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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 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 industry
• Supplier risk and resilience in a challenging global market
• The impact of tariffs on suppliers and trade dynamics
• How OEM-supplier relationships shape the future of the industry
• Insights from academia on preparing the next generation of industry leaders
• How emerging platforms like TikTok are influencing the industry narrative.
• Leadership lessons shared by top executives across the automotive sector
• What to expect from the upcoming Working Relations Index data

Your Host

Jan 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 Jan@gravitasdetroit.com

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success
• Why Automotive Leaders Need Emotional Intelligence with Daniel Goleman
• Inevitable EV Disruption: Mike Colias on Auto Industry’s Future
• The Leadership Formula for TE Connectivity's E-Mobility Success with Qiong Sun
• TikTok Meets Auto: Ahmed Iqbal's Inspiring Leadership Journey
• Meet the Leader Behind the Next Iconic Car Company
• Breaking Barriers: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader
• Driving Culture Change in the Automotive Industry with Jon Husby
• Hadi Awada's Journey to Transforming Workplace Culture
• Behind Martinrea’s Strength: Pat D’Eramo’s No-Fear, People-first Leadership
• Reviving an Icon: Leadership, Innovation, and the New Goodyear Mindset
• Liberation Day: The Day the US Tariff Bomb Hit the Auto Industry
• Auto Industry Under Pressure: Breaking Down the New Tariffs
• Customs vs. C-Suite: The Disconnect That’s Hurting Trade Compliance Strategy
• The Kettering Model: Bridging Academia and Industry for Automotive’s Next Leaders
• Gen Z Perspectives on Authentic Leadership in the Automotive Industry
• CAR Management Briefing Seminars 2025
• Download the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership PDF for FREE
• Get your copy of AutoCulture 2.0: Leading with Gravitas