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In this podcast episode, Alisyn Malek, a seasoned leader in the automotive and mobility industry, shares her extraordinary journey from working on an OEM electric vehicle project to pioneering startups that influence the future of mobility. Alisyn addresses the challenges confronting traditional automotive manufacturers in adapting to rapid innovation, highlighting the necessity for a mindset shift and a focus on solving tangible customer problems through data-driven decision-making. 

As she discusses her role at May Mobility and establishing SkillFusion, Alisyn emphasizes the crucial intersection where policy, infrastructure, automation, leadership, and technology converge. The podcast explores her experience developing a software platform to address the pressing issues with EV charging infrastructure, showcasing how her leadership and expertise bridge the gap between established OEMs and the burgeoning startup landscape. Alisyn's commitment to shaping the future of mobility through collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering growth mindset shines through, making this episode a must-listen for those intrigued by the transformative dynamics of the automotive industry.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Automotive transformation and OEM challenges
• Challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry's transition to automation
• Cross-functional design approach in the automotive industry
• Data-driven decision-making
• Startup ecosystem and innovation
• The human element in EV charging infrastructure
• Leadership traits for innovation

Featured: Alisyn Malek

What she does: Alisyn is a dynamic leader in the mobility and automotive sectors, having played key roles at General Motors, driving EV product development and corporate strategy. As the co-founder and COO of May Mobility, she pioneered autonomous vehicle transportation solutions. Currently, she's driving innovation as the force behind SkillFusion, a platform focused on enhancing EV charging infrastructure through workforce development.

On leadership: “The open mindset helps because you've created a dialogue back and forth. But you also have to demonstrate back that you trust them. That only goes so far, so if they keep messing up, you have to show people there are consequences. But it has to be a two-way street because that, again, really creates the strength of the team that's going to allow you to achieve things you otherwise never would have thought imaginable.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• Ed Olson, CEO and Co-Founder of May Mobility
• SAFE, Coalition for Reimagined Mobility
• Alisyn Malek’s book, Intersection: Reimagining Mobility Across Traditional Boundaries
• Newlab

Episode Highlights:

[00:03:25] Alisyn's professional journey: Embark on Alisyn's dynamic career, spanning GM's automation endeavors to co-founding May Mobility and venturing into the realm of startups.

[00:11:53] A blueprint for innovation: Exploring the multifaceted dimensions of mobility and transportation, Alisyn discusses her book's mission to capture diverse perspectives on the future of mobility.

[00:20:01] Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Dive into Alisyn's perspective on embracing discomfort and cultivating a growth mindset for innovation within the automotive realm.

[00:33:26] Nurturing mobility ecosystem: A dynamic startup ecosystem that Alisyn played a pivotal role in launching in Detroit. Newlab focuses on empowering founders to scale their businesses, particularly in hard tech areas such as mobility, energy, and materials.

[00:36:31] Explore SkillFusion: Alisyn's recent venture addressing the shortage of skilled technicians in maintaining EV charging infrastructure, ensuring a seamless experience for electric vehicle users.

[00:40:51] Alisyn on authentic leadership: Learn about the key traits that fuel Alisyn’s dynamic approach to navigating the fast-paced world of innovation and mobility.

[00:43:59] Personal side of Alisyn: Peek into Alisyn Malek's personal side, from favorite spots in Detroit to literary preferences, offering a glimpse into the life of a leader shaping the future of mobility.

Top quotes:

[00:07:02] Alisyn: “Why would we do the same thing when we knew the same thing was actually having worse outcomes for people getting where they needed to go?”

[00:11:17] Alisyn: “Our entire economy is underpinned by mobility. Our health and life outcomes are underpinned by our access to mobility.”

[00:19:38] Alisyn: “We need to be able to ask questions, and we need to know that sometimes, at the very start, we won't have all the answers, but we'll get them along the way. And that requires a culture that needs that open mindset.”

[00:22:44] Alisyn: “To write something off because it didn't work once is terrible product planning because other people are working to evolve it… Instead of just telling me it doesn't work. Why don't you tell me why it didn't work then? What part of it failed?”

[00:27:15] Alisyn: “The number of decisions that are made within automotive, because an executive has a gut feel or a passion, not because there was data taken or there was an ill-structured customer study done early on, I think fundamentally is what is wrong.”

[00:27:57] Alisyn: “I think the biggest problem that the OEMs are going to be tackling is how do you actually make sure you're solving the right problem. Because each problem is going to take resources, it's going to take capital, it's going to take people, it's going to take expertise.”

[00:30:52] Alisyn: “Stop trying to pretend to be a tech company and actually be a tech company. The whole idea of a tech company from a startup perspective is that you solve a problem that people have and are willing to pay.”

