Why Leaders Must Press Pause

Sometimes the best leadership lesson comes from pressing pause. That's why Jan Griffiths has decided to step away from the usual guest interviews to share something personal: she's taking a break. Not a long one, just enough to recharge and remind us all that rest isn't weakness; it's strength. Leaders set the tone, and showing it's okay to step back is an important aspect of the role.

But this isn't a goodbye. Jan gives a sneak peek at what's coming next. She is preparing for a September 12th webinar showcasing AI-powered podcast translation, technology that allows leaders to communicate with employees in multiple languages while keeping their voices intact. It's a breakthrough for reaching shopfloor workers who often get left out of corporate communication.

She also teases upcoming guests and topics: Tina Kozak, CEO of Franco, will dive deep into internal communications; a CEO of a tier two supplier will shed light on tariffs and nearshoring challenges; and negotiation expert Kate Vitasek will explore deal-making styles in today's volatile trade climate.

The message is simple yet impactful: Take the break you need, mark your calendar for the webinar, and stay tuned for conversations designed to advance the auto industry.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The importance of taking short breaks to recharge as a leader
• Introducing AI-powered podcast translation for multilingual communication
• Closing communication gaps with shop floor employees who lack email access
• Upcoming guest: Tina Kozak, CEO of Franco, on strategic internal communication
• Exploring the tier two supplier perspective on tariffs and nearshoring pressures
• Future episode with Kate Vitasek on negotiation styles and collaborative agreements

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:

• Reaching Every Worker with AI-Powered Internal Podcasts Webinar
• Episodes with Kate Vitasek: Stellantis US Crisis: Leadership Failure Demands a New Strategy & Transforming UAW Strike Negotiations for a Win-Win Outcome
• 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership PDF