The automotive industry stands at a critical crossroads, facing what Sebastian Kierysch calls "the biggest challenge we have had in the complete industry since its beginning." After 15+ years as a German executive in China, Sebastian offers rare insights into navigating this turbulent landscape where traditional manufacturers confront nimble Chinese competitors in a "bloody red ocean" of fierce competition.Drawing from his experience managing five manufacturing plants in China, Sebastian reveals the stark contrasts between German precision and Chinese pragmatism. While German companies typically seek comprehensive information before acting, their Chinese counterparts move decisively with just 70-80% clarity. This difference in approach partly explains how BYD has risen to become the sixth-largest global car manufacturer, slashing development cycles from 36 to as little as 12 months.Sebastian challenges conventional wisdom about cross-cultural leadership, sharing how he works 100+ hour weeks during crises, speaks Mandarin to better connect with his 1,700 employees, and hosts "lunch with leaders" where staff can speak directly with senior management. His approach creates psychological safety where innovation thrives despite uncertainty.The conversation explores fascinating cultural dynamics, revealing how the middle generation of Chinese workers (born around 1985) uniquely blends traditional values with international mindset. Sebastian explains why challenging the status quo remains essential even when current methods have proven successful: "Who tells you that you did the best? Who says there is no other solution?"For leaders navigating today's complex global landscape, Sebastian's closing wisdom resonates powerfully: "It's about being bold enough to make a decision, because if you make a decision, you make maybe a mistake, but if you don't make a decision, you already did the mistake." Listen now for insights that will transform how you approach leadership during times of profound change.Listen to the Leadership Espresso Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/4OT3BYzDHMafETOMgFEor3 View the Leadership Espresso Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Stefangoetz_Global_Leadership/videos Connect with Stefan Götz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefangoetz/ Check out Stefan's Executive and Team Coachinghttps://www.stefan-goetz.com/

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