The Auto Ethnographer with John Stech

Learning a new language is one of the most humbling, hilarious, and deeply human experiences we can have. In this light‑hearted episode, I explore the universal journey from sounding like a broken GPS to finally communicating like an actual human being. I start with my own early bilingual beginnings, from growing up speaking German before moving to the United States and absorbing English on playgrounds and in classrooms. From there, we jump to Moscow, where I spent years learning Russian the only way my budget allowed: a 99‑lesson CD course played on repeat while stuck in legendary two‑hour traffic jams. If you've ever practiced foreign phrases alone in your car while other drivers stare, this one's for you. Fast‑forward to today, where I'm living in Thailand and wrestling with the five tones of the Thai language. One wrong tone and you can accidentally insult someone, order the wrong dish, or simply confuse everyone within earshot. It's a full return to the "robot phase," and I'm embracing it. Along the way, we talk about why learning one language makes the next easier, how accents are actually beautiful, and why mistakes are not just inevitable — they're essential. Every mispronunciation, every awkward pause, every accidental insult is a step toward connection. This episode is a reminder that everyone who speaks YOUR language with an accent is exactly how YOU sound in theirs. And that's not something to be embarrassed about — it's something to celebrate. Be sure to visit the Auto Ethnographer's homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com And follow on social media... FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 IG page: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer

In this episode, host John Jörn Stech explores how contracts reveal the deeper cultural logic behind global business. Drawing on real experiences from the United States, Germany, Russia, China, Brazil, and Egypt, it uncovers how written agreements reflect national attitudes toward trust, risk, negotiation, and long‑term partnership. Whether you work in international business, cross‑cultural management, global mobility, or multinational leadership, this conversation offers a vivid look at why contracts are never as universal as they appear. You'll hear stories from automotive industry negotiations, dealer agreements, joint ventures, and high‑stakes cross‑border partnerships. These examples highlight how contract interpretation shifts dramatically across cultures: from system‑trust environments like the U.S. and Germany to relationship‑trust cultures such as China, Brazil, and Russia, and finally to hybrid bureaucratic‑relational systems like Egypt. The episode breaks down how legal frameworks, institutional reliability, and interpersonal networks shape everything from timelines to renegotiations. Listeners will gain insight into why American contracts emphasize legal protection, why German agreements prioritize precision, why Russian and Chinese negotiations rely heavily on relationships, and why Brazilian and Egyptian business cultures blend formal documentation with human connection. These contrasts illuminate the hidden cultural DNA behind global contracting, compliance, and business communication. If you're navigating international deals, leading multicultural teams, or preparing for global expansion, this episode offers practical context for understanding how different societies view obligations, flexibility, and the written word. It's a guide to avoiding misunderstandings, strengthening partnerships, and reading the cultural signals embedded in every clause and signature. By the end, you'll see contracts not just as legal documents but as cultural artifacts that reveal how people build trust, manage uncertainty, and define professional integrity across borders. This is essential listening for anyone working in global strategy, international negotiations, or cross‑cultural leadership. To learn more about the Auto Ethnographer, be sure to visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/]

Welcome to the first episode of the new year — and the beginning of a major new chapter for The Auto Ethnographer. In this episode, host John Stech shares the story behind his five international relocations, the overwhelm that nearly stopped him, and the lessons that shaped his new mission: helping you turn your dream of living overseas into a real, actionable plan. For years, listeners have written in with the same struggle: "I want to move abroad… but I'm completely overwhelmed." Today, John lifts the curtain on the solution he's been building behind the scenes, and which will be available in the coming weeks. In This Episode - John's first international move to Cairo: the excitement, the fear, and the avalanche of logistics that nearly derailed everything - The universal mental roadblocks that stop people from pursuing life abroad - Why the channel is expanding beyond automotive culture into deeper, broader conversations about global living - A preview of upcoming guests, including a renowned culture trainer and author - The reveal of John's biggest project yet: a comprehensive 29‑video relocation course designed to guide you from "someday" to "I'm ready" - A breakdown of the course modules, covering mindset, country selection, visas, finances, logistics, settling in, community‑building, and more - How this new direction will bring more depth, more variety, and more practical value to every episode Why This Episode Matters If you've ever dreamed of living overseas but felt paralyzed by the complexity (visas, money, logistics, culture shock, loneliness), this episode is your turning point. John shares the systems he built over five relocations and explains how they've evolved into a complete roadmap for anyone ready to make a bold change. What's Coming Next The channel's expanded focus begins now, with richer cultural insights, more diverse guests, and content tailored to a wider range of careers and global paths. The relocation course launches soon, just in time for those ready to turn a New Year's resolution into a real plan. Join the Conversation Comment with the one country you're dreaming of — let's build a community of people ready to take action, support each other, and make global living a shared reality. Thanks for being part of this journey. This year, we stop saying "someday." Let's get started. Homepage:  https://www.auto-ethnographer.com FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 IG page: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrD6CPH0KXdKrIRBnTHpuQ