[00:42:03] Alisyn: “Being able to create that learning culture, that open mindset, is going to help your team gel and be able to rally together to be able to do more faster.”

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Welcome to the first episode of Season 5 of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. In this season opener, Jan Griffiths interviews Michael Colleran, Senior Vice President and Corporate Officer at Nissan North America. Michael started his professional journey as a US Marine Corps Captain and later worked at General Motors and Saab before joining Nissan. This diverse experience gives him a unique perspective on the shifts in the auto industry.

The conversation starts with a study from Great Place to Work, revealing that 77 percent of Nissan’s employees deem it a great place to work. Mike shares what factors contribute to this recognition, exploring the essential elements that shape Nissan’s exceptional workplace culture.

Michael highlights the changing dynamics of customer interactions, emphasizing the shift from transactional to experiential relationships. Essential leadership qualities, accountability, and the significance of setting examples within leadership teams are discussed, and challenging norms by acknowledging past success behaviors may not ensure future achievements. These perspectives not only give a glimpse into how leadership operates at Nissan but also offer valuable lessons for adapting to the ever-changing world of the automotive industry.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Nissan's journey and transformation.
• The necessity for behavioral and cultural changes to drive success.
• Adapting to changing customer expectations from transactional to experiential.
• Evolving dynamics of leadership in the automotive industry.
• Balancing innovation with a strong sense of accountability in leadership.
• The influential role of leadership teams in setting positive examples.

Featured: Michael Colleran

What he does: Michael is Corporate Vice President at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Senior Vice President for all sales and marketing activities for the Nissan and INFINITI brands in the US. A former Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Michael brings a dynamic blend of strategic vision and operational excellence to the automotive industry.

On leadership: “When leaders replicate good behaviors, people will follow. They want to follow; they want that example out there... Leaders can get out there, set an example, and use their experience.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• Podcast interview with Navy SEALs: 
• Episode with Clint Bruce - Former Navy Special Warfare Officer
• Episode with Nick Norris - Former Navy SEAL
• Book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• Podcast episode with Stefan Krause
• Podcast episode with Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup Company

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:53] Michael's corporate odyssey: Follow Michael’s journey as he transitions from a US Marine Corps Captain through roles at GM and Saab to his impactful position at Nissan, revealing the changes in leadership dynamics along the way.

[00:08:36] Cultural transformation at Nissan: Exploring the essential cultural shifts and behavioral changes that positioned the company as a great workplace amidst the rapid transformations in the automotive industry.

[00:20:01] Innovation through accountability: Jan and Michael tackle the fear of failure that is prevalent in leadership. Michael advises leaders to encourage risk-taking, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures and swiftly moving forward. They also discussed accountability dynamics, steering away from blame and fostering a culture that encourages positive accountability.

[00:33:29] Authentic leadership traits: Discussing the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership, Michael emphasizes the essence of being a leader with Gravitas, summarizing the comprehensive qualities required for authentic leadership.

[00:35:54] Executive beyond the boardroom: Explore the personal side of an auto industry executive as Michael Colleran shares insights into his life outside the corporate world, uncovering exciting details such as his music preferences and hobbies.

[00:40:37] Michael’s advice: In an industry where stability once prevailed, Michael urges leaders to stay attentive to the shifting ground, continuously questioning and adapting while acknowledging the influx of new competitors.

Top Quotes:

[00:04:17] Michael: “Where to place your trust, how to earn trust, and how to make sure that your people and the teams around you trust each other are crucial… That's true in our business today. Employees want that level of trust and transparency. It was probably one of the key things I learned from my days in the Marine Corps.”

[00:09:55] Michael: “Most would say the big challenges in the industry are ICE to EV, autonomous drive, or connected cars. At Nissan, we reject that. Big change is coming, no question. But the biggest change is the battle for the customer. At the ultimate decision point, the customer has to make a decision for your brand.”

[00:11:16] Michael: “We're going to make the best ecosystem possible, one that people just don't want to leave. They truly love the brand. Right now, we're reinventing our team into a very customer-focused team, moving the business from transactional to experiential.”

[00:14:30] Michael: I truly believe that really great leadership is forged in the furnace of experience.

[00:14:54] Michael: “I'm a big believer in looking for curiosity in people; curiosity to me means you're still growing, and I can't coach and mentor someone who stopped learning.”

[00:32:13] Michael: “Leaders, focus will set you free, and it also allows you to be true to your core values. When you're focused, and you know what you're trying to accomplish, and you never lose sight of that goal.”

[00:34:11] Michael: “If a leader sees the business as their own, they're going to make better decisions for the company, for their people, for their partners, and for their customers.”

