The Automotive Leaders Podcast

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In this bonus episode of the ALP podcast, Jan Griffiths delves into a pivotal moment in the automotive industry as the UAW (United Auto Workers) calls for a strike across the three major American OEMs: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. This historic event highlights the significant challenges that supply chain leaders and CEOs within the automotive sector are currently facing. Jan sets the stage for this critical day in automotive history, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic responses to address the disruptions rippling through the supply chain.

Joining Jan are industry experts Tor Hough, CEO of ELM Analytics, and Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer for ELM Analytics. Together, they engage in a comprehensive discussion about the essential steps required to prepare for and effectively manage such disruptive situations. The conversation revolves around key aspects, including the critical role of gathering timely and accurate data about suppliers, enhancing supply chain resilience through design and relationships, and the analysis of the five pillars of risk: liquidity, labor, parts, demand, and transportation.

Moreover, the episode underscores the paramount importance of transparent communication with the supply base, the cultivation of trust, and proactive planning for financial risks and startup challenges in the event of prolonged disruptions. As the automotive industry grapples with uncertainty during the ongoing strike, this episode equips supply chain leaders and CEOs with valuable insights to navigate the complex landscape of supply chain disruptions successfully.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Automotive industry disruptions
• Supply chain risk management
• Financial vulnerabilities of suppliers
• Importance of Communication and Trust
• Strategies and Countermeasures
• Pillars of Supply Chain Resilience

Featured Guest: Tor Hough

What he does: Tor Hough is the CEO of ELM Analytics. Tor is fervently committed to elevating data quality standards in the industry while catalyzing business change, transformation, and growth.

Featured Guest: Sig Huber

What he does: Sig Huber serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at ELM Analytics, bringing a wealth of expertise in supplier risk management spanning over 25 years. With a distinguished career at both FCA (now Stellantis) and Toyota, Sig has demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding supplier risk management teams to success.

Episode Highlights:

[02:16] Data Gathering: The importance of gathering accurate and timely data about suppliers, especially in the sub-tier levels of the supply chain, to understand vulnerabilities.

[08:54] Navigating Supply Chain Vulnerability and Building Resilience: Sig and Tor dive into the automotive supply chain's vulnerabilities amid disruptions like COVID and the UAW strike. They emphasize the importance of timely data, supplier financial health, and strategies for bolstering resilience, including supply chain design and robust supplier relationships.

[14:15] Proactive Planning for Supply Chain Resilience:...

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In this insightful podcast episode, Cheryl Thompson, CEO of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement (CADIA), joins host Jan Griffiths to discuss the critical topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in the automotive industry. Cheryl shares her inspiring journey, from washing dishes in the basement of Ford Motor Company to becoming a CEO, highlighting the possibilities for personal growth and professional excellence.

The conversation also touches on Cheryl's role at American Axle & Manufacturing and her efforts to champion DE&I within the organization. Demystifying DE&I, Cheryl emphasizes that it's about creating workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and has equitable opportunities. She introduces the concept of the "fear zone," a barrier to meaningful DE&I progress, and addresses common pushbacks and resistance faced in DE&I initiatives.

Cheryl outlines the critical elements of an effective DE&I strategy, including leadership commitment, systemic change, and creating inclusive cultures. She also shares CADIA's mission to double the number of diverse leaders in the automotive industry by 2030 and highlights the tangible bottom-line impact that diversity and inclusion can have. The episode concludes with Cheryl offering valuable advice to leaders in the automotive industry: the importance of self-awareness and fostering an inclusive environment.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Personal and professional growth
• Crafting an Effective DE&I Strategy
• Challenges and Pushbacks in DE&I
• Balancing Psychological Safety and Accountability
• Significance of self-awareness

Featured Guest: Cheryl Thompson

What she does: Cheryl Thompson is CEO and Founder of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement. (CADIA) Cheryl possesses a wealth of experience in the automotive sector, having held key roles at prominent companies such as Ford and American Axle.

On leadership: “I think that leaders, particularly leaders who have been around for a while, think that they know everything, they think they've got it all figured out. And nobody has it all figured out.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement (CADIA)
• Gallup survey
• National Defense Industrial Association
• Google in Project Aristotle 2012
• CADIA Connects
• Meet Stephen M. R. Covey, Global authority on trust, leadership, and culture. New York Times best-selling...