Living as an #expat outside of your home culture is the ultimate challenge. In this 2025 year-end special, I've distilled the most powerful insights from 41 episodes of The Auto Ethnographer into one essential guide. Join me as I revisit the most impactful moments from every featured guest this year—professionals who have navigated the complexities of the automotive industry and beyond in foreign lands. Whether you are facing early culture shock , looking to improve your cross cultural management skills, or simply curious about the reality of working abroad, these stories prove that the lessons learned are universally applicable. From the excitement of the "honeymoon phase" to the hard realities of cultural adaptation, this video compiles the real human stories behind the job titles. In this video, we cover: • Real-world advice: Practical tips for surviving the transition to a new country. • Professional growth: How to handle cross-cultural communication in the workplace. • The Human Side: Honest reflections from unique guests on what it truly means to live as an expat, work with expats, and to be a global citizen. Resources & Links: • Subscribe for more expat stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrD6CPH0KXdKrIRBnTHpuQ Connect with The Auto Ethnographer:  https://www.auto-ethnographer.com FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 IG page: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrD6CPH0KXdKrIRBnTHpuQ #ExpatLife #CulturalAdaptation #WorkingAbroad #CrossCulturalManagement #2025Recap #AutomotiveIndustry #CultureShock

What happens when a single career stretches across continents, cultures, and some of the most storied automotive brands on earth? In this episode of Auto Ethnographer, we dive into the remarkable global journey of Toscan Bennett, a man whose life has been shaped by movement, adaptation, and an uncanny ability to bridge worlds that rarely understand one another. Host John Stech welcomes Toscan for a wide‑ranging conversation that begins with his unusual upbringing as a third‑culture kid born in Vietnam, raised across Asia and Latin America, and eventually thrust into a career that would take him deep inside the automotive industry's most complex cultural intersections. Toscan's story is not just about cars, it's about identity, belonging, and the unique fluency that comes from never fully fitting into one place. Across the episode, Toscan walks us through his extraordinary professional arc, spanning 11 automotive brands and multiple continents. In this conversation alone, he reflects on his time with Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Ceer, and VinFast—each one offering a different lens into how global companies think, operate, and sometimes collide. From Italian passion to Japanese humility, from German precision to Vietnamese speed, Toscan reveals how culture shapes products, decisions, and the very rhythm of corporate life. Listeners will hear vivid stories of American engineers experiencing European roads for the first time, the chaos and brilliance of cross‑cultural product development teams, and the surprising realities of working inside Swedish consensus culture. Toscan also shares candid insights into the limits of centralized thinking—especially when headquarters assumes the world looks just like home—and the moments when only firsthand experience can break through corporate assumptions. As promised during the episode, John and Toscan also acknowledge the three brands they didn't get to—Lotus Motorcars, Opel, and Vauxhall—a reminder of just how expansive Toscan's career has been. Even with an hour of conversation, there simply wasn't enough time to cover all eleven. Whether you're fascinated by global business, automotive history, or the human side of cross‑cultural leadership, this episode offers a rare inside look at what it truly means to build a career across borders. Toscan Bennett's journey is a lesson in adaptability, curiosity, and the power of seeing the world through more than one lens. You can learn more about The Auto Ethnographer at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] You can also follow on social media: FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 IG page: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer

