The Automotive Leaders Podcast

Jan Griffiths
  • 5.0 (27)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

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. Jim Voss on Building a Culture That Wins (The Tenneco Way, Part 2)

    1d ago

    Jim Voss on Building a Culture That Wins (The Tenneco Way, Part 2)

    In Part 1, Jim Voss, CEO of Tenneco, took on a company in need of a turnaround. In Part 2, he hands you the playbook behind it. This is the Tenneco Way. Not a poster on a wall. Not a slide deck someone presents once a month. It’s the operating system running a 100-year-old company with more than 60,000 people across 28 countries. And as Jim puts it, it is the company's sustainable competitive advantage. Jim sees culture as the most powerful advantage a leader can build. It's the thing that drives every result you actually care about, because people drive results, and culture shapes people. From there, it builds. Simplify, kill the bureaucracy and the silos, and go hunt for friction instead of waiting for it to find you. Organizational velocity, the differentiator Jim believes will separate the winners from everyone else. Tenacious execution, because strategy gets eaten alive without it. Accountability and ownership without a shred of micromanagement. And win, treated as a mindset, not an outcome. Then Jim gets practical. How do you roll core values out to 60,000 people in 28 countries without peanut-buttering it across the wall? The Tenneco mindset and the power of humility. Why did he grow his own talent through Tenneco University and the P3 standards that went from impossible to gold? This is not the legacy playbook. This is a transformation that actually happened, told by the leader who lived it. Themes Discussed in this Episode Why culture is an operating system, not a soft HR initiativeThe six gears of the Tenneco WayRadical candor and building a company where bad news travels fastRedefining failure: we never fail, we win or we learnOrganizational velocity as the next great competitive differentiatorAccountability and ownership without micromanagementThe Tenneco mindset and the power of humilityP3 standards and the pride that drives performance 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Jim Voss, CEO at Tenneco Jim is the CEO of Tenneco, a global automotive supplier with operations spanning 28 countries and more than 60,000 employees. Before joining Tenneco in 2022, he spent more than a decade with Apollo Global Management as an operating advisor and portfolio CEO, leading complex business transformations across multiple industries. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience in industrial, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, Jim is known for driving operational excellence, building high-performance cultures, and leading large-scale turnarounds. He also serves as Chairman of Vacuumschmelze and sits on the boards of ABC Technologies and Kem One. About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is the 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 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: 21 Traits of Authentic LeadershipExecution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Bossidy and Charan Episode Highlights [01:38] The Tenneco Way: Jim defines it plainly. It is the operating system and the company's sustainable competitive advantage, built on the belief that people drive every result. [04:18] The six gears: Jan and Jim walk through the framework gear by gear, starting with core values. [04:35] Radical candor: Start with the truth. Build an organization with the courage and the skills to have the tough conversations that get to the facts. [08:11] Bad news travels fast: Jim's tell for a healthy culture. In most companies, good news flies and bad news crawls. He pays attention to how fast the bad news moves. [15:14] Simplify: Reject bureaucracy, minimize layers, eliminate silos. Go find the friction instead of waiting for someone to bring you a problem. [18:10] Organizational velocity: Jim's pick for the number one differentiator going forward. It takes getting every element right, from strategy to frontline competency. [22:48] Tenacious execution: The bedrock of everything. Strategy gets eaten alive without execution, and Jim spends 95 percent of his time on it. [24:00] Accountability without micromanagement: Why control is the easy way out and the enemy of true ownership. [32:38] The Tenneco mindset: If he could keep only one gear, this is it. The power of humility, learned from the All Blacks, and refusing to be a victim of anything. [41:08] P3: People, Pride, Performance: Manufacturing standards so rigorous that plants winning OEM awards weren't yet certified bronze, developed bottom-up with plant managers. Top Quotes [01:38] Jim Voss: "The Tenneco Way is our operating system. More importantly, it's our sustainable competitive advantage. " [26:44] Jim Voss: " A winning culture is learned." [47:23] Jim Voss: " Good leadership never builds something around an individual, whether it's the CEO or anyone in the organization. " 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.

