Opportunity in Unlikely Places (wsg - Robi Mitra)

About this Episode In this episode, listeners are presented with perspectives related to the ever-shifting mobility industry and specifically learn about the disruption being caused by new power train technology like battery electric.  Robi Mitra discusses how Bollinger Motors, the start-up making off-road electric trucks, continues to transform and gain access to critical capabilities to compete in the legacy automotive and emerging mobility industries. (He even teases some new announcements to come in June, 2019) An expert in both private equity and human capital, this episode discusses the linkages of needing to raise funds and gain access to critical skills in the era of IoT. Listeners will gain insight into observations of being an entrepreneur and working as the right-hand assistant to successful ones. Not many have the opportunity to work for and with even one highly successful entrepreneurial leader.  Robi has now done it twice, and draws lessons for the listener from his journey. About Robi Mitra Robi Mitra, a native of Detroit, holds the position of Finance Director with Bollinger Motors.  He joined the team in 2019.  In this role, Robi works closely with the executive team on strategy, finance, and raising capital.  Prior to joining Bollinger, Robi was CEO and Chairman of K&A Resources Group, a collection of human capital management solutions focused on Industry 4.0.  He purchased the initial firm, K&A Staffing, from his father in 2016 and subsequently acquired other firms to build the group.  Prior to this entrepreneurial period Robi advised on or participated in more than 75 transactions during his 22 years of family office management, private equity, investment banking, and capital market experience.  When he is not working, Robi is spending time with his wife, three children, two cats, and large dog. Show Highlights 3:17        Robi’s origins, how did he arrive to where he is today? 8:07        How did his small family business experience set the groundwork for entrepreneurship? 10:50      From entrepreneur to supporting an entrepreneur in the opportunity of a lifetime, how did Robi get here? 12:47      The mobility industry: autonomous vehicles, micromobility and more - what are the various disruptions we should be aware of? 21:08     As his personal industry is currently experiencing disruption, what is their focus? 27:40     What capabilities differentiate their company from the others? 33:07      Human capital, what is it and where does it fit in our connected world? 37:04      What is the correlation between education and human capital disruption and what does this mean for our future? 41:53     Who are the individuals a part of his virtual advisory board that make him brave, that make him better? Robert Bollinger’s LinkedIn Dave Alden’s LinkedIn Ted Serbinski’s LinkedIn 46:23     What great lessons has Robi learned from the successful entrepreneurs in his life? 50:09    What is his foundational advice on mentorship? 51:04    BIG NEWS at Bollinger Additional Information Robi Mitra’s LinkedIn Bollinger Motors Website Gregg Garrett's LinkedIn CGS Advisors Website

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.