode, I'm joined by CEO and Founder of Moxie Global Consulting, Melissa Thomas. We talk about my recent rebrand, and inventive ways to make your brand come across differently.    There's a big difference between branding that tells you what a company does and branding that tells you why they do it or how they solve a problem. -Melissa Thomas   Things You'll Learn In This Episode    -Put both your feet in the digital world  The world may have moved to the digital space but a lot of companies still haven't caught up. Why is a website so necessary?    -The biggest branding oversights in aviation  The aviation industry is prone to mergers and product changes. We also have a lot of legacy companies that haven't fully embraced today's branding standards. How do you make sure your brand reflects the current state of your business?    -The right time to rebrand In a rapidly evolving world, a brand can get stale really fast. How do you know it's time for a refresh or a total overhaul?  Guest Bio Melissa Lucas Thomas is the CEO and Founder of Moxie Global Consulting, LLC. She is a visionary business leader with expertise in the private aviation, luxury hospitality, and retail industries. Over the past two decades, she has worked as an innovator and turnaround expert with emphasis on developing inspiring leaders, managing service culture transformations, creating new revenue streams, and delivering operational excellence. Melissa's innovative process and technology ideas have been a significant driver behind industry best financial results. To learn more, visit https://moxieglobalconsulting.com/.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/. To learn more about Craig Picken and the NorthStar Group, visit https://craigpicken.com/.     Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Alta DeRoo, MD, MBA, FACOG, DFASAM, joins host, Zach, to talk about her experience in the US Navy (USN) and her path to practicing OBGYN and addiction medicine. She discusses the intersection of general medicine or primary specialty practice and addiction and shares her perspectives on stigma related to addiction. Dr. DeRoo explains the potential challenges of transitioning from active duty to veteran status and how these can sometimes lead to substance use, addiction, or mental health issues. Finally, she shares what inspired (and continues to inspire) her sense of service and offers advice to the next generation of addiction medicine specialists. Dr. DeRoo's father was active-duty Navy when she was born on Midway Island in the South Pacific. A sense of service was branded in her character, and after earning a BA in psychology from Connecticut College, she joined the Navy and served for 24 years. She was selected for combat Naval Aviation and was among the first cohort of women to fly in combat. Dr. DeRoo was the first female in her community of the E2C Hawkeye, a carrier airborne early warning plane. (They have a short cameo in Top Gun, but you would not see Mav flying her plane.) After 8 years of aviation and over 40 combat missions, Dr. DeRoo was awarded a scholarship to attend medical school. After graduating from the University of Florida College of Medicine, she completed residency in OBGYN. She completed several missions, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and 5 deployments on the USNS Mercy performing surgeries in Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and she was the mission commander of a Papua, New Guinea mission. Dr. DeRoo became very aware of the alcohol and drugs that sailors and soldiers used on deployment (for various reasons). Her father was also one of these sailors who eventually developed alcohol use disorder. From his stories and the stories of her shipmates and battle buddies, she became very interested in the science of addiction. Her Commanding Officer at the time allowed her to moonlight at a nearby methadone clinic, which was the beginning of her career in addiction medicine. Dr. DeRoo later became board certified in addiction medicine and practiced both OBGYN and addiction medicine. She retired from the USN to Culpeper, VA, where she started the county's first ever OBOT with their Community Services Board, started treating pregnant women with SUD, and incorporated this into a clinic in her town. Through aggressive naloxone distribution and OUD treatment, they were able to decrease their opioid overdose rate between 2016-2018. It was during this time Dr. DeRoo also became interested in the Virginia Chapter of ASAM. She served as secretary for two years, then president elect in 2020. The only thing that drew her away from serving as president in 2020 was a job opportunity that, to her, was a calling. She was asked to be the medical director of the Betty Ford Center and all California sites. She made dramatic changes there and was promoted to chief medical officer of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and their 16 sites across the US. During this time, she also earned an MBA from the University of Virginia and became a Distinguished Fellow of ASAM.   Virginia Society of Addiction Medicine (VASAM) American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Distinguished Fellows of ASAM (DFASAM) If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM's Patient Resources page for more information. The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

Another interview from this year's Writer's Cantina in Utah, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia sat down with author/retired Naval Flight Officer, Jim Curtis (AKA J.L. Curtis). Jim currently has 47+ writing credits to his name, a rather unique view of the industry, and is part of the rising force that is Raconteur Press. If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo  _________________________________________________________________  This week's episode is sponsored by *the Legends of Colt Ostergaard series* by our boy Rick Cutler himself- available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rick-Cutler/author/B0BWSJ7MHJ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1721151371&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true (affiliate link) _________________________________________________________________  "Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writerdojo/support