    50 min
  2. The Man, The Mess, and The Moment: How Jim Voss Began Tenneco's Transformation

    Jun 11

    The Man, The Mess, and The Moment: How Jim Voss Began Tenneco's Transformation

    How do you take a 100-plus-year-old automotive company with 158 manufacturing sites, operations in 28 countries, more than 60,000 employees, and over 30 brands and transform it into a top-performing company? That’s the question at the heart of Tenneco’s remarkable turnaround story. In less than three years, under the leadership of CEO Jim Voss and his team, Tenneco doubled its EBITDA margins, becoming a leader within its peer group. But before the performance came the hard part: confronting a deeply entrenched command-and-control culture and reimagining how leadership works inside a legacy automotive company. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jim shares his unconventional path to the automotive industry, his private equity background with Apollo, what he discovered when he arrived at Tenneco in 2022, and why culture became the foundation of the company's transformation. This is a conversation about leadership, trust, organizational velocity, and the courage required to challenge decades of legacy thinking. Themes Discussed in this Episode Why Tenneco's turnaround began with culture.What Jim found when he walked into Tenneco in 2022Breaking away from command-and-control leadershipWhy organizational velocity is now a competitive advantageThe challenge of transforming legacy automotive organizationsHow leaders create cultures that drive executionHigh care and high accountability as a leadership modelWhy manufacturing plants should sit at the top of the organizational pyramid 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Jim Voss, CEO at Tenneco Jim is the CEO of Tenneco, a global automotive supplier with operations spanning 28 countries and more than 60,000 employees. Before joining Tenneco in 2022, he spent more than a decade with Apollo Global Management as an operating advisor and portfolio CEO, leading complex business transformations across multiple industries. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience in industrial, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, Jim is known for driving operational excellence, building high-performance cultures, and leading large-scale turnarounds. He also serves as Chairman of Vacuumschmelze and sits on the boards of ABC Technologies and Kem One. About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is the 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 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: 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership Episode Highlights [01:08] The turnaround everyone is talking about: Jan opens the episode by laying out the scale and complexity of Tenneco’s transformation and why this may be one of the most significant leadership turnaround stories in automotive today. [03:05] From chemicals to automotive: Jim explains his unconventional journey into the automotive industry and why, despite never working directly in a Tier One supplier before Tenneco, he had spent decades working alongside the automotive ecosystem. [04:25] The Apollo influence: Jim shares what nearly fifteen years with Apollo Global Management taught him about creating value through talent, culture, and operational excellence rather than relying on short-term cost-cutting measures. [05:25] Walking into the mess: When Jim arrived at Tenneco, he saw two realities at the same time: a company filled with great people, technology, and capability, but struggling with culture and execution. [07:34] Why culture came first: Jim discusses the command-and-control environment he inherited and explains why changing leadership behavior became the first priority in transforming the business. [09:00] Turning the pyramid upside down: Jim challenges traditional organizational thinking, arguing that manufacturing plants and distribution centers should sit at the top of the organizational hierarchy because they create the value that drives the company. [12:24] Seeing automotive through fresh eyes: As an outsider to traditional automotive leadership, Jim reflects on the industry's strengths, blind spots, and the urgent need to adapt to a faster-moving competitive environment. [15:59] The power of organizational velocity: Jim introduces one of the core principles behind Tenneco's transformation: organizational velocity. He explains why strategy, structure, and leadership competencies must work together to enable faster decision-making and execution. [17:15] Leadership for a different game: The leadership skills that created success twenty years ago are not necessarily the skills required to win today. Jim explains why organizations must honestly assess whether their leaders are equipped for the future. [18:39] A student of human behavior: Drawing on his background in psychology, sociology, and organizational development, Jim explains why understanding people is every bit as important as understanding the numbers. [20:46] High care. High accountability: Jim shares the leadership philosophy driving Tenneco's culture today: caring deeply about people while maintaining world-class standards and accountability. Top Quotes [10:10] Jim Voss: "My job isn't to score touchdowns for Tenneco. I'm a blocker and a tackler for the folks out there doing the work." [17:06] Jim Voss: "You have to have leaders that are fearless, and you have to have leaders that have the ability to make decisions without 100% of the information." [20:53] Jim Voss: "You have to care about people. You cannot be a leader if you don't." 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.

