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The Automotive Leaders Podcast

Prepare yourself, your team, and your business for the future of automotive. We are all evolving the products we make, have you thought about the leadership model to get us there? In-depth interviews with leaders, authors, and thought leaders, provide the insights you need. This podcast is brought to you by Gravitas Detroit.
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Episodes

CAR MBS 2024 Unplugged

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more In the world of automotive innovation, it's not just about keeping up—it's about leading the charge. The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is where those big ideas come to life, and at this year's CAR Management Briefing Seminars (MBS) in Traverse City, Michigan, the industry's top minds gathered to share their vision for the future. This episode takes you inside CAR MBS 2024 like never before. We're not just talking about the eve...

Aug 08, 202439 minSeason 5Ep. 130

Driving Culture Change in the Automotive Industry with Jon Husby

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, host Jan Griffiths interviews Jon Husby, president and CEO of ADAC Automotive, about the critical elements of leadership and culture in the automotive industry. Jon grew up as a shy child who was always worried about what other people thought. However, after taking on a leadership role, he discovered that he enjoys leading and getting thin...

Aug 01, 202443 minSeason 5Ep. 129

Hadi Awada's Journey to Transforming Workplace Culture

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 Hadi Awada, President of Axalta Mobility Coatings. Known for his exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering a positive work culture, Hadi dives into his unique approach to leading with people and culture at the forefront. Hadi starts with his journey; he recounts his decision to leave the draining environment...

Jul 18, 202433 minSeason 5Ep. 128

Inside CAR: Pioneering the Future of the Automotive Industry

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this special episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, host Jan Griffiths teams up with co-host Carl Anthony, Managing Director and co-founder of Automoblog and AutoVision News, for an in-depth conversation with Alan Amici, the President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). Since assuming the position at CAR almost two years ago, Alan says the organization has been very...

Jul 04, 202428 minSeason 5Ep. 127

Collaborating with Giants: HAAS Alert's Successful Startup with Stellantis

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, host Jan Griffiths interviews Cory Hohs, the CEO and co-founder of HAAS Alert. Cory takes us through the fascinating journey of HAAS Alert , a company dedicated to revolutionizing roadway safety through connected vehicle technology and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication. Cory shares his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importa...

Jun 20, 202440 minSeason 5Ep. 126

Bridging Startup Culture and Traditional Auto with Ted Serbinski

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, host Jan Griffiths dives into the changing dynamics between traditional automotive companies and tech startups, featuring guest Ted Serbinski, a pioneering figure in Detroit's startup ecosystem. Ted opens up about his journey, shaped by a military upbringing and a rebellious spirit. He recounts his move to Detroit in 2011, where he played ...

Jun 06, 202435 minSeason 5Ep. 125

The WRI Study 2024: Toyota's Surge, Ford's Decline

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, host Jan Griffiths dives into the findings of the 24th Annual North American Automotive OEM and Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI) with guests Dave Andrea of Plante Moran, who led the study, and Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer for ELM Analytics. Dave starts by giving a macro-level overview of the industry's recent challenges, from ...

May 23, 202438 minSeason 5Ep. 124

Taking a break

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more In this episode, Jan Griffiths announces she is taking a well-deserved break to head back to her homeland, Wales. She reflects on this year, filled with unexpected achievements like becoming an author and launching AutoCulture 2.0 . Amidst the highs of success, Jan opens up about the inevitable crash that followed, shedding light on the less glamorous side of achievement. Despite the challenges, the overwhelming support for her book ...

May 09, 20247 minSeason 5Ep. 123

AutoCulture 2.0 Book Launch

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full book launch speech on YouTube - click here In this special episode, we'll take you through the electrifying launch event of the book AutoCulture 2.0: Leading with Gravitas, where Jan Griffiths, the visionary force behind Gravitas Detroit, takes center stage. Jan shares a heartfelt reflection on the significance of the book launch. Surrounded by industry veterans, friends, and supporters, she describes it as the best ni...

