This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Webasto is a legacy company with roots going back to 1901, but staying competitive in today’s automotive industry requires more than history. It also means challenging long-standing norms without discarding the company’s strengths. To understand how a company like that evolves, we sat down with Brad Ring, President and CEO of Webasto Americas. Brad Ring describes his leadership style as gr...
Jul 10, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 160
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here No one would try to stream a 4K video on a '95 Windows computer—but in the auto industry, we're still trying to lead today's transformation with leadership models built decades ago. That's the hard truth Jan puts on the table in this conversation with Terry Woychowski, President of Caresoft and former GM executive. Together, they unpack what's holding the industry back—and it's not a short...
Jun 26, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 159
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Elon Musk did what most thought was impossible. He built a mission-driven brand that captured global attention, made electric vehicles desirable, and forced legacy automakers to rethink everything. But lately, his leadership has taken a turn—and it’s raising serious questions. The mission hasn’t changed, but the behavior around it has. In this special solo episode, Jan Griffiths lays out f...
Jun 12, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 158
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here As the auto industry faces a new wave of uncertainty—tariffs shifting daily, global instability, and mounting supply chain questions—leaders are under pressure to act fast. For many, that means retreating into old habits, tightening control, and centralizing decisions. But Jan challenges leaders to do the opposite. She knows it's tempting. In a crisis, the structure feels safe. But Jan arg...
Jun 05, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 157
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Season 6 opens with a deep dive into the 2025 Working Relations Index (WRI) —and the numbers are telling. Toyota, Honda, and GM continue to rise, while Ford and Stellantis slide further down. The gap between the top and bottom OEMs? The largest since 2008. Jan brings together Dave Andrea and Dr. Angela Johnson from Plante Moran, along with returning guest Sig Huber, to explain what’s behin...
May 22, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 156
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Season Five of the Automotive Leaders Podcast comes to a close, and with it, a year of powerful conversations that challenged the way we think about leadership in the automotive industry. This season wasn’t just about bringing guests to the mic—it was about tackling real-world issues. From supplier risk and global tariffs to leadership challenges inside some of the industry’s biggest names, every episode added a new layer to understa...
May 15, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 155
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here How do you transform a brand that's been part of American history for 125 years, without losing the DNA that made it legendary? In this episode, Goodyear CEO and President Mark Stewart joins Jan Griffiths to share how he is breathing new life into one of the world's most iconic brands — and why the real transformation is not just about technology, but rather about leadership, culture, and ...
May 01, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 154
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here When Pat D'Eramo entered the auto industry four decades ago, leadership looked very different. Power meant control. Leaders gave orders, and people followed—or else. But even back then, Pat knew there had to be a better way. That mindset was reinforced early in his career, thanks to a unique experience at Saturn. Unlike the traditional plants of the time, Saturn was built on collaboration....
Apr 17, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 153
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here It was 6 PM on April 2nd in Detroit, and the news just dropped—a sweeping new tariff announcement from Trump had thrown the automotive industry into chaos. In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer at Elm Analytics, to understand what this moment means. Sig, no stranger to disruption — from 9/11 to the Chrysler bankruptcy — doesn’t mince words: this ...
Apr 03, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 152
This episode is the Spanish version of episode #150 ¿Qué acaba de suceder? Esa es la pregunta que todos se hacen en la industria automotriz después del sorprendente anuncio de la nueva administración: un arrasador arancel del 25% sobre los vehículos importados y las autopartes clave. Para encontrarle más sentido a todo, Jan Griffiths le da la bienvenida a Glenn Stevens Jr., director ejecutivo de MichAuto. Juntos, desglosan las implicaciones para los fabricantes, el empleo en los Estados Unidos y...
Mar 30, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 151
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here What just happened? That's the question hanging over the automotive industry after the new administration's surprise announcement: a sweeping 25% tariff on imported vehicles and key auto parts. To help make sense of it all, Jan Griffiths welcomes Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto. Together, they break down what this means for manufacturers, U.S. jobs, and the future of vehi...
Mar 27, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 150
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Trade compliance might not be the most thrilling topic—until it starts costing your company millions. That’s exactly what’s happening as tariffs shift overnight, companies scramble for answers, and supply chain leaders face an avalanche of confusion. Most executives don’t want to deal with customs and compliance, and they didn’t have to for years. But now, it’s no longer a back-office func...
Mar 20, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 149
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more The auto industry is holding its breath. A 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada is about to take effect, and the ripple effects will be massive. Suppliers are drawing a hard line—either OEMs accept the costs, or shipments stop. The chaos is real. It’s a high-stakes moment, but Jan Griffiths knows this isn’t just about economics—it’s about leadership. In this solo episode, Jan challenges leaders to ask themselves: How will you s...
Mar 06, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 148
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University, started out as a kid with binoculars, staring up at the stars, fascinated by the unknown. Now, he's shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation in the auto industry before they even step foot into the workforce. For Dr. McMahan, leadership isn't about power—it's about unlocking the potential of those around you. He...
Feb 20, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 147
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here The auto industry is at a crossroads. Legacy automakers have poured billions into electric vehicles but are still trying to catch up. Why? Because breaking free from the systems built for gas-powered cars isn't easy. In this episode, Mike Colias, the Wall Street Journal's deputy bureau chief for autos, joins Jan Griffiths to talk about the messy reality of the EV transition. Drawing from h...