    22 min

  3. May 28

    Closing Season 7 and Preparing for What’s Next

    Season 7 of the Automotive Leaders Podcast is officially coming to a close, and Jan Griffiths is taking a moment to reflect on the journey, the lessons, and what’s ahead for the automotive industry. In this short solo episode, Jan shares why stepping back matters, how the team is preparing for an even stronger Season 8, and why listener feedback is shaping the future direction of the podcast. Jan also gives a preview of the powerful two-part season opener returning June 11th, featuring a transformational CEO who turned around a massive global automotive supplier in less than four years by focusing on leadership, culture, and organizational change. If you’ve ever struggled with bureaucracy, slow decision-making, legacy systems, or culture challenges inside automotive, this upcoming season is for you. Mentioned in this episode: M1 StudiosEmail Jan at jan@gravitasdetroit.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts

    7 min
  4. 2026 Working Relations Index — The First Time in 26 Years All Six OEMs Moved Up

    May 18

    2026 Working Relations Index — The First Time in 26 Years All Six OEMs Moved Up

    For the first time in 26 years of the Working Relations Index, every single North American OEM moved up the chart. Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Honda, GM, and Nissan all scored higher than the year before. That has never happened. Not once. In this special episode, Jan sits down with Dr. Angela Johnson, principal at Plante Moran responsible for the WRI, along with Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer of Elm Analytics and former supplier risk leader at Toyota and Fiat Chrysler. Three sharp voices. One story the industry needs to hear. Tariffs. EV cost recovery. Permacrisis fatigue. Return-to-office mandates. Four undercurrents shaped this year's results, and they all point to the same place. When OEMs can't control the macro, they lean into what they can control. Communication. Accessibility. Buyer responsiveness. Taking the meeting. Listening. Acting. That's what moved the needle, and the suppliers noticed. Ford's 32-point jump is the second-largest gain in WRI history, and Liz Door led that charge from the top. Stellantis is showing the early signs of a real turnaround under Filosa. GM's still working through cultural inertia, but the relationship side keeps moving in the right direction. And Toyota and Honda aren't slowing down. Angela also unpacks her new 6C framework. It's the bridge between transactional and relational. Commercial fairness, consistency, clear expectations, communication, continuity, and collaboration. It's the structure the industry's been missing. But here's the harder truth. The next 18 to 24 months will test every relationship in this industry. Cost of goods sold is climbing. Supplier financial distress is creeping back. Cross-functional alignment inside the OEMs is slipping. The playbook's changing. The question isn't whether we can do this together. It's whether we will. Here's the link to the WRI 2026 Study Themes Discussed in this Episode First-time-ever WRI result: all six OEMs scored upPermacrisis fatigue and the shift toward collaborationTariffs, EV cost recovery, and commercial fairnessThe 6C framework: bridging transactional and relationalFord's record-setting jump and Liz Door's leadershipStellantis's rebound under FilosaGM's ongoing culture changeTop 50 suppliers, organizational memory, and cultural inertiaReturn-to-office mandates and buyer performanceCross-functional decline inside the OEMsFrom cost reduction to resilience: the playbook is changing 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Dr. Angela Johnson – Principal, Plante Moran Dr. Angela Johnson leads Plante Moran's supplier relations analytics and oversees the team that runs the annual Working Relations Index (WRI) Study. She brings more than 30 years of automotive experience at General Motors across multiple functions, paired with a doctorate in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University. Angela helps organizations understand how trust, governance, and day-to-day commercial behaviors shape performance across large manufacturing ecosystems. She is also the architect of the 6C framework introduced in the 2026 WRI Study. Featured Guest: Sig Huber – Chief Commercial Officer, Elm Analytics Sig is the Chief Commercial Officer of Elm Analytics, a leading source of supplier financial health and risk data. Before Elm, Sig ran supplier risk management for Toyota and global supplier risk management for Fiat Chrysler, giving him a rare view from both the top and the bottom of the WRI scale. He is a frequent voice on the show when the conversation turns to supplier resiliency, financial distress, and the operational realities of managing risk across a global supply network. About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is the 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 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: Plante Moran 2026 OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI) StudyKumar Galhotra (COO, Ford) – John McElroy interview on the Ford reorganization [Autoline AfterHours] Episode Highlights [01:21] A first in 26 years: Every single North American OEM moved up the WRI chart this year. That's never happened before. Jan sets the table for why this result matters. [03:43] 10,000 supplier comments and a real tone shift: Angela describes more than three times as many comments as in prior years, with less frustration and finger-pointing. Suppliers are putting real thought into it because they believe the OEMs are listening. [06:21] The four undercurrents: EV, tariffs, return-to-office, and permacrisis fatigue. Angela breaks down the forces driving this year's results and why suppliers are giving OEMs credit for leaning into what they can control. [09:36] The 6Cs: the bridge between transactional and relational: Angela introduces her new framework. Think of it as a Maslow's hierarchy of supplier relationships. Commercial fairness, consistency, clear expectations, communication, continuity, and collaboration. [12:00] Ford's 32-point jump and Liz Door's leadership: The biggest OEM gain this year and the second-largest in WRI history. Angela credits Liz Door for engaging the supply base, taking meetings, and driving those behaviors all the way down to the buyer level. [14:12] Stellantis's strong rebound: A 22-point jump under new leadership. Sig shares what he's seen working with Filosa in Brazil and why consistency and continuity will determine whether this turnaround sticks. [18:57] GM's culture change keeps moving: GM hit its highest-ever WRI score. The relationship side keeps trending up even as suppliers pushed back on some resiliency initiatives. [25:38] Cross-functional alignment is slipping: A fascinating data point. Across the board, suppliers reported a decline in OEM cross-functional integration. Angela and Sig dig into why uncertainty inside the OEMs may be the cause. [29:14] The 100-pound backpack: organizational memory and cultural inertia: Top 50 suppliers still rate the Detroit Three below their average and Nissan, Honda, and Toyota above. Angela's analogy lands hard. The Detroit Three are walking uphill with a 100-pound backpack, while Toyota, Honda, and Nissan cruise by on e-bikes with turbo boost. [34:13] Return-to-office is showing up in the data: Buyer accessibility, responsiveness, and issue resolution all improved. Angela makes the call: getting people back in the office is helping supplier relationships. The data backs it up. Top Quotes [01:21] Jan Griffiths: “Never, ever in 26 years have all six OEMs shown an increase, and that's hard to imagine with everything that we've had to deal with in 2025 and the early part of 2026.” [12:40] Dr. Angela Johnson: “Liz led this charge. She engaged for the supply base, took meetings with the supply base, communicated more with the supply base, and she drove those behaviors down through her organization.” [32:08] Dr. Angela Johnson: “There's a bit of Stellantis, GM, and Ford are walking up a hill carrying a 100-pound backpack. They have to put in more effort. Meanwhile, Nissan, Toyota, and Honda go cruising by them on an e-bike with a turbo boost.” [36:00] Dr. Angela Johnson: “I am convinced there are enough indicators in the data to say getting everybody back in the office more, definitely beneficial to your supplier relationships.” [32:49] Sig Huber: “What's happening with all of these disruptions that are coming one after the other after the other, you can't deal with that on a brute force basis.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders...

