Interview with Vitor

What happens when a career path leads you away from a company, only to bring you back stronger than before?In this episode of KVOICES, Natasha sits down with Vitor, from Portugal, to discuss his journey from KAPS Expert to production leadership and back to continuous improvement. Along the way, Vitor shares how his background in Industrial Management and Engineering helped shape his career, the leadership lessons he learned managing production teams, and why returning to KIRCHHOFF Automotive felt like coming home.The conversation also explores life outside of work, including family, fitness, Portugal's growing padel community, and the importance of maintaining balance while raising two young children.Listeners will also get a glimpse into Portuguese culture as Vitor shares the traditions behind the country's vibrant Santos Populares celebrations, which honor Saint Anthony, Saint John, and Saint Peter each June through parades, music, food, and community gatherings.In this episode, you'll learn:• How Vitor's career evolved from KAPS Expert to KAPS Manager. • The leadership lessons he gained through production management. • Why he chose to return to KIRCHHOFF Automotive after a brief time away. • How continuous improvement continues to drive his work today. • The role family, fitness, and padel play in his life outside of work. • The traditions and cultural significance of Portugal's Santos Populares celebrations.Join us for an engaging conversation about leadership, personal growth, family, continuous improvement, and Portuguese culture.Want to be a guest on KVOICES? Send an email to [email protected]. 🎙️

In this episode of K>VOICES, we meet Mark Fabischek, leader in our Product Development and R&D department, whose story is shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. From nearly pursuing a career in music to leading global engineering teams, Mark's journey reflects the value of embracing new opportunities and continuously challenging yourself to grow.Mark shares how an unexpected opportunity led him to KIRCHHOFF Automotive in 2018, beginning with an unconventional first interview in a German beer garden. Since then, he has helped connect technical teams across North America and Europe and recently relocated to Germany to support the company's global engineering organization.Throughout the conversation, Mark reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, from his early days as a mechanical engineer to his passion for research and development. He discusses why curiosity is one of the most important qualities for innovation and explains how engineering combines both technical expertise and creative thinking.Outside of work, Mark provides a personal look into his life as a husband, father, musician, and lifelong learner. Before becoming an engineering leader, he was a certified piano teacher, keyboard player, and singer in a rock band. He shares how music influenced his approach to problem-solving, leadership, and the way he views the world around him.Listeners will also hear about Mark's experience living in Germany, adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and staying connected with family while working abroad. His story highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and remaining open to new experiences.Join us for an engaging conversation about engineering, music, leadership, family, international collaboration, and the experiences that continue to shape Mark's journey.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a colleague.

In this episode of K>VOICES, we sit down with Wolfgang Kirchhoff, CEO of KIRCHHOFF Automotive, to learn more about the person behind one of the most recognizable faces in our company. Inspired by the storytelling approach used in previous K>VOICES episodes, this conversation explores Wolfgang's family roots, leadership journey, personal interests, and the experiences that have shaped his perspective.  Growing up around a family business, Wolfgang was introduced to entrepreneurship and leadership from an early age. He reflects on his earliest memories of KIRCHHOFF, the lessons he learned while gaining experience outside the family company, and what it was like helping grow the business alongside his brothers.Throughout the conversation, Wolfgang shares insights from more than three decades in the automotive industry. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his career, the values that influence his leadership style, and the importance of staying connected with employees across KIRCHHOFF Automotive's global operations.Family plays a central role in Wolfgang's life. He speaks about his wife and children, shares the story of how he met his wife while skiing in Austria, and reflects on the importance of maintaining strong family relationships while balancing the demands of leading a global company.Listeners will also get a glimpse into Wolfgang's life beyond work. From cycling, swimming, skiing, and golf to reading during long flights, he discusses the hobbies and interests that help him stay energized and maintain perspective.Join us for an engaging conversation about family, leadership, personal growth, company culture, and the experiences that have shaped Wolfgang's journey both inside and outside of KIRCHHOFF Automotive.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a colleague.

What shapes a person’s perspective on life, leadership, and family?In this episode of K>VOICES, Natasha Philpott sits down with Geza to explore a remarkable journey spanning generations, countries, and historic change.Geza reflects on growing up in Hungary during the communist era, sharing firsthand experiences of life behind the Iron Curtain and how those early years shaped his outlook on opportunity, gratitude, and resilience. He also discusses his career journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the values that continue to guide him today.Beyond work, Geza opens up about the importance of family to maintaining strong connections with a large extended family that gathers each summer. He also shares stories from his lifelong passion for windsurfing and the role it has played in his life.This thoughtful conversation offers a unique perspective on history, personal growth, family traditions, and the experiences that shape who we become.In this episode:Growing up in Hungary during communismLessons learned throughout a diverse career journeyThe importance of family traditions and connectionsA lifelong passion for windsurfingHow life experiences shape perspective and decision-makingReflections on resilience, gratitude, and personal growthTune in for an inspiring conversation about perspective, family, and what it means to go forward together.

