As publishers for the automotive industry, with a foot in both worlds, we’ve had the privilege of watching both industries transform before our eyes. In each case, the transformation has been painful, disruptive, and financially destructive.
So how is being part of all that a privilege? Because I want to make a difference, as I think most of us do.
Rather than explain myself, I’d rather quote Richard Gauthier, president of your national dealer association. The quotes are drawn from Rick’s convocation address to the Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) at
With all that has transpired over the past year, I suspect many of the students themselves have wondered if they chose the right path when they entered school four years ago. Here are a few of Rick’s comments that I think are worth repeating:
“In all of my years in this business I have never seen this sort of industry metamorphosis.
“So, in light of what we’ve seen happen over the last 12-18 months, some of you right here in this hall today may have asked yourself, does the auto industry still hold a future for me? Can I have an exciting and fulfilling career in an industry that has and is undergoing so much change? And what about all this downsizing we keep reading about… will there be a job for me?
“Well let me tell you what I think about that! There has never been a better time to either enter the industry or consider coming to Georgian to prepare your automotive career! What better time for fresh, young minds, with new ideas and concepts...
“Yes, the industry is indeed reinventing itself! Yes, the industry is shedding away the ideas, processes and mistakes of the past while looking at new, innovative and creative ways of doing things! And yes, the industry is reshaping itself and getting ready for the next 100 years! And that is precisely why this is a good time for you and those following behind you to pursue an automotive career.”
Rick references a number of specific points that CADA sees in the research they have been doing over the past 18 months that support that optimism, but for me it really boils down to how one sees change. Yes, it can be threatening. It is certainly disruptive. It can devalue skills and experiences built up over a lifetime. But it creates opportunity. Industries in change are open to new ideas, new products and new perspectives. What better time and place can there be to make a personal impact through one’s work?
Rick’s words to a group of graduating students are equally relevant to anyone who gets up every day and goes into work in this industry, as every day is a chance to reinvent ourselves and reshape the contribution we make to our companies and our co-workers.
The address closed with some famous words from renowned Mary Kay Ash, founder of the Mary Kay cosmetics empire, who once said: “There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. Only you can decide which type of person you want to be”.
Definitely worth repeating.
Note: Rick’s full convocation address is available on www.canadianautodealer.ca.
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