[00:41:15] Michael: “I would say, keep your head on a swivel. You need always just to be looking around and asking yourself, why?”

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In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths reflects on the recent developments in the automotive industry and takes a moment to revisit a series of episodes dedicated to strike-related content, featuring key providers and experts offering insights on risk management, operational perspectives, collaborative agreements, and the legal aspects of the automotive landscape.

Transitioning to her experience at the MEMA conference, Jan shares her personal growth in aligning with her values and embodying authentic leadership. The highlight of the conference was an interaction with Stephen Covey. Jan also recaps her participation in the Reuters conference, where she introduced Marques McCammon, President of Karma Automotive. Impressed by Karma's mission-driven approach and authentic leadership, Jan expresses enthusiasm for the company's future in the luxury EV market.

As season four concludes, Jan sheds light on the evolution of Gravitas Detroit, providing details about the company's development and direction. Jan announces the upcoming website revision, the release of her book, and the podcast's sponsorship opportunities in 2024. Jan looks forward to returning for season five in December, continuing to promote authentic leadership in the automotive industry.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• End of the UAW strike
• Insights from key providers and experts
• Personal experiences and growth
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Updates on the business 
• End of season
• Plans and preparation for the future

Featured: Jan Griffiths

What she does: Jan is the founder and CEO of Gravitas Detroit, an organization dedicated to cultivating authentic leadership in the automotive industry by providing courses, workshops, speaking events, and more. She is also the host of The Automotive Leaders Podcast.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Podcast episode with Tor Hough and Sig Huber of ELM Analytics
• Podcast episode with Thomas Kowal, President of Seraph North America
• Podcast episode with Kate Vitasek, Expert in collaborative negotiations
• Podcast episode with Daniel Rustmann, Co-Chair of the Global Automotive Practice at Butzel Long
• Solo episode, “My Love Hate Relationship with Shawn Fain.”
• MEMA Conference
• Podcast episode with Stephen Covey, Global authority on trust, leadership, and culture. Author of “Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others.”
• Marques McCammon, President of Karma Automotive
• Michelle Christensen, Vice President, Global Design at Karma Automotive
• Karma Automotive Launch Event last November 11
• ALP’s 100th episode with John McElroy and Jason Stein
• Podcast that Jan co-host and produce, Auto Supply Chain Prophets
• ASCP podcast episode with Anthony Emery, Supply Chain and Logistics Director for PHINIA
• ASCP podcast episode with Thomas Kull, Professor of Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:18] Reflection on season four and previous episodes: Jan Griffiths reflects on the themes and highlights of Season Four, offering insights into the past episodes and the overarching narrative.

[00:03:28] Experience at the MEMA Conference: Sharing her experience at the MEMA Conference, Jan provides a personal perspective on the growth and evolution of her involvement in the automotive industry.

[00:07:30] Introduction to Karma Automotive: Jan introduces Karma Automotive, highlighting the mission-driven approach and the impressive leadership of Marques McCammon.

[00:10:08] Closing season four and updates on future plans: As Season Four concludes, Jan shares updates on future plans, including a book release, website revisions, and the launch of Season Five, teasing exciting developments.

[00:20:18] Sponsorship: Discussing sponsorship, Jan opens the door for potential partners aligned with the mission of preparing the automotive industry for the future through authentic leadership.

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In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, host Jan Griffiths engages in a conversation with Daniel Rustmann, an industry expert with over 30 years of legal experience in supplier-related matters. They explore the unique challenges the automotive supply chain faces during and post-UAW strike.

Daniel, a co-chair of the global automotive practice at Butzel Long, provides valuable insights into the legal and contractual aspects influencing the ability to restart operations swiftly. He emphasizes that while contractual obligations often favor OEMs, a cooperative approach may be more effective in resolving disputes. The discussion also highlights the intricate interconnectivity within the automotive supply chain, emphasizing the importance of aligning terms and conditions to ensure a seamless flow of expectations.

The significance of proactive risk assessment and open communication within the supply chain is evident throughout the conversation. Maintaining healthy supplier relationships, keeping in touch with employees, and fostering positivity are key takeaways. This episode underscores that, while legal considerations are crucial, a collaborative approach, coupled with positive leadership, holds the key to overcoming challenges and transforming the automotive industry in the face of adversity.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• UAW Strike and supply chain challenges
• Swift restart of operations
• Contractual and legal considerations
• Communication and collaboration
• Risk assessment and preparedness
• Leadership and positivity
• Opportunities for transformation

Featured Guest: Daniel Rustmann

What he does: Daniel Rustmann is the Co-Chair of the Global Automotive Practice at Butzel Long; he is highly respected in the automotive industry for his work in the supply base.