Do Thai citizens love cars? And what attracts them to different brands? Those are the questions that John Jörn Stech, host of The Auto Ethnographer, set out to answer at a large motorshow in Bangkok, Thailand. This week the 42nd Thailand International Motor Expo is bringing car fans and curious consumers from around the country to the IMPACT Challenger show hall. A wide range of brands hail from Europe, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and increasingly, from China. John speaks with representatives from eight different brands – European, Japanese, American, and Chinese – to understand what attracts their customers to their brands. These are Volvo, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Chery, Ford, Great Wall Motors, and Zeekr. Listeners may be surprised what the brands think the consumers find attractive. John speaks with Auteneo founder, Krzysztof Tokarz, about his company's foray into social listening. This involves using AI-driven tools that "listen" to thousands of social media conversations about the automotive industry and specific brands. Using this social listening technology, automakers can learn what consumers are saying about their products and address the concerns, either tactically or with strategic product changes. To learn more about Autoneo's capabilities, visit their website at https://www.auteneo.com [https://www.auteneo.com/]and be sure to follow them on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/auteneo. John also speaks about the increasing number of Chinese competitors in the market, with special focus on Changan's luxury Avatr brand, whose show stand is directly adjacent to Mercedes-Benz. Is this a threat to the vaunted German luxury brand? Auto shows are exciting, full of energy, and able to answer questions for inquisitive consumers. There is no doubt that Thailand's show is in its prime and set to grow each year with new brands entering the market. To learn more about The Auto Ethnographer, visit our website at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/]. You can also follow on social media: FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 IG page: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer

Alexandra Strassburger joins John Stech, host of The Auto Ethnographer podcast, with a story that transcends borders, industries, and expectations. Her 11 years living and working in China as a German citizen shaped not only her worldview but also her leadership style, family life, and strategic contributions to one of the world's most iconic automotive brands. In this episode, Alexandra shares how deep cultural immersion—from language learning to Chinese cooking clubs—became the foundation for both personal growth and professional innovation. Currently Head of IT for Global Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, Alexandra leads diverse teams across Stuttgart and beyond in shaping the future of digitized, standardized automotive sales. Her career at Mercedes-Benz spans over two decades, with pivotal roles in sales, marketing, R&D, and strategy. But it's her intercultural fluency—honed through years of on-the-ground experience in China—that sets her apart as a global leader. On the personal side, Alexandra recounts how her early exposure to Chinese culture began at age five, when her father hosted Chinese business partners at their family home. Later, she and her husband made the bold decision to raise their children in a fully local Chinese environment, complete with traditional medicine, Mandarin-speaking caregivers, and dumpling-filled Chinese New Year celebrations. "If you ask me where my home is," she says, "it's in Chaoyang, Beilu in Beijing." Professionally, Alexandra's time in China was transformative. She helped establish product management in Beijing, built the China Insights division, and led teams through the complexities of a rapidly evolving market. Her leadership journey began with a steep learning curve - "I was very German and very controlling," she admits - but evolved into a hybrid approach that blended German thoroughness with Chinese pragmatism. "That was the magic key," she reflects. The episode also explores how Alexandra's return to Germany revealed a more international and diverse workplace than the one she had left. She brought back a new mindset - one that values closeness with team members and embraces cultural overlap. "All the fears I brought from Germany were completely useless," she says. "I could just avoid them and learned a lot. I grew a lot there." Whether you're curious about cross-cultural leadership, global mobility, or the human side of automotive strategy, this conversation offers rich insights and heartfelt reflections. As Alexandra puts it, "We didn't just live in China—we became part of it." To learn more about The Auto Ethnographer, visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com .  Also follow on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.  FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 IG page:  https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrD6CPH0KXdKrIRBnTHpuQ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer

In this episode of The Auto Ethnographer podcast, host John Stech welcomes back Chinese culture trend forecaster and brand strategist Grace Mou for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. Fresh from her first-ever trip to Europe - visiting France and Italy - Grace shares her candid impressions of Western culture, technology, and branding through the eyes of a Chinese professional immersed in global consumer trends. What she discovered surprised her. "I never expected that Europe is living in the past while China is living in the future," Grace reflects. From the absence of mobile payment systems to the analog pace of daily life, she found herself transported not forward, but backward in time. Yet rather than dismissing the slower rhythm, she came to admire it. "Europeans don't live on their smartphones. They can have more time to enjoy their life." The conversation dives into the rituals of Italian coffee culture, the emotional resonance of European branding, and the contrast between Shanghai's innovation-driven consumerism and Europe's reverence for tradition. "In China, we obsess over usefulness. But in Europe, beauty and heritage come first," Grace explains. Her insights challenge assumptions about progress and offer a nuanced view of what it means to live and nurture brands well. As a branding strategist, Grace found herself rethinking the very foundations of value. "Sometimes, the useless is the most powerful," she says, pointing to the rise of emotional economy brands like PopMart in China. Her reflections suggest a cultural shift on the horizon, one where aesthetics, storytelling, and emotional connection may begin to rival functionality in Chinese consumer expectations. Grace also touches on sustainability, noting Europe's embrace of the circular economy through vintage shops and secondhand fashion. "In China, people jump to the newest things. But in Europe, they appreciate what has already lived," she observes. This reverence for the past, she argues, could offer valuable lessons for China's fast-moving consumer culture. To accompany this episode, Grace has published two Substack essays: one exploring Milan's coffee culture compared to Shanghai's, and another on discovering authentic French cuisine outside Paris. Tune in for a rich, cross-cultural dialogue that will leave you rethinking technology, branding, and the art of living. You can find those here on Grace's Substack page: https://substack.com/@trendculturebrand. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss her weekly insightful articles on brand and culture trends. You can learn more about The Auto Ethnographer on the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com You can also follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer #chinaculture #chinarising #eastmeetswest #milano #paris #coffeeculture #focaccia #progress

