Mark Morro: Making It Big In Multiple Enterprises

The world is constantly changing, and new technological developments make it more evident how important it is for the human generation to keep up with it. Every person who is determined to achieve is nothing less than a hero in today's world of leadership, which has developed along with the methods of technology. When it comes to naming a top influential leader of the aviation business world, how can one leave out Mark Morro?

Mark Morro is one of the leading names when it comes to inspiring CEOs of today. As a successful gay former CEO and co-founder of two Publicly held Regional Airlines; Wings West Airlines (now American Eagle) and the pioneering low-cost carrier, Air 21. He is recognized as a living industry icon with a long history in the aviation sector. In addition, Morro's leadership as the Industry Chairman played a significant role in the history of American Aviation, as he led the regionals thru their most trying times. His testimonies before Congress and work as the Chairman are among his many professional accomplishments. He also directed multiple policies, which are still valid today, and many aviation industry players adhere to them.

Morro has experienced many ups and downs throughout his life. He has also encountered several disappointments and early on was told that he would never be able to achieve success. However, Morro noted that being a leader takes perseverance and determination in any field and is highly personal. "Everyone wants to be a leader or CEO." He went on to mention he frequently sees recent graduates and MBA students who declare, "I want to be a CEO." The particular reason for their ambition is not always apparent, they frequently have only an "I want to be the head" mentality.

When talking about being a CEO you are also speaking about what it takes to want influence. Morro said you should know why you want to manage and lead an organization. So many, however, are unaware of and do not inwardly discuss what it will take them to be an exceptional leader of possibly thousands of employees and make a difference. In his early days, Morro was somewhat apprehensive about whether he would stand out from his peers and be able to lead on a vast scale with those values. He was always analyzing his successes and failures and challenging himself to become a high-impact leader, that process ultimately helped him become one of the most well-known figures in the industry in the US and around the World.

On the other hand, as to influence, he did miss his opportunity to make a difference during the peak of the Aids period during the 80s and 90s. Morro wasted no time addressing the matter that had been on his mind for years. With the ability to make a difference and the limelight at his disposal, he could have done more to help the Aids impacted the gay community by being more honest about being Gay to the public at large and being an Aids activist and spokesperson. Yes, being a gay CEO then, of a publicly held company would have made it a comparatively tricky journey. Being open and out to the public and being out to the industry were two different matters in those days. However, he sees this as a career misstep and as a "would have should have" moment. Today he and his Husband are actively involved in the Gay and Trans community helping the youth and those with AIDS.

Morro has always admired those high-profile individuals who had the guts to speak out publicly all those yesterdays, and those individuals and activists of today that work tirelessly with their concern for the future.

Morro's experiences as the CEO of two publicly traded companies, fill him with great pride. He went on to pursue other life opportunities as one of 26 investors that acquired bankrupt Fairchild Aircraft for 62 million dollars. He became part of the team that transformed the company into Fairchild Aerospace, a billion-dollar global leader in the aerospace industry.

To round off his professional life, Morro formed a Media
Production company. The company produced an award-winning syndicated TV and Green Radio series that ran for 5 years Globally. (Oh yeah, he had minored in Radio, TV and Film at college).

Morro thinks it is admirable to desire to run a company or be the CEO. Still, focusing all your energy on achieving an impossible objective might not be the right approach, especially one that might not be totally in your control. Wherever they went, the best leaders we know have made an impact that started modestly and grew over time. Later, rather than being admired for their ambition, they were appreciated for their commitment to excellence and impact. One should be informed that organizations are now searching for individuals to make a difference.