The Automotive Talent Show

Cameron Cresswell
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Weekly Cameron and the team from Automotive Talent interview leaders from the automotive industry, gaining insights, their stories, and talking all things automotive related.

  1. 4d ago

    "The Opportunities Come If You Do Well At What You're Doing Today" | Vaughan Blackman

    Sometimes the best career advice isn't about chasing the next opportunity—it's about making the most of the one you're already in. Vaughan Blackman explains why the biggest opportunities in his career came from doing the job in front of him exceptionally well. From Australia to leading automotive businesses in the UK, he reflects on the importance of consistency, earning trust, developing great people, embracing change, and letting your work speak for itself rather than constantly looking for what's next. More than an interview, this feels like two old friends catching up on careers, leadership, and how the automotive industry has evolved over the years. It's an honest conversation filled with practical lessons for anyone looking to build a career, lead people well, and recognise that the next opportunity often comes from excelling in the present one.🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: Vaughan Blackman linkedin.com/in/vaughan-blackman linkedin.com/company/lsh-auto-uk-limited/ 00:28 Introduction to Vaughan Blackman's Journey 01:14 The Vaughan Blackman Journey Begins 02:52 From Music to Marine Sales 05:56 Transitioning to Automotive Sales 09:10 Lessons from the Automotive Industry 10:57 Navigating Change in the Automotive Landscape 16:45 Understanding the Agency Model 17:56 Navigating Language Nuances in Automotive Conversations 17:56 Adapting to Business Operations in Melbourne 19:14 Scaling Leadership Across Multiple Locations 22:13 The Complexity of Agency Models in Dealerships 22:13 Understanding Income Streams in Dealership Operations 22:47 People and Process: The Core of Dealership Success 23:50 Comparing UK and Australian Automotive Markets 24:58 Insights into the UK Automotive Market Dynamics 27:01 Transaction Speeds: UK vs. Australia vs. US 29:07 The Rise of Chinese Automotive Brands 31:06 Electric Vehicles: Shaping the Future of the Market 36:28 The Evolving Electric Vehicle Market 37:01 Pursuing Education While Managing a Career 39:01 The Value of Legal Knowledge in Business

  2. Sep 16

    She Left Criminal Law for Car Sales — Then Helped Build a Market Leader | Ella Letiagina

    Imagine spending years becoming a criminal barrister, only to decide you’d rather sell cars. That’s exactly what Ella Letiagina did. She left law, walked onto a Volkswagen dealership floor and started again — eventually helping take the brand from 4% market share to number one in Belarus. Then came Russia, then Australia, where she had to do something arguably harder: arrive with plenty of experience, but no reputation, no network and no shortcuts. In this conversation, Ella and Cameron talk about what it takes to start again, earn trust in a new country and keep backing yourself when the path ahead isn’t obvious. They also get into the future of automotive — from KGM’s reinvention and the changing role of dealerships to AI, technology and why the more machines take care of the routine, the more valuable human judgement and relationships become. And if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to take the next step, Ella has some pretty good advice: sometimes you just have to back yourself a little earlier. 🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: Ella Letiagina linkedin.com/in/ella-letiagina-b7266144/ linkedin.com/company/kgm-au/ 00:28 From Law to Leadership: Ella's Unique Journey 01:20 Navigating Market Volatility and Brand Reinvention 01:41 Introduction and Background 04:28 Transition from Law to Automotive 07:08 Passion for the Automotive Industry 09:26 Insights from Global Markets 11:59 Cultural Differences in Automotive 14:47 Reflections on Brand Experiences 17:29 Challenges and Humor in the Industry 19:58 Proving Yourself in a New Market 22:32 Navigating New Markets: A Humbling Experience 24:54 Building Relationships and Reputation 25:53 The Value of International Experience 26:57 The Evolution of the Dealership Model 29:07 The Role of AI in the Automotive Industry 32:41 Reflections on Personal Growth and Advice 38:32 From Belarus to Australia: A Journey of Resilience 39:01 Building a Reputation in a New Land

  3. Sep 9

    Are We Building the Dealership of the Future… or Just Bolting AI Onto the Past? | Ed Tapley, Podium

    What happens when AI stops being a tool you add to the dealership — and starts becoming part of how the dealership actually operates? In this episode of The Automotive Talent Show, Cameron Cresswell sits down with Ed Tapley from Podium to look well beyond the current AI hype and into what automotive retail could actually become. From AI sales agents and AI “chiefs of staff” to AI managers, agent-to-agent interactions and buyer-side AI, Ed shares a fascinating perspective on how technology could fundamentally reshape the way dealerships generate demand, manage customers, structure teams and measure performance. Ed Tapley talks about why the biggest opportunity may not be making today's dealership more efficient, but rebuilding the machine for the operating environment of the future. They explore the shift from “rented demand” to “owned demand”, why dealerships may need to rethink traditional KPIs, how AI could give sales and service teams more time for the moments that actually matter, and why the organisations that win won't necessarily be the ones with the most technology — but the ones that understand how to redesign their business around it. The future of automotive retail may not be human versus AI. It may be humans and AI working together in ways the industry hasn't fully imagined yet. 