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In this podcast, Jan Griffiths talks to Kristin Trecker, Chief Human Resources Officer at Visteon Corporation, a global auto tech company. The focus is authentic leadership and transformation in the automotive industry —how to roll with change, grow the right mindset, and drive real impact. Trecker shares her 5-year journey in automotive, underlining the need to adapt, learn, and network. She's all about true leadership, especially in these fast-changing times.

Jan and Kristin discuss ditching the old top-down leadership for newer, agile styles. Leaders must flex, admit missteps, and foster learning and teamwork. They also dig into how authentic leadership fuels innovation, spotlighting how Visteon's learning culture and Agile Software method spark small yet game-changing innovations.

Kristin ends by pushing leaders to step up, link with strategy, and grow their businesses. She's all for making things happen, staying in the know, and boosting the auto industry's drive forward. This podcast digs deep into Kristin's journey and leadership impact. It's a roadmap for change, learning, and pushing the industry's pedal to the metal.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Innovative Transformation in the Automotive Industry
• Developing a Talent Supply Chain
• Visteon’s Holistic Culture Change
• Technological Shift of a Legacy Auto Company
• The Importance of Having a Growth Mindset as a Leader

Featured Guest: Kristin Trecker

What she does: Kristin is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Visteon Corporation. She excels in driving cultural transformation and using technology to propel business success, while her skillful blend of strategic vision and operational prowess nurtures high-achieving teams.

On leadership: “I also asked my team, give me feedback. Did I do something wrong? Or should I have done something different? …. Because no leader is perfect. And if you can develop that two-way conversation, that mutual trust, you can just go so much more quickly.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• Sachin Lawande, President and CEO of Visteon Corporation  
• The Automotive Leaders Podcast Episode 36: Meet Warren Harris, CEO of Tata Technologies
• The Automotive Leaders Podcast Episode 65: Meet Stephen M. R. Covey, Global authority on trust, leadership, and culture. New York Times best-selling author
• The Automotive Leaders Podcast Episode 78: Meet the ‘Godfather of the EV’ and CEO of Switch Mobility, Dr. Andy...

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Episode 101 is here, and we're diving deep into a compelling journey through the heart of the auto industry's transformation. Buckle up as we explore how legacy companies are reimagining themselves in the face of rapid change.

In Episode 100, we sat down with industry veterans John McElroy and Jason Stein, to examine the auto industry's leadership and culture. Now, it's time to shift our focus towards the future—toward transformation. 

While the term "transformation" might seem like a ubiquitous buzzword, the present episode promises a fresh outlook. We're not just talking about change; we're uncovering the essential elements that propel legendary auto companies into the future.

Remember the Blockbuster and Netflix tale? Think of it as a cautionary tale for our beloved industry. How can century-old giants like Goodyear and Ford shift their thinking to harness the power of startups? We delve into the success story of Mach49 and Goodyear's transformation journey, revealing how they're nurturing innovation and embracing the startup mindset.

And here's a hint: It's not just about splitting businesses or making structural changes. It's about a cultural revolution that brings innovation to the forefront.

Linda Yates, CEO of Mach49, lays out the path to success in her book, "The Unicorn Within," unveiling how legacy giants can tap into the magic of startups and innovation. It's a blueprint for reinvention—a guide to unleashing the true potential of auto industry leaders.

But the real magic lies in understanding how Tesla's "all design in one room" philosophy can break down the silos that have held us back. It's time to ignite a startup mentality and forge new paths.

So, rev up your curiosity and join us on this riveting journey of transformation and innovation. Click the play button and hear the auto industry's evolution from the inside out.

Get ready to shift gears and embrace the future. Because, as we'll uncover, the road less traveled is where the true revolution begins.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Transformation in the Auto Industry
• Startup Mentality and Culture shift
• Lessons from Goodyear and Mach49
• Nurturing innovation and embracing startups
• Overcoming Silos and Nurturing Innovation
• Importance of fostering an authentic leadership approach

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If you want to understand the cultural shift the automotive industry is going through right now, you need to look back to the year 1905.

“Get ready,” warns John McElroy, the influential journalist, and commentator who created “Autoline Daily,” the auto industry’s first news and analysis webcast. “This industry is going to see more change in the next seven years — taking us to the end of this decade — than we've seen in the last 100 years.” 

How fitting, then, that John — along with SiriusXM host and Flat Six Media CEO Jason Stein — joins this special episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast to talk about the trends that are about to tear up long-held industry beliefs. 

Jason, who is the former publisher of Automotive News, highlights how Toyota’s Akio Toyoda’s 100-year vision is a shining example of the kind of foresight and determination the industry needs to prepare for and face these oncoming challenges.

