The Automotive Leaders Podcast

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...

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.<...

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...

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...

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 sh...

Download the full webinar slides here

Special 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 br...

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, so...

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...

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...

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 le...

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 dominates every conversation in the automotive industry, but very few companies know how to make it truly useful. That focus on real value is what led MIT research scientist Dr. Bryan Reimer to write How to Make AI Useful.

The idea began casually over dinner in Lisbon, when someone asked him what he really thought about AI. Bryan didn’t dive into predictions about machines taking over. He focused on something more practical: how AI only matters when it’s built with people in mind.

He breaks AI down into three realities: the excitement of w...

Inside Panasonic’s gigafactories in Nevada and Kansas, machines never stop running. Every second, 70 batteries roll off the line, powered by thousands of people working 24/7. At the center of it all is Allan Swan, a Scotsman who left aerospace to lead one of the most ambitious manufacturing operations in America.

Allan begins by explaining what a gigafactory really is and what it takes to manage a workforce of almost 8,000 people while producing billions of batteries a year.

At Panasonic, Allan flipped the hierarchy, putting his name at the bottom of the org chart to remind ev...

When people in the automotive world talk about leaders who bring out the best in others, Kim Less's name always surfaces. As Vice President of aftersales for Nissan Americas, she leads a team of more than 1,600 people in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America.

Her leadership philosophy? Constant gentle pressure. The phrase, which came from Danny Meyer, perfectly captures how Kim shows up daily.

To her, "constant" means persistence and accountability. "Gentle" means having your team's back while guiding them toward growth. And "pressure" is the drive to win, move with urgency, and...

How does a 65-year-old automotive supplier reinvent itself for the future? That’s the question Jeff Edwards, Chairman and CEO of Cooper Standard, answers in this episode.

With 22,000 employees across 20 countries, Cooper Standard is navigating one of the fastest periods of change in its history; not by clinging to the past, but by transforming how it leads, operates, and builds culture.

Jeff explains that the company’s strength begins with its people. Of the ~22,000 employees, 18,000 work in plants every day. They are the heartbeat of the business, and their mindset defines how the company performs.

Why do so many companies spend millions shaping their external image while missing the most important audience: their own people? That’s the question Jan Griffiths brings to Tina Kozak, CEO of Franco, in this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. Together, they explain why internal communication is often overlooked, and what leaders can do to fix it.

Tina talks about her “head and heart” style of leadership, which balances business strategy with empathy and emotional intelligence. She shares how mentors and coaches shaped that approach and how it helped her lead Franco through a recent acquisition. While...

Ford just made waves with news of a $30,000 EV pickup built on a universal platform. It promises fewer parts, lower costs, and faster assembly. But Jan Griffiths asks a bigger question: if automakers can reinvent the product, why not reinvent the way business gets done?

That’s where Kate Vitasek comes in. As the creator of the Vested Methodology, Kate has spent more than 20 years studying how companies negotiate. She joins Jan to unpack how the old “win at all costs” mindset still lingers in the industry and why it’s holding leaders back.

Kate walks th...

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La carrera de Tony Trecapelli en la industria automotriz comenzó en Saturn, donde pudo ver, de primera mano, cómo podía ser la cultura centrada en personas. Se confiaba en los empleados, se fomentaba la colaboración y los líderes trataban a la fuerza de trabajo como compañeros. Ese ambiente formó su perspectiva desde el principio. 

Cuando después entró a GM, sintió un ambiente muy diferente. Las decisiones se tomaban arriba y se esperaba que las personas siguieran las órdenes sin cuestionarla...

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Tony Trecapelli's career in automotive began at Saturn, where he saw firsthand what a people-centered culture could look like. Employees were trusted, collaboration was encouraged, and leaders treated the workforce as partners. That environment shaped his perspective early on. 

When he later moved into GM, the environment felt very different. Decisions came from the top, and people were expected to follow orders w...

