The Automotive Leaders Podcast Jan Griffiths

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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 night of her life, where everything in her career and life converged. 
Jan starts her speech by diving straight into the core issue: the automotive industry's transformation. She highlights the flurry of discussions around technological advancements but questions the neglect of culture in these conversations. Jan challenges the traditional leadership model and advocates for authentic leadership rooted in trust and inspiration, drawing from Stephen M. R. Covey's wisdom.
Jan weaves in stories from influential figures like Sandy Stojkovski, Dr. Andy Palmer, Stefan Krause, and Jessica Robinson, illustrating the essence of authentic leadership. Through their experiences, Jan underscores the urgent need for a cultural revolution in the automotive industry.
Jan reflects on Tesla and BYD's remarkable journeys from skepticism to success. She warns against the Blockbuster fate, urging a culture that nurtures innovation instead of stifling it with outdated practices.
With unwavering determination, she calls on the audience to take action and become agents of change in an industry on the verge of a revolution.
Themes discussed in this episode:
Revolutionizing leadership and workplace culture in the automotive industryThe essence of authentic leadership and its significance in driving positive change Learning from visionary leaders in the automotive sectorThe importance of creating safe spaces where employees can freely express their ideas without fear of judgment or backlashConfronting the common challenges entrenched in traditional corporate culturesTransitioning from top-down management to a more people-centered approachCultivating an environment that nurtures innovationElevating the voices and contributions of every employee through inclusive communication and community-building efforts
Your Host
Jan Griffiths is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President & Founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she is the host of Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world. With her extensive experience and commitment to fostering positive change, Jan is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive landscape. Reach out to her at Jan@gravitasdetroit.com
Mentioned in this episode:
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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 creating a consistent leadership identity. Reflecting on his intercultural experiences, Martin advises integrating the strengths of traditional German-style leadership and people-focused leadership styles for organizational success.
Martin gives a glimpse into ZF's culture transformation journey, including their "culture pioneers" program, which empowers employees to drive cultural improvements from the ground up. Martin describes "The ZF Way" as ZF's framework for running the company and identifies its core principles as part of its roadmap for success.
Discussing the emergence of EV startups in the automotive industry, Martin says ZF sees this change as an opportunity for learning and collaboration, sharing the approach they took with these startups and its positive impact on innovation.
Martin's role as chairman of MEMA OES Group takes center stage. His explanation of his motivation to give back to the industry speaks volumes about his commitment to collective progress beyond the confines of ZF.
Jan asks Martin, "What is the biggest challenge you see in this transformation?" Martin points out that uncertainty is affecting the entire industry. Martin said investing in new tech like EVs comes with risks, and solutions are needed to avoid supply chain collapse during the transition period.
Going personal, Jan wants to know what gets Martin out of bed in the morning. It turns out he's all about office life—meeting people, fixing problems, and getting that adrenaline rush from solving crises.
Stay until the end of the episode to hear Martin's advice for automotive businesses dealing with the industry's changes.
Themes discussed in this episode:
Exploring a leadership style that is deeply rooted in values instilled by upbringingWhy we should create a safe space for innovation and growth within teamsImportance of collaboration in driving progress, both within ZF and across the automotive sectorHaving initiatives that empower employees to contribute to cultural improvement.Discussing the necessity of authenticity and the ability to connect with employees regardless of hierarchyUnderstanding ZF's methodologies and strategies for realizing its corporate visionExploring collaborative opportunities presented by emerging EV startups in the automotive industryHighlighting the importance of investing in education and innovation to drive industry electrificationThe importance of comprehending industry transformation and setting a clear vision for organizational direction
Featured: Martin Fischer 
What he does: With extensive management experience at Siemens VDO Automotive, Hella, and Borg Warner, Martin Fischer provides valuable expertise in his role as the President of ZF Group Americas and a member of ZF Group Board of...

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 the importance of guiding others toward success and how leadership isn't just about the leader but about empowering others to thrive.
Collin identifies focus as the biggest challenge in the auto industry as we wrestle with electrification, software-defined vehicles, and supply chain disruptions. He stresses the need for leaders to provide a clear vision for the future and rally their teams around it to foster unity and direction.
Discussing his new role in MEMA, Collin highlights the stability and strong leadership already in place. He emphasizes the need to understand current trends and member needs without " blowing things up." He aims to adapt and enhance existing foundations to serve members better and foster community engagement.
Collin identifies vulnerability and empathy as crucial authentic leadership traits, especially in a multi-generational workforce. He underscores the importance of leaders admitting their limitations and fostering connections across diverse teams.
On a personal note, Collin shares his passion for music and how it takes him off the stress of business life. Discussing the importance of mindset in setting the tone for the day, he stresses the importance of starting the day with meaningful connections and a sense of purpose, setting the stage for productivity and fulfillment in both personal and professional endeavors.
Themes discussed in this episode:
The ongoing transformation in the automotive industryLeadership philosophy that focuses on enjoying work, empathy towards employees, and team-buildingPersonal stories and experiences that shaped ideas of leadershipIdentifying focus as the primary challenge facing the automotive industry amidst various disruptions Building a community within organizations and associations like MEMA How Vulnerability and Accountability contribute to effective leadership The importance of starting the day with a positive mindset, fueled by meaningful interactions with family and a sense of purpose in work
Featured: Collin Shaw 
What he does: Incoming President of the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers group. He initially joined MEMA as president of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) in early 2022. 
On leadership: “The very first thing that I find to be important as a leader is: let's have fun, let's laugh. Now, second to that, I think it's important that you have empathy for those around you; you know, we all bring things to the table when it comes to leadership. We all have baggage, good or bad, and making sure that you're empathetic as a leader is vitally important to the success of your team.”
Mentioned in this episode:
Julie Fream to Depart MEMA, Collin Shaw Named as Her Successor, Effective April 1, 2024a href="https://www.hdaw.org/"...

