Craig Picken

Navigating the Aerospace Industry: Client Must-Haves 🚀 The aerospace sector is evolving at breakneck speed, a race fueled by innovation and technology. As contractors, we've got to align with clients' expectations to stay ahead. Here's the lowdown on what clients are scouting for: Efficiency is at the heart of it all. Clients yearn for contractors who can boost productivity while slashing costs and timing without compromising quality. Integrating advanced manufacturing techniques and predictive maintenance can be game changers in this field. In a realm where precision is non-negotiable, technical expertise remains king. Contractors must bring engineering prowess to the table - think systems integration, propulsion expertise, and mastery in aerodynamics. These skills are the bedrock of any project, whether we're launching rockets or designing the next-gen aircraft. Cybersecurity expertise is soaring on the priority list. With digital transformations now the norm, safeguarding intellectual property and sensitive data is critical. Clients demand robust security protocols and IT wizards who can fend off cyber threats. Sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's the future. Clients seek partners who can innovate with eco-efficient technologies. Sustainability leaders who are crafting the paths toward reduced emissions and waste are the new industry stars. Collaboration and agility have never been more crucial. Clients want contractors who can adapt and pivot, navigating the complexities of the aerospace environment with finesse. The ability to work seamlessly with diverse global teams is a treasure in this interconnected world. As the industry propels forward, embracing these skills will ensure we not only meet our clients' needs but also contribute to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace. #AerospaceInnovation #FutureTech #SustainableAerospace

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Navigating Opportunities: Your Aerospace Network In the dynamic aerospace sector, connections drive careers. As a contract professional, you understand that a resilient network is not just helpful—it's your lifeline to new ventures and industry advancement. So, how do you keep that critical network robust? Here are some strategies: Firstly, leverage trade shows and conferences, which are goldmines for connectors. Go beyond just attending; engage actively. Participate in panels, volunteer, or even present a paper. These actions put you at the center of conversations and mark you as a thought leader in your domain. Next, don't let digital dust settle on your LinkedIn profile. Update regularly with project milestones or commentary on industry trends. Your colleagues need to see your achievements and your insights as part of the dialogue that shapes the future of aerospace. Remember also, mentorship is a two-way street. By becoming a mentor, you gain as much perspective as you give guidance, cementing bonds with professionals at various career stages. Conversely, seek out mentors who offer experience and broad networks, potentially opening doors to your next big contract. Slide into thought-curated forums. Don't gloss over the importance of industry-specific online communities and forums. These are not only for troubleshooting but for idea exchanges, which often lead to collaboration and partnerships. And lastly, keep your follow-up game strong. Whether after a meeting, email exchange, or casual LinkedIn interaction, a personalized follow-up can transform a handshake into a lasting professional relationship. Cultivating a rich aerospace network takes intentional effort. Start with these strategies and watch your professional ties ascend to new heights. #AerospaceNetworking #ContractStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth

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I used to vote primarily Republican. For lots of reasons, I have not done so for a while and do not see this changing. I have not had to fight thru a lot of unconscious biases others have. My skin color is light. I’m a cisgender male. The world was designed for me to succeed. Don’t misunderstand though. Climbing the mountain was not easy, but it required far less energy from me than would have been required had I needed to overcome people imposed impediments to my climb. Knowing this, it’s important for me to acknowledge that it has been easier, not easy, and to do all I can to level the playing field. Victories are hollow when achieved with different rules or when the playing field is not the same. People I love are women. People I love are black. People I love are part of the LGBTQ+ community. People I love are marginalized every day by people who lack empathy and cannot see why or how this matters. Personally, I find the leader of the Republican party to be a reprehensible human being, utterly lacking in empathy or humanity. He has continuously and consistently shown us who he is. I learned long ago to take this at face value. He has not been, nor seemingly ever will be, a good human being. This matters. Deeply. His actions are driven by unbridled avarice. He is not worthy of the office. It’s that simple. Individual policies don’t matter when the person setting policy is incapable of working toward the greater good and when the collective approach yields a far worse outcome. We are all on the same team - humanity. We are 99.9+% the same, so to focus on our differences rather than our similarities stokes division and sows discontent. This approach benefits the few, not the many. It is impossible for me to not be concerned for people I love and millions of people I don't know who think, act, look like, identify similarly as, the individuals I love. The world can be a cruel place. I will not contribute to its harshness, so I will advocate for all those who are marginalized and will be attacked by this administration. The ones who weren’t provided the same opportunities, who have to overcome more than was ever thrown my way. This assuredly means hate will be directed my way by individuals who believe continuously tilting the playing field is okay. I honestly don’t care. If I lose friends along the way because of this, so be it. It means we shouldn’t have been friends in the first place and that I misjudged these people. I learned long ago to treat others the way I expect to be treated. Hate begets hate. I like being able to look myself in the mirror at night with the realization that I do the best I can, every day, to make the world a slightly better place. It’s not much, but it’s something. And it’s good, because it’s bigger than me. The world needs more of this.

