The Abstract Ep 48: How a Pilot turned into a CEO: Ben Klein, CEO at Aero
How do you build a legal and business career from a passion for aviation? What is the transition like from the GC role to that of CEO? And what is it like to run an airline?
Ben Klein, CEO and First Officer at Aero, was able to combine his dedication to legal work with his lifelong love of flying. Starting off at big law firms like Davis Polk & Wardwell, he successfully transitioned into aviation law after founding his own firm, then took on GC roles at autonomous helicopter start-up Skyryse and Aero, an airline offering a private-jet-like experience.
Listen as Ben discusses instilling confidence in investors during a CEO transition, counseling his airline through the coronavirus pandemic, and leveraging his experience in the cockpit to make his company the best it can be.
Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-48
Topics:
Introduction: 0:00
Transitioning from corporate law to aviation law: 6:01
Founding an aviation-focused law firm: 9:38
Learning to manage an executive team as a first-time GC at Skyryse: 11:47
Counseling an airline through the coronavirus pandemic: 14:57
Taking on a GC and First Officer role at Aero: 16:09
Leveraging your experience in the cockpit to lead as CEO: 23:59
Instilling confidence in investors as you transition from GC to CEO: 25:47
Inspiring teamwork in c-suite reports and hiring for your replacement GC: 30:58
Book Recommendations: 35:30
What you wish you’d known as a young lawyer: 38:49
Connect with us:
Ben Klein - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-klein-01b8736/
Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinn
SpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraft
SpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.