In this captivating episode of Leaders in Automotive, we sit down with the inspiring Jan Griffiths, a trailblazer in the automotive industry and a vocal advocate for authentic leadership. From her humble beginnings on a small farm in Bridgend, Wales, to her rise as a dynamic leader in corporate America, Jan shares her incredible journey of resilience, transformation, and challenging the status quo.

Discover how Jan transitioned from a farming family to the automotive industry in the early 80s, navigating a male-dominated environment with determination and grit. She recounts her experiences as a purchasing assistant, the cultural challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way. Jan also opens up about the pivotal moment when she decided to champion a new leadership paradigm—one rooted in authenticity, humility, and connection.

In this episode, we explore:

• The evolution of Jan's leadership style: From a "Welsh farm girl" directness to a globally recognized authentic leader.
• The challenges of breaking stereotypes in a command-and-control corporate culture.
• Why authentic leadership matters in today’s rapidly changing automotive industry.
• Practical tips for balancing directness and empathy in leadership.
• The transformation of leadership in corporate America, with examples of leaders paving the way for a new era.

Jan also discusses her commitment to giving back to her home country through her role as the USA Hub Leader for the Global Welsh and her mission to help Welsh businesses thrive globally.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply fascinated by stories of perseverance and innovation, this episode offers a wealth of insights and actionable advice. Tune in to learn how authentic leadership can transform not just your career but also the people and organizations you lead.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to lead with authenticity, vision, and heart.

This interview was conducted by Ammar Akhtar, the founder and CEO of Finalrentals.com

I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of our podcast, where I had an enlightening conversation with Tarminder Singh, a seasoned expert in the car rental industry and Director of International Business Development at Advantage Car Rental. This episode is packed with fascinating insights and practical advice that you won’t want to miss.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we covered:

🚀 Tarminder's Career Journey
Accidental Entry: How Tarminder stumbled into the car rental industry while living in Germany.

Overcoming Challenges: Navigating language barriers and seizing opportunities from data entry to account management.

🌍 American vs. European Car Rental Practices
Cultural Differences: The unique challenges faced by non-US customers in understanding American car rental norms.

Transparency is Key: The importance of clear communication to avoid customer dissatisfaction.

🌐 Impact of the Pandemic
Market Dynamics: How the pandemic reshaped customer behavior and market trends.
Innovation in Crisis: The shift from keyless rentals to traditional counter interactions and catering to both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy customers.

📈 Strategies for Long-Term Success
Sustainable Practices: Entering markets with genuine demand and maintaining sustainable business practices.
Human Connections: Building strong relationships and friendships in business for long-term success.

💡 Pricing Strategies
Steady Wins the Race: The balance between competitive pricing and sustainability, and why it’s crucial not to lower prices just for early bird bookings.

🌟 Building a Long-Term Career
Personal Growth: Focusing on personal growth rather than comparing oneself to others.
Real Connections: The value of genuine relationships and learning from diverse experiences.

Tarminder’s insights are not just for those in the car rental industry but for anyone looking to build a successful and fulfilling career. His emphasis on real connections and personal growth is truly inspiring.

I hope you find this episode as enlightening as I did.
Tune in now and let’s navigate the road to success together!

Happy listening!

This interview was conducted by Ammar Akhtar, the founder and CEO of Finalrentals.com

Hey there, fellow auto enthusiasts and entrepreneurial minds!

It's your host, Ammar, steering you through another journey of discovery on our latest podcast episode. I had the pleasure of sitting down with none other than Chris Brown, the editorial maestro behind Auto Rental News and Bobit Business Media. Buckle up, because this conversation is packed with industry insights you won't want to miss!

🎙️ From Films to Fleet: Chris Brown's Incredible Career Path
Ever wonder how life can take a turn and put you on a path you never expected? Chris shares his fascinating 22-year journey from the film industry to becoming the editor of Auto Rental News. It's a story of seizing opportunities and driving forward, no matter where the road takes you.

🚘 The Digital Shift: Navigating the Auto Rental Landscape
The auto rental market is shifting gears, and digitalization is the turbocharger behind it. We dive into the evolution of the industry, the acceleration towards digital platforms, and how companies are navigating this new terrain of mobility services.

🤝 Customer Service: The Engine of Success
In a world where big brands often dominate, we explore how smaller rental companies can find their niche and outmaneuver the competition with exceptional customer service. It's all about creating memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

🔑 Keyless Car Rentals: The Future or a Fad?
The pandemic has driven many changes, including the trend towards keyless car rentals. Chris and I discuss the industry's hesitant shift away from the traditional counter transactions and what this means for the future of renting a ride.

🌎 A Global Perspective: Car Rental Markets Across Borders
The car rental industry isn't a one-size-fits-all. We take a look at how the US market compares to the rest of the world and what entrepreneurs can learn from these differences.

💡 Startup Strategies: Fueling Your Business Journey
Thinking of starting your own car rental venture? Chris drops some high-octane advice on SEO, customer acquisition, fleet management, and carving out your unique space in the market.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone revved up about the auto rental industry or looking to steer their entrepreneurial dreams into the fast lane. So, tune in, turn up the volume, and let's hit the road to knowledge together!

Stay curious and driven,
Ammar

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful rides and share this newsletter with fellow industry enthusiasts. Let's keep the conversation going! 🎧

This interview was conducted by Ammar Akhtar, the founder and CEO of Finalrentals.com