The Aerospace Executive Podcast

Thought leader Kevin Michaels draws from his 30 years of experience and shares insights on the current state of the aerospace industry.     We are in an industry with enormous entry barriers and incredible complexity. -Kevin Michaels Takeaways + Tactics While the behemoths are rising, the independents are laser focused for success. Air travel demand is on fire globally with 7% annual growth, drivi...

Failure is an option, and fear of failure is inevitable. On this episode, Aviation CEO René Banglesdorf shares how she found success out of the depths of the great recession and discusses our role in producing the next generation of innovators. If you can succeed in the bad times, you’ll love the good times.  But if you’ve never seen bad times, then watch out!       The ability to transform fear o...

We’re often intimidated by co-workers, relatives, and friends that make it big and wonder “What do they have that makes them successful in everything they do?” Is it talent? Or, insane drive and motivation? Jeff Haden shares the surprising truth about success and motivation, and making things happen.     Who can I emulate? What roadmap can I find? You don’t have to perfect new wheels. There are pe...

  There is no end to what you can learn about the airplanes you sell, the sales processes, and how to manage a team. But how do you keep reinventing yourself? What are the best sources of leads? How can you add more value to your clients? On this episode, Brant Dahlfors shares his approach to selling jets.     I do believe you have to reinvent yourself to stay relevant through your career.  -Brant...

With the growth of global business, airlines are struggling to keep up with the demand of travelers. What does this mean for business aviation as an industry? Are we on the verge of a Golden Age for aviation? What makes this industry so unique? On this episode, I talk to the co-owner and founder of Corporate Jet Investor, Alasdair Whyte, who shares the future for the business aviation industry.  ...

The OEM and third-party maintenance worlds are incredibly competitive. How can a company provide value that cuts through the competition? What are some of the additional commodities that can benefit the whole market? How does leveraging of data raise industry standards? On this episode Neil Book, President and CEO of Jet Support Services, Inc shares valuable insights on these topics.   I try to br...

A winning company is rooted in strong culture and good leadership. When this is lacking, what are the questions you should ask to start turning things around? How do you evaluate whether the management has the appetite to do what needs to be done? How can you go about assembling the right team? On this episode, President and CEO of Zodiac Aerospace, Jeff Barger, shares his strategies for transform...

The aviation industry is ripe for excess and unnecessary spending. How has this affected the balance of power? How will technologies like blockchain promote better data sharing and conversations? On this episode, we are joined by Eldon Thomas from Velo Aviation and Jet Data to answer these questions.    We can share information and data across the industry on the best solutions for performance and...

What does it take to be an executive at the highest level? Should you focus on developing your strengths to the maximum extent, or do you shore up your weaknesses? What happens in a world where IQ is just table stakes? Certified Executive Coach and Chairman of Hawthorne Aviation, Bill Koch joins us to share how to become an executive that attracts and motivates others to high performance.   Effect...

The Aerospace Executive Podcast features in-depth conversations with executives, leaders, influencers and journalists in this dynamic, high-stakes industry. Hosted by Craig Picken, founder of NorthStar Group and the leading executive recruiter for the aviation and aerospace industry, you'll learn how top aerospace executives are developing their people, competing for talent, overcoming challenges...