Welcome to Auto Talk With Jaz! I'm your host, Jazmine Booker. We have a special guest in today's episode - Paula M. Kramer. Paula is here to share her incredible insights and strategies for building strong connections in the workplace and navigating challenges related to stereotypes and bias.

Paula's journey is truly inspiring. Despite facing personal tragedies at a young age, she persevered and became an international speaker at 50, a bestselling author at 70, and now a podcast favorite at 72. Her diverse experiences, including working in male-dominated environments like construction sites, have given her a unique perspective on overcoming stereotypes and fostering positive relationships.

Throughout our conversation, Paula will share her "Soapy Strategies" - techniques for making oneself more approachable, synchronizing similarities with colleagues, and transforming workplace dynamics. She'll discuss the importance of understanding "situation language," speaking the language relevant to your role, and finding common ground through shared experiences.

We'll also delve into Paula's courses, which cover topics like recognizing and addressing gossip, understanding behavior styles, and navigating stereotypes. She'll share stories illustrating how these strategies can defuse tense situations, place employees in roles that highlight their strengths, and break down industry barriers.

So whether you're looking to advance your career, build stronger relationships with coworkers, or become a more effective communicator, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Get ready to take notes as Paula M. Kramer shares her wisdom on Auto Talk With Jaz!

In this episode of Auto Talk with Jaz, host Jazmine Booker continues her conversation with Dr. Rob Lion, focusing on his "Trust and Alignment Framework." This framework is designed to help leaders and managers understand how to better connect with and meet the needs of their teams.

The framework is represented visually as a car's drive shaft system with four wheels, each representing a key leadership attribute:

1. Consistency - helps people anticipate leaders' reactions and builds trust
2. Accountability - holding everyone to the same standards and having difficult conversations when needed
3. Connection - recognizing people as individuals and connecting with them appropriately
4. Safety - ensuring psychological safety so people feel secure speaking up without fear of retribution

When these four attributes are deployed effectively, it leads to meaningful work, compassion, vulnerability and trust among the team - the human essence that drives the actual work getting done.

Dr. Lion and Jazmine discuss the importance of leaders showing their own humanity and vulnerability to connect with their teams. They also touch on giving people grace when they are struggling and working together as a community to support one another through challenges.

Dr. Lion's key piece of advice is to never stop learning - be a lifelong student and stay curious. This builds self-awareness, patience and the ability to connect with diverse people.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.blackriverpm.com

In this episode of "Auto Talk with Jaz," host Jazmine Booker interviews Dr. Rob Lion, a professor, and expert in organizational performance. Dr. Lion shares two frameworks for improving motivation and leadership in the workplace.

The first is the "speedometer framework," which distinguishes intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Dr. Lion emphasizes that motivation is an internal process driven by three basic psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Effective leaders should focus on creating conditions that foster intrinsic motivation rather than relying solely on extrinsic motivators like pay.

The second framework is the "CAR model" Dr. Lion developed: Competency, Autonomy, and Relatedness. He explains that employees' work performance can be impacted by deficits in any of these areas, both in their professional and personal lives.

Through a case study, Dr. Lion illustrates how examining an underperforming employee's CAR situation revealed personal challenges affecting her work. He encourages managers to show genuine interest in their employees' well-being to better understand and support their motivation.

Other key takeaways include the importance of fostering connection and enjoyment at work and recognizing that factors beyond pay, such as a positive work environment aligned with intrinsic motivations, are crucial for employee retention.

The episode concludes with an announcement from Dr. Rob Lion that the next installment will feature more motivational frameworks.

Welcome to Auto Talk With Jaz! In today's episode, we have an extraordinary guest, Erica Bruno, the Vice President of Business Development at CBC Automotive Marketing. Erica, a self-proclaimed "car girl" at heart, has a rich legacy in the automotive industry; she’s a third-generation professional whose journey was deeply influenced by her grandfather, a pioneering and resilient figure in automotive franchising.

