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Detroit Auto Show 2025 - Day 1 - Kettering University
Episode 143 • 17th January 2025 • The Automotive Leaders Podcast • Jan Griffiths
00:00:00 00:50:48

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This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more

The Detroit Auto Show is coming to an end, but the conversations from day one at the Kettering University booth continue to inspire. Join host Jan Griffiths as she sits down with industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of automotive through fresh ideas, education, and collaboration.

First up, Dan Stewart from Automation Alley explains how bridging academia, government, and industry is sparking real progress in digital manufacturing. Enza Sleva from Kettering explains how their co-op program sets students up for success from day one.

Hajj Flemings talks about how AI is helping unlock creativity, while Ida Byrd-Hill shares her mission to make STEM education accessible to everyone. Scott Tobin breaks down the evolution of software-defined vehicles and what it means for the industry.

Dr. Ping Ren talks about additive manufacturing and its role in speeding up innovation in automotive design. Tarek Abdel-Baset explains why hydrogen could play a key role in sustainable transportation, and Dr. Diane Peters reveals how autonomous vehicles are transforming mobility for people with disabilities.

To close the day, Suzanne Petrusch passionately shares Kettering’s mission to fuel the industry with driven, problem-solving leaders ready to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges.

From tech innovation to education and bold ideas for the future, day one had plenty of great conversations. Ready for more? Check out day two here for more amazing conversations from the Detroit Auto Show!

Your Host

Jan Griffiths is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President & Founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she is the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world. With her extensive experience and commitment to fostering positive change, Jan is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive landscape. Reach out to her at Jan@gravitasdetroit.com


Featured guests:

Name: Dan Stewart

Title: Relationship Manager, Automation Alley

Discussed: [03:20] Bringing together academia, industry, and government, Dan explains how they’re helping small manufacturers embrace digital tools and thrive in Michigan’s automotive ecosystem.


Name: Enza Sleva

Title: Director of Career Development and Cooperative Experience, Kettering University

Discussed: [06:03] Kettering's unique co-op model, as explained by Enza, equips students with years of real-world experience, helping them hit the ground running in the fast-paced automotive industry.


Name: Hajj Flemings

Title: CEO & Founder, Rebrand Cities

Discussed: [12:21] AI isn’t here to replace us—it’s here to help us thrive. Hajj shares how embracing technology can unlock human creativity, transform leadership, and prepare us for the future of work.


Name:  Ida Byrd-Hill

Title: CEO & Founder, Automation Workz

Discussed: [17:11] Ida shares how her programs open doors to STEM careers by providing tech certifications and opportunities for students outside the traditional university path.


Name:  Scott Tobin

Title:  CEO, Envorso

Discussed: [19:29] From managing millions of lines of code to over-the-air updates, Scott explains how the shift to software-defined vehicles is transforming the auto industry and the skills needed to keep up.


Name: Ping Ren

Title: Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering, Kettering University

Discussed: [24:14] Dr. Ping Ren explains how additive manufacturing is transforming automotive design, enabling lightweight, complex products and faster prototyping to meet the industry’s need for speed and innovation.


Name:  Jonathan Smith

Title: Senior Chief Deputy Director, Labor and Economic Opportunity

Discussed: [28:41] Jonathan shares Michigan’s efforts to align its rich automotive legacy with modern challenges to ensure young talent stays inspired, connected, and ready to solve big problems.


Name: Tarek Abdel-Baset

Title: Hydrogen Storage Systems Chief Engineer, FORVIA

Discussed: [33:10] Hydrogen is shaping the future of heavy-duty vehicles with faster refueling, lighter payloads, and seamless infrastructure—Tarek Abdel-Baset dives into how it complements EVs in the journey toward sustainable mobility.


Name:  Diane Peters

Title: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University

Discussed: [39:38] Diane discusses her research on autonomous vehicles and how they can provide safe, tailored solutions to improve mobility and independence for people with epilepsy and other disabilities.


Name:  Suzanne Petrusch

Title: Interim Vice President, Enrollment and Co-operative Services, Kettering University

Discussed: [44:47] Suzanne shares how Kettering University’s unique blend of academics and co-op experiences equips driven, curious students to become problem solvers ready to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.


Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more

Transcripts

[Transcript]

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Stay true to yourself, be you and lead with gravitas, the hallmark of authentic leadership. Let's dive in.

This episode is brought to you by Lockton. Lockton redefines business insurance and people solutions with a personal touch. Their global team of 11, 000 is driven by independence, not quarters. To tailor success for your business, discover the Lockton difference, where your goals become their mission.

Independence. It's not just how you think, but how you act.

We have two bonus episodes for you today. I'm recording live from the Detroit Auto Show in collaboration with Kettering University. I'll be recording from their booth in the AutoMobili-D ballroom and we have an amazing collection of guests for you to listen to. Interviews with Kettering faculty, interviews with speakers from the event, and interviews with simply interesting people that we found to get on the mic. The episodes will be split into two episodes, day one and day two. And in day one, you're going to hear from Dan Stewart from Automation Alley, Enza Sleva from Kettering University, Hajj Flemings who is the CEO of RebrandX, Ida Byrd-Hill from Automation Workz, and if you don't know what that's all about you're going to find out. And Scott Tobin, the CEO of Invorso, we're going to be talking about Software Defined Vehicles. And Dr. Ren, and she is going to be telling us about what Kettering is doing regarding additive manufacturing; she is leading the charge. And then, we have Jonathan Smith who works at the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. And Tarek Abdel-Baset from Forvia, he's going to be talking about hydrogen. We all have that question, right? Is it going to be battery or hydrogen? And then, we'll be talking to Dr. Diane Peters, as she shares some of her fascinating work in the world of autonomous driving. And then, we'll wrap up day one with Suzanne Petrusch from Kettering University and she is the Interim VP of Enrollment. So, let's get started with day one. Here we go.

And we're here today at the auto show at the Kettering University booth, and who just happened to come on by but Dan Stewart from Automation Alley, he is the relationship manager for the world of academia. Perfect timing right dan?

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Thank you for listening to the Automotive Leaders Podcast. Click the listen link in the show notes to subscribe for free on your platform of choice, and don't forget to download the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership PDF by clicking on the link below and remember. Stay true to yourself, be you, and lead with gravitas, the hallmark of authentic leadership.

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