Discussing the kind of authentic leadership the automotive industry needs, we hear wisdom from a range of top auto and business leaders, including former Campbell's CEO Doug Conant, HEVO CEO Jeremy McCool, “Godfather of EV” and former Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer, and Volkswagen  North America’s CSMO Andrew Savvas.

Tune in to this very special 100th episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast as Jan sits down with John and Jason to talk about the change the automotive industry is about to undergo. Be sure to listen to the very end of the episode when the guests get personal — and to hear why Jan thinks the automotive world needs more leaders like Ted Lasso.

Themes discussed on this episode: 

• The challenge of creating long-running podcasts and build a faithful listenership (with stats to back it up)
• The importance of servant leadership in a time of monumental industry change
• The uphill battle of changing a century’s worth of business processes
• The nature of EVs and what OEMs need to do to stay ahead of the game
• How company culture is trickle-down, starting with the board
• Why culture can’t change if purchasing and supply chain executives are measured by bottom-line cost results
• What the new generation of authentic leaders really need to embody to get themselves etched into the automotive Mount Rushmore
• Why there’ll be more change over the next seven years than there has been in the last century

Featured Guest: John McElroy

What he does: Journalist, lecturer, commentator, and entrepreneur, John is the influential thought leader in the automotive industry. He created “Autoline Daily,” the first industry webcast of automotive industry news and analysis. With a deep knowledge of the industry, John talks about its many facets, and remains unrivaled in his dissection of its inner workings.

On leadership:

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In this episode, we meet Duncan McIntyre, the CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, Inc., the electric school bus company. He saw an opportunity to provide a managed solution for large fleets lacking the expertise to adopt this new technology. He envisioned electric buses as a way to improve air quality, reduce pediatric asthma, integrate renewable energy into the grid, and serve multiple purposes. Duncan's disruptive approach includes a subscription model based on total acquisition cost, offering a comprehensive and affordable solution for schools and local authorities to transition to electric buses.

Creating a cohesive culture at Highland involves aligning diverse perspectives and values toward a shared mission. Duncan acknowledges that people from different industries bring their own cultural norms, but he emphasizes the importance of customer-centricity as a core value across all teams. Innovation is another key aspect of the culture, encouraging employees to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and continuously iterate and improve. Highland operates with agility, adapting to the rapidly changing market by setting shorter-term plans and remaining open to new ideas. 

Join us in this episode as Duncan explains how a supportive-coaching leadership style, and resilience resonates with him among the 21 traits of authentic leadership. His advice for leaders in the auto industry today is twofold. First, he suggests carving out a larger R&D budget and encouraging teams to spend time tinkering and iterating. This fosters a culture of innovation and creativity throughout the organization. Second, he emphasizes the importance of senior leadership adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and seeking training to foster innovation. While process and metrics are crucial for delivering reliable vehicles, leaders should also prioritize coaching and training that allows for the introduction of new ideas.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• A Mission-vision driven leadership
• Building a culture of innovation
• Learning the value of electric vehicle
• Cultivating a high-performance team
• Applying different leadership styles
• Leadership and organizational culture

Featured Guest: Duncan McIntyre

What he does: Duncan is the CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, Inc. Highland stands at the forefront of revolutionizing student transportation by embracing electric vehicles. They possess the necessary resources to assist communities in transitioning to a modern fleet without straining their current budgets.

On leadership: “You have to focus on key milestones, you can't do everything. You have to get to sort of a minimally viable proof point, in order to go, you know, candidly raise money, so that you can then further invest in people, systems, processes, customers, projects, all the pieces that any business needs to focus on.”

Episode Highlights:

[03:09] The big fleets: As Duncan became obsessed with EV, he realized that big fleets face challenges in adopting new technology due to lack of expertise and high costs. A managed solution provider can stitch together financing, monetize tax credits, and...

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Automotive buyer-supplier relationships are no longer linear. In the transition from ICE to BEV, vehicles are increasingly software-defined, and it’s nearly impossible for OEMs to source every electronic component on their own. Enter the supplier ecosystem.

Following up on her interview with Amazon’s Wendy Bauer, Jan seeks to learn more about the partnership between tech companies and traditional automotive. Chris Thibeault is the partner and ecosystem senior manager at Infineon, and he shares his expertise on the complexity of sales relationships in the semiconductor industry.

It’s a new value chain. Chip manufacturers have to work with third-party partner technologies to meet customer requirements, and automotive leadership requires a new level of confidence and humility to keep the relational web intact.

