The Automotive Leaders Podcast

Jan Griffiths
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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.

  1. Why Reinvention Is Critical for Automotive Suppliers Right Now

    3H AGO

    Why Reinvention Is Critical for Automotive Suppliers Right Now

    Reinvention in the automotive industry is no longer optional. It is survival. In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Lori Lancaster, Vice Chair of Emotiv Mobility, to break down what reinvention really looks like when you are living it, not talking about it from a distance. The old playbook is cracking, and incremental improvement will not get us where we need to go. Yet many leaders are still holding on, waiting for direction instead of stepping up to create it. Lori did not wait. She made the decision to step back from the EV hype, resist the pressure to go all in, and focus instead on the real constraint holding the industry back. Infrastructure. That shift required courage. It meant challenging conventional thinking and refusing to follow the herd. Instead of chasing what everyone else was doing, she looked at where the real opportunity was and made a strategic move to meet it. That decision led to a bold reinvention of the business. By taking core automotive manufacturing capabilities such as process discipline, scale, and precision, Lori and her team expanded into energy and transformer production while exploring emerging mobility spaces like eVTOL. This was not diversification for the sake of it. It was a deliberate move to stabilize the business, reduce reliance on automotive cycles, and position the company for what comes next. But reinvention is not just about strategy. It is about leadership. Lori grounds her approach in servant leadership, accountability, and clarity of purpose. She makes it clear that transformation only works when people understand the why, when they are engaged in the journey, and when leaders create an environment of trust. Without that foundation, even the best strategy will fail. The message is simple and direct. If you are waiting for certainty, you are already behind. If you are waiting for direction, you have missed the point. Reinvention belongs to leaders who are willing to see what is coming, make the hard calls, and move forward without a safety net. Themes Discussed in this Episode Reinvention as a survival strategyWhy incremental improvement is no longer enoughBreaking free from OEM dependency and legacy thinkingThe real barrier to EV adoption: infrastructure, not vehiclesDiversification beyond automotive to stabilize volatilityTranslating automotive manufacturing discipline into new industriesLeadership courage in high-risk, uncertain decisionsServant leadership vs command-and-control in transformationAccountability through clarity of purpose and shared visionCulture as the foundation for successful reinvention 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Lori LancasterLori is a seasoned automotive and advanced manufacturing executive known for leading organizations through complex industry change. Over the course of her career, she has overseen large-scale operations supporting major OEMs, helping guide companies through supply chain disruption, operational transformation, and the shift toward electrified mobility. She began her career as a critical care nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, an experience that shaped her leadership style and approach to decision-making in fast-moving, high-pressure environments. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is a champion for culture transformation and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Mentioned in this episodeDakkotaeVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Episode Highlights[01:26] Reinvention is survival, not strategy: Jan opens with a hard truth. The legacy automotive model is breaking, and incremental improvement is no longer enough to compete. [02:36] Defining leadership: servant, not command-and-control: Lori shares her leadership philosophy. Lead by example. Serve the team. Hold people accountable without losing trust. [03:47] Challenging old-school leadership norms: Jan calls out the industry’s past. Command-and-control once ruled. Lori explains how she chose a different path and why it works. [04:18] Engagement and buy-in drive accountability: Lori breaks down the real meaning of accountability. It starts with listening, aligning on vision, and helping people understand the why. [06:00] The industry’s biggest trap: incremental thinking: Jan challenges the status quo. Automotive is great at small improvements, but that mindset is now holding companies back. [07:18] From healthcare to automotive: A powerful personal reinvention. Lori shares how starting in healthcare shaped her ability to lead in high-pressure environments. [09:11] Building Emotiv Mobility: The strategy comes to life. Leveraging automotive discipline and processes to enter energy and infrastructure markets. [09:59] Post-COVID reality check: COVID, chips, and EV pressure collide. Lori describes the moment leaders had to decide: follow the hype or think differently. [10:30] The bold call: don’t go all in on EVs: Lori makes a high-risk decision. Limited capital means choosing carefully, not chasing trends. [11:03] Identifying the real problem: infrastructure: Range anxiety and lack of infrastructure become the real barrier. Lori shifts focus to solving that instead of chasing vehicle programs. [12:11] Breaking free from OEM dependency: Jan highlights a critical shift. Lori didn’t wait for OEM direction. She created her own path forward. [16:54] Culture as the foundation for reinvention: Lori reinforces that transformation is not just about strategy. Culture, trust, and team alignment make or break execution. [22:22] The 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership: When asked which traits resonate most, Lori points to listening, transparency, empowerment, and heart-first leadership. These are not concepts. They are daily behaviors that build trust and drive results. [26:52] The courage to lead differently: Reinvention demands uncomfortable decisions. Lori reflects on the risk, the doubt, and the importance of staying true to your convictions. Top Quotes[01:26] Jan: “Reinvention isn't a buzzword anymore, it's survival.” [02:36] Lori: “I like to think of myself as a servant leader, right? As somebody who, you know, sets an example for the team. If I'm not willing to do something, I wouldn't think my team, I shouldn't be able to expect my team to be willing to do something.” [04:18] Lori: “I think to do that you have to really engage and listen to the people, you have to take their ideas and meld them with the vision you see for the company and figure out a way that will work to get to where you want to go.” [05:15] Lori: “You have to help people understand the ‘why’.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at...