In this episode of K>VOICES, we travel to Querétaro, Mexico, to speak with Mauricio, Plant Manager at KIRCHHOFF Automotive.Mauricio shares his journey from working in different areas of the business—production, quality, and more—to leading an entire plant. He reflects on what drew him to the automotive industry, how hands-on experience shaped his approach to leadership, and what it was like guiding his team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.Outside of work, Mauricio and his family are deeply involved in a meaningful community initiative centered around therapeutic horseback riding. Together, they support children and young people with a range of medical and developmental needs, creating opportunities for growth and connection.This episode highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and purpose—both inside and outside the plant.

In this episode of K>VOICES, we speak with Bence, KAPS Leader at KIRCHHOFF Automotive’s Esztergom plant, about his journey into lean management and the role of continuous improvement in daily operations.Starting with a background in marketing, Bence transitioned into logistics and discovered a passion for lean thinking, working on real-time challenges and supporting teams on the shop floor. Today, he leads a small but impactful team focused on training, process improvement, and supporting major project launches.He shares insights into what it takes to navigate fast-moving projects, how teams manage uncertainty, and why mindset and collaboration are critical for long-term success.Beyond his professional role, Bence reflects on how sports have shaped his leadership style and offers a glimpse into life outside of work in Hungary, from family life to travel and culture.This episode provides a thoughtful look at how continuous improvement comes to life through people, teamwork, and everyday problem-solving.

In this episode of K>VOICES, we travel to Ovar, Portugal to meet Pedro Silva, a long‑standing member of the IT team.  With more than 25 years at KIRCHHOFF Automotive, Pedro shares his experience leading IT in a production environment while also pursuing his passion for music. As a lifelong percussionist and carnival performer, Pedro’s story blends technology, tradition, and community.  Tune in to hear Pedro’s reflections on career growth, cultural connection, family life, and the importance of focusing on the good things in both work and life. 

In this episode of K>VOICES, we speak with Sacheen who works in product development at our Aurora, Canada location, about his more than 20-year journey with the company and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and growth.Originally from Mauritius, Sacheen came to Canada as an international student with plans to pursue aerospace engineering. An internship opportunity during his master’s degree introduced him to the automotive industry — a path he hadn’t originally envisioned, but one that quickly turned into a long-term career. Sacheen reflects on the value of adaptability, curiosity, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities. In today’s role, Sacheen supports both local and global initiatives. He also shares how movement plays a central role in his life — from yoga to Spartan racing — and how those experiences influence the way he approaches challenges at work and beyond.From career pivots and leadership lessons to travel, fitness, food, and wine, this episode offers a thoughtful look at growth through perseverance and balance. 

In this episode of K>VOICES, we speak with Piotr, Head of Global Manufacturing Engineering at KIRCHHOFF Automotive, about his nearly 20‑year journey with the company and the experiences that shaped his approach to global leadership.Starting his career as a manufacturing engineer in Poland, Piotr’s path has taken him across Europe, North America, Mexico, and China, where he supported plant expansions, new facility launches, and cross‑regional engineering teams. He shares what it’s like to lead a global function, how cultural differences influence collaboration, and why teamwork is critical behind every major milestone.Beyond the technical side of the role, Piotr opens up about relocating internationally with his family, adapting to new environments, and what he values most after years of travel. From career advice for engineers to his dream car and favorite ways to unwind, this episode offers a thoughtful, personal look at leadership in global manufacturing engineering.

In this episode of K>VOICES, we sit down with Erin from our Tecumseh plant in the USA to talk about career growth, leadership, and the people‑first side of human resources. Since joining KIRCHHOFF Automotive more than a decade ago, Erin has grown her career from the ground up, supporting a large and diverse team while helping shape a positive workplace culture.Erin shares what drew her to the automotive industry, the lessons she’s learned through different stages of her career, and what it’s like working in a fast‑paced, 24‑hour manufacturing environment. She reflects on the importance of trust, teamwork, and employee engagement—and how meaningful recognition can make a real difference in people’s day‑to‑day experience at work.The conversation also goes beyond the workplace. Erin opens up about balancing a demanding role with family life, being a busy parent, and learning how to leave work at work in order to be present for what matters most. From youth sports and family trips to life with a new golden retriever puppy, this episode offers an honest and relatable look at the person behind the role.Tune in to hear Erin’s thoughtful perspective on growth, leadership, and staying grounded—both professionally and personally.