What does it really mean to lead at the highest level in the automotive industry today?
In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Phil Biggs, the man quietly trusted by more than 100 CEOs across automotive and beyond. Known as the “CEO whisperer,” Phil has spent nearly a decade creating a confidential space where leaders can speak openly about the pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility that comes with the top job.
And one thing is clear: leadership has changed.
The old command-and-control model is breaking under the weight of constant disruption. Tariffs. Supply chain shocks. AI. Workforce shifts. EV uncertainty. The pressure never stops. Phil shares what he’s learned from years of listening to CEOs behind closed doors and why emotional intelligence, trust, and authenticity are now non-negotiable leadership traits.
This conversation goes deep into the loneliness of leadership, the tension between kindness and toughness, and why the best CEOs know how to balance both humanity and accountability. Jan and Phil also unpack the dangerous automotive habit of glorifying leaders who stay buried in the weeds instead of empowering their teams to lead.
At its core, this episode is about the future of leadership in automotive and the cultural shift required to survive what’s coming next.
Because today’s leaders don’t need more control.
They need courage, trust, and the ability to lead humans through uncertainty.
Themes Discussed in this Episode
- Why leadership at the top is often deeply lonely
- The role trust plays in high-level CEO conversations
- Why command-and-control leadership no longer works
- The balance between kindness and toughness in leadership
- Emotional intelligence as a critical CEO competency
- Why automotive leaders must stop glorifying micromanagement
- Empowering teams is more important than controlling them
- How disruption is reshaping leadership expectations across automotive
🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jangriffithsautomotiveleaders
This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more
Featured Guest: Phil Biggs, Director, US Automotive Team, PwC
Phil is the Client Relationship Executive for PwC Private in Greater Michigan and a member of PwC’s U.S. Automotive team. With more than 25 years of automotive experience, Phil has worked across consulting, business development, and executive leadership roles in both multinational corporations and early-stage technology companies. His client portfolio has included leading organizations such as Amway, Penske, Rivian, Denso, Meijer, and Gordon Food Service.
About Your Host – Jan Griffiths
Jan Griffiths is the champion for culture change and the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. A former automotive executive with a rebellious spirit, Jan is known for challenging outdated norms and inspiring leaders to ditch command and control. She brings honesty, energy, and courage to every conversation, proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is the future of the automotive industry.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode Highlights
[01:57] The CEO Council begins: Phil shares how a small dinner of five leaders evolved into one of the most trusted CEO peer groups in automotive.
[04:21] No PowerPoints allowed: Why Phil banned slide decks and created a space for real conversation instead.
[05:30] The loneliness at the top: Jan and Phil unpack why CEOs desperately need trusted peer conversations.
[07:29] The DNA of a modern CEO: Phil explains why uncertainty and disruption are now permanent leadership conditions.
[09:48] Kindness and toughness: Phil reflects on Jan’s AutoCulture 2.0 chapter and the leadership balance exemplified by Alan Mulally and Doug Conant.
[11:01] High EQ matters: Why emotional intelligence has become a critical trait for CEOs navigating transformation.
[14:10] The danger of living in the weeds: Jan challenges automotive’s obsession with detail-heavy leadership and micromanagement.
[16:35] Empowerment over control: Why future-ready CEOs must trust their teams and stop owning every decision.
[17:44] Breaking the silo mentality: Jan and Phil compare legacy automotive structures to modern, fast-moving team dynamics.
[18:36] Mentorship and the missing middle: Phil explains why leadership development and coaching are now essential.
[20:55] Authentic leadership vs. command and control: A candid discussion about what leadership must become in today’s automotive industry.
[21:44] Building a CEO brand: Why authenticity matters more than self-promotion and how leaders earn credibility.
[27:40] Workforce challenges keep CEOs up at night: Why talent, culture, and leadership pipelines dominate executive conversations.
[28:18] How CEOs should think about AI: Phil outlines four priorities leaders should focus on right now, including data readiness and security.
[31:21] Phil’s final message to CEOs: “Be the best Maytag repairman you can be.”
[36:24] Life after PwC: Phil opens up about retirement, cancer survival, music, charity work, and what comes next.
[38:17] Defining Phil Biggs’ personal brand: Jan shares the feedback she heard repeatedly from industry leaders: “He’s an all-around good human.”
Top Quotes
[11:09] Phil Biggs: “ You've got to care enough to be kind. You've got to be tough and have that mentality.”
[11:12] Phil Biggs: “The CEO has to think about how I am reinventing the future while I’m managing the very tough issues of today.”
[16:36] Jan Griffiths: “You have to trust and empower your people.”
[21:17] Jan Griffiths: “Authentic leadership is leadership that really comes from the heart.”
If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast, where we’re shaping the future of authentic leadership in the automotive industry.
This podcast episode is also available on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel at Jangriffithsautomotiveleaders
Send us your feedback or questions — email Jan at Jan@Gravitasdetroit.com.