    30 min
  2. Policy, Power, and the Future of Automotive Manufacturing with Congresswoman Haley Stevens

    MAR 5

    Policy, Power, and the Future of Automotive Manufacturing with Congresswoman Haley Stevens

    If you had told Jan a year ago she would bring a member of Congress onto this show, she would have said you were crazy. But this isn’t about politics. It’s about survival. It’s about supply chains, tariffs, China, semiconductors, and the reality that policy decisions now move faster than most production lines. In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths sits down with Congresswoman Haley Stevens, often called the “manufacturing geek,” for a direct conversation about industrial policy, public-private partnership, national security, and what automotive leaders should expect from Washington. Whether we like it or not, policy volatility is now a leadership variable. Themes Discussed in this Episode Why Manufacturing Mondays keep policymakers grounded in shop-floor realityLessons from the 2008–2009 auto rescue and bipartisan public-private partnershipThe Chips and Science Act and reshoring semiconductor productionChina’s 95% dominance in rare earth processing and why it mattersCritical minerals, battery recycling, and national competitivenessTariff volatility and the cost of policy uncertaintyUSMCA review, Canada relationships, and North American stabilityThe Chinese OEM threat and rule-based trade enforcementWhat automotive leaders can expect from policymakers moving forward 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Congresswoman Haley StevensCongresswoman Haley Stevens is a Michigan native who served as Chief of Staff on President Obama’s auto rescue team, helping save 200,000 Michigan jobs. Elected to Congress in 2018, she flipped a Republican-held seat and has since championed Michigan’s manufacturing and auto industries. She has introduced legislation to strengthen domestic supply chains, counter China’s influence in critical minerals and auto production, and push back against tariffs impacting Michigan families. Stevens has been recognized as one of the most effective Democrats in Congress, particularly on science and technology issues, and is currently running to be Michigan’s next U.S. Senator. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is a champion for culture transformation and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Mentioned in this episodeCirba Solutions Episode Highlights[01:26] Why Jan Brought a Policymaker Onto the Show: Policy now shapes daily decisions in automotive. Jan explains why Washington can no longer be ignored. [04:09] Nearly 200 Manufacturing Mondays Visits: Haley Stevens shares how nearly 200 shop floor visits keep her grounded in real manufacturing issues. [07:03] Inside the Auto Task Force During GM’s Bankruptcy: A firsthand look at the bipartisan effort to stabilize GM and protect American jobs during the crisis. [10:03] Chips and Reshoring Strategy: From pandemic shortages to the CHIPS Act, rebuilding semiconductor strength became a national priority. [11:14] China’s 95% Control of Critical Minerals: China dominates processing and refining. Stevens calls it a supply chain and national security risk. [14:17] USMCA and Canada Trade Tensions: Uncertainty around trade agreements creates instability for manufacturers across North America. [15:20] 55 Tariff Announcements in 100 Days: Volatility is the real problem. Constant tariff changes leave suppliers scrambling. [16:57] The Chinese OEM Threat: Chinese automakers are expanding globally. The competitive pressure is real, even if we do not see it yet. [18:26] What Leaders Should Expect from Policymakers: Leaders need steady voices who understand the supply chain and fight for fair competition. Top Quotes[07:53] Haley Stevens: “We were caught holding the bag and we needed to act.” [10:03] Haley Stevens: “They're doing 95% of that processing and refining, we've seeded an industry to them.” [00:15:20] Haley Stevens: “When you mention the White House tab that's open, 55 tariffs announcements in the first a hundred days, and then many more from that. I mean, manufacturers didn't know which way is up.” [00:18:37] Haley Stevens: “Well, look, I think we need reasonable policy makers who actually have an understanding of the industries and the jobs that they are lawmaking around.” [00:19:20] Jan Griffiths: “I would agree. It's the volatility that kills us. Tariffs are here. They're a reality, whether we like it or not, it's part of the administration moving forward. They're here, but it's the way that they're administered that we have a problem with.” The automotive industry does not operate in a vacuum. Trade policy, tariffs, semiconductor access, critical minerals, and global competition now shape execution decisions daily. You cannot lead at speed if you ignore the forces shaping your environment. If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.