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David Bradley is MVMT. MVMT is David Bradley. Check out Mark Whitby’s interview with Dave to learn more about Our Quarterback. Headhunting is MOVEMENT! 

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Employers, if you’re facing barriers to hiring from the military community, it’s time to get more intentional about your recruiting process. Recruiters can sometimes face challenges getting buy-in when matching military community members with civilian roles. And it’s often because the hiring manager doesn’t have a complete understanding of the value those candidates can contribute. If you’re an employer looking to tap the military community’s talent pipeline, it’s important to align with your hiring team on the front end. It can be as simple as: 1. Developing a shared understanding of how military community candidates can bring value to the team – even if the skillset you’re seeking isn’t spelled out plainly on their resumes. 2. Identifying clear pathways that are successful for military community candidates and establishing goals with your hiring team at the start of the recruitment process There’s a wealth of talent in the military community. To tap into it, make sure everyone on your team understands the purpose of recruiting military community job seekers and the best career pathways for them to thrive.

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What is the highest salary of a CFO in the Aerospace and Defense market? The highest salary in companies with revenue over $150 million caps at $408,000 Compare this with companies with revenue of $50 Million to $150 Million in our recent Salary Report video - https://lnkd.in/eUvWzvGN #privateequity #rawselection #executivesearch

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I always get a little suspicious when a company uses percentages in their layoff announcements. 5%? Oh, phew…that’s not *too* bad. That seems reasonable. And then you do more reading….5% = 2,500 humans 😱😢 2,500 people woke up this morning and have been made “redundant” due to company “right-sizing”. Ugh is an understatement. If this exercise has impacted you….please use some of your severance and get your resume cleaned up and optimized. ASAP. And when applying for jobs, be a sniper not a spaghetti thrower. #ResumeIsKing #KeepPressingForward #AlwaysBeNetworking #UpdateYourLinkedInProfile #Engage #Pivot https://lnkd.in/gBySN6ZV

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October was a tough month for the employment market. ·       Nonfarm payrolls increased by 12,000 vs. 100,000. ·       Job creation totals revised down by 112,000 Aug, and Sept. combined. ·       The BLS noted that the Boeing strike & hurricanes were a drag on jobs Click below to read more. #staffing #employment #recruitment #jobs

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The VA offers financial assistance to veterans, but eligibility is key. VA compensation and pension programs often confuse veterans due to their different criteria. To make the right claim and verify your eligibility, it’s important to understand how VA compensation and pensions differ. ❓ What’s the difference? There are significant distinctions between VA compensation and pension: ⚔️ Service Connection - VA compensation covers all disability-related expenses tied to active duty service. In contrast, VA pensions are provided based on a veteran’s age and income level rather than injuries or illnesses from service. 💰 Income and Age Criteria - Veterans can qualify for a VA pension if they meet specific requirements like being 65 or older with a low income. However, veterans can still earn an income while receiving VA disability compensation if they can prove their disability is service-connected and not due to age. 📊 Payment Rates - VA pension rates vary based on the number of dependents. Veterans without dependents can receive up to $27,609 annually, or about $2,300.75 per month. For VA disability compensation, the minimum annual rate is $32,729, or roughly $2,727.42 per month, depending on the disability rating. These rates may adjust based on net worth. For those with a 100% disability rating, the maximum monthly compensation can be $3,877.22 with no dependents, $4,098.87 with a child and spouse, and $4,433.39 with a child, spouse, and two parents. Need help figuring out your eligibility? This blog can help: https://buff.ly/4dZp8jS #veteranservices #vabenefits #veteranfinancialaid #vadisabilitybenefits

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Exciting news for military spouses! Military.com has released its list of the top 24 employers dedicated to hiring and supporting military spouses in 2024. From flexible work arrangements to comprehensive benefits, these companies are leading the way in creating opportunities for those who support our nation's heroes. Discover which companies made the list and how they are making a difference. Read the full article here! #MilitarySpouse #EmploymentOpportunities #MilitaryFamilies

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Struggling with your resume? You're not alone. Many #veterans face unique challenges when translating military experience into civilian terms. This new blog post from Military.com's Veteran Employment Project provides expert tips on how to identify and fix common resume issues. Check it out and take your job search to the next level!

