When Pat D'Eramo entered the auto industry four decades ago, leadership looked very different. Power meant control. Leaders gave orders, and people followed—or else. But even back then, Pat knew there had to be a better way.
That mindset was reinforced early in his career, thanks to a unique experience at Saturn. Unlike the traditional plants of the time, Saturn was built on collaboration. And it showed Pat what leadership could look like when people are trusted, not micromanaged. One mentor in particular left a mark—showing Pat the value of coaching, not commanding.
That experience shaped everything that followed.
Now CEO of Martinrea International, Pat leads with that same belief: give people room to grow, back them up when things go wrong, and never punish someone for trying to do the right thing. He talks openly in this episode about moments where he could've fired someone—but chose not to. Because if they've learned from it, they come back stronger. And strong people build strong companies.
That philosophy was put to the test during the toughest times: COVID shutdowns, supply chain breakdowns, EV delays, and now tariffs. Instead of reacting with fear, Pat leaned into the structure—clear goals, tight alignment, and regular check-ins across teams. That's how Martinrea stayed focused while the industry shifted around them.
But Pat isn't just focused on one company. He's looking at the industry as a whole—and doesn't sugarcoat it. China's ahead. North America isn't ready to build a car from scratch. And government policy? It's a mess. But he offers a way forward: unified action across the USMCA, strategic investment, and—above all—a culture that supports innovation—not fear.
But Pat isn't all business. Jan takes a moment to explore the personal side—his favorite bands, his go-to shows, and even his love for sci-fi audiobooks during long drives. It's a reminder that leadership isn't just what you do at work—it's how you carry yourself through everything.
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