Questions & Answers Christian Schmidt ADIENT What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry? This is my first job in the industry. I really enjoy building and leading a regional organization. I like that the automotive industry supplies a product that connects and changes the world. It generates great benefits, but at the same time it also demands that we are conscientious because we carry great responsibility. Your greatest achievement? My greatest personal achievement is my family. They are the reason I do what I do. They make me very proud. Professionally, I see it as a success to have been able to work with many great people. I have already had the chance to build several professional teams. Bringing together different people, working together and contributing improvements every day is a great feeling. What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you? That is not easy to answer because there is nothing I consider having been a great failure. In the past I might have chosen a more difficult path because I was overly enthusiastic. Today, I spend more time evaluating the situation and reflecting on every step. Now, I also don't hesitate to change a decision before it leads to irrevocable difficulties. What matters is that you learn from every mistake and draw the right conclusions as you move ahead. What is your current challenge at work? It's always challenging to develop an existing organization. In today's world it's characterized by complex markets and that can make planning difficult. Life's fast pace also generates pressure and requires a lot of transparency. The challenge is to improve every day in this environment and to develop a good strategy for future needs. What about the auto industry surprises you? The dynamics of the industry are incredible. It's also interesting to see how closely everything is connected within the automotive world. What is the best advice you have ever received? Paths are created by walking. What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry? Stay flexible. Just know, it is what it is. 70