    38 min
  5. The CEO Whisperer: What Automotive Leaders Need Most Right Now

    May 14

    The CEO Whisperer: What Automotive Leaders Need Most Right Now

    What does it really mean to lead at the highest level in the automotive industry today? In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Phil Biggs, the man quietly trusted by more than 100 CEOs across automotive and beyond. Known as the “CEO whisperer,” Phil has spent nearly a decade creating a confidential space where leaders can speak openly about the pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility that comes with the top job. And one thing is clear: leadership has changed. The old command-and-control model is breaking under the weight of constant disruption. Tariffs. Supply chain shocks. AI. Workforce shifts. EV uncertainty. The pressure never stops. Phil shares what he’s learned from years of listening to CEOs behind closed doors and why emotional intelligence, trust, and authenticity are now non-negotiable leadership traits. This conversation goes deep into the loneliness of leadership, the tension between kindness and toughness, and why the best CEOs know how to balance both humanity and accountability. Jan and Phil also unpack the dangerous automotive habit of glorifying leaders who stay buried in the weeds instead of empowering their teams to lead. At its core, this episode is about the future of leadership in automotive and the cultural shift required to survive what’s coming next. Because today’s leaders don’t need more control. They need courage, trust, and the ability to lead humans through uncertainty. Themes Discussed in this Episode Why leadership at the top is often deeply lonelyThe role trust plays in high-level CEO conversationsWhy command-and-control leadership no longer worksThe balance between kindness and toughness in leadershipEmotional intelligence as a critical CEO competencyWhy automotive leaders must stop glorifying micromanagementEmpowering teams is more important than controlling themHow disruption is reshaping leadership expectations across automotive 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Phil Biggs, Director, US Automotive Team, PwC Phil is the Client Relationship Executive for PwC Private in Greater Michigan and a member of PwC’s U.S. Automotive team. With more than 25 years of automotive experience, Phil has worked across consulting, business development, and executive leadership roles in both multinational corporations and early-stage technology companies. His client portfolio has included leading organizations such as Amway, Penske, Rivian, Denso, Meijer, and Gordon Food Service. About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is the 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 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: Meet Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup CompanyAutoLine After Hours with John McElroy Episode Highlights [01:57] The CEO Council begins: Phil shares how a small dinner of five leaders evolved into one of the most trusted CEO peer groups in automotive. [04:21] No PowerPoints allowed: Why Phil banned slide decks and created a space for real conversation instead. [05:30] The loneliness at the top: Jan and Phil unpack why CEOs desperately need trusted peer conversations. [07:29] The DNA of a modern CEO: Phil explains why uncertainty and disruption are now permanent leadership conditions. [09:48] Kindness and toughness: Phil reflects on Jan’s AutoCulture 2.0 chapter and the leadership balance exemplified by Alan Mulally and Doug Conant. [11:01] High EQ matters: Why emotional intelligence has become a critical trait for CEOs navigating transformation. [14:10] The danger of living in the weeds: Jan challenges automotive’s obsession with detail-heavy leadership and micromanagement. [16:35] Empowerment over control: Why future-ready CEOs must trust their teams and stop owning every decision. [17:44] Breaking the silo mentality: Jan and Phil compare legacy automotive structures to modern, fast-moving team dynamics. [18:36] Mentorship and the missing middle: Phil explains why leadership development and coaching are now essential. [20:55] Authentic leadership vs. command and control: A candid discussion about what leadership must become in today’s automotive industry. [21:44] Building a CEO brand: Why authenticity matters more than self-promotion and how leaders earn credibility. [27:40] Workforce challenges keep CEOs up at night: Why talent, culture, and leadership pipelines dominate executive conversations. [28:18] How CEOs should think about AI: Phil outlines four priorities leaders should focus on right now, including data readiness and security. [31:21] Phil’s final message to CEOs: “Be the best Maytag repairman you can be.” [36:24] Life after PwC: Phil opens up about retirement, cancer survival, music, charity work, and what comes next. [38:17] Defining Phil Biggs’ personal brand: Jan shares the feedback she heard repeatedly from industry leaders: “He’s an all-around good human.” Top Quotes [11:09] Phil Biggs: “ You've got to care enough to be kind. You've got to be tough and have that mentality.” [11:12] Phil Biggs: “The CEO has to think about how I am reinventing the future while I’m managing the very tough issues of today.” [16:36] Jan Griffiths: “You have to trust and empower your people.” [21:17] Jan Griffiths: “Authentic leadership is leadership that really comes from the heart.” 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. Lincoln’s Reinvention: Joaquin Nuño-Whelan on Leadership, Luxury, and Legacy Transformation

    Apr 30

    Lincoln’s Reinvention: Joaquin Nuño-Whelan on Leadership, Luxury, and Legacy Transformation

