The Automotive Talent Show

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guests:Jeremy Nowlinglinkedin.com/in/jeremy-nowling-20293265/linkedin.com/company/rohrman-automotive-group/home/Michael Clarkelinkedin.com/in/michael-clarke-motivated/linkedin.com/company/getimpel/home/John Clavadetscherlinkedin.com/in/john-clavadetscher-1692693/

What do a mechanic, auto electrician, salesman and Managing Director have in common? Scott Maynard!From swinging spanners in Tasmania to leading Polestar Australia and New Zealand, Scott’s career has taken a few turns — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.In this chat with Cameron Cresswell, Scott shares why he still reckons automotive is the best game in town, what keeps the industry interesting, and why being willing to change direction might be one of the best career moves you can make.Oh, and there’s a Ferrari confession in there too. 🏎️🎙️ Watch the full conversation with Scott Maynard on the Automotive Talent Show.#Automotive #AutomotiveIndustry #AutomotiveCareers #Polestar #AutomotiveTalent🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Scott Maynardlinkedin.com/in/scott-maynard-02424827linkedin.com/company/polestarcars/00:28 Introduction to Scott and His Impact00:28 Looking Ahead: Future Collaborations and Reflections00:28 Introduction and Background of Scott Maynard00:28 Introduction to the Guest's Journey01:08 Transitioning to Polestar and the EV Revolution04:24 Career Journey in the Automotive Industry06:36 Understanding the Automotive Landscape09:09 The Evolution of Polestar in Australia11:31 The Shift Towards Electric Vehicles14:10 Mainstream Acceptance of EVs16:37 The Future of Automotive and Customer Expectations20:18 The Evolving Relationship with Electric Vehicles22:23 From Mechanic to Executive: A Journey Through the Industry24:42 Future Trends in the Automotive Industry28:11 The Role of Data in Modern Vehicles30:33 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations30:58 Introduction to Scott and His Impact31:16 Looking Ahead: Future Collaborations and Reflections

Sometimes the best career advice isn't about chasing the next opportunity—it's about making the most of the one you're already in.Vaughan Blackman explains why the biggest opportunities in his career came from doing the job in front of him exceptionally well. From Australia to leading automotive businesses in the UK, he reflects on the importance of consistency, earning trust, developing great people, embracing change, and letting your work speak for itself rather than constantly looking for what's next.More than an interview, this feels like two old friends catching up on careers, leadership, and how the automotive industry has evolved over the years. It's an honest conversation filled with practical lessons for anyone looking to build a career, lead people well, and recognise that the next opportunity often comes from excelling in the present one.🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Vaughan Blackmanlinkedin.com/in/vaughan-blackmanlinkedin.com/company/lsh-auto-uk-limited/00:28 Introduction to Vaughan Blackman's Journey01:14 The Vaughan Blackman Journey Begins02:52 From Music to Marine Sales05:56 Transitioning to Automotive Sales09:10 Lessons from the Automotive Industry10:57 Navigating Change in the Automotive Landscape16:45 Understanding the Agency Model17:56 Navigating Language Nuances in Automotive Conversations17:56 Adapting to Business Operations in Melbourne19:14 Scaling Leadership Across Multiple Locations22:13 The Complexity of Agency Models in Dealerships22:13 Understanding Income Streams in Dealership Operations22:47 People and Process: The Core of Dealership Success23:50 Comparing UK and Australian Automotive Markets24:58 Insights into the UK Automotive Market Dynamics27:01 Transaction Speeds: UK vs. Australia vs. US29:07 The Rise of Chinese Automotive Brands31:06 Electric Vehicles: Shaping the Future of the Market36:28 The Evolving Electric Vehicle Market37:01 Pursuing Education While Managing a Career39:01 The Value of Legal Knowledge in Business

Imagine spending years becoming a criminal barrister, only to decide you’d rather sell cars.That’s exactly what Ella Letiagina did. She left law, walked onto a Volkswagen dealership floor and started again — eventually helping take the brand from 4% market share to number one in Belarus. Then came Russia, then Australia, where she had to do something arguably harder: arrive with plenty of experience, but no reputation, no network and no shortcuts.In this conversation, Ella and Cameron talk about what it takes to start again, earn trust in a new country and keep backing yourself when the path ahead isn’t obvious. They also get into the future of automotive — from KGM’s reinvention and the changing role of dealerships to AI, technology and why the more machines take care of the routine, the more valuable human judgement and relationships become. And if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to take the next step, Ella has some pretty good advice: sometimes you just have to back yourself a little earlier.🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Ella Letiaginalinkedin.com/in/ella-letiagina-b7266144/linkedin.com/company/kgm-au/00:28 From Law to Leadership: Ella's Unique Journey01:20 Navigating Market Volatility and Brand Reinvention01:41 Introduction and Background04:28 Transition from Law to Automotive07:08 Passion for the Automotive Industry09:26 Insights from Global Markets11:59 Cultural Differences in Automotive14:47 Reflections on Brand Experiences17:29 Challenges and Humor in the Industry19:58 Proving Yourself in a New Market22:32 Navigating New Markets: A Humbling Experience24:54 Building Relationships and Reputation25:53 The Value of International Experience26:57 The Evolution of the Dealership Model29:07 The Role of AI in the Automotive Industry32:41 Reflections on Personal Growth and Advice38:32 From Belarus to Australia: A Journey of Resilience39:01 Building a Reputation in a New Land