In this episode of "So There I Was," we meet Messman, a former Navy P-3 Naval Flight Officer and a riveting storyteller with experiences that keep you on the edge of your seat. This episode features Messman's harrowing and often humorous tales from his time as a naval flight officer and beyond. Right from the start, Messman's vibrant personality and candid storytelling grip you. He shares gritty details from his service in the 1960s, providing an authentic slice of military life during tumultuous times. His stories are filled with the rough-and-tumble of service life, complete with the candid and explicit language that marked the era, earning this podcast its explicit rating. Messman recounts episodes that are as nerve-wracking as they are uproarious. From narrowly escaping death multiple times in a single flight to humorous and human interactions with Air Traffic controllers and fellow servicemen, his stories resonate with authenticity and a raw edge that's rare. This episode is more than just recounting tales of past glories; it's a reflection on resilience, quick thinking, and the often-overlooked aspects of military camaraderie. Messman's storytelling doesn't just paint a picture of a man who has lived through extraordinary circumstances; it also offers listeners a vivid portrayal of the era's cultural and social milieu, bringing history to life through personal recollection. Wings of My Father Book Cover Screenshot

In this episode of I Need A Coach, host Adam Packard sits down with Mike Dugan, a former Vice President of Sales turned successful consultant. Mike shares his incredible journey from the Military to climbing the ranks in corporate America and ultimately taking the bold leap into entrepreneurship. Discover how Mike navigated a challenging first year with zero income, the mindset that propelled him forward, and the strategies he employs to help small to mid-sized businesses thrive. Packed with invaluable insights on sales, leadership, and personal growth, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike.Mike Dugan brings with him over 30 years of experience as a successful business leader ranging from large Fortune 500 corporations(Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Baxter) to smaller entrepreneurial businesses. Clients find his depth of experience and knowledge reassuring. While many consultants are skilled at diagnosing the issues preventing organizations from achieving success, few consultants seek involvement in the actual hands-on implementation process required for next-level growth. This aspect makes Mike's work unique. Having served as a Vice President of Sales for both large public corporations and smaller private companies, Mike has built a strong reputation for delivering powerful, record-breaking results quickly. These traits, along with his polished client-focused approach, allow Mike to deliver a consistently high level of satisfaction to all his clients. Born in Maryland, Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Towson University in Baltimore and he was awarded his MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA. After college Mike spent just over 8 years in the Military as a Naval Flight Officer flying the F-14 Tomcat and is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Mike is the Founder of Commonwealth - Consulting an advisory coaching & training practice serving the entire USA. He is licensed and certified advisor with Chart Learning Systems, The Proctor-Gallagher Institute, and Appleton & Green. Mike also works internationally as a paid speaker for Vistage Worldwide and TEC Canada. Mike, his lovely wife Deanna and their children reside in Virginia Beach, VA where they enjoy golf, scuba-diving, and relaxing at the beach with friends.Key Topics Discussed:Transition from the Military to consultingAchieving sales targets in corporationsImportance of networkingMindset and affirmations for successRecommendations of books for personal developmentTimestamps:06:46 Good bosses set clear, achievable expectations and hold people accountable.11:06 Companies that prioritizes results over hierarchy are more likely to be innovators.18:28 Mindset training crucial for business success and self-belief.23:31 Believe in creating your own reality through practice and perseverance.Guest Socials:Mike Dugan | LinkedInCommonwealth Consulting | Website