Sometimes the best leadership lesson comes from pressing pause. That's why Jan Griffiths has decided to step away from the usual guest interviews to share something personal: she's taking a break. Not a long one, just enough to recharge and remind us all that rest isn't weakness; it's strength. Leaders set the tone, and showing it's okay to step back is an important aspect of the role.

But this isn't a goodbye. Jan gives a sneak peek at what's coming next. She is preparing for a September 12th webinar showcasing AI-powered podcast translation, technology that allows leaders...

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If you’re still leading like it’s 1995, or worse, 1985, you’re holding this industry back. 

We’ve spent decades obsessing over products and systems, yet barely stopped to ask ourselves: What kind of leaders are we? That’s the question Jan wants you to sit with. Because if we don’t change how we lead, the rest doesn’t matter. 

The truth is, the Command-and-control style is still prevalent today, especially in mo...

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Jay Butler doesn't just understand troubled operations. He's worked through them at every level. From the production lines of Nissan and Mercedes-Benz and now as a consultant for distressed plants, he has seen what causes operations to fall apart. And the biggest problems don't come from the floor. They come from leadership.

Jay starts by sharing how poor leadership decisions create ripple effects that reach all the way to the floor. Holiday shifts...

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Webasto is a legacy company with roots going back to 1901, but staying competitive in today’s automotive industry requires more than history. It also means challenging long-standing norms without discarding the company’s strengths. To understand how a company like that evolves, we sat down with Brad Ring, President and CEO of Webasto Americas. 

Brad Ring describes his leadership style as grounded in authenticity, humility, and care for people. At the core of his a...

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No one would try to stream a 4K video on a '95 Windows computer—but in the auto industry, we're still trying to lead today's transformation with leadership models built decades ago.

That's the hard truth Jan puts on the table in this conversation with Terry Woychowski, President of Caresoft and former GM executive. Together, they unpack what's holding the industry back—and it's not a shortage of technology or talent. It's the cult...

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Elon Musk did what most thought was impossible. He built a mission-driven brand that captured global attention, made electric vehicles desirable, and forced legacy automakers to rethink everything. But lately, his leadership has taken a turn—and it’s raising serious questions. The mission hasn’t changed, but the behavior around it has.

In this special solo episode, Jan Griffiths lays out five leadership lessons for Elon—not out of criticism, but from a deep r...

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As the auto industry faces a new wave of uncertainty—tariffs shifting daily, global instability, and mounting supply chain questions—leaders are under pressure to act fast. For many, that means retreating into old habits, tightening control, and centralizing decisions. But Jan challenges leaders to do the opposite.

She knows it's tempting. In a crisis, the structure feels safe. But Jan argues that the real power lies in authentic leadership—especially now. That means...

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Season 6 opens with a deep dive into the 2025 Working Relations Index (WRI)—and the numbers are telling. Toyota, Honda, and GM continue to rise, while Ford and Stellantis slide further down. The gap between the top and bottom OEMs? The largest since 2008.

Jan brings together Dave Andrea and Dr. Angela Johnson from Plante Moran, along with returning guest Sig Huber, to explain what’s behind the scores and what they mean for supplier rela...

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Season Five of the Automotive Leaders Podcast comes to a close, and with it, a year of powerful conversations that challenged the way we think about leadership in the automotive industry.

This season wasn’t just about bringing guests to the mic—it was about tackling real-world issues. From supplier risk and global tariffs to leadership challenges inside some of the industry’s biggest names, every episode added a new layer to understanding where the automotive world is headed.

Jan also took the po...

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How do you transform a brand that's been part of American history for 125 years, without losing the DNA that made it legendary?

In this episode, Goodyear CEO and President Mark Stewart joins Jan Griffiths to share how he is breathing new life into one of the world's most iconic brands — and why the real transformation is not just about technology, but rather about leadership, culture, and people.

He reflects on his ea...

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When Pat D'Eramo entered the auto industry four decades ago, leadership looked very different. Power meant control. Leaders gave orders, and people followed—or else. But even back then, Pat knew there had to be a better way.

