On Block / Off Block

In this episode, George Richardson welcomes Nkululeko Mhlaba, CEO of Phungela, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the critical role of digital transformation in South Africa's rapidly evolving aviation sector. Nkululeko shares how his background in strategy and consulting shaped his vision for building a technology-driven business that prioritizes local partnerships and community engag...

In this episode, George Richardson sits down with Jeff Pan, Co-Founder of Belli, to explore his journey as a serial entrepreneur shaping the future of air cargo technology. Jeff shares his path from leading engineering teams at companies like McKinsey & Company and Booking.com, to helping build the air logistics platform for SpaceX, and eventually founding Belli, the first venture-backed CMS b...

In this episode, George Richardson welcomes Patrick Lucas, founder of Airport Economics Consulting Inc. and former VP & Chief Economist at ACI World, to explore the forces shaping airport investment, pricing strategies, and the future of aviation infrastructure. With over a decade at Airports Council International and extensive experience advising governments, regulators, and airport operators...

In this episode, George Richardson sits down with Ina Eldøy , CEO of BagID , to unpack her remarkable journey from hospitality and airport leadership to the forefront of aviation technology - where she’s redefining the future of checked baggage. Ina shares how her career began in the hotel industry before transitioning into key commercial roles at Avinor , Norway’s airport authority, where she gai...

In this episode, George Richardson sits down with Nicola Ciarlante , CEO of Custom America , to explore his dynamic journey from Air Force Crew Chief to executive leader driving innovation in airport and border control technology. Nicola reflects on his early days maintaining C5 aircraft in the United States Air Force, where his fascination with systems, precision, and operational excellence took...

In this episode, George Richardson sits down with Parker W. McClellan, Jr., A.A.E., Executive Director of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), to explore his remarkable journey from aviation enthusiast to visionary airport leader. Parker shares his early fascination with aviation, leading to earning his pilot's license and ultimately building his career around his passion for...

In this episode, George Richardson welcomes Ashley Thorsen, A.A.E., Director of Operations at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) and one of Airport Business Magazine’s 2022 “40 Under 40” to talk about what it truly takes to lead and shape the future of the aviation industry. With over 13 years of operational experience, a passion for aviation, and a reputation as an innovative, collaborati...

In our thirteenth episode, George speaks to Paolino De Falco PhD about his journey into the aviation industry and the integration of AI and machine learning in air traffic management. Paolino highlights the challenges of adopting these technologies, the importance of understanding target off block time (TOBT), and the role of machine learning in improving predictions. They also cover stakeholder e...

In our twelfth episode, George speaks with with Eduardo Valencia, CIO of Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), who brings over a decade of experience solving some of the most complex challenges in both the public and private sectors. From his role as Chief Technology Officer for the State of Minnesota to leading MSP’s innovative approach to airport technology, Eduardo shares his uniq...

In our eleventh episode, George speaks to Kamal Patel, looking back at 26 years at London Luton Airport (LTN) as their Technology Transformation Manager. Kamal shares some of the advances in technology he's seen at the airport during his tenure, recalls what attracted him to the airport and aviation, why working in an airport environment 'isn't for everyone' but incredibly rewarding & some tho...

In our tenth episode, George speaks to Skyler Logsdon, the CEO and Co-Founder of best-in-class Lost & Found Platform, Boomerang. Skyler shares his reluctance to join a 'big company' like Facebook or Google, opting for the more 'daring' route of joining and building early-stage start ups such a Zirx, Tatari and right back to his very first business during college, MyKlips. Skyler talks about hi...

In our ninth episode, George speaks to Dave Lynch, the CIO at the largest Cargo and Aircraft Ground Handler globally, Swissport. Dave shares insights on his various leadership roles in transportation including Swissport, First Group and Go Ahead in a career spanning over 2 decades. Stories include Dave's experience in different leadership styles, what drives his 'failure is not an option' outlook...

In our eighth episode, George speaks to LHR graduate-turned-social media hit, Mohammad Taher or 'The Airport Guy' @mo_t_ivate. Mo holds nothing back in this open and honest discussion about the changes he feels the industry needs when seeking young people and new talent into the industry. He shares his entry into aviation despite social prejudices following 9/11, through his apprenticeship program...

In our seventh episode of On Block/Off Block, George speaks to VP or Operations and Public Safety at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Lionel Guilbert. George and Lionel talk about Lionel's upbringing and introduction into aviation and his journey through airport operations at SRQ, the three key drivers to success in SRQ's passenger growth, and some of the key learnings from his 30...

In our sixth On Block/Off Block podcast, George talks with Adam Bouchard, VP of Operations at Tampa International Airport. They talk about Adam’s role, Tampa’s airport operations apprenticeship programme and working together on an exciting collaborative project.

This episode was recorded live from the Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport as part of AeroCloud's team celebration of our successful Series A fundraise. CEO George Richardson talks about AeroCloud, technology and the future of airport operations with his co-founders Ian Forde-Smith and Paul Secker. He is joined by lead investors Chris Smith from Playfair Capital and Liz Christo from...

In this fifth On Block / Off Block podcast, you can hear George's interview with AeroCloud's new Global Director of Common-Use, Paul Secker. They discuss Paul's introduction into a career with Airports, how he built and grew Flight Solutions to become one of the leading disruptors in the Common-Use market and their recent merge into AeroCloud.

In this fourth On Block / Off Block podcast, you can hear George's interview with AeroCloud's Head of People, Dai Garrett. They discuss Dai's role, how he's helped other companies grow their teams, and what's important to keep in mind as you hire people into a start-up like AeroCloud. On Block / Off Block is the podcast about working in, and with, airports. It's brought to you by AeroCloud and the...

In this second On Block / Off Block podcast, you can hear part 2 of George's interview with his co-founder and AeroCloud CTO Ian Forde-Smith. They talk about Ian's history working with airports and how and why he started AeroCloud with George. Part 1 is available in the first podcast. On Block / Off Block is the podcast about working in, and with, airports. It's brought to you by AeroCloud and the...

In this first On Block / Off Block podcast, you can hear part 1 of George's interview with his co-founder and AeroCloud CTO Ian Forde-Smith. They talk about Ian's history working with airports and how and why he started AeroCloud with George. Join us next time for part 2. On Block / Off Block is the podcast about working in, and with, airports. It's brought to you by AeroCloud and their intelligen...