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: Ed Tapley linkedin.com/in/edwardtapley/ linkedin.com/company/podium/ 00:29 Meet Ed Tapley 04:47 The AI opportunity for dealerships 12:11 Redesigning dealership operations 19:28 AI agents, data and real-time insight 30:26 AI, staffing and retention 38:38 AI leadership and ownership 44:20 The future of automotive retail 48:08 Where to start with AI 52:06 Connect with Podium

  4. Jul 29

    Running the Dealership Like A Footy Team | Luke Camilleri

    From dreaming of a career in professional football to leading one of Australia's highest-performing Mazda dealerships, Luke Camilleri has built his leadership philosophy around one simple idea: great dealerships are built like great sporting teams. Luke Camilleri talks about why culture isn't something you talk about—it's something you practise every day. We explore recruitment, accountability, adapting to change, leading through crises, creating a team-first mentality, and why celebrating the small wins is what ultimately drives long-term success. Luke also shares how marketing, leadership, and customer experience all improve when everyone is pulling in the same direction. Whether you're leading a dealership, managing a team, or simply looking to build a stronger culture, this conversation is packed with practical leadership lessons that extend well beyond the automotive industry. 🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: Luke Camilleri linkedin.com/in/luke-camilleri-44b04362/ linkedin.com/company/aspley-mazda/ 00:00 Introduction to Luke Camilleri 00:28 Introduction to Luke Camellieri and His Journey 00:48 Running a Dealership Like a High-Performance Team 01:06 Transforming Traditional Business Practices 02:18 Luke's Journey into the Automotive Industry 06:39 Lessons from Early Experiences 11:05 Adapting to Change in the Automotive Industry 16:27 The Importance of Community and Social Media 25:48 Building the 'Car Man' Brand 27:02 Evolving Marketing Strategies 32:46 Creating a Destination Experience 38:53 Building a Strong Team Culture 44:06 Hiring for Fit and Potential 48:16 Future Growth and Consistency 49:52 The Importance of Discipline in Leadership 50:17 Hiring for Culture and Engagement 50:21 Transforming Traditional Business Practices

  5. Jul 22

    If You Don't Like Change, You're Gonna Hate Extinction | Kieran Stack

    The automotive industry is changing faster than ever. Customer expectations are evolving, technology continues to reshape the dealership experience, and service departments can no longer rely on doing things the way they've always been done. Kieran Stack talks about why embracing change isn't optional for today's dealerships. From coaching service advisers and developing stronger leaders to improving customer communication and building service departments that customers genuinely want to return to, he shares the practical mindset shifts that separate thriving dealerships from those that get left behind. Whether you're a dealer principal, service manager, service adviser, or someone building a career in automotive, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, aftersales performance, customer experience, and why the dealerships that continue to evolve will always have the competitive advantage. 🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: Kieran Stack linkedin.com/in/kieran-stack-49060246 linkedin.com/company/service101/ 00:00 Introduction to Kieran Stack 02:05 Kieran's Journey to Australia and Training 03:27 The Philosophy of Service 101 05:13 The Role of Service Advisors 09:54 The Changing Landscape of Service Advisors 11:31 The Importance of Training and Communication 17:25 Selling vs. Helping in Service Departments 22:51 Consequences of Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance 28:01 Feature, Function, Consequence in Service Sales 29:15 The Evolution of Communication in Service Advising 31:23 The Importance of Effective Communication 35:37 Understanding Customer Needs and Rejections 40:22 Creating a Memorable Customer Experience 46:42 The Role of Technology in Service Advising 50:59 The Future of Service Departments 56:45 Final Outro.mp4

