The Aerospace Executive Podcast

1d ago

Private aviation has a reputation problem, and it’s not because demand is slow, but because the system behind it is still operating like it’s 1998. Too many operators are stuck in old behaviors: seven brokers on a single trip, opaque pricing, and a customer experience that feels more like chasing down a missing receipt than stepping into a premium service. We talk about “frictionless” tech in every other industry, but in aviation, friction is still the business model. And yet, the real opportunity in private aviation isn’t more luxury, it’s more transparency, standardization, and efficiency. The industry doesn’t struggle because people don’t want to fly. It struggles because the little guys can’t scale, the big guys can’t personalize, and customers end up paying $100 for a turkey sandwich wrapped like a gas-station snack. If 90% of operators have fewer than 10 airplanes, how do they compete, maintain safety standards, reduce costs, or deliver anything resembling a modern experience? That’s where FlyHouse is flipping the script. Their thesis is simple but radical for aviation: create a unified tech ecosystem, give small operators scale, tie owners and flyers directly to availability, and make safety a cultural standard, not a checkbox. How is FlyHouse building a marketplace where transparency replaces guesswork, lift becomes predictable, and users can split a $40,000 flight as seamlessly as splitting a dinner bill? My guest today, Jack Lambert, the CEO of FlyHouse, has spent the last three years building something the industry has resisted for decades: a tech-driven aviation model where operators, owners, and flyers all win. In this conversation, we break down what it actually takes to modernize a legacy industry, where the real inefficiencies sit, and why culture (not just airplanes) is the asset that determines who survives the next wave of consolidation. You’ll also learn; Why private aviation feels chaotic today, and the hidden friction points customers never see How a tech marketplace with 2,000+ airplanes solves the real bottleneck: lift, not luxury The cultural and behavioral shifts operators must make for safety to actually mean something Why the “Henry” flyer (high earner, not rich yet) is reshaping private travel demand The economics behind brokers, GRPs, and why seven middlemen on one trip destroys value How small operators can access fuel savings, maintenance leverage, and real safety oversight through scale How Flyhouse’s split-flight functionality turns private travel into a predictable, shareable, lifestyle product The little details that separate forgettable operators from world-class ones About the Guest Jack Lambert is the CEO of FlyHouse. He is an industry veteran, widely respected for his leadership and innovation in private aviation. His aviation career is backed by decades of experience, and his personal achievements extend beyond business. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston, Jack was a standout student-athlete, holding records in three sports and earning All-American honors. His exceptional achievements led to his induction into the university’s Hall of Fame, further fueling the drive and determination that would later define his leadership in aviation. Building on this foundation of excellence, Jack went on to found and serve as CEO of Jet Access Aviation. Known for his creative vision and hands-on approach, Jack has earned a reputation for reshaping how businesses and clients experience private aviation. At FlyHouse, Jack continues his forward-thinking leadership style. His vision is rooted in the belief that transparency, trust, and putting people first are key to sustainable success. He leverages his deep industry knowledge to drive FlyHouse forward, fostering a culture of innovation while delivering exceptional client experiences. Jack’s passion for aviation and unwavering commitment to service have enabled FlyHouse to redefine private flight, offering luxury, convenience, and affordability through a groundbreaking business model that benefits both jet owners and customers. To learn more, visit https://www.goflyhouse.com/ and connect with Jack 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. Subscribe, Rate & Review 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!