What happens when AI stops being a tool you add to the dealership — and starts becoming part of how the dealership actually operates?In this episode of The Automotive Talent Show, Cameron Cresswell sits down with Ed Tapley from Podium to look well beyond the current AI hype and into what automotive retail could actually become. From AI sales agents and AI “chiefs of staff” to AI managers, agent-to-agent interactions and buyer-side AI, Ed shares a fascinating perspective on how technology could fundamentally reshape the way dealerships generate demand, manage customers, structure teams and measure performance.Ed Tapley talks about why the biggest opportunity may not be making today's dealership more efficient, but rebuilding the machine for the operating environment of the future. They explore the shift from “rented demand” to “owned demand”, why dealerships may need to rethink traditional KPIs, how AI could give sales and service teams more time for the moments that actually matter, and why the organisations that win won't necessarily be the ones with the most technology — but the ones that understand how to redesign their business around it.The future of automotive retail may not be human versus AI. It may be humans and AI working together in ways the industry hasn't fully imagined yet.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Ed Tapleylinkedin.com/in/edwardtapley/linkedin.com/company/podium/00:29 Meet Ed Tapley04:47 The AI opportunity for dealerships12:11 Redesigning dealership operations19:28 AI agents, data and real-time insight30:26 AI, staffing and retention38:38 AI leadership and ownership44:20 The future of automotive retail48:08 Where to start with AI52:06 Connect with Podium

From dreaming of a career in professional football to leading one of Australia's highest-performing Mazda dealerships, Luke Camilleri has built his leadership philosophy around one simple idea: great dealerships are built like great sporting teams.Luke Camilleri talks about why culture isn't something you talk about—it's something you practise every day. We explore recruitment, accountability, adapting to change, leading through crises, creating a team-first mentality, and why celebrating the small wins is what ultimately drives long-term success. Luke also shares how marketing, leadership, and customer experience all improve when everyone is pulling in the same direction.Whether you're leading a dealership, managing a team, or simply looking to build a stronger culture, this conversation is packed with practical leadership lessons that extend well beyond the automotive industry.🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Luke Camillerilinkedin.com/in/luke-camilleri-44b04362/linkedin.com/company/aspley-mazda/00:00 Introduction to Luke Camilleri00:28 Introduction to Luke Camellieri and His Journey00:48 Running a Dealership Like a High-Performance Team01:06 Transforming Traditional Business Practices02:18 Luke's Journey into the Automotive Industry06:39 Lessons from Early Experiences11:05 Adapting to Change in the Automotive Industry16:27 The Importance of Community and Social Media25:48 Building the 'Car Man' Brand27:02 Evolving Marketing Strategies32:46 Creating a Destination Experience38:53 Building a Strong Team Culture44:06 Hiring for Fit and Potential48:16 Future Growth and Consistency49:52 The Importance of Discipline in Leadership50:17 Hiring for Culture and Engagement50:21 Transforming Traditional Business Practices

The automotive industry is changing faster than ever. Customer expectations are evolving, technology continues to reshape the dealership experience, and service departments can no longer rely on doing things the way they've always been done.Kieran Stack talks about why embracing change isn't optional for today's dealerships. From coaching service advisers and developing stronger leaders to improving customer communication and building service departments that customers genuinely want to return to, he shares the practical mindset shifts that separate thriving dealerships from those that get left behind.Whether you're a dealer principal, service manager, service adviser, or someone building a career in automotive, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, aftersales performance, customer experience, and why the dealerships that continue to evolve will always have the competitive advantage.🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Kieran Stacklinkedin.com/in/kieran-stack-49060246linkedin.com/company/service101/00:00 Introduction to Kieran Stack02:05 Kieran's Journey to Australia and Training03:27 The Philosophy of Service 10105:13 The Role of Service Advisors09:54 The Changing Landscape of Service Advisors11:31 The Importance of Training and Communication17:25 Selling vs. Helping in Service Departments22:51 Consequences of Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance28:01 Feature, Function, Consequence in Service Sales29:15 The Evolution of Communication in Service Advising31:23 The Importance of Effective Communication35:37 Understanding Customer Needs and Rejections40:22 Creating a Memorable Customer Experience46:42 The Role of Technology in Service Advising50:59 The Future of Service Departments56:45 Final Outro.mp4