    20 min
  3. IEEPA Struck Down — Why the Tariff Pressure Remains

    FEB 26

    IEEPA Struck Down — Why the Tariff Pressure Remains

    Download the full webinar slides hereSpecial Audio from the February 20th Seraph Webinar Tariffs were struck down. So why does the pressure still feel the same? If the Supreme Court ruled against IEEPA, why aren’t costs meaningfully lower? This special episode is different. It is the full audio recording from the February 20th Seraph IEEPA Tariff Revocation Impact Webinar, led by Ambrose Conroy, CEO of Seraph. In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths joins Ambrose and Harrison Catlin as they break down what the Supreme Court decision actually changed and what it didn’t. Headlines suggested relief. But Section 122 tariffs were implemented almost immediately. Effective rates dropped briefly, then climbed back up — not fully to prior IEEPA levels, but still materially impactful. This conversation goes beyond policy. It is about enterprise risk, supply chain resilience, and what leaders must do next. Themes Discussed in this Episode What the Supreme Court ruling actually changedHow Section 122 partially restored tariff levelsThe three critical dates: entry date, liquidation date, protest windowHow Post Summary Corrections (PSC) impact refund strategyOEM debit risk and cascading supply chain pressureWhy geopolitics — not just tariffs — is the real long-term riskThe July 2026 convergence: Section 122 expiration and USMCA negotiationsUsing AI and prediction markets to anticipate legal outcomesWhy reshoring must continue regardless of short-term tariff shifts Featured Guest:Ambrose Conroy is the Founder and CEO of Seraph, a global operational excellence and manufacturing strategy firm. He advises CEOs, boards, and private equity leaders on supply chain restructuring, footprint acceleration, and industrial resilience in volatile geopolitical environments. Ambrose is known for his reality-first perspective on manufacturing strategy and for translating global uncertainty into decisive operational action. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is a champion for culture transformation and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Episode Highlights[01:05] Supreme Court strikes down IEEPA tariffs [02:00] Section 122 implemented and effective rates climb back [06:07] What tools remain available to the administration [11:55] Refund mechanics: entry date, liquidation date, PSC filings [14:46] OEM debit risk and supply chain tension [18:08] China, Taiwan, and geopolitical escalation [25:47] July 2026 - Section 122 expiration meets USMCA negotiations [30:00] AI and prediction markets used to model the ruling [32:00] Why tariffs are likely here to stay Top Quotes[11:38] Ambrose: “ Tariffs are a core tenet.” [17:23] Ambrose: “ Pre-COVID supply chain was, was a function that was seen as supportive. Now it's so core, and it's so critical, and it's so impactful so many times because everything is so fragile since we've sought the lowest cost and lowest price and not necessarily taken into account true resiliency. “ [27:43] Jan: “Get your arms around the data, get visibility all the way through the supply chain. And make sure that you know those dates, the entry date and the liquidation date, and that you've got the right team of people around you with the right set of expertise.” [26:34] Ambrose: “ The only thing that it is clear to me if you if you want to sell a product in the United States, make it in the United States, source it in the United States.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.

