Wouldn’t it be nice to meet your future boss before the job interview? Now’s your chance, in a matter of speaking.
Sergio Aguirre, senior vice president and general manager of Gogo Business Aviation, recently shared his favorite BBQ joint — where he hangs with colleagues after work — plus insights on his hiring process.
Gogo has partnered with 17 commercial airlines to provide in-flight connectivity and wireless entertainment on over 3,000 aircrafts. Though Gogo is headquartered in Chicago, roughly a quarter of its workforce is based in Broomfield, CO.
Now, let’s get to the BBQ:
Where should we eat?
Colorado has an amazing microbrewery culture. My favorite after-work spot is 4Noses, which has a great selection of local beers and food trucks.
What should we order?
At 4Noses, my favorite food truck is the BBQ truck, with its baby-back ribs. BBQ goes well with just about any beer.
Describe your leadership style in three words.
People. Really. Matter.
What’s one thing people need to know before interviewing at Gogo?
How you do what you do is just as important as how well you do it. To succeed at Gogo, every employee has to work in harmony with one another and be committed to our cultural values. Gogo employees not only understand our cultural values, they live them.
What do you look for in a resume?
It’s a blend of talent, professional commitment and cultural fit. I'm looking for a combination of those three things.
What’s your favorite question to ask in an interview?
I like to ask questions that give insight into a person’s tolerances for change and their leadership style. I don’t typically have one specific question because my questions are dependent upon each person.
Who is your professional role model?
I’ll give you two: David Neeleman and Elon Musk. Neeleman, who founded four airlines, including JetBlue, inspires me with his track record of succeeding where others failed (i.e., running profitable commercial airlines). Musk because he is the true definition of a modern-day renaissance man.
What’s your favorite business book?
The last book I read is my favorite. For me, that's "Turn the Ship Around!" by L. David Marquet. I was impressed that someone could successfully challenge the status quo of the Department of Defense’s bureaucracy. That said, I still find myself going back to basic principles I learned in the "One Minute Manager" series, which I read more than 25 years ago. Simple, practical and to-the-point management 101!
