The Aerospace Executive Podcast

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/ [https://www.aldermanco.com/] * LinkedIn - William Alderman https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamalderman/ [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 [https://aerospaceexecutive.podbean.com/], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aerospace-executive-podcast/id1353891134/], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4yFXeO6eiYQTSDEtlQ2K6x?si=61d6b2bd825c4ed1/], 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://michelerigbyassad.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/ [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 [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 [https://aerospaceexecutive.podbean.com/], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aerospace-executive-podcast/id1353891134/], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4yFXeO6eiYQTSDEtlQ2K6x?si=61d6b2bd825c4ed1/], 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!

2024 was a solid year for business aviation, and 2025 looks even better. But let’s be real—owning, operating, and maintaining private jets is more complex (and costly) than ever. We all know about the ongoing pilot shortages and talent retention struggles, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. * Aircraft acquisition hurdles * Rising maintenance costs & longer lead times * Increasing regulatory & environmental pressures In today’s market, being a jet broker isn’t enough—you need to be a true advisor who understands the entire ownership lifecycle. That’s exactly what Michael Mikolay set out to do when he launched Mikolay Jet Group. In this episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, we dig into: - The transition from W2 security to entrepreneurship - How to navigate rising operational costs -  What business jet buyers need to know right now - How to turn a transactional deal into a long-term asset partnership Tune in for a deep dive into the future of business aviation and what it takes to succeed in this dynamic market.   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/ [https://www.mikolayjet.com/]  https://www.youtube.com/@MikolayJet [https://www.youtube.com/@MikolayJet] https://www.linkedin.com/company/mikolayjet [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mikolayjet] https://www.threads.net/mikolayjet [https://www.threads.net/mikolayjet] https://www.facebook.com/mikolayjet [https://www.facebook.com/mikolayjet] https://www.instagram.com/mikolayjet [https://www.instagram.com/mikolayjet] https://www.twitter.com/mikolayjet [https://www.twitter.com/mikolayjet]   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/ [https://craigpicken.com/insights/].  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/ [https://craigpicken.com/].   Check out this episode on our website [https://aerospaceexecutive.podbean.com/], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aerospace-executive-podcast/id1353891134/], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4yFXeO6eiYQTSDEtlQ2K6x?si=61d6b2bd825c4ed1/], 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/ [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 [https://aerospaceexecutive.podbean.com/], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aerospace-executive-podcast/id1353891134/], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4yFXeO6eiYQTSDEtlQ2K6x?si=61d6b2bd825c4ed1/], 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/ [https://craigpicken.com/insights/].  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/ [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/ [https://oysteraero.com/] or connect with him on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aviationexecutive/].    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/ [https://craigpicken.com/insights/].  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/ [https://craigpicken.com/].     Check out this episode on our website [https://aerospaceexecutive.podbean.com/], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aerospace-executive-podcast/id1353891134/], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4yFXeO6eiYQTSDEtlQ2K6x?si=61d6b2bd825c4ed1/], 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!