Wendy Bauer described how she often saw tech companies and OEMs talk past each other. Chris sheds light on how this happens and explains what company leaders must do to bridge the gap. Trust is only the beginning of a healthy working relationship. A thriving ecosystem requires more traits from its leaders.

In a wide-ranging discussion touching on the people who’ve inspired them and the books they’re reading, Jan and Chris take a broad view of innovation, business dynamics and the new style of partnership required for modern vehicle production.

Themes discussed on this episode: 

• Understanding the new supplier ecosystem
• The central importance of the semiconductor industry
• Networking tactics for modern buyer-supplier relationships
• Choosing the right partners to meet customer requirements
• Lessons from Amazon about the power of cloud computing
• How OEMs and tech companies can thrive together
• The leadership qualities required in a successful business partnership

Featured Guest: Chris Thibeault

What he does: Chris is the partner and ecosystem senior manager at Infineon Technologies. His deep experience in sales and product management gives him insight into buyer-supplier relationships. As a semiconductor company, Infineon has redefined partnerships with third-party companies, combining technologies and skill sets to create innovative solutions for customers.

On leadership: “Adding to listening is empathy. Listening is obviously very, very important […] but it’s also the feeling that you are able to connect with the people you're trying to lead.”

Episode Highlights

Timestamped inflection points from the show

[1:02] The supplier ecosystem: Jan recaps her interview with Amazon’s Wendy Bauer, and Chris introduces a new meaning of “partnership” in the world of software and electronics. It’s increasingly difficult for OEMs to source every component on their own.

[3:40] All about that chip: Software-defined vehicles rely on semiconductors. Chris explains how the chip industry has effectively become a Tier 1 and the implications

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When was the last time you stepped away from your job for more than two weeks? Not a working trip when you’re available by phone and email, but a true, unplugged vacation? Jan recently did just that — a four-week trip to her native Wales to reorder her priorities and recharge her soul.

For most leaders in the automotive industry, a four-week vacation sounds like a fantasy. Or if it’s possible, it sounds irresponsible. Who would lead the company? How would work get done? Yet Jan found that time off was not only an opportunity to refill her tank but also a chance to trust and empower her team.

“I don't care if you're gone for a day, for a week, or for a month, you empower somebody else to make decisions,” Jan says. “Allow others to step up and lead.”

Join the adventure on this special episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast as Jan recounts long walks by the sea, watching sheep from a coffee shop, and the inspiration she took from some of the most exciting and innovative Welsh automotive companies.

Work culture in America too often sees vacation as a sign of weakness or a lack of commitment to a job, but current executives have an opportunity to break the stigma and celebrate authentic rest. Through a deeply personal journey through her homeland, Jan gives a blueprint for other leaders to follow.

Themes discussed on this episode: 

• A contrast of American and European work cultures
• The new perspective found on vacation
• Creating Space for Creativity
• How to rewire your brain with new habits
• Finding projects that fuel your soul
• The team leadership benefits of extended time off

Featured Expert: Jan Griffiths (Host)

What she does: Jan is the co-founder and president of Gravitas Detroit, an organization dedicated to cultivating authentic leadership in the automotive industry by providing courses, workshops, speaking events, and more. She is also the host of The Automotive Leaders Podcast.

On leadership: “Leadership is identifying somebody to take your place. I don't care if you're gone for a day, for a week, or for a month. You empower somebody else to make those decisions.”

Episode Highlights

Timestamped inflection points from the show

[1:42] Back to her roots: Jan shares why she left her corporate job in the auto industry and, more recently, how that same motivation led her back to her native Wales for four weeks.

[3:36] Breaking the habit: Jan lists her priorities for her trip and the daily routines she wanted to change. More than a personal challenge, this was a battle against American work culture. Unlike many European nations, America does not guarantee paid vacation.

[5:24] West Farm: Jan’s favorite place in South Wales helped her hit the reset button on her life. Check out her coastal retreat at West Farm.

[7:12] Data behind the break: Taking more vacation days increases the likelihood of receiving a raise or bonus within three years. Jan explains why the work-first culture in automotive may be harmful in the long term.

[9:56] Into the whitespace: Leaders should be...

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For Andrew Savvas, the auto industry isn’t about selling cars. As the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Volkswagen North America, Andrew is at the forefront of innovative design and advertising efforts to increase the German automaker’s U.S. market share, but he sees his most important task as developing a leadership pipeline.