    What happens when a 100-year-old luxury brand decides to think like a startup? In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Joaquin Nuño-Whelan, President of Lincoln, live from Newlab at Michigan Central. This is not a conversation about cars. This is about leadership, culture, and what it really takes to transform a legacy brand from the inside out. Joaquin shares how he’s doing exactly that. Building a team-first culture rooted in trust. Reframing Lincoln’s identity around “quiet luxury” and Gravitas. And leading in a way that rejects the old command-and-control model in favor of authenticity, clarity, and ownership. But this conversation goes beyond the brand. Joaquin opens up about something deeper, his commitment to developing people. From empowering his teams inside Lincoln to investing his time in education and nonprofit work, he is actively shaping the next generation of talent entering the industry. That belief becomes real when you hear from Diego Vargas, a student at Detroit Cristo Rey. His voice brings a grounded, honest perspective on opportunity, growth, and what young people need from today’s leaders. It’s a powerful reminder that the future of this industry will be defined by the leaders we develop now. This episode hits at the core of AutoCulture 2.0: leadership, trust, and the courage to do things differently. Themes Discussed in this Episode Why momentum is the most underrated leadership force inside legacy organizationsThe connection between leadership DNA and brand identityWhat “quiet luxury” really means and why it matters nowHow to lead authentically inside a command-and-control cultureThe power of trusting teams to unlock ownership and performanceWhy legacy OEMs must think like startups to stay relevantThe role of education and early talent in shaping the future workforceBridging industry leadership with student opportunity through programs like FIRST 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Joaquin Nuño-Whelan, President, Lincoln Joaquin is the president of Lincoln, effective May 1, 2025, where he leads the brand’s global operations and drives its continued evolution as a world-class luxury brand, advancing its global product portfolio and delivering differentiated, connected customer experiences worldwide; he reports to Lisa Materazzo, Ford’s CMO, with dual reporting to Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e and interim head of Ford Pro, and brings more than 25 years of global experience in vehicle and technology development with a strong focus on luxury and premium vehicles, having joined Ford in 2024 as Vehicle Program Director for full-size utilities after serving as senior vehicle line director for new programs at Rivian and holding multiple leadership roles over a 20-plus-year career at General Motors, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Featured Guest: Diego Vargas, Student, Detroit Cristo ReyDiego represents the next generation of automotive talent. As a student at Detroit Cristo Rey, he brings a fresh, grounded perspective on opportunity, education, and what young people need from today’s leaders and organizations. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is the 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 brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Episode Highlights[02:30] Who are you as a leader?: Joaquin defines his leadership through one word: momentum, built by trusting people, removing friction, and creating ownership so teams can move with purpose and pride. [03:55] Leading inside a legacy OEM: Jan challenges the reality of driving change inside a legacy system, and Joaquin explains how aligning leadership, culture, and timing created the conditions for transformation at Ford and Lincoln. [06:45] The inflection point: Why Lincoln, why now: Joaquin shares how Lincoln sits at a rare moment of strength, where industry shifts, brand heritage, and leadership freedom collide to create a bold opportunity. [08:05] Thinking like a 100-year-old startup: Lincoln’s mission becomes clear: operate with startup energy inside a legacy structure, moving fast while honoring a century of brand equity. [09:45] Rediscovering Lincoln’s DNA: A visit to the Lincoln Motor Heritage Museum sparks a deeper understanding of the brand’s roots, reshaping how the team thinks about its future. [11:20] What “quiet luxury” really means: Joaquin reframes quiet luxury as gravitas, a confident, grounded presence that doesn’t need to shout but commands attention through authenticity. [13:00] Evolving the brand with emotion and edge: Lincoln isn’t staying still; the strategy is to layer emotional connection and subtle fierceness onto its foundation of elegance and restraint. [15:10] Leadership DNA meets brand DNA: Joaquin connects his personal leadership style to the Lincoln brand, grounded, intentional, and built on listening before acting. [17:00] Rejecting the loud, disruptive leader stereotype: Instead of flipping tables, Joaquin leads by learning first, then acting decisively, reinforcing a culture of respect and trust. [19:00] The shift to authentic leadership: A candid discussion on moving away from command-and-control toward leading from the heart, where vulnerability and clarity drive better outcomes. [21:30] Letting go of the leadership “mold”: Joaquin reflects on the moment he stopped trying to fit expectations and started leading with conviction, unlocking freedom and mental clarity. [24:00] Confidence, vulnerability, and risk: Authentic leadership requires all three, and Joaquin shares how embracing them creates stronger teams and better decisions. [27:00] Advice for the next generation: From students to future leaders, the message is clear: believe in something, go after it, and don’t wait for permission to lead. [30:30] Final reflections on leadership and legacy: As the conversation closes, the focus returns to impact, building teams, shaping culture, and creating something that lasts beyond the individual. Top Quotes[02:35] Joaquin Nuño-Whelan: “ What I try to do as a leader is create positive momentum and you'll see it in the way I work with the team, in the way I report things out, in the way I drive the culture of the team.” [10:48] Joaquin Nuño-Whelan: “When a Lincoln pulls up, it should have this sense of Gravitas So, what that means for us as a brand is we're doubling down on all of that goodness from the past, but we're going to add some more emotion, more emotional connection, more a little bit of underlying fierceness that is 'when you need it, it's there' kind of thing.” [14:30] Joaquin Nuño-Whelan: “Believe in something and go after it. When I stopped worrying about what everyone thought so much, and I think everyone kind of goes through that journey as they're getting older. And then, it is a risk because you have to be vulnerable, you have to speak from the heart, but it's actually the most liberating feeling.” About Detroit Cristo Rey Detroit Cristo Rey is a coed Catholic high school for those of all faiths. Our students receive a high-quality, college preparatory education and professional work experience – all at an affordable cost. Grounded in faith, morals and service, our curriculum provides students with the building blocks to make a difference in their families, the community and the world. 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 a href="mailto:Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com" rel="noopener...