Feb 06, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 146
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this episode of The Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths interviews Qiong Sun, Vice President and General Manager of TE Connectivity's Global Automotive E-Mobility business, to learn what it takes to lead a technology company during this transformative period in the automotive industry. From the very start, you can see Qiong's passion for technology and leadership come through. She...
Jan 23, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 145
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more It's day two of the Detroit Auto Show, and Jan is back at Kettering University's AutoMobili-D exhibit, diving into conversations with the people shaping the future of mobility. Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed, CEO of SAE International, set the stage with her thoughts on why hands-on learning is the best way to prepare engineering students for the challenges of the real world. Next, legal expert Jennifer Dukarski talks about the challenges an...
Jan 17, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 144
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more The Detroit Auto Show is coming to an end, but the conversations from day one at the Kettering University booth continue to inspire. Join host Jan Griffiths as she sits down with industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of automotive through fresh ideas, education, and collaboration. First up, Dan Stewart from Automation Alley explains how bridging academia, government, and industry is sparking real progress in digital manu...
Jan 17, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 143
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this episode of The Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths teams up with co-host Alisyn Malek and guest André Weimerskirch to explore the dynamic world of startups and legacy auto. Together, they break down startup myths, explore the challenges of transitioning between the corporate and startup worlds, and highlight the immense potential of combining expertise from both worlds. André...
Jan 09, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 142
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more 2024 is about to end, but the challenges in the automotive industry aren’t slowing down. From supply chain challenges and UAW strikes to the ongoing push for EV adoption, it’s been a wild ride. But as Jan Griffiths looks ahead to 2025, her message is clear: leaders must step up for what’s next. As John McElroy said in episode 100, the alarm bells for leadership and culture aren’t ringing loud enough. And he’s right. Culture isn’t jus...
Dec 26, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 141
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Ahmed Iqbal, Head of Industry for Automotive at TikTok, joins Jan Griffiths in our latest episode to share his unique journey from selling cars in college to leading innovative strategies that bridge legacy auto practices with modern digital platforms. Starting at Audi, Ahmed quickly rose through the ranks, learning the art of leadership, the power of listening, and the importance of human...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 140
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate our blessings and express gratitude, and in this special episode, Jan Griffiths makes it personal. She shares a heartfelt thank you to listeners, guests, and supporters who've been part of the journey to transform the culture of the automotive industry. Jan also presents a simple yet meaningful leadership challenge: Write a handwritten note to each of your team members. Skip the corporate language—...
Nov 28, 2024•5 min•Season 5Ep. 139
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, just concluded its 2024 Annual Conference, a premier gathering for automotive suppliers, thought leaders, and innovators committed to navigating the industry's toughest challenges and emerging trends. Inside MEMA, discussions tackled the industry's biggest question: how to adapt and thrive amidst escalating tariffs, China's rapid advancements, and the growing influence of artificial intelligen...
Nov 14, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 138
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Emotional intelligence—defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions and those of others—might sound like just another "soft skill." But what if it's the key to effective leadership, a strong workplace culture, and even a healthier bottom line? In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, we're talking about how emotional intelligence (EI) is reshaping lead...
Oct 31, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 137
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Stellantis is in a tight spot. With leadership shakeups, lawsuits, and strained relationships with suppliers, workers, and even shareholders, the company faces challenges from all directions. The once-powerful automaker is now reeling from significant internal and external turmoil. Yet, amid this crisis, a critical question remains: How can Stellantis turn things around and find a better w...
Oct 17, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 136
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here What are the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership, and why do they matter? In this episode of The Automotive Leaders Podcast, host Jan Griffiths takes us on a journey into the heart of authentic leadership, exploring the origins and importance of the "21 Traits of Authentic Leadership." Born out of Jan's desire to define authentic leadership, the idea for the 21 traits emerged when she founde...
Oct 10, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 135
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths shifts the focus to the next generation of leaders—Gen Z. Joining her are Wayne State University students Victoria Shubelyak and Andrew Stocke, who share their perspectives on the future of leadership in the automotive industry. Jan's book, "AutoCulture 2.0," had a significant impact on Victoria and Andrew. Victoria reflects ...
Sep 26, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 134
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths interviews Craig Keeys to talk about his leadership style, impressive career journey, and how he’s leading INFINITI through industry changes as their Group Vice President for the Americas. Starting in 1998 as a warehouse operator at Nissan, Craig’s early days were far from the glamorous start many imagine. Juggling afternoon ...
Sep 12, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 133
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths opens up about something we all need but often ignore—a break. Reflecting on a conversation with Hadi Awada, President of Axalta Mobility Coatings, Jan explores the guilt and pressure many leaders feel to stay "always on" and why it's vital to step back and recharge. Jan also shares exciting professional developments, including two new projects: an innovative solution for creating multilingual inte...
Aug 29, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 132
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths welcomes Marques McCammon, the president of Karma Automotive, to share his leadership philosophy and journey. A proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and holding engineering and management roles in Detroit, including Chrysler, before leading Karma Automotive, Marques’ story highlights breaking conventional...
Aug 15, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 131
