In this bonus episode of DRIVE, Ford CEO Jim Farley continues his conversation with Mike Rowe about the “essential economy” and why America is increasingly vulnerable due to shortages of construction, industrial, emergency services, and skilled trade workers. Rowe explains how COVID re-highlighted essential workers, how his MikeRoweWORKS foundation began amid the 2009 recession despite millions of open jobs, and why shortages become real to people only when repairs and services fail. Mike and Jim discuss the need to rebuild respect for skilled work through trade schools, scholarships, apprenticeships, and company-led training. 

00:00 Leadership That Pivots

00:21 Why the Essential Economy Matters

01:26 America’s Skilled-Worker Vulnerability

04:11 The Skill Gap Nobody Saw

05:39 When Shortages Hit Home

11:09 Trade Schools

12:33 Brand Beyond Features

13:17 Future Proofing and AI

15:29 Manufacturing Jobs Gap

18:48 Teaching Hands On Skills

23:53 Let Customers Speak

DRIVE with Jim Farley is produced by Jesse Baker and Eric Nuzum of Magnificent Noise. Our production staff includes Sabrina Farhi and Kristen Mueller with help from Lori Arpin, Angela Brewer, Max Owen-Dunow, Anne Roberts, Samantha Singhal, Darnell Macon, Brandon Kennedy, and Mark Truby. 

Follow Jim: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jim.Farley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimfarley98/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jimfarley98

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-farley/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jimfarley.bsky.social

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jimfarley98

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