In this episode of The Auto Ethnographer, host John Stech explores the cultural and diplomatic shockwaves following a U.S. immigration raid at a Korean-run EV battery plant in Georgia. Nearly 500 Korean nationals - engineers, technicians, and students - were detained despite holding valid visas. The raid triggered not only legal action but also a deep rupture in trust between South Korea and the United States. John examines the human toll, the Korean cultural concept of chemyeon (face), and how public humiliation abroad reverberates through Korean society. He connects the incident to South Korea's escape from an authoritarian past and highlights how the raid was framed as a moral and diplomatic crisis. With Korean firms reevaluating U.S. investments and a class-action lawsuit now underway, this episode asks: What happens when dignity is violated in a global business partnership? This is not just a story about immigration enforcement—it's about cultural diplomacy, strategic clarity, and the fragile nature of trust between allies. Tune in for a sobering look at how global mobility intersects culture and politics, and why symbolic repair may be the only path forward. Subscribe, rate, and share The Auto Ethnographer wherever you listen. Visit https://auto-ethnographer.com [https://auto-ethnographer.com/]  for more insights and updates. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer]

Today's episode is a bit of a back-to-school episode. Until now you have heard truly insightful stories from automotive executives that have navigated different cultures. Today we break out the chalkboard and try to fit a simple, yet complex, framework around those conversations. That framework was developed by Geert Hofstede. Let's have a short introduction to Geert Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions. Based on research that he conducted in the 1970's, Hofstede constructed six cultural dimensions by which different countries or cultures could be compared on a relative basis. These help to create context and understanding for differences that one could see or feel but not really explain. The six dimensions are the Individualism vs. Collectivism Dimension, the Power Distance Dimension, the Uncertainty Avoidance Dimension, the Masculinity vs. Femininity Dimension, the Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation, and the Indulgence vs. Restraint Dimension. The names already hint at what each may be about. Host John Stech provides a brief tour of Hofstede's six cultural dimensions. He provides short examples from his automotive career for each dimension, helping to understand each. As a German immigrant to the United States, he had always felt a bit out of sync with peers. The "ah-ha" moment came when he first read Hofstede's cultural dimensions. The light bulb came on. This is just a short introduction to Hofstede's work. Volumes have been written about it and other works are based on it. For more information, it is recommended to visit the website. There you can find the maps visible in the video version of this podcast. You can also find other resources, such as a tool where you can pick several countries and see how they line up on the six dimensions. This can be fascinating if you have a specific culture in mind. You can find these at https://www.geerthofstede.com [https://www.geerthofstede.com/] . For more information about The Auto Ethnographer, please visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/]. You can also follow on social media. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer

