Alex is with Nick Tarascio CEO and founder of Ventura Air Services. They discuss in depth his journey from learning to fly through to using his ‘pilot mindset’ in the business arena.
A pilot mindset is focused on immediate response problem solving and situational awareness and Nick has effectively used this approach to grow Ventura and shares his philosophy with other entrepreneurs and business owners.
Sign up to Jessen's webinar here: https://bit.ly/bizwm
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- It was taking the experiences from being a pot and using them elsewhere in my life
- The piloting mindset gave me the power to face my fears and move forward
- When you don’t know your ‘what’ go back to your values and your ‘how’.
- Figure out how you want to show up in the world and do it to the best of your ability every day.
- I wanted to build an aviation company that allows people who have a passion for flying to be in an environment that is bold and daring
- Always have the destination in mind and understand what it is that you want to achieve.
- Be clear about who you are, what you want to change and the work you will need to put in.
- Planning is key and using a flight plan approach means you can create a plan that accounts for the challenges along the way.
- You have to get going in one direction and with focus.
- Define what is important, your success criteria, and measure these constantly.
- Make small corrections throughout the journey to ensure you stay on course.
BEST MOMENTS
‘My flight plan means you can move around the issues with a solid plan based in reality’
‘On my sixteenth birthday flying solo, I was in control of my destiny’
‘Flying was 3-dimensional freedom’
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Business, Wealth and Mindset podcast series
ABOUT THE GUEST
Nick Tarascio - CEO at Ventura Air Services, New York City
‘Flying is one of my passions; I have been a licensed pilot since I was 16, certified to fly jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft. My additional experience includes that as a certified aircraft mechanic, avionics technician, and as an aircraft sales executive.
I employ the "pilot mindset" to manage and grow Ventura's business. This approach incorporates rigorous training, situational awareness, and on-the-spot problem-solving. Leading the company with this mindset gives it a unique advantage that sets us apart from the competition while providing numerous benefits for our clients. I enjoy speaking on this topic and imparting my "pilot mindset" philosophy with business owners, entrepreneurs, and trade groups.
Ventura Air Services was founded by my father more than three decades ago. Today we operate and maintain a growing fleet of jets with a focus on business and leisure travel services throughout North and South America and the Caribbean. We have access to aircraft of all sizes to meet our client's local or global travel needs.
We have established Ventura as the preferred "on-call" provider among several major New York-area hospital systems for the transport of medical organ transplant teams that fly to hospitals in advance of life-saving surgeries.
To succeed in our sector, we have built a company culture centred around "operational excellence." Our team of more than 45 employees includes pilots, maintenance personnel, and travel and customer service representatives who passionately embrace this commitment to excellence.
The media often calls on me for comments or interviews on industry trends and related topics. Among those outlets include Fortune, HuffPost, Business Insider, Newsday, and Aviation Pros, and I have appeared on BBC Television.
Despite the belief that owning a plane is just for celebrities or the uber-rich, I authored the book "Own Your Own Plane: It Costs Less Than You Think" to help people develop financial strategies for using aircraft as business and investment tools. This remarkable guide provides the tools and information necessary to enjoy the exhilarating and surprisingly cost-effective freedom of unrestricted flight.
My other passion is music. I am a musician, songwriter, and performer, and play several instruments. I have released three albums to date, and continue to write new music.
ABOUT THE HOST
Alex is a prize-winning chartered accountant with experience in financial markets from trading finance, capital hedging, structural foreign exchange and interest rates to operational risk from the world’s top financial and advisory institutions including Deloitte, RBS and JPMorgan Chase
Alex has been involved in property development programmes across different types since 2008, building and managing a portfolio that includes standard buy-to-lets, student accommodation and other houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs).
He specialises in raising finance, providing potential investors, investors and joint venture partners with ad hoc (to their specific requirements), hands-free and hassle-free property investments solutions as well as coaching and mentoring
Alex aspires to share business and financial knowledge with upcoming entrepreneurs and experienced business minds to learn and master the concepts and mindsets required to succeed, stand-out, have the edge and make a difference.
Alex is also a keen traveller, cyclist and photographer.
CONTACT METHOD
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/alexsapalaofficial/
Twitter - @alex_sapala
https://twitter.com/alex_sapala
You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZ1DCPGAu5c2yhOkfGZRSQ