That mindset was reinforced early in his career, thanks to a unique experience at Saturn. Unlike the traditional plants of the time, Saturn was built on collaboration. And it showed Pat what leadership could look li...

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It was 6 PM on April 2nd in Detroit, and the news just dropped—a sweeping new tariff announcement from Trump had thrown the automotive industry into chaos. In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer at Elm Analytics, to understand what this moment means.

Sig, no stranger to disruption — from 9/11 to the Chrysler bankruptcy — doesn’t mince words: this isn’t a storm that will pass. This is a structur...

This episode is the Spanish version of episode #150

¿Qué acaba de suceder?

Esa es la pregunta que todos se hacen en la industria automotriz después del sorprendente anuncio de la nueva administración: un arrasador arancel del 25% sobre los vehículos importados y las autopartes clave. 

Para encontrarle más sentido a todo, Jan Griffiths le da la bienvenida a Glenn Stevens Jr., director ejecutivo de MichAuto. Juntos, desglosan las implicaciones para los fabricantes, el empleo en los Estados Unidos y la producción futura de vehículos en América.

Aunque l...

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What just happened?

That's the question hanging over the automotive industry after the new administration's surprise announcement: a sweeping 25% tariff on imported vehicles and key auto parts. 

To help make sense of it all, Jan Griffiths welcomes Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto. Together, they break down what this means for manufacturers, U.S. jobs, and the future of vehicle production in America.

While the intent behind the p...

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Trade compliance might not be the most thrilling topic—until it starts costing your company millions. That’s exactly what’s happening as tariffs shift overnight, companies scramble for answers, and supply chain leaders face an avalanche of confusion. 

Most executives don’t want to deal with customs and compliance, and they didn’t have to for years. But now, it’s no longer a back-office function—it’s a front-and-center leadership challenge.

That’s where...

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The auto industry is holding its breath. A 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada is about to take effect, and the ripple effects will be massive. Suppliers are drawing a hard line—either OEMs accept the costs, or shipments stop. The chaos is real. It’s a high-stakes moment, but Jan Griffiths knows this isn’t just about economics—it’s about leadership.

In this solo episode, Jan challenges leaders to ask themselves: How will you show up in the face of uncertainty? Will you d...

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Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University, started out as a kid with binoculars, staring up at the stars, fascinated by the unknown. Now, he's shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation in the auto industry before they even step foot into the workforce. 

For Dr. McMahan, leadership isn't about power—it's about unlocking the potential of those around you. He believes a true leader creates an environment where people thr...

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The auto industry is at a crossroads. Legacy automakers have poured billions into electric vehicles but are still trying to catch up. Why? Because breaking free from the systems built for gas-powered cars isn't easy.

In this episode, Mike Colias, the Wall Street Journal's deputy bureau chief for autos, joins Jan Griffiths to talk about the messy reality of the EV transition. 

Drawing from his book Inevitable: Inside the Messy, Unstoppable T...

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In this episode of The Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths interviews Qiong Sun, Vice President and General Manager of TE Connectivity's Global Automotive E-Mobility business, to learn what it takes to lead a technology company during this transformative period in the automotive industry.

From the very start, you can see Qiong's passion for technology and leadership come through. She shares how her engineering background shaped her leadership style, which is rooted in problem-solving...

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It's day two of the Detroit Auto Show, and Jan is back at Kettering University's AutoMobili-D exhibit, diving into conversations with the people shaping the future of mobility.

Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed, CEO of SAE International, set the stage with her thoughts on why hands-on learning is the best way to prepare engineering students for the challenges of the real world. 

Next, legal expert Jennifer Dukarski talks about the challenges and opportunities of AI in automotive. From national security concerns to ethical data u...

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The Detroit Auto Show is coming to an end, but the conversations from day one at the Kettering University booth continue to inspire. Join host Jan Griffiths as she sits down with industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of automotive through fresh ideas, education, and collaboration.

First up, Dan Stewart from Automation Alley explains how bridging academia, government, and industry is sparking real progress in digital manufacturing. Enza Sleva from Kettering explains how their co-op program sets students up for success from day...