Apr 25, 202433 minSeason 5Ep. 122

Martin Fischer on Shaping ZF's Automotive Leadership and Culture

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Meet Martin Fischer, a member of the ZF Group Board of Management and the President of ZF Group Americas. In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, we'll discuss his views on automotive leadership and culture and how they play a vital role in his position at ZF Group. Martin talks about his leadership style and explains why aligning personal and professional values is essential to...

Apr 11, 202436 minSeason 5Ep. 121

Getting to Know Collin Shaw, the next President of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers Group

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 Collin Shaw, the incoming President of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers Group. They talk about leadership, transformation, and culture in the automotive industry. Collin shares his leadership philosophy: enjoying work, showing empathy, and building a solid team. He tells us how his early leadership role taught him...

Mar 28, 202433 minSeason 5Ep. 120

Leading Diversity: A Discussion on CADIA's DE&I Industry Study

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this episode, Jan Griffiths is joined by Cheryl Thompson, the CEO of CADIA (Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement), to discuss " Driving Diversity: Unlocking the Power of Diverse Workforces for the Future of the Transportation Industry ," a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) industry study that CADIA conducted in 2023. Cheryl highlights progress and area...

Mar 14, 202430 minSeason 5Ep. 119

AutoCulture 2.0: Leading with Gravitas

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on Youtube - click here Jan Griffiths is thrilled to share the news about her upcoming book, "AutoCulture 2.0," which is set to be published on March 7th, 2024. In this episode, Jan talks about the book's inspiration and commitment to transforming the leadership model and culture in the auto industry. Jan dives into the book's contents, which include her personal story, industry experiences, and vision for authen...

Feb 29, 202422 minSeason 5Ep. 118

Understanding EV Startups & Industry Dynamics with Larry Burns

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Meet Larry Burns, a leading voice in the world of mobility. From serving as Corporate VP of R&D for General Motors to consulting for tech companies like Waymo, Larry bridges the gap between legacy OEM and tech-startup worlds. During this episode of the Automotive Leaders podcast, Larry addresses critical questions about the EV startup DNA, what enables its success, and the challenges t...

Feb 15, 202440 minSeason 5Ep. 117

The Chinese Challenge: BYD vs Legacy Automakers

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this podcast episode, Jan Griffiths tackles a crucial question: Are Chinese OEMs ready to take over the global automotive stage, possibly replacing legacy automakers? In the quest for answers, Jan sits down with Tu Le, Founder of Sino Auto Insights. He brings his experience as a seasoned tech and auto professional with a rich background spanning Ford, General Motors, and Apple. The conv...

Feb 01, 202442 minSeason 5Ep. 116

Bridging Gaps: Lean Manufacturing Meets Tech

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Embark on an automotive innovation journey with Ashok Sivanand, Founder and CEO of Integral , as we explore how he actively shapes the future of product design, technology, and leadership in the automotive industry. In this episode, Ashok shares his insights on: 👉What's happening in the world of automotive technology and product design 👉Bridging the gap between Lean manufacturing principles and the field of ...

Jan 18, 202453 minSeason 5Ep. 115

The journey through 2023 and the vision for 2024

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here As we step into 2024 with a fresh episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths sets the tone by highlighting the power of a restart. Drawing on the significance of the new year, Jan emphasizes the opportunity for a clean slate and renewed energy. Building on this, Jan delves into the philosophy of "The Gap and the Gain," urging listeners to shift their focus from unmet goals to acknowledging achiev...

Jan 04, 202434 minSeason 5Ep. 114

How Alisyn Malek is shaping the future of mobility through collaboration, innovation, and leadership

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this podcast episode, Alisyn Malek, a seasoned leader in the automotive and mobility industry, shares her extraordinary journey from working on an OEM electric vehicle project to pioneering startups that influence the future of mobility. Alisyn addresses the challenges confronting traditional automotive manufacturers in adapting to rapid innovation, highlighting the necessity for a mindset shift and a focus...

Dec 21, 202347 minSeason 5Ep. 113

Exploring Nissan's path to workplace excellence with Michael Colleran

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here Welcome to the first episode of Season 5 of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. In this season opener, Jan Griffiths interviews Michael Colleran, Senior Vice President and Corporate Officer at Nissan North America. Michael started his professional journey as a US Marine Corps Captain and later worked at General Motors and Saab before joining Nissan. This diverse experience gives him a unique perspective on the shi...

