How Deep are the Scars?

What is the future of aviation? Will we be bearing the brunt of coronavirus for years to come or will the…

You Reduced Aircraft Weight How Much?

Alpine Advanced Materials innovative HX5 composites are driving weight-saving solutions that took a whopping 2,000 lbs. of weight out of…

Predictions for 2021!

To all my Aerospace friends. Many of the challenges of 2020 are behind us and many remain. Like a CAT…

Mandatory Reading

LCOL Christopher “Otis” Raible was the Commanding Officer of Marine Attack Squadron 211, until he was killed in Afghanistan on…

The Lingering Effects of Airline Bailouts

Despite receiving billions in government bailouts, the world’s airlines are struggling and will continue to do so.    Bank bailouts and…

Healthcare – Up In the Air

Travis Roderick, President of Air Ambulance Worldwide, made the difficult transition from running hospitals to running an aviation business. The…

AI: Sci-Fi Threat or a Vital Tool for the Future?

In the mid-1990’s nobody could have predicted how far and how fast the internet would develop and the past 30…

7 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN LEARN FROM PATRICK MAHOMES

I’m a Texas Tech guy. And, because I’m a Texas Tech guy I’m now a pseudo Kansas City Chiefs fan…

The Greatest Threat our Nation is Facing

Cyber technology is an integral part of our lives, and with so many new advancements, keeping up has become non-negotiable….

Transitioning With Purpose

A big lesson we learn is how quickly change can be forced on us. The people who successfully adapt don’t…

Maintaining a Positive Mindset in Chaotic Times

2020 has been a wild ride. Between the pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout, it’s easy to view everything through…

Why COVID-19 Can Be a Boon for US Manufacturers

Leading a small business in the current business climate comes with many challenges, but there’s still a lot of opportunity…

COVID Hit… and Increased Business by 25%

2020 has been anything but the norm for businesses, entrepreneurs, employees, and customers. Every business has been hit with new…

Rebuilding After the Storm

COVID-19 dealt a devastating blow to the airline and aircraft leasing industries, but the cracks were already there pre-pandemic. The…

What Do THEY Want?

Hiring the right people is never easy. If we’re seeing talent and potential in someone, odds are our competitors see…

Standing Out in a Virtual World

In a completely online world, the difference between Harvard and the University of Phoenix becomes very small. How does one…

Small Aviation Business, Big Success

Starting a small business is daunting. Many people with massive potential don’t take advantage of the opportunities out of fear,…

Beyond the Short Term Crisis

As air travel starts to reopen across the world, the airlines are trying to bounce back. But there is more…

How Aviation Can Innovate Its Way Out of Difficult Times

No one could have predicted everything that’s happened in 2020, or what the rest of the year holds. Uncertain times…

Failure Doesn’t Exist! How to Always Win

We live in a society that teaches that there’s only two paths, win or lose. But the path to success…

How to Lead in a World of Constant Change

The world we once knew no longer exists, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. We can now…

Force Majeure! The Evolving Legal Landscape in Times of Turmoil

It may be an act of God, but is force majeure a realistic path to go down? Mark Ditto, Vedder…

Weathering the Storm

Airlines and Dinosaurs… Fighting off extinction! How does the industry rebuild? With so much uncertainty, it will be difficult to plan a…

Opportunity’s Knocking, How Will You Respond?

COVID brought CHAOS! It will also bring out two groups of people – those who will use it as a…

Chosen by Forbes as One of America’s Best Recruiting Firms

https://www.forbes.com/companies/northstar-group/?list=best-executive-recruiting-firms/#60ce27076ba1

It’s Grit that Gets Us Through Tough Times

What makes a Navy SEAL a Navy Seal? Why did 25% of my Officer Candidate School classmates quit training in…

Memorial Day

Monday is Memorial Day.  In my usual routine, I’ll be up at 5:45 with my faithful Lab-Shepard, mix “Cooper,” brew…

Ways Artificial Intelligence Will Help Rebuild Aviation

In the wake of COVID-19 it is time to look forward and use the pandemic as an opportunity to improve….

