In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths sits down with Ted Cannis, former CEO of Ford Pro, to unpack the leadership mindset behind one of the most successful commercial businesses in the automotive industry.
This conversation goes far beyond revenue numbers. Ted shares how he built momentum inside a large organization by focusing on culture, cross-functional collaboration, and relentless customer connection.
From walking the factory floor to using hard data to win support for change, Ted explains how leaders can drive transformation even inside the constraints of legacy systems.
You’ll hear why speed matters more than ever, why C-suite sponsorship can make or break a transformation effort, and why Ted openly admits he can be a micromanager when the stakes are high.
If you're an automotive executive navigating industry disruption, this episode delivers real insight on leadership, culture change, and how to move faster without losing your values.
Subscribe to the Automotive Leaders Podcast for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of the automotive industry.
Episode Highlights:
[01:50] “Build within constraints” — Ted’s leadership mindset
[03:12] Why going to the gemba is a strategic investment, not a luxury
[12:03] Using hard data to sell change across the enterprise
[13:39] Speed, impatience, and seizing decision windows
[17:10] The Culture Change Hub — leaders, teams, rituals, rules, metrics, stories
[20:41] Why C-suite sponsorship is non-negotiable
[29:49] Pivoting fast when the plan breaks
[30:50] Vision and ownership as the core of authentic leadership
[31:10] The micromanagement confession
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