Andrew Kaufman is the senior vice president and fleet general manager at Wheels Up, an aviation, transportation and luxury hospitality company. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Kaufman has established a strong reputation in private air charter flights and operational excellence.
Kaufman, who is named to the Phoenix Titan 100 for the second time, has actively engaged in charitable causes and community initiatives, dedicating his time to organizations like Project CURE and serving as a board member.
“Since becoming a titan, my greatest accomplishment has been being able to find new opportunities to give back, either through charitable causes or working with my team and employees to further develop their growth and success,” Kaufman said. “Whether working for a few hours on Community Day with Project CURE, meeting as a Board Member, and even hosting members of the Phoenix titans at my home to celebrate the holidays, being able to share knowledge and experience with others is the greatest gift one can give.
“Receiving that knowledge from such a varied group of people and industries has allowed me to grow as an individual and a business leader. I am able to more readily see and understand new potential opportunities more clearly and have a network of resources to rely upon to assist where necessary. In my efforts to give back, however, something strange happened. I began to see and accept the value I bring to the table as a person and a leader. This has improved my confidence and decision-making abilities, allowing me to trust myself more and be able to set boundaries to allow time to focus on my well-being so I am at my nest for everyone else.”
Kaufman believes in “being humble and knowing, accepting and recognizing that your success as a leader is the effect of the work that those you are leading are doing. Your passion and persistence must not only be visible as your own, but must translate to those around and motivate and encourage them. Leaders know when to put in the hours and when to ‘clock out.’ Your team(s) will follow your lead. Your work ethic is not defined by the quantity of hours put in, but the quality of time, and your ability to balance and recharge as necessary. Work ethic and EQ are tied together. Understanding your people, their roles, and that every person is different and needs to be led differently will set the stage for effective leadership.
“All of this is meaningless unless you are able to capture it in well thought out, well-worded, well-presented, well-timed communications. Even a simple ‘good morning’ can have a positive or negative effect on your team depending how it’s stated, to whom and when.”
