What if the smartest career move is the one that looks like a step backward? In this episode of What Really Works, Dr. Michelle Rozen sits down with Diba Ilunga — President of Magna Powertrain — to unpack the bold decisions that transformed his career and the teams he leads.

Diba shares how leaving a comfortable sales director role to work hands-on in a Mexican factory (with a 2-month-old at home) became the turning point that launched him to the top. You'll hear his straight-talking philosophy on leadership accountability, why empowering people and holding them responsible must go hand in hand, and what he tells his own kids about following their passion over a paycheck.

In this episode:

• Why lateral and "backward" moves often unlock the fastest growth

• The Mexican factory decision that changed Diba's trajectory

• The empowerment + accountability principle most leaders get wrong

• What to tell your team when they're stuck at "okay"

• Passion vs. paycheck: the advice Diba gives his own kids

• How to build a personal career toolkit you can carry anywhere

Quick answers:

Who is Diba Ilunga? — President of Magna Powertrain, a global automotive technology leader, and a longtime executive known for combining accountability with empowerment.

What is Magna Powertrain? — A division of Magna International, one of the world's largest mobility technology suppliers, with operations across more than 25 countries.

How do you make a bold career move? — Look for the role that builds the skill you're missing — not the one with the bigger title. Growth follows capability, not status.

Subscribe to What Really Works with Dr. Michelle Rozen wherever you listen. Learn more at drmichellerozen.com.

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