In this episode, David Dixon reflects on his remarkable 50-year career in aviation, which began with selling small piston aircraft in Africa before transitioning to business jets, including a 33-year tenure at Bombardier.

He explores the evolution of the business jet market, highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities in Asia compared to North America and Europe, where infrastructure limitations and cultural nuances significantly influence sales strategies.
Dixon contrasts his experience selling standardised new aircraft at Bombardier with the complexities of the pre-owned market at Jetcraft, where each plane has a unique history and condition. He also shares how business aviation serves as an economic indicator, with demand fluctuating in tandem with broader market confidence.

For newcomers, Dixon emphasises the importance of thoroughly understanding aircraft capabilities and customer needs, rather than focusing solely on price and specifications. Even after five decades, his passion for the industry remains strong, and he has no plans to retire as long as he finds the work both challenging and rewarding.

Craig Picken is an executive recruiter, ICF-trained executive coach, writer, and speaker who specialises in the business aviation and aerospace industry. With over 400 executive-level searches completed since 2008, he focuses on placing senior leadership, sales, and operations talent with top OEMs, aircraft operators, financial institutions, and MRO providers. Craig is unique in the industry - he has flown aircraft, sold them, and successfully run profit-and-loss operations in aviation businesses.

Craig Picken shares his unique journey through the business aviation industry, starting with his decorated career in the US Navy, followed by leadership roles at Gulfstream and Bombardier, and eventually founding his own executive search firm focused on aviation and aerospace.

Craig offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cultural and leadership differences between major OEMs and how these experiences shaped his understanding of how company culture plays a critical role in hiring the right leaders.

The conversation also explores the ongoing evolution of business aviation, from the growth of fractional ownership models like NetJets and Flexjet to current challenges such as global supply chain disruptions. Craig provides valuable insight into how these dynamics impact hiring and organisational strategy.

He outlines his relationship-focused approach to executive recruiting, emphasising alignment between candidate and company culture, and encourages professionals to proactively invest in their own development through coaching, education, and industry engagement.

Hear more of Craig and his executives on his Aerospace Executive Podcast at: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-ncahu-266e14

In this episode, Dustin Cordier - founder of Step Zero, a coaching platform for business owners - shares how he helps leaders grow their businesses with intention, clarity, and long-term purpose. Drawing from his background in the Air Force, banking, and aircraft sales, Cordier now focuses on supporting family-owned and entrepreneurial companies, especially within the aviation industry.

He talks about the importance of planning for the future - whether that means preparing to pass a business on to the next generation or getting ready for a potential sale. Rather than focusing solely on short-term income, Cordier encourages building lasting value through systems, structure, and strong leadership.

Cordier also reflects on the challenges business owners face in areas like succession planning, talent retention, and developing a reliable sales pipeline. He highlights the role of company culture and core values in attracting and keeping the right people. When it comes to buying an aircraft, he advises treating the process more like acquiring a business than a vehicle, stressing the value of working with knowledgeable brokers, attorneys, and accountants.

Throughout the conversation, Cordier’s passion comes through for helping aviation business owners build companies that are both sustainable and resilient - able to grow and succeed well into the future.