Dec 07, 202343 minSeason 5Ep. 112

Season 4 finale and the road to industry transformation

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths reflects on the recent developments in the automotive industry and takes a moment to revisit a series of episodes dedicated to strike-related content, featuring key providers and experts offering insights on risk management, operational perspectives, collaborative agreements, and the legal aspects of the automotive landscape. Transitioning to her experience at the MEMA confe...

Nov 16, 202323 minSeason 4Ep. 111

Legal Success Strategies for your post-UAW Strike Auto Startup

Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, host Jan Griffiths engages in a conversation with Daniel Rustmann, an industry expert with over 30 years of legal experience in supplier-related matters. They explore the unique challenges the automotive supply chain faces during and post-UAW strike. Daniel, a co-chair of the global automotive practice at Butzel Long, provides valuable insights into the legal and contractual aspects influencing the ab...

Nov 02, 202328 minSeason 4Ep. 110

My Love Hate Relationship with Shawn Fain

Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this solo episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths addresses the ongoing UAW strike, focusing on the president of the UAW, Mr. Shawn Fain. Jan begins by acknowledging the positive aspects of Fain's leadership, including his early communication and his personal connection to build a strong sense of community among union members. However, the tone of the episode shifts as Jan expresses her concerns about Fain's aggressive negotiation ...

Oct 26, 202318 minSeason 4Ep. 109

UAW Strike: Preparing for a Successful Industry Restart

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this Automotive Leaders Podcast episode, host Jan Griffiths and Thomas Kowal, the president of Seraph North America, discuss the current state of the automotive supply base during the UAW strike. They begin the episode by exploring MEMA's statistics, shedding light on concerns about layoffs, financial viability, and restart times, emphasizing the importance of understanding the strike's impact on the supply...

Oct 19, 202331 minSeason 4Ep. 108

Transforming UAW Strike Negotiations for a Win-Win Outcome

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here The Vested Way eBooks In this latest episode of the Automotive Leaders podcast, host Jan Griffiths engages in a compelling conversation with Kate Vitasek , a renowned expert in the realm of collaborative, win-win business agreements. The episode explores the pressing issue of labor strikes within the automotive industry, with a particular focus on the ongoing dispute between the UAW and OEMs. Jan and Kate chal...

Oct 10, 202329 minSeason 4Ep. 107

More Strike Content in the Works

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, host Jan Griffiths addresses the ongoing UAW strike and its impact on the industry. She begins by acknowledging the chaos and media coverage surrounding the strike, with jabs being exchanged between OEMs, the UAW, and even politicians getting involved. Jan emphasizes that the strike's repercussions extend beyond just the OEMs and Tier Ones, affecting smaller businesses like hers that rely on the automoti...

Oct 05, 20239 minSeason 4Ep. 106

Leadership in Crisis: Navigating the UAW Strike

Watch the full video on YouTube - click here In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths shifts her podcast's focus to address the ongoing UAW strike's impact on the automotive industry. She spotlights Shawn Fain, the UAW President, highlighting his transparent communication while critiquing certain negotiating tactics. Jan explores the importance of leadership traits displayed during the strike, such as transparency, clear communication, and personal connection. While she appreciates these qualities in...

Sep 21, 202315 minSeason 4Ep. 105

UAW Strike and the Automotive Industry: Supply Chain Insights

Watch the full video on YouTube - click here 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, emphasi...

Sep 15, 202331 minSeason 4Ep. 104

DE&I Transformation: Insights from a CEO's Remarkable Rise

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full video on YouTube - click here 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 ...

Sep 07, 202350 minSeason 4Ep. 103

Revolutionizing the Road Ahead: Traditional to Tech in Automotive

Contact Lockton - Your Automotive Industry Insurance Expert Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the Full Video on YouTube - click here 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...

Aug 24, 202347 minSeason 4Ep. 102

Unleashing the Unicorn Within: Nurturing Innovation in Legacy Auto

Learn more about creating your own internal company podcast Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter 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...

Aug 10, 202321 minSeason 4Ep. 101
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