Questions & Answers Dennis Gedrat XTRONIC What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry? I started my career in 2006 in automotive electronics development. My first task was to build a demonstrator for connectivity and camera-based automated testing of display components. The complexity and variety of the components and systems fascinated me. I was also impressed by the team's great spirit. Your greatest achievement? During my career, I have worked with many young people who are new to automotive development. I got to guide them to become professionals, encourage them to overcome their internal doubts and dare to take a step forward. I truly enjoy helping them develop into great team players. What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you? There was a time when I didn't listen to my employees. I didn't see their needs. As a result, they quit. It taught me that I can only be successful when I take care of my team and show them their work is meaningful. Even if it means that I must change my own goals. What is your current challenge at work? I recently started working at a new company. I find my employees feeling uncertain about what their future positions will look like. I want to build a vision together with them, encouraging them to grow and to think of things a bit differently. My challenge is to convince all the stakeholders that change is necessary. What about the auto industry surprises you? Over the last few years I experienced firsthand how the whole business model is changing. It's no longer about developing and selling cars. Now it's all about the car's whole life cycle. It really surprises me how quickly this change has begun affecting all of us and how hard it is for people to adopt. They have been used to an established process, especially within the management culture. What is the best advice you have ever received? I think of management a bit like being out on a soccer field. There is always time to step up to the ball, take a deep breath and to look around. Who is with you on your team? What is the best way around the opposing players? I got this advice early in my management career and it's something I remind myself of every day. What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry? First you must find out where your passion lies. That is important for the automotive industry 20