The Nick Ryan Episode: From Velvet Ropes to Runways
Some career paths look linear from the outside. Other professional trajectories only make sense once you hear the origin story behind them.
In the Season 2 premiere of The B-Side with Sri, Connico President Sri Kumar talks with Nick Ryan, Chief Development Officer for Arora Engineers, whose journey into aviation coincided with a side gig as an event promoter. Nick traded late nights running parties and concerts for early mornings at the airport. What didn’t change was his focus on people, experience, and the power of connection.
Nick breaks down how the skills we pick up along the way, often in the most unexpected places, can become the foundation for meaningful, purpose-driven work.
Top 3 takeaways
- Every experience builds transferable skills, even when you don’t recognize them in the moment. From managing hundreds of events to navigating high-profile entertainment environments, Nick learned early how to plan, adapt, manage risk, and lead people. Those same skills now show up in his aviation career, reinforcing that no experience is wasted if you’re paying attention.
- Relationship capital is a leadership superpower. Nick believes trust, care, and genuine connection are “relationship capital,” and value is built through consistency, empathy, and authenticity. In a complex industry defined by high stakes, social skills are just as critical in practice as technical expertise.
- Growth requires courage, reflection, and the desire to ask for help. Nick’s story shows that changing industries, seeking mentorship, and redefining success all begin with one thing: intention. To make progress, you must be self-aware and willing to raise your hand for guidance.
“People are looking for calm more than perfection.” - Nick Ryan
What you carry forward matters more than what you leave behind
At its core, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that the most impactful lessons often come from the paths we didn’t plan – and the moments that never make the A-side.
Season 2 of The B-Side with Sri is just getting started, and this conversation sets the tone: thoughtful, human, and rooted in the stories that shape how we lead and live.
Flip the record. Press play. We’ll see you on The B-Side.