Throughout this episode, Erica and our host, Jazmine Booker, dive into Erica's storied career that began with Toyota's management training program and spanned across major companies like Nissan Corporate and Volvo Corporate. Erica shares invaluable lessons from her grandfather about authenticity and perseverance, discusses the realities of women in the car business, and stresses the importance of focusing on what you can control in life.

We'll explore her passion for branding, the vital role of community and empathy in leadership, and how genuine connections can transform workplaces. Erica also provides insights into her involvement with organizations like the Women of Color Automotive Network and Automotive State of the Union, which aim to support diversity in the industry.

Join Jazmine and Erica as they navigate topics from overcoming discrimination, the importance of employee well-being, strategic career planning, and the power of self-reflection. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to grow in the automotive industry—or any field. So buckle up and enjoy the ride on this inspiring journey with Erica Bruno on Auto Talk With Jaz!

Welcome back to another episode of "Auto Talk With Jaz." I'm your host, Jazmine Booker, and today, we're diving deep into the complexities of conflict resolution in the workplace, especially within the automotive industry. As a woman in this field, I share my personal journey, from navigating challenging dynamics with management to recognizing the importance of mental and physical health. We also get a sneak peek into exciting upcoming guests, including a parts department expert, a Women of Color Automotive Network representative, and even a doctor specializing in workplace culture. We'll talk about how crucial honest conversations are and why leaving a toxic environment might be the best decision for your well-being. Get ready for a heartfelt and insightful episode that aims to empower and educate. Let's get started!

This podcast episode focuses on the critical role employees play in shaping and maintaining organizational standards and culture. Jazmine Booker emphasizes that while managers set the standards, it's equally important for employees to actively uphold them and advocate for improvements in the work environment. She encourages listeners to use their voices to speak up when they see issues, as well as to embrace change and collaborate effectively with their colleagues. The discussion highlights the necessity for employees to train and support one another, fostering a sense of community and teamwork that ultimately contributes to a healthier workplace. Jasmine also explores the impact of low standards on employee morale and the importance of accountability at all levels within an organization.

As the episode concludes, Jazmine reiterates the necessity for both employees and managers to strive for alignment in their efforts to improve the workplace. She reflects on the challenges that arise when leadership fails to set a solid example, causing frustration among employees who desire a culture of accountability and excellence. Jazmine posits that organizational culture is not solely the responsibility of management but is a collaborative effort that requires participation from all team members. She encourages her audience to redefine their roles within the workplace, advocating for a culture of mutual support and shared responsibility. This holistic approach to workplace dynamics emphasizes that change is a collective endeavor, with both managers and employees needing to engage actively in creating a respectful and productive work environment. In doing so, Jazmine leaves her listeners with a powerful message: to be a part of the solution, not the problem, by embracing change and advocating for continuous improvement.

Takeaways:

• Effective communication between employees and managers is crucial for maintaining workplace standards.
• Employees should advocate for themselves and others to improve the work environment.
• Embracing change and being open to new standards can lead to a better workplace.
• Long-term employees often resist change because they benefit from the status quo.
• Creating a supportive organizational culture enhances employee morale and productivity.
• Management should model the behavior they expect from their employees to foster accountability.

Hey everyone, welcome to the latest episode of AutoTalk with Jaz! In today's show, we're diving into a crucial topic for managers - how to foster a more collaborative work environment instead of a competitive one. Your host Jazmine Booker recently spoke about this subject at an engagement and she's here to share some of the key points.

We'll discuss the importance of managers setting clear standards and maintaining them consistently across the team. Jaz will also touch on how managers need to check their biases and delegate effectively based on people's actual abilities, not just playing favorites.

Using your voice in the right way is another essential skill. Managers hugely impact the organizational culture through their words and actions. Jaz will explain how managers need to steer clear of gossip and unprofessional behavior while still being honest and relatable to their teams.