On leadership: “Every time we face a serious challenge, that also comes with a serious opportunity. And this is an opportunity for people to step up and show their leadership and show their poise, show their creativity, show their grit to be able to get through the situation like we always do like the industry always recovers.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• UAW Strike: Preparing for a Successful Industry Restart, episode with Thomas Kowal, President of Seraph North America
• MEMA - Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (formerly OESA)
• FMEA - Failure Modes and Effects Analysis

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:26] Legal Challenges and Swift Startup Post-UAW Strike: Explores the legal and operational hurdles in the automotive supply chain post-UAW strike, focusing on the need for swift startup and effective communication across tiers.

[00:07:41] Contractual Preparations for Supply Chain Recovery: Critical aspects of supplier contracts are discussed. Dan advises suppliers to review their contracts, especially concerning payment issues, proactively. Understand rights and obligations and establish a clear paper trail to prepare for a rapid startup.

[00:14:27] Prioritizing Collaboration in Supplier Contracts: Dan and Jan stress the significance of proactive discussions in supplier contracts, focusing on quality, delivery, and issue resolution. Their approach prioritizes collaboration over legalities, enabling suppliers to better prepare for supply chain challenges.

[00:21:09] Embracing change and leading through crisis: This highlight focuses on authentic leadership during times of crisis and the potential for transformation within the automotive industry amid challenges. 

[00:25:22] Dan's pro tips: Dan provides three essential tips for automotive suppliers: legal preparedness, effective communication, and positive adaptation.

Top Quotes:

[00:02:27] Dan: “We can expect that when an agreement is reached, the OEMs will want supply to start immediately. And they will push hard to have everybody up and running yesterday with very little notice. So that will certainly be the largest obstacle everybody faces.”

[00:16:17] Dan: “It's impossible to make a perfect contract that could address every situation; however, you can have a good contract, you know, one that is very clear and negotiated upfront”

[00:16:43] Dan: “I've been advocating for years that you might have more leverage than you think. You may be able to provide some protection for yourself. And I'm not talking about doing a massive red line of the terms and conditions. I'm talking about the fundamental issues that will seriously impact whether you make money or lose money from this contract in the long term: price adjustment, return of capital, and protecting your intellectual property.”

[00:21:15] Dan: “I strongly believe you should have a little faith. Our industry has recovered from many things in the past, and we as individuals have recovered from many things in the past; we have to have a certain amount of positivity about our approach… And we must be able to turn it over to a certain extent and think; maybe I can come out of this stronger and better.”

[00:24:48] Dan: “The industry and various aspects of it need some transformation. And I'm not just talking about ICE to electric; it needs some transformation in how we do business and interpersonal relationships, more positivity to the approach, and more collaboration.”

Related Episodes:

• UAW Strike: Preparing for a Successful Industry Restart
• Transforming UAW Strike Negotiations for a Win-Win Outcome
• Leadership in Crisis: Navigating the UAW Strike
• UAW Strike and the Automotive Industry: Supply Chain Insights

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In this solo episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths addresses the ongoing UAW strike, focusing on the president of the UAW, Mr. Shawn Fain. Jan begins by acknowledging the positive aspects of Fain's leadership, including his early communication and his personal connection to build a strong sense of community among union members.

However, the tone of the episode shifts as Jan expresses her concerns about Fain's aggressive negotiation tactics. She criticizes what she sees as a return to old-school power plays and threats. Jan points out that the automotive industry is in a period of transformation, and Fain's tactics risk damaging the industry's future. Jan also cites industry experts Sandy Munro and John McElroy, who offer different perspectives on the situation. Furthermore, Jan underscores Bill Ford's collaborative approach and vision for the industry, opposing Fain's adversarial stance, and stresses the importance of all stakeholders uniting to steer the industry through transformation, expressing her frustration with Fain's "us vs. them" mentality.

In conclusion, Jan calls on Shawn Fain to reconsider his approach, urging him to prioritize the industry's long-term interests, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work towards a mutually beneficial resolution for all parties involved in the automotive industry.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• UAW strike and leadership
• Negotiation tactics
• The need for a more collaborative approach
• The rhetorical use of emotions
• Preparation for industry transformation
• Reaching a mutually beneficial deal

Featured Guest: Jan Griffiths

What she does: Jan is the founder of Gravitas Detroit, an organization dedicated to cultivating authentic leadership in the automotive industry by providing courses, workshops, speaking events, and more. She is also the host of The Automotive Leaders Podcast.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode with Kate Vitasek about collaborative negotiations.
• Sandy Munro’s YouTube video
• BYD and VinFast
• Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
• John McElroy’s YouTube video. "Share the Pain, Fain"
• Episode 100th of Automotive Leaders Podcast with John McElroy

Episode Highlights:

[01:36] Leadership evaluation: The episode comprehensively evaluates Mr. Shawn Fain's leadership style during the UAW strike, highlighting his approach's positive and negative aspects.