  6. Jul 9

    Why the Best F&I Leaders Think Beyond the Numbers | Anthony Maluccio

    F&I is often viewed as a numbers game—but the best leaders know it's about much more than finance, products, and profitability. In this episode of The Automotive Talent Show, Anthony Maluccio shares the leadership principles that have shaped his career in automotive, exploring how trust, culture, customer relationships, and developing people ultimately drive long-term business success. Anthony Maluccio talks about why the best F&I leaders think beyond the numbers, focusing on building strong teams, creating exceptional customer experiences, and making decisions that strengthen dealerships for the long term. His insights are practical, honest, and highly relevant for anyone leading in today's automotive industry. Whether you're a Business Manager, F&I professional, Dealer Principal, department leader, or simply passionate about the future of automotive retail, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, performance, and building businesses that last. 🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: Anthony Maluccio linkedin.com/in/anthony-maluccio/ linkedin.com/company/think-auto-pty-ltd/about/ 00:00 Introduction to Automotive Talent Show 01:45 Anthony Maluccio's Journey into Automotive Finance 03:38 The Unique Role of F&I in Dealerships 05:08 Navigating Sales and Finance Dynamics 07:35 Evolution of F&I Practices Over Two Decades 08:32 Current Challenges in the F&I Landscape 11:32 Compliance in the F&I World 14:04 The Role of Technology in Compliance 17:20 Changing Customer Expectations and Education 20:03 Best Practices for Dealerships in a Competitive Market 23:42 The Future of EV Financing and Market Adaptation 26:36 The Evolving Automotive Landscape 28:35 The Role of Business Managers in Dealerships 32:24 Finance as a Service: The Changing Dynamics 35:36 Future Predictions for F&I Desks 39:02 The Evolution of Think Auto 44:39 Scaling and Adapting to Market Changes 53:21 Final Outro.mp4

  7. Jul 1

    The Future of Automotive Is Changing Faster Than You Think - Steven Bragg

    Steven Bragg has spent decades helping dealership groups navigate growth, profitability, acquisitions, and industry transformation. Five years after his first appearance on the Automotive Talent Show, he returns to discuss how dramatically the automotive landscape has changed—and what's still to come. From Chinese OEMs and EV adoption to AI, dealership profitability, workforce evolution, and changing customer expectations, this conversation explores the forces reshaping automotive retail and what leaders need to do to stay ahead. Steven Bragg talks about why dealerships can no longer rely on old playbooks, how operational discipline creates resilience, where future profitability will come from, and why the businesses that embrace change—not resist it—will ultimately outperform the market. Whether you're a Dealer Principal, automotive executive, or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into navigating one of the most significant periods of change the automotive industry has ever experienced. 🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: STEVEN BRAGG linkedin.com/in/stevenrbragg https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitcher-partners/ 00:00 The Evolution of the Automotive Industry 02:16 Surprises in Industry Changes 04:59 Consumer Behavior and Vehicle Choices 07:27 The Impact of New Market Entrants 09:45 Challenges for Legacy Brands 12:47 The Role of Emissions Schemes 15:18 Brand Loyalty and Market Dynamics 23:18 The Shift in the EV Market 25:45 Profitability Pressures in the Automotive Industry 28:08 The Importance of Scale and Efficiency 31:37 Navigating Tax Changes and Business Structures 34:25 Talent Acquisition and Industry Changes 40:50 Preparing for Future Challenges in the Automotive Sector 48:21 Final Outro.mp4

  8. Jun 24

    From Car Care to Dealer Principal: Building Leaders, Not Managers - Tegan Blockey

    Tegan Blockey's automotive journey started with a car care role after putting a career in the police force on hold. Twenty years later, she's leading Bridge Toyota, Gove Toyota, and Lexus of Darwin, building one of the Northern Territory's most respected dealership operations. In this conversation with Cameron Cresswell, Tegan shares lessons from growing through the industry, leading teams across remote communities, developing future leaders, creating a culture people want to be part of, and adapting to an automotive landscape that continues to evolve. Tegan Blockey talks about why leadership matters more than management, hiring for attitude over experience, investing in staff, supporting local communities, and creating an environment where people can build long-term careers. She also shares her perspective on the future of automotive retail, changing customer expectations, and the opportunities that come from embracing change. Whether you're a Dealer Principal, people leader, or someone looking to build a career in automotive, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, culture, customer relationships, and developing great teams that stand the test of time. 
🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER: theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com 🎬 Full Episodes: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu 🎬 Clips & Shorts: youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts 📱 FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/ 👥 Host: Cameron Cresswell linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/ 🎤 Guest: Tegan Blockey linkedin.com/in/tegan-b-a8717b162 00:00 Introduction 01:12 How Tegan Started 06:15 "Leading" as a "woman in a man's world" 09:01 Tegan talks about Imposter Syndrome 11:33 Why mentors matter 15:19 Tegan talks about Birdge Toyota and Eagers 22:56 Leaders not managers 25:33 Stereotype in the automotive industry? 30:36 Finding the balance 34:58 Croc as a pet?! 39:39 Age of connectivity 42:03 Outro

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About

Weekly Cameron and the team from Automotive Talent interview leaders from the automotive industry, gaining insights, their stories, and talking all things automotive related.

Information

  • Creator
    Cameron Cresswell
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cameron Cresswell

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