The Master of My Space

Thank you Joe Mullings for having me on your podcast! Great conversation about BizJets, Aviation, Executive Recruiting and being an…

3 Things Aviation Leaders Should Be Doing Now

What should leaders be doing NOW to ensure the future of aviation? Competing or Cooperating? On this episode, transformational CEO…

How to Lead During Chaos

Leaders must find ways to push their teams through change and chaos to deliver outstanding results, but how do you…

How Artificial Intelligence Will Affect Aviation

Neil Sohata, author of Own the AI Revolution, discusses this controversial topic and how it will affect Aviation. Will AI…

How StandardAero is Driving the BizAv Aftermarket – Marc Drobny

Ageing aircraft and engines can present unique challenges for aircraft owners, but massive opportunities for those who can support them…

A New Age in Urban Mobility – with Peter Schmidt and Mark Ozenick

Urban Air Mobility is the hot topic in aviation. But what will it entail?  On this episode, Peter Schmidt, Co-Founder…

Leading Companies Through Crisis – Hooman Yazhari

Hooman Yazhari is Vice Chairman at Bristow Group and a BOD member with Voyager Aviation as well. During his relatively…

Aviation: From 2020 to Beyond

What is the next frontier in air travel? How can we make long-haul flights more bearable for passengers and what…

Business Aviation: From 2020 to Beyond – 30 Minutes with Richard Emery

What is the next frontier in air travel? How can we make long-haul flights more bearable for passengers and what…

The Non-Functioning Jetliner Market

I received Richard Aboulafia’s newsletter last week. This is a terrific read! March 2020 Dear Fellow Former Airport Frequenters, The…

How COVID-19 is Impacting Aerospace

The COVID-19 epidemic is a bit like a hurricane. Let’s get through it together.   Takeaways + Tactics  Hurricanes are scary, but…

How to Move Business Aviation Forward in 2020 – 30 Minutes with Brian Foley

A deep look into industry trends will help anticipate that which is yet to come. Brian Foley, Forbes contributor and founder…

This is CRAZY!

CNBC headlines today: “Stocks on another wild ride for fear fiscal stimulus not enough to overcome Coronavirus. Oil down to…

Business Aircraft Sales in 2020 – Don Dwyer

The business aviation space saw a slight decrease in transactions in the past year, but there are still ample opportunities…

Serving the New Generation of FBO clients

The new challenge in Business Aviation is catering to a new generation of aircraft owners and flyers. On this episode,…

Pilots and the Modern Flight Department

Attracting the right people in your company is vital for success. But what happens when you can’t offer as much…

It’s WAY More Than IP

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-18/trump-says-china-should-be-allowed-to-buy-u-s-jet-engines The untold story with this has nothing to do with engines or IP protection but the fact that COMAC…

Resolutions: What Happens When You Stick to Them?

It’s the end of New Year Resolution Season. How are yours coming along? On this episode, we talk about eliminating resolutions…

Everything Has A Shelf Life – Make Yours Unlimited

The abrupt dismissal of Boeing CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, proves that all jobs have a shelf life. How can we extend…

What If I Just Keep Going?

This was a paragraph out of a Wall Street Journal article that has stuck in my head. In 2018 Colin…

What About Warren?

By now we all saw the news that #Textron was (is) in talks with #Bombardier to buy Bombardier’s business aircraft…

Treat Your Business Like a Bicycle

Creating a better team, with a clear vision, is like riding a bike. It’s a simple matter of ensuring everyone…

Just Raw Talent? Not Even Close!

The Super Bowl is won and the talking heads on ESPN will focus on his speed, arm and athleticism.  But…

An Easy Way to Grow Your Career!!

Remaining Calm During Difficult Conversations – Derek Gaunt

Negotiations can be uncomfortable, difficult and even contentious. Former Hostage Negotiator Derek Gaunt, author of “Ego, Authority, Failure”, teaches business…

I Can’t Do That!

A co-worker and I partnered on a deal with a high profile customer, several years ago. The customer, very used…

Good People Leave, And It’s OK!

Let’s cut to the chase. GOOD PEOPLE LEAVE GOOD JOBS AND GOOD BOSSES ALL THE TIME.  And IT’S OKAY! There…

Rumors of the Demise…

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/bombardier-and-thyssenkrupp-a-tale-of-two-industrial-calamities/2020/01/22/2fc80394-3cf2-11ea-afe2-090eb37b60b1_story.html Ooofff! So much to say here, but we’ll just cut to the chase… Bombardier makes a fantastic airplane. The…

Peak Performance & Resilience, Getting to the Top! – David Butler

Peak performance is what gets us to the next level, but it doesn’t come easy. What do peak performers have…

Inaction is Expensive Too!