The news media are continuously reporting on the declining fortunes of foreign automakers in China. But what are the manufacturers doing to turn that story around? In this episode of The Auto Ethnographer, host John Jörn Stech takes a look into Volkswagen's efforts to stem the decline and fuel a future rise. Despite decades in China as one of the first automakers, and a commanding market share for most of those years, the market has shifted and Volkswagen has been struggling. The massive shift into EVs in the Chinese market seemed perfectly matched to VW's own aspirations as an EV-focused brand. But something went wrong. Volkswagen's cars seemed to miss the mark with consumer tastes in terms of styling, electronics and digital functionality, and price. Pushed back on its heels, VW is now working to close the gap. They have formed several partnerships with local Chinese companies, such as Xpeng Motors and Contemporary Amperex Technologies Limited (CATL). As important as the partnerships is the adaptation to working with the Chinese culture and adapting its strengths in rapid automotive development. The Auto Ethnographer explores the situation, the solutions, and the direction that things are taking for Volkswagen. The jury is still out on the long term but the results of deep cultural changes and ways of working seem to be bearing fruit. For more information on The Auto Ethnographer, visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] Be sure to follow on social media as well for more frequent updates and "Unusual cars in unusual places", featured on Instagram and LinkedIn. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer See also the related site of Shiftgate Consulting LLC, the consulting arm of The Auto Ethnographer at https://www.shiftgate.consulting [https://www.shiftgate.consulting/] #volkswagen #vw #chinarising #expatliving #cultureshock

Two weeks ago John Stech, host of The Auto Ethnographer, traveled from Bangkok to the Philippines to visit his wife's family. Together with them, we traveled from Manila to the center of Luzon and then to La Union on the northwest corner of the island. There was much to see but one thing was a constant: the hard working Jeepney. This episode focuses on that Filipino icon. Jeepney's are unique to the Philippines. They originated from the Willys military Jeep, thousands of which were left behind by the United States Army at the end of World War 2. These vehicles were modified by lengthening their wheelbase, adding long benches in the bed, covering the seating with a roof, and then customizing them by the owner. The result is the wildly colorful Jeepney, a rolling mural, a cultural icon on Filipino roads. Each is unique in style, in color, and in expression. Emblazoned with the owner's name over the windshield, and the route and destination under the windshield, riders know immediately which Jeepney to take. Passengers are wide-ranging from students to office workers to laborers, and even tourists. Whether passengers sit inside, or stand on the rear bumper platform, there is always space for one more. Luggage? On the roof. These versatile vehicles get everyone and everything where they need to go. The Auto Ethnographer shares what he saw, his impressions, and what he learned about the humble, yet mighty, Jeepney during his five days on the island. The Auto Ethnographer features a daily post of Unusual Cars in Unusual Places on the podcast's Instagram and Facebook. Links below. https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 For further information on the Auto Ethnographer, please visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] Also follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer Keep on driving! #jeepney #philippines #cultureshock #expatlife #workabroad #jeep

In Part 3 of a 4-part series, Grace Mou, Chinese trend forecaster and brand strategist, explains why Chinese consumers are flocking to Chinese automotive brands, especially electric vehicles. Together with Auto Ethnographer host, John Stech, she discusses consumer mindset. Chinese consumers compare styling, technology, price, and features to arrive at a purchase decision. Grace clarifies what does and does not drive their decision-making process. She explains her own experience with a family member's Changan Avatr 11 EV, a car which was purchased to replace previous Fords that the family owned. Her impressions mirror those of many other Chinese consumers. Grace also addresses vehicle charging, its availability and the advancements of technology towards charging speed. All factors point towards ever greater EV adoption in China where sales already exceed 50% share. As fast as the Chinese automotive and EV brands are rising, Grace identifies one soft spot. The relentless investment in technology, engineering, and in the current price war in China has diverted budget and attention from brand building. How will this impact these brands in their home market and abroad? Grace addresses this topic. You can read Grace Mou's weekly blog with further Chinese culture and branding insights here https://www.grace-creativity.com/blog. You can also follow Grace Mou on Substack at https://substack.com/@trendculturebrand To learn more about The Auto Ethnographer, visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] You can also follow on Instagram or Facebook for a daily "Unusual Cars in Unusual Places" post. For Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ For Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364

