Glenn Stevens Jr. Talks Attracting Talent During EV Transition on WJR-AM

Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto and Vice President of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber spoke with Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy K. Baruah who guest-hosted “Focus” on WJR-AM about attracting talent to Michigan in a changing automotive industry.

Additionally, Baruah interviewed other prominent leaders who influence the automotive and mobility industry in their work, including Michigan Central’s Josh Sirefman, the honourable Colin Bird, and Automotive Hall of Fame’s Sarah Cook.

Hear what the interviewees had to say below.

Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director, MichAuto; Vice President of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives, Detroit Regional Chamber: Attracting Talent During EV Transition

“When it comes to developing products, it’s going to be done where the talent is. That’s why it’s imperative for Michigan to grow talent here … and give [these companies] a reason to move here. We need more software talent now.”

Josh Sirefman, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Central: Innovations at Newlab and Michigan Central

“[Michigan Central] is a real community of innovation, of exploration.” Sirefman’s vision for Michigan Central is for it to be an anchor to draw Detroiters and visitors to the city to collaborate and be part of the innovation.

Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit, U.S.: Impact of EVs on US/Canada Trade

“[Gordie Howe International Bridge] is going to be a gamechanger…It really tells the rest of the world that we are open for business here. We have underinvested in our infrastructure for a couple of decades, but you can’t say that anymore.”

Sarah Cook, President, Automotive Hall of Fame: This Year’s Inductees to the Automotive Hall of Fame

On inductee John James Sr., Cook says, “He opened up commercial trucking to minorities and is just a relentless advocate…a fantastic leader for Detroit and beyond.”