Welcome to In-car Wellness Experiences - Thomas Stocker, Gentherm EP22

THE WELLBEING REVOLUTION DECODEDIn this new episode of "Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling", brought to you by the Storytelling Tribe, we connect with Thomas Stocker, key member of Gentherm's executive team, leading their European operations and former BMW infotainment integration leader. Thomas shares insights on leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of adapting to change in a rapidly evolving industry..KEY INSIGHTSHardware Engineers vs. Software Visionaries: The Transformation ChallengeThomas reveals how Gentherm evolved from producing millions of heated seats and massage components to developing WellSense – a software-defined wellness platform backed by clinical research and physiological algorithms that orchestrate thermal, pneumatic, and massage effectuators.The Science of In-Car Wellbeing: From Medical to MobilityDiscover how Gentherm leverages knowledge from its medical business unit – where temperature management can help improve patient outcomes – to create clinically-validated wellness experiences that can trick your brain into feeling warm in seconds and optimize energy consumption in EVs.The SDV Enabler: Wellness as a ServiceLearn how WellSense positions itself as the "wellbeing brain" in software-defined vehicles, enabling OEMs to offer downloadable wellness modes, personalized AI-driven comfort settings, and subscription-based features that adapt to individual passenger preferences and contexts.PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYSBuild Cross-Functional Bridges: When selling system solutions, map stakeholder silos early – Thomas faced four different VPs controlling components of one integrated experienceInvest in Clinical Validation: Gentherm's science lab with hundreds of patient studies differentiates their wellness claims from engineering guesswork – quantify the impact of your innovationsLook to China for Future Trends: Chinese OEMs are standardizing massage in mid-tier vehicles and embracing wellness features that Western brands still position as expensive options ABOUT YOUR GUIDEThomas Stocker brings over 25 years of automotive innovation experience spanning BMW, Harman International, and Hensoldt defense systems. He led infotainment head unit integration for BMW flagship models, oversaw connected car operations across Europe and Asia Pacific at Harman, and now drives Gentherm's transformation from thermal component supplier to wellness experience platform provider across Europe, Middle East, and Africa."Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.