In Part 2 of a 4-part series, Grace Mou, Chinese trend forecaster and brand strategist, explains how China has emerged from its past of copycatting foreign goods and brands, and is now rapidly advancing its own innovation. Together with Auto Ethnographer host, John Stech, she discusses the so-called soft power of Chinese brands and the increase in their global export. Grace explores the rise of the Labubu brand under PopMart, saying clearly that it is not a toy company but an intellectual property (IP) company. The nine-toothed creatures have taken over collectors' hearts around the world thanks to sightings of many celebrities sporting them on their backpacks and handbags. Next, she shines light on the internationally popular vertical dramas. These short 5-6 minute videos are part of a 50-60 part series watched on the phone in portrait position, hence the "vertical drama" name. Developed during the pandemic period as a form of advertisement, they quickly developed into an entertainment medium of their own. Lastly, we cover the "instant commerce war", a name given to Chinese hyper-advanced on-line shopping where convenience is the master. A consumer sees something, clicks, and thirty minutes later there is a knock on the door by the delivery person. This convenience does bring a danger of overspending, something that budget-wary Chinese consumers must keep in mind. These are just three examples where China's innovation is leading the world and is driving demand beyond its borders. This thirty-minute episode scratches the surface of this development but promises to open eyes about the speed and direction of innovation. You can read Grace Mou's weekly blog with further culture insights here https://www.grace-creativity.com/blog. You can also follow Grace Mou on Substack at https://substack.com/@trendculturebrand To learn more about The Auto Ethnographer, visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] You can also follow on Instagram or Facebook for a daily "Unusual Cars in Unusual Places" post. For Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/] click here. For Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364] click here.

Grace Mou joins host John Stech on this week's Auto Ethnographer Podcast for the first of a four-part series on the Chinese market, marketing, branding, and trend forecasting. She helps to unravel the current consumer sentiment in China, the world's largest consumer market. With a background in marketing and branding as a strategist and researcher, Grace Mou has honed her forecasting skills to determine which trends lie ahead in the Chinese consumer market. Currently working as an independent brand strategy consultant, she has worked at several marketing and branding agencies including Dongdao Brand Design & Consulting, Yang Design, Cowan, Kantar Millward Brown, and Agility Research & Strategy. In this episode we address the following: Which sectors of goods will prevail? Are consumers prepared to pay for quality goods? Will future market develop remain in mega-cities or transition to rural China? These are questions that Grace studies and she shares her thoughts on today's episode. She explains the current hesitancy of consumers to spend money, favoring instead to save their earnings during uncertain times. Grace also identifies a trend of consumers shifting preference to services and experiences, as opposed to physical goods. Travel is currently a hot ticket item for the consumer. Grace also explains the "religion of money" which she compares to being "money gene" in Chinese consumers. There is a focus on wealth and prosperity, something which has helped fuel the rapid rise of the Chinese consumer economy over the past twenty years. But something is different now. Grace dives into these topics and more during the conversation. You can read Grace Mou's weekly blog with further culture insights here https://www.grace-creativity.com/blog. You can also follow Grace Mou on Substack at https://substack.com/@trendculturebrand To learn more about The Auto Ethnographer, visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] Follow on Instagram for a daily dose of unusual cars in unusual places at https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/

Philipp Schiemer is equally comfortable leading a dealer meeting at Mercedes-Benz Brasil or driving a cutting-edge performance car around the track at Mercedes-AMG. And it's no wonder because he has been CEO of both companies. This week's Auto Ethnographer podcast, with host John Stech, features Philipp Schiemer, a highly adaptable German automotive executive. Philipp spent a combined twenty years in Brazil over the course of three separate work assignments, the final 7-year stint as CEO of Mercedes-Benz Brasil. With a base in the Spanish language, Philipp quickly mastered Portuguese, a skill that would allow him to connect to employees and business partners alike. Beyond the language, Philipp understood the nuances of the Brazilian culture – taking decisions, negotiations, time culture, and the importance of selecting a futbol team! Over the course of his three assignments in Brazil, he faced numerous challenges from economic turbulence to the carveout of Chrysler from the DaimlerChrysler organization to the implementation of strict compliance rules (driven by Sarbanes-Oxley) on a continent that was known for questionable adherence to corruption rules. Each challenge brought learnings. The final pinnacle of Philipp's career, prior to recent retirement, was to sit at the helm of the legendary Mercedes-AMG GmbH. This vaunted producer of high-performance cars for road and track demanded a fast-moving, decisive, and flexible leader. His experience in Brazil had trained Philipp well for this role and he excelled in the role despite starting the job at the peak of Covid shutdowns. Join us today in the discussion and learn some insights on what it takes to lead in Brazil and what it means to lead one of the most aspired-to automotive brands in the world. For additional information on The Auto Ethnographer, visit the homepage at https://www.Auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] Follow the channel on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrD6CPH0KXdKrIRBnTHpuQ] here.  Get your daily dose of unusual cars in unusual places on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364].