Finally, being open to change and constructive feedback is a must for any good leader. Jaz will share her 4-step approach of doing, critiquing, fixing and repeating to help managers continuously improve.

So listen in for Jazmine's expert tips on how managers can step up, empower their teams, and create a workplace where everyone collaborates and thrives together. Let's jump into it!

Hey everyone, Jazmine here, and welcome to the latest episode of AutoTalk With Jaz. In our last episode, I shared some updates on what I've been up to during my brief hiatus from the show. I've been pursuing some exciting new opportunities like speaking engagements and workshops where I get to share my automotive expertise with others, especially women.

It's been an incredible journey of growth, both personally and professionally. I've had the chance to work with a local women's shelter, teaching basic car maintenance and empowering women with knowledge to protect themselves when dealing with the automotive industry.

The experience has taught me so much about how to be a better communicator and educator. I've realized the importance of conveying information in a way that truly connects with and helps the people I'm trying to reach.

While it's been a challenging few months of rebranding, restructuring the podcast, and figuring out next steps - the support from all of you has kept me going. Hearing how much the stories and lessons shared here have impacted you means the world.

So I'm coming back reinvigorated and ready to bring you even more great content to help you navigate the automotive world. Stay tuned for an awesome new regular episode dropping alongside this one. As always, thanks for riding with me on this journey. Let's get into it!

Welcome back to AutoTalk With Jaz! I’m your host, Jazmine Booker, and I appreciate your patience with us during our brief hiatus. This week’s episode is a deeply personal and essential conversation on the topic of job movement in the automotive industry. Is it really wrong to hop from job to job? We’ll explore this through my own experiences and dive into why freelancing and gaining different perspectives can be valuable for your career.

I’ll share some of my personal stories, including facing mistreatment and undervaluation despite my skills and qualifications. We’ll discuss when it’s time to leave a job that isn't fulfilling or fair, and the importance of updating your resume to showcase all of your skills and responsibilities. We’ll also touch on resources like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for those who are dealing with employer retaliation.

Moreover, I'll reflect on my journey through various dealerships—from starting at $15 an hour to being offered a managerial position at $20 an hour—all while facing challenging environments. And let’s not forget the crucial subject of prioritizing your mental health and choosing companies that align with your values.

Lastly, I’m excited to seek your feedback on our new podcast cover and encourage you to engage with us. Plus, there’s an exciting opportunity for me to speak at South by Southwest about protecting mental health in demanding industries, and I would love your support!

Stay tuned, and let’s get into it.

Welcome to the latest episode of AutoTalk With Jaz, where we dive into the real stories and experiences of professionals in the automotive industry. In this episode, Jazmine is joined by her close friend and industry insider, Heaven, for a candid conversation about the challenges and triumphs of navigating a career in this dynamic field.

Jazmine and Heaven share their personal journeys, from the early days of getting their start in the industry to the lessons they've learned along the way. They discuss the importance of self-confidence, humility, and the need to stand up for oneself in a male-dominated industry. The two also delve into the technical aspects of the job, emphasizing the critical role of technicians in ensuring safety and quality, and the consequences of cutting corners or making mistakes.

Throughout the episode, Jazmine and Heaven offer valuable insights and advice for professionals across various fields, drawing from their own experiences and the wisdom they've gained from mentors and colleagues. They touch on topics such as dealing with workplace stress, building a supportive community, and finding success in a challenging industry.

In addition to the serious topics, the conversation is filled with lighthearted moments and personal anecdotes, from reminiscing about their friendship to sharing bizarre and humorous stories from their time in the industry. Jazmine and Heaven's natural chemistry and shared experiences make for an engaging and relatable listen.

So sit back, relax, and join us for an illuminating and entertaining discussion with two inspiring women who have made their mark in the automotive world. Whether you're an industry insider or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes stories, this episode of Auto Talk With Jaz has something for everyone.