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 areas that need improvement, citing statistics on women's representation in the transportation industry and the disparities in racial and ethnic representation, especially at senior executive levels.
They explore the misconception of hiring "the best person for the job" as an excuse for the lack of diversity and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all candidates. Cheryl highlights the need for transparency in promoting diversity while discussing the challenges of collecting demographic data. Additionally, she underscores the importance of attracting early talent by dispelling outdated industry perceptions.
Jan and Cheryl also discuss the importance of connecting with the workforce to create a sense of belonging and inclusivity. They highlight the importance of retention strategies, including stay interviews, especially in a multi-generational workforce. They discuss innovative approaches like reverse mentorship and shadow boards to bridge the generational gap and leverage diverse perspectives for organizational growth and success.
Lastly, they talk about the key findings and best practices of CADIA’s 2023 Industry Study. Cheryl emphasizes the significance of collecting data, incorporating DEI into core business goals, and mentoring and sponsorship initiatives for career advancement.
Jan stresses the significance of investing time and effort in promoting diversity and inclusion, as emphasized in the study. She encourages listeners to explore the study for the lessons leaders can learn.
Themes discussed in this episode:
The significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the automotive industry The need for cultural transformation in the auto industryThe importance of cultural, racial, and generational diversityChallenges in achieving representation for women and minorities, particularly in leadership rolesImportance of providing equal opportunities for all candidatesThe urgency of dispelling industry stereotypes to attract diverse talentChallenges in collecting accurate demographic dataDebunking the notion of hiring based solely on meritIntegrating DEI into core business goals and practices
Featured: Cheryl Thompson 
What she does: In her role as the founder and CEO of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA), Cheryl Thompson champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within the automotive industry. With over 30 years of experience in various leadership roles at Ford Motor Company and American Axle, Cheryl brings expertise in manufacturing, operations, and global leadership to her work. 
On leadership: “DE&I is all about good leadership, taking care of our people, making sure they have what they need to contribute to their highest potential and to really thrive at work.”
Mentioned in this episode:
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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 authentic leadership. The book also features podcast interviews with visionary leaders in the auto industry, each providing a unique perspective on leadership and drawing from diverse backgrounds and experiences within the automotive sector.
Jan reveals three crucial leadership lessons she learned during the book's writing process. These include playing to one's strengths, prioritizing brevity and clarity, and embracing progress over perfection. 
With the release of "AutoCulture 2.0" just around the corner, Jan encourages listeners to get the book and embrace authentic leadership.
Themes discussed in this episode:
Transforming leadership and culture in the auto industryThe essence of authentic leadership and its significance in driving positive change Learning from visionary leaders in the automotive sectorGetting vital leadership lessons from a personal journeyRecognizing and embracing your strengthsBrevity and clarityEmbracing progress over perfection
Your Host
Jan Griffiths is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President & Founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she is the host of The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries, and is the author of AutoCulture 2.0. With her extensive experience and commitment to fostering positive change, Jan Griffiths is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive landscape.
Email: Jan@gravitasdetroit.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Meet Stephen M. R. Covey, The New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and Trust & Inspire Meet Dr. Andy Palmer, former COO of Nissan and CEO of Aston MartinMeet Stefan Krause, A driving force in the world of EVsa...

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 traditional automotive culture poses. He revealed why traditional OEMs struggled with EV innovation and discussed how leadership played into the success of tech companies like BYD and Tesla in the EV market. He highlights the need for empowerment and a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity.
Discussing the kind of leadership the auto industry needs, Larry advocates for the "power of and," suggesting that effective leadership encompasses multiple traits rather than a single characteristic, emphasizing empathy, teamwork, and setting the proper examples in leadership behavior.
Furthermore, Larry highlights the evolving nature of leadership in today's world, where personal and professional lives are intertwined. He stresses maintaining personal values while balancing work and family life.
As the podcast wrapped up, Larry said that moving from ICE to BEV marks only the beginning. He stressed how technology is reshaping travel habits and urged leaders to adapt. Larry emphasized how crucial it is for companies to grasp these changes in mobility and encouraged them to grab onto the new tech opportunities coming their way.
Themes discussed in this episode:
The importance of authentic leadership traits in fostering innovative learning environments.Challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially in demanding industries.The transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)The success of EV startups and their unique approach to technology.The impact of traditional automotive culture on hindering innovation.The transformative potential of communication and information technology in shaping the future of mobility.Difference between traditional OEM and EV startups
Featured: Larry Burns 
What he does: Larry is a prominent advisor in mobility, logistics, manufacturing, energy, and innovation. With a distinguished background as General Motors’ Corporate Vice President of Research & Development and Planning, Larry now consults for various organizations, including Kitson & Partners, Niron Magnetics, and Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE). His expertise lies in autonomous electric vehicles and their transformative impact on transportation services, a topic he explores in his book “Autonomy: The Quest to Build the Driverless Car―And How It Will Reshape Our World.”
On leadership: “There’s not one magic pill a person can take to be a great leader. You must be very sensitive to the people you’re leading. If you don’t set the right examples in your behavior, whether it’s integrity or treating people with dignity and respect, if you overreact to someone who had a...