Dec 11

Most people talk about space power like it’s a solved problem. Big arrays, rigid panels, high-efficiency silicon; the same architecture we’ve been flying for decades. But the more you look at where national security and commercial space are headed, the clearer it becomes: our power systems weren’t designed for the missions we’re trying to execute today. Space is no longer a passive environment. It’s dynamic, congested, competitive, and increasingly contested. If you’re operating a satellite that needs to reposition, evade, maneuver, or maintain persistent awareness over the oceans, every kilogram of mass and every square inch of surface area starts to matter. Traditional solar arrays generate plenty of power, but they come with a hidden cost: fragility, deployment complexity, and a form factor that locks spacecraft into decisions they can’t easily undo. Thin-film solar panels change that. When you can generate meaningful power without rigid wings. When your power source can be wrapped around a body, integrated into a surface, or rolled out without fear of shattering, Maneuverability becomes an asset instead of a liability. High-radiation orbits are more viable, high-voltage architectures make sense, and persistent maritime sensing becomes more realistic. And the same characteristics that matter in orbit start unlocking terrestrial defense applications as well. What are some of the new opportunities arising for thin-film solar? How are they able to ability to fulfill smaller, specialized, high-value orders quickly? In this episode, I sit down with the CEO of Ascent Solar, Paul Warley. We talk about how thin-film is reshaping what’s possible in orbit, why defense customers are paying attention, and how a microcap manufacturer found itself aligned with some of the biggest trends in national security and space power. You’ll also learn; Why maneuverability is becoming the real strategic advantage in orbit How thin-film’s flexibility and high-voltage capability unlock new spacecraft architectures Why reaching 12–13% efficiency is a tipping point that suddenly makes thin-film viable for LEO, MEO, and even high-radiation GEO missions. How defense customers are rethinking power as mission profiles shift Why thin-film’s resilience in high-radiation and atomic oxygen environments gives it advantages that silicon can’t match. What the increasing launch cadence means for power requirements, mass budgets, and the economics of spacecraft design. How decades of sunk R&D and process knowledge create a moat that would be difficult and expensive for new entrants to replicate. Where Paul sees thin-film fitting into the future of both defense and space operations, from niche platforms to major programs. About the Guest Paul Warley is the President and CEO of Ascent Solar, a small microcap company in Colorado. Ascent’s thin-film is the solar power solution for scenarios where traditional rigid panels won't work. Ascent brings together 20+ years of R&D, 17 years of manufacturing experience, numerous awards, and a comprehensive IP and patent portfolio to cement its leadership in the photovoltaics market. To learn more, visit https://ascentsolar.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. Subscribe, Rate & Review 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!

Dec 4

Flying around the world is rare. Doing it solo is even rarer. Doing it twice, once along the equator and once over both poles, is unheard of. But that’s exactly what entrepreneur and aviator, Robert DeLaurentis, achieved. And he didn’t do it in a jet with a support crew on standby. He did it in highly modified aircraft pushed beyond its intended envelope, relying on custom ferry tanks, improvised fixes, and the kind of real-time decision-making that leaves zero margin for error. These weren’t sightseeing flights; they were missions built on risk, resilience, and engineering improvisation at 31,000 feet. Most circumnavigations are engineering challenges. Robert turned his into a multi-layered mission: scientific research, global outreach, and a stress test of what a single pilot and a single aircraft can actually endure. Along the way, he carried NASA-funded experiments, gathered atmospheric data over the poles, and documented systems failures that would’ve ended most expeditions. He navigated cyclones, fuel constraints, unpredictable polar weather, and airspace so remote he had to calculate every pound of fuel twice. But the story doesn’t stop at the poles. Robert has also built a financially self-sustaining airport, a discovery-flight pipeline for high school students, and a blueprint for how small airports can support the future of urban air mobility. How do you take the mindset required for a polar circumnavigation and apply it to rebuilding an airport from scratch? And what does it look like when an aviation legacy is engineered just as intentionally as a record-breaking flight? In this episode, the star of the new movie PEACE PILOT joins me to unpack the equatorial flight that pushed a Malibu Mirage to its limits, the polar expedition that demanded a three-times-extended-range Commander, and the string of failures, near-misses, last-second adjustments, and improbable wins that held the entire mission together. You’ll also learn; Why meaning (not adrenaline) sustains pilots through extreme-risk missions What it takes to execute equatorial and polar circumnavigations The scientific payloads carried over the poles The realization that reframed Robert’s entire mission The emotional and spiritual cost of flying alone in the most remote places on earth The business model behind a self-sustaining private airport How discovery flights and upgraded training aircraft engage the next generation Why legacy matters more than any single record or milestone About the Guest Robert DeLaurentis is a Polar and Equatorial Circumnavigator, Peace Pilot, Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur. Robert went on the audacious quest to fly to the South Pole and then the North Pole, surviving temperatures as low as -60°C, in a 38-year-old, heavily modified Turbo Commander 900. This daring venture is not merely a test of flying skill and human endurance but a profound journey of peace and planetary unity under the banner “One planet. One people. One plane.” Setting out three years after his first solo circumnavigation, Robert confronts not only the extreme challenges of the polar skies but also a series of life-threatening technical mishaps and a global pandemic. From taking off against unfavorable winds over daunting mountain ranges to dealing with fuel leaks and multiple system failures, each moment of the flight could very well be his last. PEACE PILOT captures not only the heart-stopping action and terrifying close calls but also delves into Robert’s internal voyage towards greater self-awareness and commitment to environmental conservation. This film is a gripping narrative of survival, human fortitude, and the urgent collective effort needed to safeguard our planet. To watch the movie, visit peacepilotthemovie.com or go to https://flyingthrulife.com/ to learn more about Robert. About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker, and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level executives in sales, operations, and leadership roles within the aviation and aerospace industries. 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. Subscribe, Rate & Review 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!

