Leadership through Tariff Chaos and Embracing Autoculture 2.0

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The auto industry is holding its breath. A 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada is about to take effect, and the ripple effects will be massive. Suppliers are drawing a hard line—either OEMs accept the costs, or shipments stop. The chaos is real. It’s a high-stakes moment, but Jan Griffiths knows this isn’t just about economics—it’s about leadership.

In this solo episode, Jan challenges leaders to ask themselves: How will you show up in the face of uncertainty? Will you default to command and control, tightening your grip out of fear? Or will you lead with authenticity, staying calm, and instilling confidence in your team? This moment will test leaders across the industry, and the choices they make now will define the road ahead.

But this episode isn’t just about leadership in crisis—it’s about transformation. One year ago, Jan launched AutoCulture 2.0, a book that champions the very leadership transformation the industry needs right now. 

To mark the occasion, she read its introduction and first two chapters, sharing a powerful message: the industry’s biggest shift isn’t just about EVs, software, or supply chains—it’s about culture.

She takes us back to her early days, from a farm in Wales to the factory floors of the U.S., where she learned firsthand how rigid hierarchies and outdated leadership styles hold companies back. Through stories of culture clashes, gender biases, and relentless perseverance, Jan lays the foundation for a new leadership model—one built on trust, inspiration, and the courage to break the mold.

Hold on tight. The road ahead is uncertain, but the auto industry will always find a way through. The real question is: what kind of leader will you be when it does?

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The impact of 25% tariffs on the automotive supply chain and how suppliers are responding
• Why command-and-control leadership is failing in today’s rapidly changing auto industry
• How trust and inspire leadership is the key to thriving in the modern automotive world
• The cultural transformation needed to support EV and software-defined vehicle innovation
• The hard truth about outdated leadership models and why they hold companies back
• Jan Griffiths’ journey from a Welsh farm to the automotive C-suite—and what leaders can learn from it
• Why authentic leadership, not just technological advancements, will define the future of the auto industry

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:

• Auto Revolutions: John McElroy & Jason Stein on Shaping Industry Culture
• Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
• The Determinants of Trust in Supplier-Automaker Relationships in the U.S., Japan, and Korea
• Download the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership PDF for FREE
• Get your copy of AutoCulture 2.0: Leading with Gravitas

Episode Highlights:

[05:11] Autoculture 2.0 Introduction

[11:23] Chapter One

[26:06] Chapter Two

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more