What do you do if you want to excel as an executive in the drone industry?

To excel as a drone industry executive, 'vision is key'. 'Stay ahead of the curve' by studying emerging trends in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) like autonomous flight and urban air traffic management (UATM). 'Foster a culture of innovation'–encourage your team to explore new applications for drone technology and embrace calculated risks. 'Prioritize safety' by adhering to regulations and investing in robust pilot training programs. 'Build strong relationships' with regulators, industry partners, and investors-collaboration is crucial for navigating the complex AAM ecosystem. By combining 'strategic vision, innovation, unwavering safety, and strong partnerships', you'll lead your drone company towards a dominant position in the industry.

Understand the drone industry's diversity. It consists of various sectors like consumer, commercial, military, and public safety, each with its own benifits, opportunities, and challenges. It's crucial to grasp your target market's size, growth potential, demands, and pain points.

The drone industry is dynamic, constantly introducing fresh technologies and applications. Knowing the culture of innovation and experimentation within your organization is crucial. Invest in research and development, Do new partnerships, and test innovative ideas and prototypes. Flexibility and adaptability are the keys.

The drone industry is incredibly fast-paced. To stay ahead of the curve, you must prioritise innovation, embrace strategic investments, and maintain a flexible approach. My role is to keep on top of this: by monitoring the latest whitepapers, university projects, social media, relevant news sites and by having direct discussions with the various manufacturers, you get a great vantage point of the industry and what the next important innovations will be. Flexibility is key for embracing innovation. New tech can drastically change the processes your company might employ, and if you are not quick to adopt, you will find yourself trailing behind the smaller, more nimble companies.

The drone sector operates under strict regulations that ensure safety and compliance. It's crucial to understand and follow these rules set by authorities and industry standards in your area. Stay informed about current and upcoming regulations, understanding their impact on your operations.

One of my favourite sayings is "It's not what you know, it's who you know". By expanding your network to not just include end users but also manufacturers and integrators, you'll be able to provide your client with end-to-end services and solutions.

The commercial drone industry is at a tipping point within the United States. Many leading edge companies have fallen by the wayside. Building and maintaining strong and diverse network consisting of customer, technology and government stakeholders is critical to continually raise awareness, advocacy and action to implement, test and scale BVOLS & VOLS operations. A grass roots effort centered on a defined and economically viable problem / market should be every organization's "Why". Having the right problem / market will greatly inform how you build your network. It's hyper competitive market, be open to collaborating across technical, political and organizational lines. Find your tribe aligned to your mission.

In the drone industry, collaboration is essential. Connect with various stakeholders like suppliers, distributors, customers, investors, media, and influencers. Build trust by providing value, support, and seeking advice. Utilize your network to access resources, opportunities, and referrals, enhancing your reach and influence in the industry.

The drone industry is a small and fast growing industry which is also a huge benefit since establishing a network is not that complicated and then you can utilize it to advance faster.

The drone sector demands a wide range of abilities, including technical knowledge, business knowledge, leadership capabilities, and effective communication skills. It's crucial to enhance your skills continuously, staying updated on industry advancements and trends.

Drone industry is very dynamic and you need to continuously develop your skills in order to keep the pace with it. The key is to identify the key areas of interest and then ensure you follow the advancements.

In any industry setbacks and blockers can demotivate the most keen amongst us. It’s important to recognise innovation within the drone space is a marathon not a sprint. Embrace the small wins at every opportunity. We’re on the cusp of drones bringing scaled societal value, the privilege and excitement which comes alongside that is a great motivator.

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, integrating sustainability into your business model can set your company apart. This involves considering the environmental impact of your drones, from manufacturing processes to operational efficiency and end-of-life recycling. In one of my initiatives, we explored the use of eco-friendly materials for drone construction and implemented battery recycling programs, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses. While the drone industry is vast, identifying and specializing in niche markets can provide unique opportunities for growth and leadership.