Still Leading Like It's 1995? Your Outdated Leadership Is Slowing Down the Auto Industry

Aug 7, 2025

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If you’re still leading like it’s 1995, or worse, 1985, you’re holding this industry back.

We’ve spent decades obsessing over products and systems, yet barely stopped to ask ourselves: What kind of leaders are we? That’s the question Jan wants you to sit with. Because if we don’t change how we lead, the rest doesn’t matter.

The truth is, the Command-and-control style is still prevalent today, especially in moments of uncertainty. Too many leaders retreat into control when what’s really needed is trust and empowerment. That reaction is driving away the very talent the industry needs to stay competitive. The solution? Building a culture where people can make decisions, collaborate across silos, and adapt quickly.

But it’s not just about shifting behavior—it’s also about how leaders communicate change.. When rolling out new tech, leaders need to involve people. Otherwise, the change will fail, not because of the tool but because the people weren’t part of the journey.

That’s when Jan introduces the idea of the leadership statement. This is about sitting down, reflecting on your values, thinking about the leaders who shaped you, and being honest about the kind of leader you want to be.

We’re so used to asking our teams for commitment. What if, instead, you asked yourself what you are committing to them? What are you promising as their leader?

Jan shares an example from Goodyear CEO Mark Stewart. His leadership commitment? “I’m in 1000%.” He didn’t just say it; he moved to Ohio to back it up. That’s what authentic leadership looks like.

The clock’s ticking. Chinese OEMs are gaining ground, and the window to evolve is closing fast. If we don’t change our leadership and culture now, no amount of AI, tech, or process improvement will save us.

It starts with you. The way you lead, the culture you create, and the commitments you’re willing to make.

Themes discussed in this episode:

Why the automotive industry can’t compete globally with 1990s leadership models
How to evaluate and improve your leadership style to match today’s industry needs
Why trust and empowerment are key to keeping young talent in automotive
Why building a strong leadership culture is critical to EV and supply chain transformation
How automotive leaders fall into micromanagement during crisis—and how to break the habit
The importance of writing a real, personal leadership commitment
Why Chinese automakers are taking the lead in the global market and what legacy OEMs must do to catch up

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

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