Season 4, Episode 4: Rian Forestier on Navigating NIL with Automotive Sponsorships | Driving 4WARD

Car dealerships are entering a new era, and AI is leading the charge. 🚀 Guest speaker, Chris George, joins Jim Flint to discuss how automation, digital auctions, and intelligent systems are reshaping sales, service, and the customer journey. They cover AI-powered appointment setting and BDC, service lane efficiency, the evolution of F&I and customer trust, digital auctions, and inventory strategy. If you want to understand how to prepare your dealership for the AI future and stay competitive, this episode delivers clear, practical insight.

Missed NADA 2026? 👀 Guest speaker Mike Udell joins the conversation to break down what dealers really need to know about AI in automotive, without the hype, booths, or sales pitches. We focus on what's happening inside dealerships right now, how AI is being adopted, where it's driving real ROI, and where trends are outpacing execution. From sales and marketing to CRM and customer experience, this is a practical look at what is actually working. Whether you were at NADA or watching from home, this episode delivers clear insight on how dealers should approach AI today and what truly matters next.

Guest speaker JJ Gottsch joins Jim Flint to discuss the future of Professional Bull Riding (PBR) and how to grow a sport without losing its soul.  JJ shares insights as a former bull rider and current team owner on expanding into new markets, forming authentic partnerships, and balancing tradition with innovation. They explore how PBR builds community, earns fan trust, and scales responsibly. This episode offers actionable lessons in sports leadership, brand alignment, and growing organizations with purpose, values, and long-term vision.

Guest speaker Kyle joins Jim Flint to share how consistency, mindset, and discipline shaped his journey from uncertainty to confidence, on the field and in life.  Learn why small habits and showing up every day create a competitive advantage, how mindset shifts fuel growth, and why repetition and discipline matter more than motivation. This episode delivers actionable lessons for anyone focused on growth, performance, and becoming a stronger version of themselves.

Guest speaker Ashley Cavazos joins Jim Flint to unpack shifts in the automotive industry, from clean data and KPIs to AI, customer experience, and dealership marketing.  Ashley shares what's changing, what still works, and how dealerships can stay competitive. Topics include metrics that matter, AI and ChatGPT, leadership and empowerment, and improving customer experience and leads. This episode delivers clear, actionable insights for dealership operations, marketing, and leadership in today's fast-moving auto industry.

Guest speaker Robin Wilson joins Jim Flint for a grounded and insightful conversation on presence, clarity, and personal strength. She shares the moments that shaped her voice and the principles she stands on today, from early life challenges to becoming a respected creator. You'll hear how personal history shapes confidence, why realness outperforms polish, and ways to express ideas with conviction and purpose. Robin also shares mindset shifts for strengthening presence, building trust, and staying centered while showing up publicly. If you're navigating ambition, identity, or influence in today's noisy world, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and actionable takeaways to show up authentically and powerfully.

Guest speaker Steven Martin joins us to explore how college athletics, NIL, and modern coaching culture mirror today's automotive business. From locker-room lessons to real-world sales strategies, this conversation uncovers how mindset, discipline, and competitiveness shape long-term success. You'll hear how athletic training builds confidence, why adaptability is critical in the car business, lessons from NIL and the transfer portal, coaching styles, leadership, and the importance of authenticity and customer insight. The episode also covers turning fear of failure into fuel, developing talent, and building resilience in your career. Whether you're in automotive sales, management, sports, or just love stories of growth and grit, this episode is packed with perspective, life lessons, and takeaways you can use today.

Christy Roman, Founder of Women in Automotive and CEO of Now Digital, joins Jim Flint to discuss the evolution of the automotive industry and how AI, data, and people are shaping its future. From her early career at Disney to leading digital transformation for dealerships, Christy shares lessons on leadership, innovation, and finding balance in a fast-changing world. In this episode, you'll hear about the shift from traditional to digital retail, how AI is reshaping dealership operations, the growing influence of women in automotive, and the importance of authenticity and connection in leadership.

Reid Ryan joins Jim Flint to share leadership, legacy, and life lessons from the world of baseball. From the dugout to the boardroom, Reid offers insights on building lasting impact both on and off the field. You'll hear lessons from growing up in the game, strategies for building enduring organizations and communities, the Ryan family's leadership values, and how purpose and teamwork drive long-term success. The conversation also touches on the future of athletes, NIL opportunities, and sports innovation. Whether you're in business, sports, or leadership, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.

USC basketball player Rian Forestier, founder of the nonprofit 4WARD, joins Jim Flint to share her journey as a student-athlete and how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnerships, including with auto dealers, can create meaningful community impact. You'll hear about her mission donating 600+ pairs of shoes to Title I schools, navigating life as a student-athlete, lessons from boxing, and how sponsorships like Ford dealership NIL partnerships make a real difference. The episode also highlights the rise of women's basketball, growing WNBA visibility, and a surprise gift of rare Caitlin Clark sneakers plus NIL support from the automotive community. For auto dealers, this conversation shows how NIL partnerships can support athletes, expand community impact, and build strong local connections.