Greasing the Skids (wsg Johan DeNysschen)

Readying the environment for transformation: Johan de Nysschen, COO of Volkswagen North America, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on the importance of readying the environment for transformation; as well as sharing his observations of the automotive industry and the lessons he’s learned through decades of executive leadership. Johan of course shares his Top Three and you have to hear what he says about the importance of professional informal interactions.   About Johan De Nysschen Johan de Nysschen is a member of the boards of Volkswagen North America Region and Volkswagen of America, Inc. He also served as Chairman of the Board, Volkswagen de Mexico. As COO, he oversees engineering, quality, purchasing, value engineering, production and vehicle logistics for compact, midsize and electric vehicles. He brings extensive automotive experience from Audi, General Motors and Nissan, with domestic and global success in brand development, product portfolio planning, and overall business operations. He joined Audi of America as president in 2004, after many successful international assignments with the brand, including president of Audi Japan. de Nysschen departed from the VW Group in 2012, returning in October 2019 following his appointment as COO. de Nysschen has an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Pretoria and a bachelor’s degree in commerce and economics from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. A performance car enthusiast and classic car collector, he lives in New York with his wife, Anna. Show Highlights During this episode: Building block for readying the environment [1:01] Are you doing enough “greasing the skids” for your transformation? [4:28] Welcome guest, Johan de Nysschen [5:17] The “Top Three” Brand Pretorius: “Take care of the customers and that will take care of the business” [11:24] Peter Schwarzenbauer: A great ally and shared similar philosophy on many things [12:17] Tangible lessons learned from Johan’s relationships: Talent, culture and more [13:31] Transformation & Disruption Industry Observations: Is the automotive industry under disruption? [32:40] Celebrating Johan: A public reflection on a career mistake [44:05] You have to hear this… Collaboration and teamwork are vital [47:00] Additional Information Contact Johan de Nysschen: Johan’s LinkedIn Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg’s LinkedIn Gregg’s Twitter Gregg’s Bio Contact CGS Advisors: Website LinkedIn Twitter

Om Podcasten

You, Me, and Your Top Three is a podcast focused on exploring leadership in the connecting world. Specifically, the podcast invites leaders to tell stories, reflect, and discuss their views on: - disruptions in industry and society; - how they are leading transformations considering these disruptions - brave leadership to drive transformation. It is this last point where we focus most of the discussion, asking our guests to share their insights into the relationships they have with their “Top 3” closest advisors. It is our observation and experience that as the world connects, the importance of a diverse set of counselors is increasing in value. For some this may be a formal advisor who has been contracted on behalf of the company. For most this will be deep relationships in which they have been invested and nurtured. Through stories and discussion, we strive to celebrate the art of giving and receiving advice. The stories that are told are heartfelt and real. At the root we are exploring the process of knowledge building, relationship building, and perhaps most importantly, confidence building. After all, it takes a brave leader to battle the inertia that exists in industries, our organizations, and in ourselves. It is our hope that as successful leaders open up about around the subjects and the way in which they interact with their closest confidants, that our listeners will, in turn, reflect on their own “virtual board of advisors.” Over time they will then surround themselves with those who help them stretch toward greatness and lead bravely in the connecting world.