[03:54] Critique of negotiation tactics: Fain's tactics are old school, emphasizing the aggressive and adversarial methods used and their potential consequences for the automotive industry.

[07:20] Emotional rhetoric: The discussion explores the emotional language used in the strike, including terms like "corporate greed" and "eat the rich," and how these emotional arguments can distract from the essential issues.

[13:13] Collaborative vision: Bill Ford's collaborative approach and idea for the industry are contrasted with Fain's adversarial stance, emphasizing the importance of unity among all stakeholders to drive the industry's transformation.

[16:08] Jan's call for change: Jan delivers a powerful call for Shawn Fain to reconsider his approach and prioritize the industry's long-term interests. She stresses the need to work towards a mutually beneficial resolution to avoid the industry's potential downfall due to prolonged disputes.

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In this Automotive Leaders Podcast episode, host Jan Griffiths and Thomas Kowal, the president of Seraph North America, discuss the current state of the automotive supply base during the UAW strike. They begin the episode by exploring MEMA's statistics, shedding light on concerns about layoffs, financial viability, and restart times, emphasizing the importance of understanding the strike's impact on the supply base across various timeframes.

The conversation shifts to the importance of conserving cash, including labor reduction and inventory optimization. They also address the potential challenges that could arise when trying to restart production after supply chain disruptions. Stressing the significance of working on rapid ROI projects, finding ways to collaborate with consulting firms when financial constraints exist, and building relationships with OEMs.

Thomas shares practical advice on how to prepare for the production restart, including conducting startup FMEA, analyzing logistics, and improving communication with suppliers. He suggests creating a startup plan and involving the workforce to ensure a smooth transition when production resumes. The episode concludes with insights into evolving automotive dynamics, adaptability, and leadership's role in a positive workplace.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Impact of the ongoing UAW Strike
• Strategies for cash conservation
• Outline of potential short-term to long-term scenarios for suppliers
• Decision-making for CEOs
• The importance of proactive preparation
• Role of leadership during restart
• The new normal of the auto industry

Featured Guest: Thomas Kowal

What he does: Thomas is the President of Seraph North America. His areas of expertise include operations, business development, project and team management.

On leadership: “I recommend the plant office people, when you start back up again, get out on that shop floor, be with the people, solve the problem for them, take this as an opportunity to rebuild the relationship with the workforce.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• IHS Markit LTD / S&P Global
• Published Document by MEMA 
• OEE - Overall Equipment Effectiveness
• FMEA - Failure Mode and Effects Analysis

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:35] Understanding Challenges: The discussion dissects key MEMA statistics, highlighting challenges in the auto supply chain during ongoing strikes. Thomas offers insights into short, medium, and long-term implications. They also examine how strikes affect suppliers' finances, program management, and the potential shift to low-cost regions.

[00:10:06] Industry Layoffs and Resilience: The unexpected salary layoffs in the supply base due to the strike's indirect impact. Insights on addressing this issue through workforce training line adjustments and the importance of long-term strategic planning and open communication for industry resilience.

[00:16:10] Advice for CEOs: Practical advice is provided for CEOs and leaders facing liquidity challenges, including considering rapid ROI projects and seeking collaboration with consulting firms while finding financial solutions.

[00:20:50] Strengthening OEM Relationships: The importance of building strong relationships with OEMs and working on solutions proactively is emphasized.

[00:25:15] Strategies for Production Restart: The episode highlights the need for open communication in preparing for production restart, suggesting strategies such as conducting startup FMEA, analyzing logistics, and rebuilding relationships with the workforce during startup.

[00:27:54] Leadership in Shifting Auto Industry: The role of leadership in fostering a positive and productive work environment is discussed, along with the evolving dynamics in the automotive industry and the need for adaptability.

Top Quotes:

[00:21:54] Thomas: “If an OEM does not have a good relationship with a supplier, they will do everything, not only to hide it but to fight the OEM.”

[00:23:20] Thomas: “If you haven't done it already, try to work on a solution; they [OEMs] will not stop their production, they will bring people in and they will be much tougher with the suppliers that were not at least open and try to work with them beforehand.”

[00:28:33] Jan: “But it's the leadership and the enthusiasm that comes along with it that will really make the difference, I see an opportunity, for leadership to be real cheerleaders for the shop floor.”