F&I is often viewed as a numbers game—but the best leaders know it's about much more than finance, products, and profitability.In this episode of The Automotive Talent Show, Anthony Maluccio shares the leadership principles that have shaped his career in automotive, exploring how trust, culture, customer relationships, and developing people ultimately drive long-term business success.Anthony Maluccio talks about why the best F&I leaders think beyond the numbers, focusing on building strong teams, creating exceptional customer experiences, and making decisions that strengthen dealerships for the long term. His insights are practical, honest, and highly relevant for anyone leading in today's automotive industry.Whether you're a Business Manager, F&I professional, Dealer Principal, department leader, or simply passionate about the future of automotive retail, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, performance, and building businesses that last.🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Anthony Malucciolinkedin.com/in/anthony-maluccio/linkedin.com/company/think-auto-pty-ltd/about/00:00 Introduction to Automotive Talent Show01:45 Anthony Maluccio's Journey into Automotive Finance03:38 The Unique Role of F&I in Dealerships05:08 Navigating Sales and Finance Dynamics07:35 Evolution of F&I Practices Over Two Decades08:32 Current Challenges in the F&I Landscape11:32 Compliance in the F&I World14:04 The Role of Technology in Compliance17:20 Changing Customer Expectations and Education20:03 Best Practices for Dealerships in a Competitive Market23:42 The Future of EV Financing and Market Adaptation26:36 The Evolving Automotive Landscape28:35 The Role of Business Managers in Dealerships32:24 Finance as a Service: The Changing Dynamics35:36 Future Predictions for F&I Desks39:02 The Evolution of Think Auto44:39 Scaling and Adapting to Market Changes53:21 Final Outro.mp4

Steven Bragg has spent decades helping dealership groups navigate growth, profitability, acquisitions, and industry transformation. Five years after his first appearance on the Automotive Talent Show, he returns to discuss how dramatically the automotive landscape has changed—and what's still to come.From Chinese OEMs and EV adoption to AI, dealership profitability, workforce evolution, and changing customer expectations, this conversation explores the forces reshaping automotive retail and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.Steven Bragg talks about why dealerships can no longer rely on old playbooks, how operational discipline creates resilience, where future profitability will come from, and why the businesses that embrace change—not resist it—will ultimately outperform the market.Whether you're a Dealer Principal, automotive executive, or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into navigating one of the most significant periods of change the automotive industry has ever experienced.🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:STEVEN BRAGGlinkedin.com/in/stevenrbragghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/pitcher-partners/00:00 The Evolution of the Automotive Industry02:16 Surprises in Industry Changes04:59 Consumer Behavior and Vehicle Choices07:27 The Impact of New Market Entrants09:45 Challenges for Legacy Brands12:47 The Role of Emissions Schemes15:18 Brand Loyalty and Market Dynamics23:18 The Shift in the EV Market25:45 Profitability Pressures in the Automotive Industry28:08 The Importance of Scale and Efficiency31:37 Navigating Tax Changes and Business Structures34:25 Talent Acquisition and Industry Changes40:50 Preparing for Future Challenges in the Automotive Sector48:21 Final Outro.mp4

Tegan Blockey's automotive journey started with a car care role after putting a career in the police force on hold. Twenty years later, she's leading Bridge Toyota, Gove Toyota, and Lexus of Darwin, building one of the Northern Territory's most respected dealership operations.In this conversation with Cameron Cresswell, Tegan shares lessons from growing through the industry, leading teams across remote communities, developing future leaders, creating a culture people want to be part of, and adapting to an automotive landscape that continues to evolve.Tegan Blockey talks about why leadership matters more than management, hiring for attitude over experience, investing in staff, supporting local communities, and creating an environment where people can build long-term careers. She also shares her perspective on the future of automotive retail, changing customer expectations, and the opportunities that come from embracing change.Whether you're a Dealer Principal, people leader, or someone looking to build a career in automotive, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, culture, customer relationships, and developing great teams that stand the test of time.
🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com🎬 Full Episodes:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu🎬 Clips & Shorts:youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts📱 FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/automotivetalentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talentFacebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalentX/Twitter: x.com/Auto_TalentPodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/👥 Host:Cameron Cresswelllinkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/🎤 Guest:Tegan Blockeylinkedin.com/in/tegan-b-a8717b16200:00 Introduction01:12 How Tegan Started06:15 "Leading" as a "woman in a man's world"09:01 Tegan talks about Imposter Syndrome11:33 Why mentors matter15:19 Tegan talks about Birdge Toyota and Eagers22:56 Leaders not managers25:33 Stereotype in the automotive industry?30:36 Finding the balance 34:58 Croc as a pet?!39:39 Age of connectivity42:03 Outro