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"Hire slow and fire fast!" 🐢 🐇 This has been a business strategy that company leaders have espoused for years. At Gulfstream Staffing, Inc, while we tend to agree that the best approach is to cut bait quickly when an employee is not the right fit for an organization we also recommend hiring a prospect with speed when they have the potential to be a rockstar. Candidates move quickly and excitement about a new opportunity moves with momentum. The longer a candidate waits for feedback, is scheduled for the next interview, is slated to start, etc "life happens". They cool off on wanting to leave their employer, they meet someone over the weekend who mentions their company is hiring, they receive emails/inmails/calls daily about similar possibly more enticing roles...interest cools and ultimately momentum fades. While we know this isn't true for all situations, we encourage clients to do what they can to move the process forward with pace, especially when prospects are taking time from their current jobs to facilitate the interview process. Candidates are people and people like to feel wanted. Don't let the good ones get away when they could be your next impact player! #gulfstreamstaffing #hiring #headhunting #recruitment #staffing "Your staff is our business." 🌊

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The United States Air Force doesn't need vendors... it needs partners that can support its mission. The USAF needs small businesses like you, but... They need you to understand what the Air Force is facing and the Four Core Areas demanding attention: ➤ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 | Resilient, mission ready Airmen with diverse skillsets prepared to execute a wide range of operations in complex, contested scenarios. ➤ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 | Specialized power projection, achieving mission readiness through large-scale exercises and mission-focused training. ➤ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 | Optimized, well-articulated 'Units of Action' designed for mission effectiveness, modularity, and rapid force presentation. ➤ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 | Horizontal and vertical integration to deliver connected and interoperable systems at speed and scale. Documents like this one helps government contractors understand how USAF leadership is thinking and communicating among the force. We need to read these (skip a Netflix movie) and get an understanding in order to have better conversations with buyers like the USAF and be informed when submitting proposals. 𝑼𝑺𝑨𝑭 𝑬𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 | 𝑹𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 ✈️ Optimized for the Cold War | Think USA v. USSR ✈️ Optimized for the Unipolar Moment | Think the Drawdown ✈️ Optimizing for Countering Violent Extremism | Think 9/11 ✈️ Optimizing for Great Power Competition | Now ___________________________________ 🔥 Join 18,427 others and subscribe to our GovCon newsletter | https://lnkd.in/es6qfwgk 👀 Follow me (Neil McDonnell) on LinkedIn and hit the 🔔 on my profile to see more government contracting content like 32,540 other people do.

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If she can get a job in another market, so can you! I recently had the privilege of working with Holley who exemplifies the qualities of persistence, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to her career goals in the supply chain industry. Despite facing a significant life change – relocating to Italy due to her husband's military assignment – she remained steadfast in her pursuit of professional growth. Qualities that Set Her Apart: 🌟 Exceptional Communication: Throughout our engagement, her communication was consistently clear, timely, and professional. 🌟 Unwavering Drive: Her passion for the supply chain field was evident in every interaction, fueling her determination to succeed. 🌟 Adaptability: When faced with the challenge of an international move, she saw it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. 🌟 Reliability: She completed all assigned tasks promptly and to a high standard, demonstrating her strong work ethic. 🌟 Proactivity: Always one step ahead, she anticipated challenges and sought solutions independently.   The Result: Her dedication and hard work paid off. Despite the geographical constraints, she successfully navigated her job search in a new country, leveraging her skills and our guidance to pursue opportunities in the Italy job market Holley’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and passion in career development. Her ability to maintain focus and drive in the face of significant life changes is truly inspiring. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her supply chain career, wherever it may take her. To all job seekers out there: let this be a reminder that with the right mindset, dedication, and support, you can overcome any challenge in your career path. Your dream job might be waiting for you – even on another continent! If you want personalized job search support, DM me the word “CAREER” and I will personally help you get the career results you deserve! #supplychain #jobmarket #supplychaincareerscommunity #supplychainjobs

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2024 has been an interesting year for many of our clients. Overall, we are seeing positive signs heading into the end of the year. Unemployment for Accounting, Finance, and Technology professionals continues to be lower than the demand. Click below to see our full Q3 market report. https://hubs.li/Q02Lw2tV0

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