Related Episodes:

• Transforming UAW Strike Negotiations for a Win-Win Outcome
• Leadership in Crisis: Navigating the UAW Strike
• UAW Strike and the Automotive Industry: Supply Chain Insights

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The Vested Way eBooks

In this latest episode of the Automotive Leaders podcast, host Jan Griffiths engages in a compelling conversation with Kate Vitasek, a renowned expert in the realm of collaborative, win-win business agreements. The episode explores the pressing issue of labor strikes within the automotive industry, with a particular focus on the ongoing dispute between the UAW and OEMs. Jan and Kate challenge the conventional power-based negotiation strategies prevalent in the industry and advocate for a transformative shift towards collaborative negotiation methods.

Kate shares her well-established approach to crafting vested agreements that cultivate trust, transparency, and the alignment of interests between negotiating parties. Through real-world examples and success stories, the conversation highlights the immense potential for positive change within the automotive sector. It calls on industry leaders to break away from adversarial relationships, urging them to embrace a culture of collaboration. This shift not only holds the promise of driving innovation and cost savings but also ensures a win-win outcome for all stakeholders. This episode serves as a compelling call to action for the automotive industry, inspiring leaders to revamp their negotiation practices and forge healthier, long-term relationships.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Labor strikes in the automotive industry
• Conventional power-based negotiation
• The need for a transformative approach
• Collaborative negotiation principles
• The potential for positive change
• Sustainability and Responsibility

Featured Guest: Kate Visatek

What she does: An accomplished author and educator, Kate is a leading authority in strategic partnerships. She also heads research at the University of Tennessee and specializes in the Vested® business model. With experience at major corporations like P&G and Microsoft, Kate provides executive training and coaching, empowering organizations to excel in strategic collaborations and foster innovation.

On leadership: “Don't treat your suppliers or union employees as "us versus them", you're competing against other companies. So, beat the market with your suppliers, beat the market with your employees.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• MEMA (Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association)
• Graduate and Executive Education Program
• John Nash, Nash Equilibrium
• Vested: How P&G, McDonald's, and Microsoft are redefining winning in business relationships.
• Island Health
• Harvard Business Review

Episode Highlights

[00:01:34] The costly impact of the UAW strike. The ongoing UAW strike and its significant impact on the automotive industry is estimated at over $4 billion. 

[00:06:07] Moving beyond power-based negotiations. The prevalence of power-based negotiation tactics in the industry and the need for a better approach.

[00:09:26] Kate’s Vision for collaborative agreements. Kate’s expertise in collaborative, win-win business agreements and her mission to change negotiation mindsets.

[00:13:53] Embracing a win-win negotiation mindset. Explore the importance of shifting from a win-lose mentality to a collaborative negotiation mindset and discover Kate's step-by-step approach to transforming negotiation dynamics, which focuses on establishing trust and transparency."

[00:21:10] Success of Collaborative Negotiation. The success stories and positive outcomes of organizations that have adopted collaborative negotiation methods.

[00:25:27] A Call to Action: Kate’s words of wisdom. The call to action for the automotive industry to embrace a culture of collaboration, leading to innovation and cost savings for all stakeholders.

Top Quotes:

[00:03:17] Kate: "You've got to change the world one deal at a time. And it changes with changing your mindset.”

[00:05:41] Kate: "I actually don't want Shawn to stand up, I want both of them to stand down. I want them to change their dialogue.”

[00:06:41] Kate: "When we use our power back and forth, we tend to just get on a slippery slope, it gets ugly, and it's a lose-lose for everyone.”

[00:25:32] Kate: “Don't treat your suppliers or union employees as "us versus them", you're competing against other companies. So, beat the market with your suppliers, beat the market with your employees.”

[00:26:12] Kate: “Change the way things are. But don't go with power. That's ugly. That cost is $4 billion. It costs us not to have employees to have dinner on the table.”

[00:27:04] Kate: “I challenge you to redefine winning, and it's not winning at the expense of your supplier. It's not winning at the expense of the labor unions.”

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In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, host Jan Griffiths addresses the ongoing UAW strike and its impact on the industry. She begins by acknowledging the chaos and media coverage surrounding the strike, with jabs being exchanged between OEMs, the UAW, and even politicians getting involved. Jan emphasizes that the strike's repercussions extend beyond just the OEMs and Tier Ones, affecting smaller businesses like hers that rely on the automotive industry for their livelihood. 