This week on the Lead to Win Podcast, we visit Lauren Cruz. Lauren graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 and spent the following 5 years as a Naval Flight Officer on board the P-3C Orion aircraft, hunting submarines and Somalian pirates (including those who took Captain Phillips captive in 2009), and flying surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the Persian Gulf.  She then served for 3.5 years at the White House as a communications officer (alongside Atlas Aultman, another guest of the show).  In 2015, Lauren left the Navy and began a career in Financial Crimes Compliance and Fraud Prevention in NYC.  She has worked for EY (Ernst & Young), PayPal, and recently accepted a position with Goldman Sachs. Throughout her career, Lauren has enjoyed great success employing what she now knows is called “compassionate leadership”.  In short, she makes it a point to be curious about and empathetic toward the individuals she works with.  Not only does she find work much more enjoyable this way, but the results she has gotten have been overwhelmingly positive. Episode Takeaways: Compassionate leadership involves being curious and empathetic towards employees, which leads to happier and more loyal team members. Leaders should balance compassion with accountability and drive results by being curious about their employees' lives and experiences. The five Cs of compassionate leadership are consciousness, compassion, curiosity, competence, and courage. Leaders should be aware of biases, such as the fundamental attribution error, and strive to avoid judging others unfairly. Leaders should practice active listening and empathy to better understand the people they lead. Lauren's Links: Atlas Aultman's website - https://leaders-kit.com/laurencruz Lauren's LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-cruz-cams-74819ab4?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Email - Lauren.cruz.coaching@gmail.com *Music by Alex Grohl on Pixabay --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2win/support

Join Joanna Roche on this week's episode of the Nature of Nantucket podcast as she sits down with former NASA astronaut and US Navy Captain (Ret.), Daniel Bursch, to talk about his Nantucket roots. Bursch is a former Naval Flight Officer and astronaut.  He completed four missions to space, including a 196-day mission to the International Space Station from December 2001 to June 2002 as a flight engineer on Expedition 4. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1979, the US Naval Test Pilot School in 1984 and the Naval Postgraduate School in 1991. He is married to Sharon Yencharis and they have four children, and two grandchildren. He grew up in the Northeast and spent his summers as a child on Nantucket. His hobbies include working on cars, fixing anything and weaving lightship baskets. He retired from the Aerospace Corporation in September 2019.

Join me as we chat with retired US Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Chris-Call Sign "TJ" about his watches and what he's worn in the cockpit. We also tackle one of his unpopular opinions and answer TJ's question for the watch enthusiast community. Plus, stick around for the end as TJ shares an exceptional Veteran-related charitable organization with us. Show Notes Links (None are Affiliate Links) Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/   Images and info (credit): Team Brit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/team-brit-racing/   Team Brit: Racing in America: https://issuu.com/teambrit/docs/racinginamerica  Admin Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/  The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com  The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us  Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff. and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you." Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/  or by text to 838255. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/watchrollingpod/support

This time on The Green Dot, hosts Tom and Chris are joined by Maggie Kohl, a Grumman E-2 Hawkeye naval flight officer who made a brief appearance in Top Gun: Maverick.

On this repurposed 2021 'Happy Hour' discussion, retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Larry "Racehorse" Rannals describes his career beginning as a Naval Flight Officer before converting to pilot via Air Force flight training and flying the RF-4 in Vietnam--in both seats!Sponsored by National University. To find out more, visit nu.edu.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Today, I sit down with the President and CEO of Project Recover: Derek Abbey. Project Recover is a collaborative effort to enlist 21st-century science and technology in a quest to find and repatriate Americans Missing In Action (MIA) since World War II in order to provide recognition and closure for families and the Nation. Derek Abbey attended flight school in Pensacola FL and graduated as a Naval Flight Officer. He was then sent to the F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron at MCAS Miramar where he earned his designation as an F/A-18 Weapons Systems Officer. After an extended and successful tour in the Hornet, Derek left flight operations to become a Plank Owner (original member) at Marine Corps Special Operations Command as the Air Officer for the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, now 1st Raider Battalion.  On August 05, 2023 there will be a fundraiser for Project Recover called Heroes of the Deep in Rawlings, Virginia. The Event will be sponsored by MK II and Tornek - Rayville. For more information, check out Heroes of the Deep on Instagram! Project Recover Website: https://www.projectrecover.org/ Project Recover Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectrecover/ Heroes of the Deep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroesofthedeep/ If you or someone you know wants to be on the show or if you have any questions or feedback please contact me at: https://www.instagram.com/ricoswatchespodcast/ or  e-mail: ricoswatchespodcast@gmail.com      Thank you!    Eric