Tim Bravo, Director of Communications at Automobili Lamborghini, joins John Stech, host of The Auto Ethnographer, to discuss how his mixed German-Spanish heritage boosted his career opportunities. Tim has worked with an enviable list of automotive brands from SEAT to Porsche to Bugatti and, ultimately, to Lamborghini. He was born in Germany but he moved with his family to Barcelona at an early age. Although his father is of Spanish descent, Spanish was not spoken in the household. Tim took things into his own hands and learned both Spanish and Catalan on the streets of Barcelona through his friends even as he attended a German school. Sixteen years after having returned to Germany to finish his primary school education and university, fate brought him back to Barcelona. A fortuitous connection to the SEAT Communications Department led to a job offer and several years working with the iconic Spanish brand owned by the Volkswagen Group. Fate took another twist that brought Tim to Porsche's communications group in the brand's Stuttgart home. But soon thereafter, the company leveraged Tim's communications expertise and language skills in Porsche Cars Latin America, based in Miami. From here he would manage brand communications across South and Central America plus the Caribbean. Still in the Volkswagen Group's orbit, Tim's next stop was in France with the super-premium Bugatti brand which then led directly to Sant' Agata, Italy and his current role with Lamborghini. Through all of this Tim approached life with humility and authenticity, never diverging from his own upbringing and persona. He views life and fate in a clear, open-eyed manner, always knowing that curveballs will be thrown. And he is ready for them. In this podcast Tim shares the story of his upbringing in two countries, his heritage, his career, and his approach to life lived in cultures not his own. It is informative and deeply inspiring. To learn more about the Auto Ethnographer and for links to all podcast platforms, follow the link to the homepage. https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] Check out our Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/].  Check out our YouTube Channel here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrD6CPH0KXdKrIRBnTHpuQ].

Six Months. 27 Episodes. Listeners from 38 Countries. The Auto Ethnographer podcast is officially six months old and what a global journey it's been. From Mercedes-Benz to McLaren, Toyota to VinFast, our guests have shared stories from Mexico to Malaysia, Sweden to Saudi Arabia, exploring how culture shapes the way we move, market, and make meaning. We've featured voices from inside Porsche, Volvo, Aston Martin, Land Rover, and more with each one revealing what it's like to work across borders, brands, and belief systems. And we're just getting started. Coming soon: Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, and a deep dive into Chinese branding and cultural trends. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for daily snapshots of unusual cars in unusual places. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Drive differently. But keep on driving! Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrD6CPH0KXdKrIRBnTHpuQ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-auto-ethnographer

On this week's episode of The Auto Ethnographer, host John Stech speaks with Jess Bala, Managing Director of General Motors Australia & New Zealand. The native Australian speaks about her experiences working for GM in both Australia and at the company's headquarters in Detroit, half a world away. Jess is currently launching the Cadillac brand as an EV-only brand Down Under. And she is uniquely qualified to do this. She has 13 years of product planning experience with GM, starting with the Australian Holden brand and ending as Director of Cadillac Product Planning & Product Marketing in Detroit prior to her return to Australia. She truly knows the brand, the product, and its targeted consumers. Rounding out her product planning experience, Jess also served as Chief of Staff in GM CEO Mary Barra's office. Here she learned global lessons about the company and the auto industry as a whole, lessons she would take back and leverage in her current role as Australia & New Zealand's Managing Director. She shares some keen insights on Australians and Americans, their similarities and differences. Though fairly similar, not only in language, there are key differences that set them apart. Learn more about the Auto Ethnographer podcast at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] Follow on Instagram for a daily dose of unusual vehicles spotted in unusual places – the intersection of cars and culture.  https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/

Raise your hand if you have ever gone through the visa process for either travel or moving abroad. Then you know how it feels to fill in endless forms, sit in soul-draining beige waiting rooms, wait for your number to be called, and finally, finally receive your visa. This week the Auto Ethnographer does a humorous take on the visa process. Hopefully you chuckle, because the other option is crying. John Stech, host of the Auto Ethnographer summarizes his experiences into a humorous account of visa obtainment based on experience in Egypt, Russia, Brazil, Thailand, and many others. As diverse as countries and cultures are, it seems that visa agents worldwide conspired to align themselves and make a bureaucratic slog of it across the planet. Here's a 10 minute summary. Perhaps you will learn something. Perhaps you will laugh. Or perhaps you will put your head back in your hands while you listen to this in a consular office. To learn more about The Auto Ethnographer podcast you can visit the homepage at https://www.auto-ethnographer.com [https://www.auto-ethnographer.com/] Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/auto.ethnographer/ Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567929329364