The young executive who called me yesterday is making it rain.
Right guy, right job, the world is his oyster.
“I want to be a CEO one day” was his comment, “What do I need to do?”
My answer was simple:
“Keep doing what you’re doing. Success TODAY will open doors tomorrow. Be a sponge, learn a lot, focus on the job you have NOW.”
It’s the exact advice I wish I’d gotten when I was an ambitious 29-year-old…
Too often, ambitious people fail because they’re looking ahead to the next job and forget the one they have.
Success opens a lot of doors. Mediocrity closes them.
Said more simply:
Nobody gonna give you more if you’re not handling that in front of you.
No matter WHAT you want or think your capable of.
But as an Aviation Executive Recruiter, and CEO of CRAIG PICKEN Executive Search this is exactly the attitude I’m seeking out.
Optimists who are looking forward make money.
Pessimists never make a dime.
About Craig Picken
Craig Picken is the Managing Partner of Craig Picken Executive Search, a retained search firm focused on elevating leadership in aviation and aerospace. Since 2008, he has successfully completed more than 400 senior-level searches across MRO, manufacturing, and services, partnering with premier OEMs, operators, financial organizations, and private equity sponsors.
A former Naval Flight Officer with over 100 combat missions and 325 carrier landings, Craig brings a unique perspective as the only executive recruiter in the industry who has flown, sold, and led P&L in aviation. Beyond recruiting, he is a speaker, executive coach, and host of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, where he highlights leadership insights from across the industry.
