Season 5 Recap: Key Conversations Driving the Automotive Industry Forward

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more 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 podcast further than ever before, introducing translated episodes in Spanish and Ukrainian to reach a broader, more diverse audience. Live recordings from the Detroit Auto Show and the MEMA Annual Conference added fresh perspectives straight from the heart of the industry.We even ventured into academia, with conversations featuring the president of Kettering University and students from Wayne State University, offering a glimpse into the future of the workforce.With Season Six already in motion and a major episode on the Working Relations Index dropping on May 22nd, the journey continues. And if this season proved anything, it’s that authentic leadership starts with honest conversations—and those are far from over.Themes discussed in this episode:The growing need for authentic leadership in the automotive industrySupplier risk and resilience in a challenging global marketThe impact of tariffs on suppliers and trade dynamicsHow OEM-supplier relationships shape the future of the industryInsights from academia on preparing the next generation of industry leadersHow emerging platforms like TikTok are influencing the industry narrative.Leadership lessons shared by top executives across the automotive sectorWhat to expect from the upcoming Working Relations Index dataYour HostJan 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. 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 [email protected] in this episode:The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and SuccessWhy Automotive Leaders Need Emotional Intelligence with Daniel GolemanInevitable EV Disruption: Mike Colias on Auto Industry’s FutureThe Leadership Formula for TE Connectivity's E-Mobility Success with Qiong SunTikTok Meets Auto: Ahmed Iqbal's Inspiring Leadership JourneyMeet the Leader Behind the Next Iconic Car CompanyBreaking Barriers: From Humble Beginnings to Industry LeaderDriving Culture Change in the Automotive Industry with Jon HusbyHadi Awada's Journey to Transforming Workplace CultureBehind Martinrea’s Strength: Pat D’Eramo’s No-Fear, People-first LeadershipReviving an Icon: Leadership, Innovation, and the New Goodyear MindsetLiberation Day: The Day the US Tariff Bomb Hit the Auto IndustryAuto Industry Under Pressure: Breaking Down the New TariffsCustoms vs. C-Suite: The Disconnect That’s Hurting Trade Compliance StrategyThe Kettering Model: Bridging Academia and Industry for Automotive’s Next LeadersGen Z Perspectives on Authentic Leadership in the Automotive IndustryAutomotive Suppliers and the Revenue Acquisition Process – Then and Now: 2025 UpdateDownload the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership PDF for FREEGet your copy of AutoCulture 2.0: Leading with Gravitas