The Leadership Formula for TE Connectivity's E-Mobility Success with Qiong Sun

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In this episode of The Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths interviews Qiong Sun, Vice President and General Manager of TE Connectivity's Global Automotive E-Mobility business, to learn what it takes to lead a technology company during this transformative period in the automotive industry.

From the very start, you can see Qiong's passion for technology and leadership come through. She shares how her engineering background shaped her leadership style, which is rooted in problem-solving and optimization. 

For Qiong, leadership isn't just about managing teams; it's about building a shared vision, aligning strategies, and inspiring people with purpose—a must for engaging today's workforce.

Qiong explores the wave of innovation reshaping the automotive industry—from electrification to AI—and the challenges that come with it. She explains that collaboration is the key to staying ahead, whether it’s partnering with tech companies, governments, or consumers to create smarter, faster solutions.

Qiong also talks about how the relationship between suppliers and OEMs is changing. They're no longer just filling orders; they're stepping up as innovation partners, helping OEMs navigate the complexities of new technologies. She shares how TE Connectivity is here to support both traditional and up-and-coming automakers by offering solutions that fit their specific needs.

Resilience has been a big part of Qiong's leadership journey. She recalls the early days of her career when she tested safety systems in harsh conditions and earned the trust of her team through perseverance.

Now, she fosters that same resilience in her team, building a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and innovation thrives without fear of failure.

Her advice for leaders? "Believe in what you're doing." She encourages everyone to embrace collaboration and tap into the industry's strengths—its talent, resources, and expertise. Whether working with established automakers or new players, the key to progress is pushing each other and working together.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The rise of disruptive technologies like electrification, connectivity, and software-defined vehicles reshaping the auto industry
• Why speed and agility are the key to staying competitive in the automotive industry
• Why traditional automotive processes no longer work for today’s fast development cycles
• How collaboration is the key to managing fast-changing requirements and shorter product cycles
• The importance of building partnerships with non-traditional players, such as governments, tech companies, and infrastructure providers
• The evolving role of suppliers as innovation partners driving transformation
• How teamwork between legacy automakers and new players drives faster innovation and progress

Featured guest: Qiong Sun

What she does: Qiong Sun is the Vice President and General Manager of the Global Automotive E-Mobility Business at TE Connectivity, where she leads strategy, product management, technology development, and market delivery for high-voltage solutions in the electric vehicle market. With a passion for innovation, 30 years of experience in transportation, and a diverse industry consulting background, she drives the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies to advance vehicle...