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

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 A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control.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