Nov 20

For decades, business aviation has advanced in small, predictable steps. Quieter cabins, digital cockpits, incremental gains in fuel efficiency. But real breakthroughs are generational. What Otto Aviation is building may be the most significant leap in private jet design since the invention of the high-bypass turbofan. This isn’t another luxury aircraft chasing prestige. It’s a reimagining of how far, how fast, and how efficiently a jet can fly. At the center of that transformation is laminar flow: an aerodynamic principle nature has perfected but aviation has struggled to harness. Until now. By achieving true laminar flow across both the wing and fuselage, Otto has unlocked a 50% reduction in fuel burn. That creates a cascade of benefits: lighter engines, smaller tanks, reduced maintenance, and dramatically lower operating costs. For the first time, private aviation could expand beyond the elite few and into a broader market of business travelers. In this episode, CEO of Otto Aviation, Paul Touw, joins me to talk about how laminar flow moved from a theoretical possibility to a practical breakthrough, what it takes to bring a billion-dollar clean-sheet aircraft to market, and how this technology could reshape the economics of flight for decades to come. You’ll also learn; Why laminar flow is the biggest aerodynamic breakthrough since the 707 How Otto’s design rewrites aircraft economics, cutting weight, fuel, and maintenance while extending range and performance. Why flying higher delivers radical efficiency and passenger comfort. How stealth-era manufacturing and modern computing finally made laminar flow possible. How Otto is minimizing risk by combining in-house final assembly with proven certified systems. How Flexjet’s $10B order signals commercial confidence in Otto’s clean-sheet aircraft. What it takes to recruit elite engineers from Boeing, Textron, and Gulfstream into a startup building the first new jet of its kind in over a decade. How lessons from XOJet shaped a customer-first approach to designing the next era of business aviation. Guest Bio Paul Touw is an Engineer, Entrepreneur, and CEO of Otto Aviation. The Otto Aerospace Phantom 3500 is a masterpiece of engineering— utilizing groundbreaking laminar flow technology, digital design tools, and modern manufacturing techniques to achieve unparalleled efficiency, luxury, and environmental stewardship. Designed for leaders, visionaries, and innovators, the Phantom 3500 sets a new standard in private jet flight where performance and sustainability exist in perfect harmony. To learn more, head to https://ottoaerospace.com/ or connect with Paul 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. Podcast CTA 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 helps our show reach more people. Thank you!