    38 min
  7. Is USMCA at Risk? Colin Bird Breaks Down What Happens Next

    Apr 16

    Is USMCA at Risk? Colin Bird Breaks Down What Happens Next

    The USMCA review is fast approaching, uncertainty is building across the automotive industry, and leaders are asking a critical question: Is the agreement that binds North America together at risk? Colin Bird, the Consul General of Canada in Detroit, United States, brings clarity. This is not a collapse or a dramatic reset. It is a built-in review designed to test whether the agreement still works in a world that has fundamentally changed. The environment that shaped USMCA no longer exists. Supply chains are strained, global competition is intensifying, and China has accelerated ahead in the EV space. The real issue is not whether the agreement survives. The issue is whether North America can operate effectively under pressure. July 1 is not a breaking point. It’s part of a process meant to ensure the agreement stays relevant while the industry evolves at speed. Colin makes it clear that the real danger comes when North America starts putting up barriers within its own system. The automotive supply chain has been built over decades to operate seamlessly across borders. When tariffs or policy decisions disrupt that flow, it does not just impact one country. It makes the entire region less competitive at a time when global players are moving fast. This episode is about what matters now: certainty, coordination, and competitiveness. The industry doesn’t need more noise or political posturing. It needs alignment. Because if North America wants to win, it must act as one integrated system, not three separate countries. Themes Discussed in this Episode What the USMCA “review” really meansWhy July 1 is not a cliff, but a checkpointThe risk of disrupting a deeply integrated supply chainHow tariffs and policy decisions can backfire on North AmericaWhy China’s EV acceleration changes everythingThe critical role of certainty and predictability for investmentWhat leaders must focus on to stay competitive globally 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Featured Guest: Colin BirdColin is the Consul General of Canada in Detroit, United States, brings deep, real-world expertise in international trade at a moment when it matters most to the automotive industry. With a background in government studies from Harvard and a law degree from the University of Ottawa, he has worked across the full spectrum of North American and global trade, from serving as counsel to the NAFTA Secretariat to leading trade law and policy on complex issues like aerospace and softwood lumber. He played a central role in the U.S.-Canada trade relationship while based in Washington, D.C., including during the transformation of NAFTA into USMCA. Colin has also represented Canada at the World Trade Organization and at the highest global forums, including the OECD, G7, and G20. Today, in Detroit, he operates at the heart of the North American automotive ecosystem, where trade policy directly impacts manufacturing, investment, and competitiveness across the region. About Your Host – Jan GriffithsJan Griffiths is the 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 brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry. Episode Highlights[02:43] Inside the Deal: Colin takes us back to the renegotiation of NAFTA into USMCA and why Detroit sits at the center of a deeply integrated, cross-border manufacturing system. [03:37] From Tension to Alignment: What began as a tough negotiation shifted toward shared goals: higher wages, stronger labor standards, and rebuilding North American manufacturing. [06:29] Review, Not Renegotiation: July 1 is not a breaking point. It is a structured review to ensure the agreement keeps pace with change. [08:11] The Need for Certainty: In a volatile environment, the industry is asking for predictability to support investment and long-term planning. [10:49] Reading the Political Noise: Colin explains how to interpret strong political language and separate negotiation tactics from real risk. [13:08] Industry Is Driving the Agenda: Automotive leaders across all three countries are aligned. Protect the agreement. Improve it. Do not disrupt it. [14:00] The Cost of Disruption: Breaking supply chains that took decades to build weakens North America and opens the door for global competitors. [16:30] Competing with China: The real competitive pressure is external. China’s acceleration in EVs raises the stakes for North America to act as one system. [18:45] Avoiding Self-Inflicted Damage: Tariffs and internal barriers do not strengthen local economies. They reduce overall competitiveness across the region. [21:10] A Fragile Global System: Colin reflects on how global trade systems are becoming less stable, forcing countries to rethink resilience and strategy. [24:00] Securing the Supply Chain: Critical minerals, energy, and manufacturing inputs are now strategic priorities, not just operational concerns. [27:15] What Leaders Must Focus On Now: The path forward is clear: reduce friction, strengthen coordination, and move faster as a unified region. Top Quotes[08:11] Colin Bird: “What is required at a moment of great challenge to our industry is predictability, some certainty, some coordination in how we address challenges from offshore.” [03:37] Colin Bird: “We wanted to make sure that there were advantages to being located here, bringing back investment and manufacturing to the heartland of both of our countries.” [10:49] Colin Bird: “There’s a win-win outcome that can preserve what we have created here in North America in terms of reducing barriers to effectively building vehicles together.” 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.

    35 min

  8. Apr 2

    It's Q2: Are You Ready to Blow Up Your Playbook?