German OEMs have a reputation for “command and control” in their company cultures. While many leaders have started moving away from a focus on compliance and uniformity, Andrew sees room for improvement starting with how organizations hire.

“We need to get braver in employing competencies, not experience,” Andrew says. Instead of looking for certain line items in the resume, organizations should focus on hiring for culture fit and skill set. More importantly, companies need to establish career development pathways that promote diversity in the top leadership roles.

Volkswagen has had five CMOs in ten years, and they’ve all been external hires. “That was the first observation I made when I arrived in this organization — why are we always going external? Why aren't we focused on developing internal talent?” says Andrew. Now, he’s reshaping the company’s leadership model.

Andrew recounts his journey from working at a fish market to becoming an automotive executive. Andrew has worked for Volkswagen on four continents, and he joins the Automotive Leaders Podcast to share what he’s learned about developing a purpose-driven culture and leading with vulnerability.

Themes discussed in this episode: 

• The broad range of opportunities within the auto industry
• How automotive leadership is embracing a purpose-driven culture
• The challenges of attracting — and retaining — Gen Z talent
• Competency-based development and a new way of hiring
• How Volkswagen is Expanding its talent pool
• The pathway to diverse representation in future leadership
• How to put vulnerable leadership into practice

Featured Guest: Andrew Savvas

What he does: Andrew is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Volkswagen North America. His previous Volkswagen management experience has spanned four continents, and his track record of success in different regional markets has made him one of the auto industry’s most highly-regarded business strategists.

On leadership: “Work out what you're good at and really be comfortable in your own skin […] Don't pretend you're someone else. Don't try to emulate somebody else. Listen, learn, observe, and just focus on how you can make yourself better.”

Episode Highlights

Timestamped inflection points from the show

[3:05] ‘I never dreamed about cars’: Andrew recounts his winding path into the auto industry from immigrating to Australia, working in a fish market, and eventually landing in sales — and he names the people who believed in him along the way.

[7:05] The VW connection: Jan and Andrew discuss the variety of opportunities in the global auto industry, and Jan reveals what kind of car she drives.

[10:27] ICE to BEV: Product transformation is happening as the industry shifts to electric, but how is the leadership model...

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Following her dynamic and inspiring conversation with HEVO Founder & CEO Jeremy McCool, Jan invites automotive sales and marketing expert Carolyn Sauer to unpack the interview and mine the most important advice for industry leaders.

Many e-mobility suppliers agree that one of their biggest challenges is reaching the right decision-makers at OEMs. As the industry shifts to EV, both purchasing and selling teams need new mindsets and a consultative approach. Jeremy McCool’s inspirational leadership provides a model for how to maintain conviction in difficult environments.

Yet closing deals and bringing new technology to market requires a different kind of bravery. Besides persevering in business objectives, leaders must address the human side of relationships.

“I am seeing more of that in the industry,” says Carolyn. “Leaders are becoming more empathetic to personal issues that come up or being more open to listening to the next generation sharing their ideas.”

There’s no doubt Jeremy McCool is impressive, but is his leadership model one-of-a-kind, or can others replicate his best practices?

Join in on this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast as Jan and Carolyn get practical and specific on how to foster authentic relationships both internally and outside of an organization. From supplier-OEM relations to the physical layout of an office space to reclaiming employee time from meetings, automotive leaders can take steps right now to move forward on their long-term objectives.

Themes discussed on this episode: 

• The unique challenges of EV suppliers
• Safety features in EV technology
• How OEMs should approach sourcing for electric vehicles
• Personal conviction meets company branding
• Trends in Millennial and Gen Z leaders
• How to influence others in difficult circumstances
• Why fewer meetings lead to better problem-solving
• Innovating without fear of the unknown

Featured Guest: Carolyn Sauer

What she does: With a background in both traditional automotive and e-mobility, Carolyn is the Director of Business Development for Schaltbau GmbH. Her wealth of Tier 1 sales and marketing experience and her cross-functional approach to problem-solving help her drive product innovation and strengthen relationships with OEMs.

On leadership: “I don't want my team members to come into work every day and feel like they have to be a different person at work than they are at home. I want them to be their authentic self all the time, no matter what that may look or feel like, and it's not going to look and feel the same way every day. You don't know what's going on in someone's life. But when you're working with me, be who you are.”

Episode Highlights

Timestamped inflection points from the show

[2:21] Old company, new tricks: Carolyn details her background in traditional automotive and explains why Schaltbau, even as a 93-year-old company, acts like a tech. startup.

[3:43] Networking challenge: In his interview,