Nov 6

In aerospace, we talk a lot about "the future of flight." But most of that conversation has been driven by fantasy. Fully electric aircraft that can't fly far enough, and technologies that look good in a render but can't sustain the physics or economics of real aviation. That's why what Electra Aero is building feels like the first practical revolution in modern air mobility. It's not about escaping airports altogether; it's about rethinking what access to the air actually means. A platform that combines the short-range flexibility of a helicopter with the efficiency, speed, and safety of a fixed-wing aircraft. A system that can land in 150 feet, carry nine passengers, and fly 1,000 miles...all at a cost per seat mile that rivals a Cessna Caravan. In other words, not a science experiment, but an aircraft for both the Pentagon and Palm Springs. When you look at the infrastructure, the capital, and the technology now converging, from turbo generators to hybrid propulsion, it's clear the "inflection point" for advanced air mobility is already here. The question isn't if we'll see it, but when the iceberg breaks the surface and everyone suddenly realizes how much has already been built underneath. What makes this design different enough for the Department of Defense to back it, and powerful enough to fly missions no existing aircraft can? In this episode, the CEO of Electra Aero, Mark Allen, joins me to dive into what it takes to turn an experimental prototype into a scalable aircraft production company. We also discuss how hybrid-electric flight could redefine how people and goods move between cities in the next decade. Things You’ll Learn In This Episode Why "payload-to-range" is the real metric that will define the winners in advanced air mobility How Electra's hybrid-electric system radically cuts maintenance and lifecycle costs Why vertical takeoff isn't the future, ultra-short takeoff and landing is How runway independence could transform both defense logistics and civilian travel What it takes to fund deep-tech aviation in a VC world built for SaaS Why the next big shift in aerospace will feel like a "ketchup bottle" moment: slow, then all at once How leadership and team "swing" drive complex innovation when the mission is bigger than any one person Guest Bio: Marc Allen is the CEO of Electra Aero. At Electra, Marc is leading the charge in developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft to define the next level of seamless air travel connectivity. Through direct aviation, Electra is bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play - without airports, emissions, or noise. Marc joined Electra after a distinguished career at The Boeing Company, where he held several key leadership roles, including Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President for Strategy and Corporate Development. He led the $5 billion customer finance business before spending nearly a decade on Boeing's Executive Council, where he served as President of Boeing International and oversaw critical enterprise-wide functions. As head of all venture businesses, he led Wisk Aero's restructuring and full acquisition, focusing on the future of autonomous flight and serving as Chairman. Other roles at Boeing included President of the Embraer Partnership, President of Boeing China, and General Counsel of Boeing International. To learn more, go to http://electra.aero / or connect with Marc on LinkedIn . Host Bio: 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!

Oct 23

The new space race is beginning; It’s not just between nations, but between commercial giants, shadow governments, and emerging players staking claims to orbits that are becoming dangerously crowded. The world is entering an era where control of the orbits will define global power. What’s fueling this revolution isn’t just rocket science. It’s economic scale, exotic propellants, and a surge in miniaturized, high-functioning satellites. But with this explosion comes risk: orbital debris fields, collisions that could cripple constellations, and the looming specter of space warfare. In this replay episode, Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance—the man behind one of the most ambitious launch companies—joins me on The Aerospace Executive Podcast . He brings unparalleled insight into what’s next in space—from transforming ULA away from the use of Russian engines to pioneering modular rockets designed for both commercial and defense missions, he has done it all! We cover the radical shifts reshaping orbital real estate, why small launch companies are failing despite demand, and why directed energy weapons in space might be the future of global defense. You’ll also learn: Why the true space cost revolution isn’t in launch, but in satellite architecture The hard truth about the “300% drop in launch prices” myth How mini satellites are creating billion-dollar constellations and traffic jams in orbit The quiet arms race: Anti-satellite weapons, Kessler syndrome, and debris fields that could end entire constellations Why lasers may be the only real answer to hypersonic threats Why methane propulsion is suddenly viable and what finally cracked the code Why the biggest competitive edge isn’t rockets, it’s people Guest Bio Tory Bruno is the President and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), the largest rocket launch company in the world. Since taking the helm in August 2014, he has led ULA through a transformative era, retiring legacy systems, developing the next-generation Vulcan rocket, and expanding the company’s commercial and national security portfolio. Before ULA, Tory spent over three decades at Lockheed Martin, where he began his career as a propulsion engineer and steadily rose through the ranks to become a senior executive. He has deep expertise in advanced propulsion, hypersonics, missile defense, and launch systems, and is widely recognized as one of the aerospace industry’s most accomplished and forward-thinking leaders. Connect with Tory 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!

