Welcome to Open Mic, the airport- and aviation-focused podcast hosted by Curtis Grad, Chief Executive and Founding Partner of Modalis Infrastructure Partners. Each episode features in-depth conversations with global aviation leaders—airport executives, investors, innovators, and policy experts—exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the airport and aviation landscape.

In this episode, Curtis speaks with Craig Richmond, former President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority and one of Canada’s most respected airport leaders. Together, Curtis and Craig reflect on Craig’s remarkable aviation journey—from Vancouver to the Bahamas, the UK, Cyprus and beyond—and explore the leadership principles, culture and resilience required to build world-class airport organizations.

They dive into:
✈️ Craig’s return to Vancouver Airport Authority after seven years abroad—and the challenge of leading an airport already recognized as one of the world’s best.
 🌎 Lessons learned from international airport leadership roles in the Bahamas, the UK, Cyprus, and beyond.
 🤝 Why airport culture, teamwork, and customer service are foundational to long-term success.
 🏗️ Building resilient airport organizations by empowering teams, encouraging innovation, and preparing the next generation of leaders.
 🛫 The unforgettable moments that define aviation careers—from 9/11 diversions to airline launches, Olympic operations and even a "rumble" with Jackie Chan.

Timestamps:
1:27  Returning to Vancouver Airport Authority as CEO
3:32  Building airport culture and defining organizational values
5:56  Customer service, leadership and operational excellence
13:30  Starting up Nassau Airport Development Company
19:33  Crazy aviation stories: 9/11 and managing airport crises
26:29  Transition to the UK
37:34  The future of aviation, space exploration and Artemis II
39:44  Magic Mirror: Rapid-fire questions with Craig

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 🌐 Visit https://airportir.com/open-mic to hear more episodes and stay informed about the global aviation developments that matter to you.