Hadi Awada on workplace culture
From Episode 128: Hadi Awada's Journey to Transforming Workplace Culture · · Automotive Leaders
“We have zero politics in what we do. We may posture but we don't play politics. Nobody makes it to the top without understanding how savvy you need to be, but there's a difference between overplaying your politics versus just posturing.”
On , Hadi Awada, President of Global Mobility Coatings at AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS LTD, spoke about workplace culture during Episode 128: Hadi Awada's Journey to Transforming Workplace Culture on Automotive Leaders.
About Hadi Awada
Hadi Awada, President of Global Mobility Coatings at Axalta Coating, appeared on the Automotive Leaders Podcast in September 2024. During the episode, Awada discussed his leadership philosophy, stating that he leads "with culture and people" and that culture "is the only thing that beats everything." He said he hires people "for situation not for jobs" and develops organizations "created for empowerment." Awada described leaving "big Corporate America" because it was "draining in terms of energy," and noted that his wife suggested he "be the same person at work that you are at home." Awada emphasized the importance of transparency, empathy, and positive conflict in leadership. He said that "transparency is at the root of authentic leadership" and that it "eliminates politics and command and control." He described creating "a lot of positive competition between our general managers" to foster creativity. Awada also addressed generational differences in the workforce, stating that leaders must understand the different communication preferences and aspirational values of up to five generations. He said he blocks out the first two hours after waking as his own time to read and think about how to help his team.