Jan outlines her plans for upcoming episodes, focusing on bringing in a turnaround company to offer insights on surviving the strike and preparing for the industry's restart. She also discusses the aggressive negotiation tactics prevalent in the industry and teases an upcoming interview with an expert in collaborative negotiations who will shed light on changing negotiation models. Additionally, Jan encourages listeners to explore another podcast she co-hosts, "Auto Supply Chain Prophets," which delves into supply chain topics within the automotive sector. She concludes by inviting listeners to share their favorite podcasts and reassures them that the automotive industry's resilience will see it through the challenges posed by the strike.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Impact of the UAW Strike
• Repercussions Beyond OEMs
• Survival Strategies
• Preparation for Industry Restart
• Negotiation Tactics

Featured Guest: Jan Griffiths

What she does: Jan is the founder and CEO of Gravitas Detroit, an organization dedicated to cultivating authentic leadership in the automotive industry by providing courses, workshops, speaking events, and more. She is also the host of The Automotive Leaders Podcast.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Auto Supply Chain Prophets
• Preparing for Post-Strike Success in Automotive Supply Chains with Bill Hurles
• QAD and Quistem
• Autoline
• Morning Joe
• Smartless
• Ten Percent Happier

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:57] UAW Strike Impact: Jan discusses the ongoing UAW strike and its extensive impact on the automotive industry, shedding light on how it reaches beyond OEMs to affect Tier Ones and smaller businesses, offering a more comprehensive view of the crisis.

[00:02:28] Survival Strategies: Jan outlines plans to feature a turnaround company, offering insights into surviving the strike and preparing for the industry's eventual restart.

[00:04:03] Rethinking Negotiation Tactics: The episode touches on the aggressive negotiation tactics prevalent in the industry and hints at an upcoming interview with an expert in collaborative negotiations, advocating for a shift in negotiation models.

[00:05:40] Podcast Promotion and Audience Engagement: Jan promotes her co-hosted podcast, "Auto Supply Chain Prophets," centered on automotive supply chain topics while engaging listeners by inviting them to share their favorite podcasts. She concludes with a message of industry resilience and confidence in overcoming the strike's challenges.

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In this solo episode, Jan Griffiths shifts her podcast's focus to address the ongoing UAW strike's impact on the automotive industry. She spotlights Shawn Fain, the UAW President, highlighting his transparent communication while critiquing certain negotiating tactics. Jan explores the importance of leadership traits displayed during the strike, such as transparency, clear communication, and personal connection. While she appreciates these qualities in Fain, she advocates for a more collaborative approach between the OEMs and the UAW. 

Jan emphasizes the critical need for Tier One leaders to adopt a coaching and nurturing approach with Tier Two suppliers, fostering trust and transparency amid industry challenges. Jan believes in the resilience of the automotive industry and its ability to weather this storm through authentic leadership. She commits to keeping listeners updated on the strike's progress and the complexities of restarting operations, encouraging all to step up as leaders and remain authentic in facing the uncertainties ahead.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• UAW Strike and Automotive Industry Impact
• Leadership Traits of Shawn Fain
• Tier Two Supplier Relationships
• Resilience and Authentic Leadership

Featured Guest: Jan Griffiths (Host)

What she does: Jan is the founder and CEO of Gravitas Detroit, an organization dedicated to cultivating authentic leadership in the automotive industry by providing courses, workshops, speaking events, and more. She is also the host of The Automotive Leaders Podcast.

On leadership: “We're resilient and tough, and we will survive. We know how to survive. This is a real test for us right now. It's a real test for our leadership. This is a time for authentic leadership to shine.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• Shawn Fain, UAW President
• Episode 104: UAW Strike and the Automotive Industry: Supply Chain Insights with Tor Hough and Sig Huber
• CIE Newcor
• LM Manufacturing

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:01] Shift in focus: The episode marks a departure from the podcast's usual content to address the UAW strike and its implications for the automotive industry.

[00:02:22] Shawn Fain's leadership: Jan Griffiths discusses the leadership qualities displayed by Shawn Fain, the President of the UAW, during the strike. She acknowledges his transparent communication but criticizes certain bullying tactics.

[00:08:13] Tier two supplier vulnerability: The fragility of the tier two supply base is emphasized, particularly in the face of plant shutdowns caused by the strike. Jan stresses the importance of Tier One leaders adopting a coaching and nurturing approach with their Tier Two suppliers.

[00:09:53] Need for collaboration: The episode advocates for a more collaborative relationship between the OEMs and the supply based, encouraging open dialogue and human-to-human conversations.

[00:11:17] Resilience and authentic leadership: The episode underscores an enduring theme—the remarkable resilience of the automotive industry. It emphasizes the critical role of authentic leadership, especially in times of crisis, as a driving force behind the industry's ability to navigate challenges and persevere. 

[00:11:50] Future updates: Jan commits to providing ongoing updates on the strike's progress and the challenges of restarting operations. She invites her audience to contribute ideas and insights for future episodes.