Episode 264: Serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist Rob Frasca talks about early-stage investing in megatrends from the Internet to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. Guest Biography Rob Frasca is a serial entrepreneur, investor, visionary online pioneer and frequent speaker on blockchain and cryptocurrencies. A pioneer and product visionary, Rob founded and brought 3 venture-backed startups, to successful exits, and served as CEO of 4 companies. Rob is widely recognized for creating the first Internet fintech company (GALT Technologies), the Internet's first stock quote and portfolio management service- NETworth, which was eventually acquired by Intuit in 1994 and became Quicken Financial Network. His second startup, an early artificial intelligence company, was acquired by Lycos, the second-most-popular internet portal at the time, where he became VP and General Manager. Frasca's third startup, Affinnova, was acquired by Nielsen in 2014. He is a visionary and online pioneer who has brought over 50 products to market, including one with over 100 million users. Frasca graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and received an MBA/M.S.I.A. from Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business. He is also a decorated U.S. Naval Flight Officer with 18 combat missions. This episode is brought to you by Runnymede Capital Management. Follow me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/andywang888. In this episode, you'll learn: An entrepreneur's views getting paid to create value Why Rob is so excited to invest in early stage companies focused on blockchain, crypto, cyber security, and artificial intelligence Make sure you tune in to the end to learn about the benefits of tokenizing a venture capital fund Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/264 Find more from our guest: LinkedIn Twitter Mentioned in the episode: www.cosimoventures.com www.cosimox.com https://cosimoy.com/ OODA Loop Books: The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook by Niall Ferguson Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War by Robert Coram Thanks for Listening & Watching! To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter or Facebook. Join us at the Inspired Money Makers groups at facebook and LinkedIn To help out the show: Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser.com, or wherever you listen. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read each one. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Steve is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of HipTrain, a marketplace that leverages global talent pools to reduce the cost of live, 1-on-1 consumer health and wellness subscription services. Prior to co-founding HipTrain, Steve was COO at two early-stage startups; Big Health, a company providing automated and evidence-based digital therapeutics, and Fixt, the first on-demand mobile device repair platform for the enterprise. Prior to Fixt, Steve was Regional Director at Lyft for New York and the Mid-Atlantic, two of the company's largest and most complex territories, where he was responsible for growth, retail operations, and community engagement.   Steve served in the U.S. Navy for nine years as a Naval Flight Officer during which he was forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan with deployments to the Western Pacific, South China Sea, and Iraq. His final assignment was at the White House. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Masters of Policy Management from Georgetown University.   Read the show notes on Arcbound's Podcast Page: https://arcbound.com/podcasts/    Find Arcbound here: Homepage: Arcbound.com Services/Work with Us: https://arcbound.com/work-with-us/ About: https://arcbound.com/about/ Founders Corner: https://arcbound.com/category/founders-corner/ Connect: https://arcbound.com/connect/

In this week's episode, Kevin chats with another very special guest. Merrie Sofet, who was a Naval Flight Officer in the navy and leveled up her Real Estate Investing game by joining Operation ATOM, the Action Takers Only Mastermind. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode!"You can accomplish anything! You just gotta keep going and ask for help. That's what ADPI is all about!"-Merrie SofetHere are 5 Key Takeaways from this episode:A short background of Merrie Sofet How Merrie Sofet got into Real EstateAt what point did she find ADPI in her Real Estate Investing journeyHer experience with MREIA and ATOMMerrie's progress in the Real Estate Investing game while joining ATOMHonorable Mentions & Useful Links:ADPIConnect with Merrie Sofet:LinkedInWebsiteEmail: merrie@jetgalproperty.comReady to take the next steps in your Military Real Estate Investing journey? Watch our Masterclass and claim your EPIC reward for action. Tap here to register today!Are you looking for a loan for your next project? Look no further! Check out ADPI Financial Services for all of your residential and commercial lending needs!No Time...No Worries! Get all the info you need now by texting DEAL to 33777Ready to become a PASSIVE INVESTOR? Check out ADPI Capital™ and learn how you can get started passively investing in commercial real estate for only $500! Tap the link above or text ADPI to 33777Helpful ResourcesConnect with the ADPI: Facebook |  Instagram | YouTubeReady to TAKE ACTION and begin building your cash-flowing real estate empire? Don't go it alone! Check out our exclusive education and coaching products designed for self-starters like the Military Real Estate Investing Academy Thinking bigger? ADPI's exclusive Military Multifamily Academy and Mastermind Waitlist is open now! Sign up to reserve your slot in the most comprehensive, affordable, and educational multifamily real estate course on the web! Please Subscribe, Rate, & Review on Apple PodcastsThanks for tuning in to this week's episode of the Active Duty Passive Income Podcast! If the information shared in these weekly interviews has inspired you to pursue your dreams of financial independence, please do me a personal favor and head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to our show, and leave us a 5-star review.Support the show