    34 min
  4. Building a $67B Auto Business Within Constraints: The Leadership Behind 230% Growth

    FEB 19

    Building a $67B Auto Business Within Constraints: The Leadership Behind 230% Growth

    This conversation goes straight at the tension every legacy leader feels but rarely names. How do you build something new inside a company designed for stability? How do you move fast inside a system built to control risk? How do you create urgency without burning out your team? In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths sits down with Ted Cannis, former CEO of Ford Pro and longtime executive at Ford Motor Company. Ted didn’t just grow revenue. He helped build an integrated ecosystem of vehicles, software, charging, service, and financing. But this conversation isn’t about the numbers. It’s about the leadership and culture required to produce them. Ted shares what it really takes to drive change inside a legacy organization. Why data is your most powerful ally. Why shared metrics matter more than motivation. Why speed is a discipline. And why every bold initiative faces what he calls “status quo snapback.” He also makes a surprising admission. He’s a self-confessed micromanager. And that opens up one of the most honest leadership moments we’ve had on the show. This episode is about disciplined change. Not hype. Not slogans. Not transformation theater. Real leadership inside real constraints. Themes Discussed in this Episode Why building inside constraints sharpens leadershipThe power of going to the gemba instead of managing from the conference roomUsing data to win enterprise-level changeHow shared metrics break down silosWhy speed requires preparation, not chaosThe danger of “sketchy scoping” in big strategic betsWhat “status quo snapback” looks like inside legacy organizationsCan micromanagement and authentic leadership coexist? Watch the full episode on YouTube - click here This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest Ted Cannis is the former CEO of Ford Pro, where he scaled the business to $67B in revenue and $9B EBIT by integrating commercial vehicles, SaaS, charging, service, and financing into one global ecosystem. Across a 30+ year career at Ford Motor Company, Ted led global electrification strategy, investor relations, and international operations. He is known for combining operational discipline with enterprise-level vision and has been featured in CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. Today, he serves as a strategic advisor and board-level collaborator across mobility, energy, and technology ventures. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is a champion for culture transformation and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Episode Highlights[02:47] “Build within constraints” — Ted’s leadership mindset [06:17] Why going to the gemba is a strategic investment, not a luxury [12:16] Using hard data to sell change across the enterprise [15:43] Speed, impatience, and seizing decision windows [19:04] The Culture Change Hub — leaders, teams, rituals, rules, metrics, stories [22:18] Why C-suite sponsorship is non-negotiable [26:23] Pivoting fast when the plan breaks [28:24] “Status quo snapback” and how initiatives quietly die [30:39] Vision and ownership as the core of authentic leadership [32:46] The micromanagement confession Top Quotes[02:48] Ted: “I build within constraints. Set a vision of where you want to go and be pragmatic about how you get there.” [07:25] Ted: “You can’t be blind. You have to go and see.” [14:14] Jan: “Speed is everything. The way we make decisions, how we make decisions, and the speed of those decisions.” [22:49] Ted: “If you really want change in a large company or a small one, it needs to come from the top.” [28:44] Ted: “The most exciting days for the project are the day it's announced. That is the high. It never gets any better.” [31:59] Ted: “You have to own the pivot. No matter what.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.

    36 min
  5. Reality Check 2026: Speed, China, AI, and the Hard Truths Automotive Leaders Can’t Ignore

    FEB 5

    Reality Check 2026: Speed, China, AI, and the Hard Truths Automotive Leaders Can’t Ignore