    Q1 was a wild ride. Tariffs. Geopolitical shocks. Supply chain chaos. And now Q2 is here, and the question no one's asking out loud is: are you walking into your quarterly review meetings with the same playbook you've always used? Are you making decisions the same way? Operating the same way? Thinking the same way? Because if you are, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths lays out five things every automotive leader needs to confront as we head into Q2 2026. This is not a pep talk. This is a reality check. The ground is shifting. Trade agreements are uncertain. Chinese competitors are moving faster than ever. And the old playbook, the one built on certainty, hierarchy, and control, is a liability. Jan covers the five forces shaping Q2 2026 and what you need to do about them: from the geopolitical storm still raging, to the reinvention mandate, to why trust is a P&L lever, not a soft skill. She also shares a personal update on her new role as Executive Advisor with Seraph, a global manufacturing and operations consulting firm. If you're heading into Q2 with the same mindset as Q1, this episode will challenge you to change that, now! Themes Discussed in this Episode The geopolitical storm: tariffs, the Iran conflict, global oil crisis, chip shortages, and USMCA renegotiationWhy resilience without reinvention is just enduranceThe reinvention mandate: speed, process destruction, and AI as an accelerator, not a crutchTrust and transparency as competitive weapons, not cultural nice-to-havesWhy command-and-control leadership is a speed killer and authentic leaders are winningOver-customization and why stopping it could be the fastest path to speed and cost reductionThe WRI scorecard: OEMs will be judged on supplier relationships in MayJan's new Executive Advisor role with SeraphThree actions you can take this week to start Q2 differently 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is the 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 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 Listen to the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast powered by QADThe Automotive Leaders Podcast with Lori Lancaster, Vice Chairwoman at Emotiv MobilityThe North American Automotive Industry's Road to Resilience McKinsey reportGM and Ford should reconsider parts consolidation by John McElroy Episode Highlights [00:01:26] Q2 Is Here. Now What?: The rules have changed permanently. Stop waiting for certainty. Clarity is not coming [00:02:20] The Geopolitical Storm: Tariffs, the Supreme Court EPA decision fallout, an Iran conflict, a global oil crisis, a looming chip shortage, and USMCA renegotiation in July. Jan also flags Canada allowing 49,000 Chinese OEM vehicles into the country, and what that means when they start crossing into the US. Upcoming guest: Colin Bird, Consul General for Canada, will join the podcast to discuss USMCA. Submit your questions to Jan on LinkedIn. [00:07:05] The Reinvention Mandate: Tear apart your processes and target a 50% reduction in cycle time. Chinese OEMs already launch vehicles in half the time legacy OEMs can. Jan references Terry Woychowski at Caresoft for the data and points to QAD’s framing, systems of record to systems of action, as the right mindset for agentic AI. [00:11:10] Trust and Transparency: Trust is a P&L lever. Approval processes built on decades of mistrust are killing speed. The WRI scorecard drops in May and will show which OEMs are walking the talk with suppliers and which ones aren’t. [00:14:35] Authentic Leaders Are Winning: Command and control is too slow. Jan references Lori Lancaster, Vice Chair at Emotive Mobility, on leaders who wait too long to ask for help. When people hide problems instead of raising them, it's a speed killer. Culture is the operating system. [00:16:50] Stop Customizing What Nobody Cares About: The McKinsey North American Automotive Road to Resilience report and Terry Woychowski at Caresoft make the case: the industry agonizes over components consumers don’t care about. Chinese OEMs don’t. Jan previews an upcoming conversation with the President of Horse North America on shared component strategy. [00:18:30] Personal Update: Jan has taken on an Executive Advisor role with Seraph, a global manufacturing and operations consulting firm focused on supply chain and operational improvement. She also shares an update on the Automotive Leaders YouTube channel. [00:20:15] Closing: Three Things You Can Do This Week Identify one decision that can be pushed downstream and push it down todayName one process that slows you down and kill itHave an honest executive-level conversation about your culture playbook and how to rewire it Top Quotes [00:04:50] "We have to stop waiting for clarity. Clarity is not coming. The only response to all of this is resilience." [00:05:00] "Resilience is the ability to absorb shocks, pivot fast, and keep executing while the rules change around you." [00:11:05] "Trust isn't soft. It's a P&L lever." [00:12:43] "People who've been trained to hide problems instead of raising them -- and to protect themselves instead of protecting the business -- that mentality is a speed killer." [00:13:21] "Culture is not soft. Culture is the operating system. It is how we behave. It is how we make decisions. It is our playbook. It's time for us to rewire our operating system." [00:18:27] "Resilience without reinvention is just endurance. You'll survive, but you won't win." [00:18:36] "Reinvention without trust is just a memo that nobody really reads." 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.

    24 min
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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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