THE WELLBEING REVOLUTION DECODED

In this new episode of "Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling", brought to you by the Storytelling Tribe, we connect with Thomas Stocker, key member of Gentherm's executive team, leading their European operations and former BMW infotainment integration leader. Thomas shares insights on leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of adapting to change in a rapidly evolving industry..

KEY INSIGHTS

Hardware Engineers vs. Software Visionaries: The Transformation Challenge

Thomas reveals how Gentherm evolved from producing millions of heated seats and massage components to developing WellSense – a software-defined wellness platform backed by clinical research and physiological algorithms that orchestrate thermal, pneumatic, and massage effectuators.

The Science of In-Car Wellbeing: From Medical to Mobility

Discover how Gentherm leverages knowledge from its medical business unit – where temperature management can help improve patient outcomes – to create clinically-validated wellness experiences that can trick your brain into feeling warm in seconds and optimize energy consumption in EVs.

The SDV Enabler: Wellness as a Service

Learn how WellSense positions itself as the "wellbeing brain" in software-defined vehicles, enabling OEMs to offer downloadable wellness modes, personalized AI-driven comfort settings, and subscription-based features that adapt to individual passenger preferences and contexts.

PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

• Build Cross-Functional Bridges: When selling system solutions, map stakeholder silos early – Thomas faced four different VPs controlling components of one integrated experience
• Invest in Clinical Validation: Gentherm's science lab with hundreds of patient studies differentiates their wellness claims from engineering guesswork – quantify the impact of your innovations
• Look to China for Future Trends: Chinese OEMs are standardizing massage in mid-tier vehicles and embracing wellness features that Western brands still position as expensive options

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Thomas Stocker brings over 25 years of automotive innovation experience spanning BMW, Harman International, and Hensoldt defense systems. He led infotainment head unit integration for BMW flagship models, oversaw connected car operations across Europe and Asia Pacific at Harman, and now drives Gentherm's transformation from thermal component supplier to wellness experience platform provider across Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.

THE TRANSFORMATION BLUEPRINT DECODED

In this episode of "Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling", brought to you by The Storytelling Tribe, we connect with Jonathon Husby, President and CEO of ADAC and Chair of the Automotive Hall of Fame, discussing his career journey, the importance of storytelling in the automotive industry, and the cultural transformation he is leading at ADAC. Jon Husby shares insights on leadership, mindset, and the future of the automotive industry, including the impact of AI and evolving consumer expectations.

KEY INSIGHTS

Selling with a powerful story rather than features

Jon Husby explains how he decided to win a massive deal by leveraging the power of storytelling. Rather than leading with technology to purchasing or engineering, the strategy involved telling a story about brand differentiation to the brand and marketing executives first.

The "Saying How, Not No" Philosophy of Innovation

Discover the mindset transformation that enabled his team to deliver critical automotive parts in 90 days instead of three years by challenging self-imposed limitations and asking "what would it take?" instead of accepting "we can't."

The Future of Extended Vehicle Lifecycles

Learn how 8-10 year vehicle programs are reshaping supplier strategies, requiring scalable innovation families and iterative technology upgrades to prevent 2037 vehicles from feeling like they were designed in 2024.

PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

• Lead with Brand Story: Approach customers with value propositions and brand differentiation before discussing technical specifications
• Implement Value Selling Training: Train entire teams in understanding customer agendas to increase new win profitability by 5+ percent
• Ask "What Would It Take?": Reframe impossible requests by having teams explain the "how" rather than accepting the "no"
• Know Your Numbers Cold: Master detailed business metrics to drive strategy and avoid slowing down team decision-making

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Jonathan Husby brings 30+ years of automotive experience spanning leadership roles at Harman International, TomTom, TeleAtlas, SEG Automotive, and Denso Corporation. As the first non-family member CEO of ADAC and Chair of the Automotive Hall of Fame, he champions cultural transformation through storytelling and people-first leadership.

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.

🎯 THE MOBILITY TRANSFORMATION DECODED

In this new episode of "Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" – the only podcast examining mobility through storytelling, brought to you by The Storytelling Tribe – we connect with Andrew Hart, CEO at SBD Automotive and architect of the groundbreaking 4S Mobility Initiative, to explore how the automotive industry can realign with consumer outcomes in an era of unprecedented disruption.

This episode is made of 2 parts - this is part 2.

🎯 KEY INSIGHTS

Four major disruptions

Andy explains how mobility is going through major shifts:

• The shift in user behavior, moving from ownership to experience
• The impact of SDV, which changes the way cars are built and maintained
• The new way we'll live in cities and how the car must adapt to them
• The impact of regulations and their evolutions

The need for a new framework

Andy explains the challenges that the Automotive industry has to face to manage those disruptions, whether it's their disconnection with consumers, the focus on wrong metrics, or outdated collaboration models.

The 4S Framework

Starting with consumer needs, rather than ending by them: that's one of the key aspects of the 4S Framework. Andy explains why mobility needs to be Safe, Secure, Seamless and Sustainable.

💡 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

• Measure What Matters: Replace unit sales KPIs with consumer outcome metrics to drive better decision-making across teams.
• Start With Empathy: Use real consumer data and stories to ground product development in actual needs, not assumed features.
• Embrace Agile Iteration: Test experiences quickly in market rather than perfecting them in isolation for years.
• Build Cross-Functional Alignment: Create common KPIs across engineering, design, and business teams using the 4S framework.

🌟 ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Andrew Hart brings 20 years of automotive expertise spanning the industry's major transformation cycles. Having led strategy advisory for over 50 global OEMs and suppliers, he steered SBD Automotive through a 2021 management buyout, keeping the company independent and employee-owned. His passion for consumer-centric mobility outcomes led to founding the industry-wide 4S Mobility Initiative.

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.