The WSJ just ran an editorial highlighting the cost of the new trade deal with China – highlighting its high…

Effectively Transitioning to a Leadership Role

Transitioning to a leadership role can be overwhelming. Are you mentally prepared for the task? President of Ordinary Hero Coaching…

How Business can Benefit from Military Aviation Training

Military tactics can easily transition to business and help build strong teams. Accomplished author, businessman and USAF pilot talks about…

Never Stop Having Conversations

The end of the 20th century brought the end of job security. It’s now evident… Your job or your best…

A New Year to be Thankful

Two weeks ago, I traded in my beloved F-150 for something new which, like most new vehicles, cost more money…

Changing Your Career Path

Many find themselves unhappy in their career paths and get lost when switching directions. Accomplished author and career coach, Michael…

Becoming World Class?

A Rapidly Changing Aviation Industry – Richard Aboulafia

Aircraft Deliveries, Declining Lease Rates, Airbus, MAX, Safety and more! Richard Aboulafia, one of the world’s premier aviation experts, offers his…

10 Things Greta Will Do to Business Aviation

Muddy the waters Stir an unfavorable attitude towards business aircraft Muddy the waters some more Stir more unfavorable attitudes which…

Taking Aerospace Start-Ups to the Next Level

How OEMs and Start-Up companies partner to develop new, cutting edge technology

Why I’m Bullish on Generation “Next”

Drake Massa will be someone’s rising star. At 12 years old he set a goal to make $100,000, and he…

The Future of Business Aviation with Rollie Vincent

Business Aviation will see monumental opportunities and face monumental challenges.  Acclaimed industry expert Rolland “Rollie” Vincent candidly shares what it…

The VP of ME

A Sales VP called me for advice. His company is restructuring. “Craig, I’m a company guy and I’ll do what’s best…

Highs and Lows of Commercial Aviation Economics – Dr. Adam Pilarski

What goes up usually comes down and cycles are called “cycles” for a reason! Dr Adam Pilarski, Senior Vice President of…

CIA Tactics That Help You Connect Effectively with People

Thank You For the Shoes

My first job after the Navy was given to me because a billionaire invested into nearly bankrupt Gulfstream Aircraft. I’m…

High Performers and Extreme Ownership

High Performers take 100% responsibility over that which is theirs

Culture Will Make Or Break Your Company

It’s vital we start thinking about the company culture – NEVER underestimate its importance. In this 15 minute episode we…

China, Engineers and Innovation! Oh, My!

One of the most captivating interviews I’ve ever done!  Tyler Rogoway, Editor for “The War Zone” (www.thewarzone.com) is THE expert…

I’m Not Bullish (Yet) on Urban Air Vehicles

I love the concept of Urban Mobility.  For aerospace and aviation, I think the Urban Air Vehicle (UAA) is the…

Values, Culture and Teamwork! Building a Great Business

He’s much more than just the “Black Hawk Down Guy”… Mike Durant is also an accomplished entrepreneur, CEO, and business…

EQ is Smarter than IQ

Most organizations screen leaders based on their Brainiac intelligence (IQ). What they ignore is the emotional ability to connect, the…

Falling Up

Six weeks ago Kliff Kingsbury was unceremoniously fired as Texas Tech’s football coach. Last night he was hired by the…

A Different Kind of Leadership

Matt Johnson and I chat about the new type of leaders that will grow industry and the style that works…

10 Battlefield Rules for Business Executives

A good friend just left the company he had been with for many years. His previous employer has good products…

A Tale of Two P&L’s

My 14-year-old daughter and I were overlooking the river in Savannah, Georgia watching a massive 1,000 foot long, 85,000 ton…

Leader vs. Manager in a 2 Minute Read

I think my brother is a great leader. Much better than me… For years his career was focused on leading newsrooms…

Thank You, I LOVE …PLEASE Keep Doing It

Thank You, I LOVE YOU…  PLEASE Keep Doing IT I just got off the phone with a lifelong friend who…

Becoming Indispensable

It was great speaking with Steve Gordon, Founder of the Unstoppable CEO hashtag#unstoppableceo! A few points he highlights to take…

Tornado Bosses and the Dangers of Disruptive Leadership

If you think you’re a maverick leader it’s probably time to put on the brakes … your shelf-life may be…

Securing the Future of Aviation Maintenance – AAR CEO, John Holmes

Here Is What Matters

I watched 15 minutes of the Democratic debates last night.  I laughed. Ten people on stage beating the snot out…

They Really Don’t Matter

A friend was bitching to me the other day. “THEY put me in a box… THEY kinda screwed me over…”…

The Electronic Sucker

Yep! You’re being tracked, and you’ve known it for years. Somewhere, somehow, someone is watching every time you use your: Mobile phone…

Appreciate Yourself

Seven or eight years ago Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, despite being a superstar, lost his position as Texas Tech’s…

Tornado Boss

There was a recent WSJ article titled “How to Handle the Chaos of a ‘Tornado Boss’,” – He who thinks…

It Doesn’t Get Better with Age!