    This conversation doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The auto industry is under real pressure, and leaders can’t afford denial or delay. In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths sits down with Jamie Butters, now an independent journalist, speaker, emcee, and content creator who has spent decades reporting from every corner of the automotive ecosystem. Jamie brings a clear, grounded view of where the industry stands at the start of 2026. China’s competitive advantage is no longer theoretical. Affordability is becoming an existential issue. Tariffs and geopolitics are injecting uncertainty that freezes investment. AI is everywhere, but leaders still struggle to separate real value from noise. They unpack why legacy automotive culture slows decision-making, how bespoke thinking drives unnecessary cost, and why speed is now a leadership requirement, not a nice-to-have. The conversation also digs into Tesla’s influence on manufacturing thinking, the future of dealer AI tools, and what’s at stake as the UAW heads into a pivotal leadership year. This episode is about reality. Not hype. Not fear. Just the hard truths automotive leaders need to face if they want to compete, adapt, and lead with courage. Themes Discussed in this Episode Why China’s scale and speed threaten global incumbentsHow affordability became automotive’s silent crisisWhere AI delivers value and where it quietly creates wasteThe cultural cost of bespoke thinking in legacy organizationsTariffs, uncertainty, and their chilling effect on investmentWhat UAW leadership changes could mean for competitivenessWhy speed of decision-making is now a core leadership skill Watch the full video on YouTube - click here This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest Jamie Butters is an independent automotive journalist, speaker, emcee, and content creator. He previously served as Executive Editor and Chief Content Officer at Automotive News, Detroit bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, and automotive editor at Bloomberg. Jamie is known for connecting the dots early, telling the truth plainly, and translating complex industry dynamics into language leaders can actually use. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is a champion for culture transformation and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Mentioned in this EpisodeAutomotive NewsBloombergThe Wall Street JournalUSMCAUHY RFQ white paper Episode Highlights [02:08] Jamie’s move to independence and why now is the right moment [04:51] Why China’s competitive threat feels distant in Detroit but isn’t [07:47] Affordability, regulation, and how the industry boxed itself in [13:29] The hidden cost of bespoke thinking in the supply base [17:20] Tesla’s influence on China’s manufacturing mindset [18:30] Using AI where customers don’t see it but value it [25:03] Tariffs, uncertainty, and frozen investment [31:03] What’s at stake in the next UAW leadership cycle [36:18] Why speed of decision-making defines modern leadership Top Quotes[05:24] Jamie: “It's a real challenge when you're competing with players in an economy that is not a capitalist market economy. They have different motivators; they have different factors that determine who survives. And so, it's a really asymmetric competition. ” [08:24] Jamie: “ They really never made money on small cars. Being able to focus on the bigger ones, it's more profitable, it's less good for the environment, and it does make it harder for low to middle-income people to buy a new vehicle. ” [14:54] Jan: “If you change the process but you’re still feeding it with legacy thinking, what have you really achieved?” [18:50] Jamie: “You should focus where you have the most cost and where the consumer doesn’t really know or care how you get it done.” [25:17] Jamie: “Just having those threats continue to come really paralyzes investment.” [36:14] Jan: “Speed is everything. The way we make decisions, how we make decisions, the speed of those decisions.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.

    40 min
  6. Why Automation Fails in Manufacturing and the Leadership Shift Required to Fix It

    JAN 22

    Why Automation Fails in Manufacturing and the Leadership Shift Required to Fix It

    Re-industrializing America sounds bold. Necessary. Inevitable. But on factory floors across the country, automation keeps stalling before it ever delivers real value. Robots sit unused. Projects drag on for years. Leaders know automation is essential, yet decisions stall, risks get avoided, and the same problems repeat. This episode goes straight to the heart of why. Jan Griffiths is joined by Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot, a global marketplace helping manufacturers source and implement robotics more effectively. Søren has spent decades leading digital transformation and operational change, giving him a front-row seat to why automation struggles inside real plants, not PowerPoint decks. This conversation moves past hype. It tackles the real blockers: fear-based leadership, siloed decision-making, short-term contracts, poor education, and a complete lack of ownership once robots hit the shop floor. Automation doesn’t fail because the technology isn’t ready. It fails because organizations aren’t. Søren challenges leaders to rethink how they assess risk, train their workforce, and take responsibility for change. Buying a robot isn’t a technology decision. It’s a leadership decision. And without courage, clarity, and accountability, even the smartest automation strategy will collapse. If the automotive industry is serious about rebuilding manufacturing capacity, closing labor gaps, and preparing for an AI-enabled future, leaders must stop waiting for certainty and start owning the change. Themes Discussed Why automation failures are leadership failures, not technology failuresThe risk-avoidance mindset is slowing manufacturing transformationHow siloed decision-making kills automation on the shop floorWhy education matters beyond engineers and integratorsThe hidden impact of short-term supplier contracts on ROIWhat successful automation leaders do differentlyWhy ownership and courage matter more than tool Watch the full video on YouTube - click here This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest Søren Peters is the CEO of HowToRobot, a global industrial robot marketplace that helps manufacturers find, evaluate, and implement automation solutions more effectively. He has spent over two decades leading companies through digital transformation, outsourcing, and large-scale operational change across Europe and the United States. Søren brings a pragmatic, leadership-first perspective to automation, grounded in what actually works inside manufacturing plants. About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is a champion for culture change and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She is the author of AutoCulture 2.0 and the co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. Jan brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Mentioned in this Episode HowToRobotUHY RFQ white paper Episode Highlights [02:55] Re-industrialization sounds great until automation decisions stall for years [04:12] Why factories don’t need humanoids, they need basics that work [06:35] The real reason companies delay buying robots for a decade [09:10] Fear, risk, and leadership paralysis inside manufacturing [12:58] Why training only engineers guarantees automation failure [14:41] Robots are workers, and leaders must manage them as such [18:04] Short-term contracts destroy long-term automation ROI [19:52] Financing, trust, and the reality of buying unfamiliar technology [21:21] What the DNA of a successful automation leader really looks like Top Quotes [11:20] Soren Peters: “I think it’s leadership. And I think those who want to be the one who takes the torch and says, I will take the risk. I will bear the burden.” [14:52] Soren Peters: “A robot is a worker in a sense, and it comes with different ROIs, it comes with different behaviors.” [15:15] Soren Peters: “And a robot also has a sick day. But we are also saying to everybody, a robot never gets sick — and it’s not, well, but it does.” [25:48] Jan Griffiths: “The tech mindset is let’s get this technology and play with it. Let’s break it. Let’s break it. Let’s iterate it.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.

