#MediaMonday – Jan Griffiths
It’s time for another #MediaMonday! Our latest feature comes from our Public Relations Global Network partner agency in Detroit, Bianchi Public Relations. Bianchi Public Relations focuses on automotive, mobility, technology and related professional service firms in the business-to-business sector.
The agency’s Meet The Media series recently featured Jan Griffiths, founder of Gravitas Detroit and host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast. Check out a snippet below and meet Jan in the full post here!
Can you tell us a little about your podcast?
The podcast is designed to amplify examples of authentic leadership in the auto industry as we transform our operating model of leadership and culture to AutoCulture 2.0. Our audience consists primarily of leaders in the auto industry, both OEMs and throughout the Tiers.
My mission is to find leaders in the industry who understand and practice authentic leadership and no longer subscribe to the command and control model practiced for decades in the auto industry. I often include guests who can contribute to the mission in other ways, such as the perspectives of start-ups, industry organizations, and students.
What elements or characteristics do you look for in a podcast guest?
My guests have to share my mission of authentic leadership and be respected by the people who work for them. I’ve refused guests who don’t qualify, and I do my due diligence to make sure they have the right characteristics. I always schedule a 30-minute prep call to run through the intention of the episode, the conversation flow, and the tech required. This is a great opportunity for the PR firm and company communications teams to provide input.
How long have you been podcasting and how did you get started?
I’ve been podcasting for 4+ years, and I firmly believe in the power of audio to reach people at all levels. It’s a conversational medium that avoids the world of “corporate speak.” It’s authentic and allows the listener to feel like they’re part of the conversation. My journey into podcasting started with a lot of time researching what makes a successful podcast and a multitude of lessons learned along the way. I learn something new every day!
What advice do you have for your podcast guests?
Relax! It’s a conversation, not a presentation. I ensure that all guests get the opportunity to review and suggest content edits before anything is released, so there’s no need to try to be perfect; authenticity wins every time.
What advice do you have for PR people that want to pitch their executives for your podcast?
Please spend a few minutes researching the podcast’s mission and listening to the short trailer episode. I get several e-mails a week from PR firms pitching people as guests, and they have nothing to do with leadership and culture in the auto industry.
Any pet peeves with guests and/or PR people?
PLEASE make sure you have a decent microphone! I send a short PDF to every guest and PR company with simple instructions on “How to be the best podcast guest,” and it’s sometimes ignored. The audience will tune out to bad audio quality, harming the personal brand of your guest and the company they represent.