Twenty years ago, I was having cocktails with a well known Wall St. exec who was also a Heisman Trophy…

The Need For an Activist

Yesterday the Navy’s nominee for Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Bill Moran, “decided” to retire. He did not want to…

Driving Industry Growth – Sam Mehta

What Business Can Learn from Fighter Pilots – Paco Chierici

THEY REALLY DON’T MATTER

A friend was bitching to me the other day.  “THEY put me in a box…   THEY kinda screwed me over…”…

Move Forward or Die…

The favorite saying of Bed Bath and Beyond leadership… ”We’re not in a rush to make mistakes.” Back in the…

Best Practices in Selling to the Government – Mark Amtower

Where Did They Come From?

Are you looking over your shoulder? Maybe you should be. Tiger Woods and Texas Tech basketball are recent proof that the…

The Future of Business Aviation w/Scott Ashton

The future of business aviation is changing as companies recognize the benefits of using corporate shuttles and private jets. What…

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

David Marquet show how Intent Based leadership turns compliant followers into engaged leaders— fueling performance and driving results. Leadership isn’t…

JSSI’s Neil Book is Running an Innovative Technology Company that Benefits Aircraft Operators

The OEM and third-party maintenance worlds are incredibly competitive. How can a company provide value that cuts through the competition?…

How Data Sharing Will Dramatically Change the Aviation Industry w/Eldon Thomas

The aviation industry is ripe for excess and unnecessary spending. How has this affected the balance of power? How will…

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

Good leaders teach others how to become leaders themselves. As we grow our team, why is it important to stop…

The Severance Agreement

An executive I spoke with recently lost his job. As part of the exit process he was given a good-bye…

Can Older Jets Threaten BizAv?

In the late 1990’s / early 2000’s Northwest Airlines created an entire strategy based on old, heavily used, pre-owned jets…

Don’t Judge A Company by Its Size

I was in the gym again this morning with headphones turned up. Black Keys, Royal Blood, White Stripes and Twenty-One Pilots all on the…

Why Tech Won’Takt e ALL Our Jobs – The Economics

I’ve been reading a lot of pundit posts about how technology will someday take all our jobs. I think they’re…

Pack Your Trash, and GO!

Over the weekend Oklahoma beat Oklahoma State and the talk for NCAA football fans is who Oklahoma will play in…

I Met a Leader Last Weekend

What does a business leader look like?  It looks like Scott. Last week I went to a peer conference, with…

An Open Letter to the Younger Crowd

Dear Mr. & Ms. Millenial: You came and you went, after just a few short months.  You left because you…

Fearing Failure Does Not Lead to Success

I had to take one of those funky personality tests recently.  One of the traits it highlighted about me is…

The Path to Success? – EARN IT!

I’m a fitness junkie and my work-out starts promptly at 7AM Monday thru Friday.  One day last week I was…

How to Stay on Top of the Aerospace Industry as a Sales Executive w/Brant Dahlfors

There is no end to what you can learn about the airplanes you sell, the sales processes, and how to…

Newspaper or Sales Commission … the Dilemma

A few years ago I was VP of Sales for a premier and exclusive resort community development in West Virginia. …

The Democratization of Business Aviation w/Alasdair Whyte

With the growth of global business, airlines are struggling to keep up with the demand of travelers. What does this…

How Jeff Barger Used Leadership Essentials to Turn Around a Business & Get Union Buy-In

A winning company is rooted in strong culture and good leadership. When this is lacking, what are the questions you…

How Aerospace Executives Succeed at the Highest Levels w/Bill Koch, Certified Executive Coach & Chairman of Hawthorne Aviation

What does it take to be an executive at the highest level? Should you focus on developing your strengths to…

Introducing the Aerospace Executive Podcast

The Aerospace Executive Podcast features in-depth conversations with executives, leaders, influencers and journalists in this dynamic, high-stakes industry. Hosted by…

Master the Basics First

There has been a lot of noise about the future of education and what it will take for the next…