Top Quotes:

[00:07:45] Jan: “I would love to see a much more collaborative relationship between the OEMs and the UAW.”

[00:10:26] Jan: “If we don't open up these communications and get a greater level of honesty and transparency, and trust with our suppliers, we're never going to get through this.”

[00:11:09] Jan: “The only way that we're going to get through this is by making human connections and building on trust and transparency”

[00:11:16] Jan: “We know as an industry, we are strong, we are tough, we are resilient. And we have gotten through everything in over 100 years to get us where we are today.”

Watch the full video on YouTube - click here

In this bonus episode of the ALP podcast, Jan Griffiths delves into a pivotal moment in the automotive industry as the UAW (United Auto Workers) calls for a strike across the three major American OEMs: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. This historic event highlights the significant challenges that supply chain leaders and CEOs within the automotive sector are currently facing. Jan sets the stage for this critical day in automotive history, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic responses to address the disruptions rippling through the supply chain.

Joining Jan are industry experts Tor Hough, CEO of ELM Analytics, and Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer for ELM Analytics. Together, they engage in a comprehensive discussion about the essential steps required to prepare for and effectively manage such disruptive situations. The conversation revolves around key aspects, including the critical role of gathering timely and accurate data about suppliers, enhancing supply chain resilience through design and relationships, and the analysis of the five pillars of risk: liquidity, labor, parts, demand, and transportation.

Moreover, the episode underscores the paramount importance of transparent communication with the supply base, the cultivation of trust, and proactive planning for financial risks and startup challenges in the event of prolonged disruptions. As the automotive industry grapples with uncertainty during the ongoing strike, this episode equips supply chain leaders and CEOs with valuable insights to navigate the complex landscape of supply chain disruptions successfully.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• Automotive industry disruptions
• Supply chain risk management
• Financial vulnerabilities of suppliers
• Importance of Communication and Trust
• Strategies and Countermeasures
• Pillars of Supply Chain Resilience

Featured Guest: Tor Hough

What he does: Tor Hough is the CEO of ELM Analytics. Tor is fervently committed to elevating data quality standards in the industry while catalyzing business change, transformation, and growth.

Featured Guest: Sig Huber

What he does: Sig Huber serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at ELM Analytics, bringing a wealth of expertise in supplier risk management spanning over 25 years. With a distinguished career at both FCA (now Stellantis) and Toyota, Sig has demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding supplier risk management teams to success.

Episode Highlights:

[03:27] Data Gathering: The importance of gathering accurate and timely data about suppliers, especially in the sub-tier levels of the supply chain, to understand vulnerabilities.

[10:06] Navigating Supply Chain Vulnerability and Building Resilience: Sig and Tor dive into the automotive supply chain's vulnerabilities amid disruptions like COVID and the UAW strike. They emphasize the importance of timely data, supplier financial health, and strategies for bolstering resilience, including supply chain design and robust supplier relationships.

[14:15] Proactive Planning for Supply Chain Resilience: Sig delves into best practices for bolstering supply chain resilience. They emphasize the need for proactive planning to mitigate financial risks and navigate startup challenges during prolonged disruptions.

[15:27] Effective Crisis Leadership, What Leaders Should Do Now: Sig Huber, Tor Hough, and Jan Griffiths share invaluable insights into leadership during supply chain crises. Learn about the significance of clear communication, crisis management teams, building trust with the supply base, and maintaining strong relationships. Gain actionable advice for leaders in the automotive industry facing disruptions like the UAW strike.

[24:25] Five Pillars of Risk: Analyzing the five pillars of risk—liquidity, labor, parts, demand, and transportation—and the significance of addressing each pillar during supply chain disruptions.

[27:22] Financial Risk and Authentic Leadership: Sig discusses the financial risks impacting suppliers, stressing the need to identify and prioritize vulnerable ones. Jan emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership when dealing with financially challenged suppliers.

Top Quotes:

[14:18] Tor: "The design of your supply chain matters greatly. The type of part that you're manufacturing and who you're using to manufacture that can have a big impact on how you respond to events."

[15:13] Tor: “Gathering the data to understand where your suppliers are is important. And in both preparing for it, and then understanding what you need to do to respond once the event occurs.”

[17:51] Sig: “If it's a few weeks, I think that the industry will be okay. If it drags out beyond six weeks, I think it's going to be a different situation.”

[18:52] Tor: “That trust relationship allows you to get ahead of the problem, identify where the weaknesses are, and then put in countermeasures.”

[29:38] Jan: “When you identify a supplier with some financial weakness, please do not go in there with a baseball bat and aggressive tactics and show how tough you are and that you're going to make the supplier perform what is quite possibly the impossible. Please go in there with a nurturing, coaching supportive approach.”