    34 min

  7. JAN 1

    Leadership After the Storm: What 2025 Taught Us and How to Lead in 2026

    2025 didn’t just challenge the automotive industry. It exposed it. Tariffs that shifted overnight. Another chip crisis. A sudden rethink on EVs. Then Ford dropped the bomb: nearly $20 billion in charges as it pivoted away from EVs, stranding capital across the supply chain. And on top of it all, AI is moving faster than most leaders can keep up with. In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths presses pause on the noise and calls it what it really was: feedback. Not chaos. A signal. 2025 showed us exactly where legacy leadership breaks under pressure. Command-and-control slowed decision-making. Rigid processes collapsed under uncertainty. And waiting for perfect data became a competitive disadvantage. As we step into 2026, Jan lays out what leadership must become if this industry wants to survive, not just react. She challenges leaders to stop pretending they have all the answers and start learning out loud. To trade certainty for curiosity. Ego for humility. Silos for systems thinking. AI is not the threat. Speed is the reality. And culture is still the differentiator. This episode is a direct, honest conversation with leaders who feel the weight of what’s coming and know the old playbook won’t get them there. Jan breaks down the five leadership categories that will define success in 2026 and beyond, and why standing still is no longer an option. If 2025 cracked the foundation, 2026 is the year leaders decide whether to rebuild or repeat the same mistakes. Watch the full video on YouTube - click here This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Themes Discussed Why 2025 wasn’t chaos, but critical feedback for automotive leadersThe leadership behaviors that failed under pressureLearning out loud instead of waiting for perfect answersIntellectual humility as a competitive advantageWhy speed now matters more than certaintyHow AI is forcing a shift away from rigid org chartsThe leadership mindset required to win in 2026 About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is a champion for culture change and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She is the author of AutoCulture 2.0 and the co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. Jan brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Mentioned in this EpisodeAI‑Era Leadership Self‑Assessment Episode Highlights[01:26] Reflecting on 2025: Challenges and Lessons [04:32] Leadership Traits for 2026 [04:45] Mindset and Intellectual Humility [06:03] Systems Thinking and Bias Awareness [07:20] AI and Business Processes [08:27] Leadership Styles in the Age of AI [09:47] Decision Making and Accountability [11:26] Trust, Culture, and Empowerment [14:51] Humanity and Empathy in Leadership If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.