Oct 9

Most people think valuations come down to simple formulas: EBITDA multiples, discounted cash flows, and comps. The reality in aerospace and defense is far more complex. That’s the reason so many owners and even investors misunderstand how acquisitions actually work in this industry. The truth is, not every buyer values the same business the same way. A small private buyer focuses on what they can finance. A mid-sized family-owned firm is driven by IRR and payback ratios. Large public companies move based on stock price and accretion. And private equity? Despite having the cash, they often find themselves at a disadvantage, outbid, or outmaneuvered by buyers who can leverage existing capacity, sales teams, and operating talent. That’s also why talent is one of the most overlooked yet critical pieces of any deal. The quality of management, the depth of customer relationships, and even succession planning can add or strip away millions from a sale price. In this episode, sell-side banker Bill Alderman returns for his quarterly M&A check-in. We break down the five buyer mindsets that actually drive valuation, and how management succession becomes the most valuable “intellectual property” in a deal. You’ll also learn: The five buyer archetypes, and how each one calculates value differently Why “financeability” sets the floor and “EPS accretion” sets the ceiling The critical role of management teams and succession planning in deal pricing How strategic buyers use capacity, salesforce, and cost absorption to outbid private equity Why valuation isn’t just math, it’s psychology, timing, and leverage What today’s seller-friendly market means for owners looking to exit in the next 12–24 months 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!

Sep 25

In today’s private equity landscape, the CFO role has become one of the most difficult and misunderstood jobs in the business world. Everybody thinks it’s about reporting numbers, tracking financials, and cutting costs. But in reality, being a PE-backed CFO means living at the intersection of cash obsession, strategy, and leadership, while managing more stakeholders than anyone else in the C-suite. Too many CFOs still act like historians, closing the books weeks late and delivering rearview-mirror data. Meanwhile, companies are flying blind, making decisions without visibility into the most critical factor: cash flow. With leverage levels higher than ever and private equity funds demanding fast exits, that blind spot isn’t just dangerous, it’s fatal. That’s why the best private equity CFOs don’t just manage numbers. They manage people, processes, and partners. They accelerate closes, implement real-time reporting, and educate leadership teams on how every decision hits the cash cycle. One of the best at articulating this reality is my guest, Bob Gold. Bob has been CFO at public companies, private firms, and multiple private equity-backed businesses. What are the biggest financial challenges in private equity, and why are they so common? How can CEOs set their CFOs up for success? In this episode, Bob and I break down what it really takes to succeed as a CFO in private equity, from managing cash and banking relationships to designing the right KPIs and building a team you can trust. You’ll also learn: Why the first 90 days of a CFO’s tenure should be focused on cash and team assessment How extending customer terms or delaying closes can quietly destroy a business Why private equity’s reluctance to invest in technology creates hidden risks The difference between “knowledge” and “intellect” and why holding onto knowledge can sink a finance team How great CFOs educate divisional leaders on the financial impact of their decisions Why operating on “two clocks” is the real PE playbook What it takes to build a true CEO–CFO partnership that drives both strategy and execution Guest Bio Bob Gold is a CFO, operating partner, transformation expert, treasury and turnarounds specialist. He is a leader and finance executive with a track record of matching execution with strategy to drive improved results in global organizations. Bob led three private equity portfolio companies through successful exits. His industry expertise includes Industrial B2B, Defense Government Contracting, Defense Electronics, and Consumer Products. Bob is a key “influencer” using fact-based data and superior communication skills to drive business and financial strategy. He’s recognized for building highly responsive finance teams and leading process improvements supporting rapid growth and organizational change in complex international companies. As a CFO, Bob has transformed complacent finance organizations into business partners that are a sought-after resource and advisor to internal business partners. Connect with Bob 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!