    19 min
  8. AI, Trust, and the Human Shift: What Automotive Leaders Must Do Next

    12/11/2025

    AI, Trust, and the Human Shift: What Automotive Leaders Must Do Next

    Sometimes a conversation hits so deeply that it demands a part two , and that’s exactly what happened after our episode with MIT’s Dr. Bryan Reimer. The response was immediate, and the very first message came from CADIA CEO Cheryl Thompson, who had been quietly diving deep into AI for months. Her reaction captured what so many leaders are feeling right now: excitement, overwhelm, fear, and possibility all at once. This episode brings Cheryl and Bryan together to talk about what AI is really doing inside companies — not the hype, but the human impact. The emotional truth? AI is forcing us to look hard at our culture, our trust levels, and our willingness to unlearn the habits that hold us back. That’s where transformation starts. Cheryl shares how AI has changed the way she works, creates, leads, and even manages her daily life. But she’s honest about the trap many leaders fall into: using AI to produce more… instead of stepping back to breathe, think, and lead. Bryan brings the research lens, grounding the conversation in what AI can do, what it can’t, and how leaders must shift from delegation to collaboration if they want AI to be truly useful. Together they unpack psychological safety, generational differences, the rise of agentic AI, and the cultural tension AI exposes inside legacy automotive. And they remind us that AI will not replace leaders — but leaders who use AI well will absolutely outpace those who don’t. This isn’t a conversation about technology. It’s a conversation about courage, trust, and the future of leadership in an industry that desperately needs to move faster while staying true to its values. Themes Discussed in This EpisodeHow trust and culture determine whether AI succeeds or stallsWhy leaders must collaborate with AI instead of delegating blindlyWhat the Wow, Whoa, Grow framework reveals about human behaviorHow generational differences shape AI adoption and comfort levelsWhy AI in automotive demands unlearning old processes, not just adding toolsThe risk of locking down AI too tightly — and the risk of letting it run wildHow small businesses and startups are using AI to outrun traditional OEMs Watch the Full Video on YouTube - click here This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guests Cheryl Thompson, CEO, CADIA Cheryl leads the CADIA: Culture Evolved, where she equips organizations to build equitable, high-performing cultures. A former manufacturing engineering leader in the automotive industry, Cheryl is known for her human-centered approach to leadership, her commitment to psychological safety, and her skillful integration of AI into learning and development. She helps teams work smarter, remove friction, and accelerate change by pairing technology with deep emotional awareness. Dr. Bryan Reimer, Research Scientist, MIT Dr. Bryan Reimer is a Research Scientist at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics and a founding member of the MIT AgeLab. His work examines how humans and automation interact in real-world conditions, including driving, attention, decision-making, and safety. He leads three major academic–industry consortia focused on human-centered vehicle technology and is the author of How to Make AI Useful, a practical guide for leaders navigating AI’s cultural and operational impact. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is a champion for culture transformation and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Mentioned in This EpisodeHow to Make AI Useful by Dr. Bryan ReimerCADIAMcKinsey research on the “second muscle” of leadership Episode Highlights[02:35] Cheryl’s AI “wow” moment: Enthusiasm turns into overload, forcing her to reset and take the lead back from the tool.[04:06] Bryan on LLMs: Useful copilots, not autopilots — and only one part of a much larger AI ecosystem.[07:18] Human in the Loop: Cheryl and Bryan break down why AI must be viewed as an opinion, not a fact.[11:14] Next-level use cases: Cheryl explains how to move beyond meeting summaries into real business transformation.[14:00] Leaders must stop throwing AI to IT: AI adoption requires business alignment, courage, and clarity.[16:33] Culture and unlearning: Why legacy processes slow AI more than technology does.[20:52] Generational differences: Gen X trusts AI most; boomers the least; Gen Z remains skeptical.[23:03] The collaboration equation: Neural activity drops when we delegate to AI — but rises when we collaborate with it.[32:18] Capturing knowledge before it walks out the door: AI as a tool for organizational memory.[34:29] Final advice: Leaders must experiment, question, and use AI to learn faster than the pace of change. Top Quotes“AI won’t replace us, but leaders who use it well will outrun those who don’t.” — Cheryl Thompson“Large language models are opinions. You have to decide whether you trust that electronic opinion.” — Bryan Reimer“The future belongs to those who ask how AI becomes useful, not those who sit on the sidelines.” — Bryan Reimer“Most people are using maybe one percent of AI’s potential. The opportunity is enormous.” — Cheryl Thompson Jan Griffiths“You cannot codify a bad culture. You have to fix the human issues first.”“Leaders today can’t throw AI over the wall to IT. This is a business responsibility.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry. This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel...

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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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