In the fifteenth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Dirk Adelmann, CEO of smart Europe GmbH. Dirk shares fascinating insights into the brand’s transformation — from its shift to an all-electric lineup and its streamlined business model to the unique German-Chinese joint venture structure between Mercedes-Benz and Geely. Together, they discuss how innovation, design excellence, and customer feedback come together to shape a future-oriented approach to mobility. Dirk also talks about smart’s pioneering role in digital services, over-the-air updates, the integration of artificial intelligence in vehicles, and the development of the new #2 — a modern reimagining of the classic two-seater designed for the urban era.

In the fifth live episode of the IAA MOBILITY VISIONARY CLUB at IAA MOBILITY, host Sarah Harman speaks with Christopher Dehnel, Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Christopher Dehnel shares his in-depth perspective on the current state of the automotive industry. He describes the industry’s transformation as a “triathlon” — with electrification, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving as the three disciplines that must be mastered simultaneously, requiring courage, endurance, and a willingness to embrace radical change. Together, we discuss the innovation pressure from Chinese competitors, the comeback of European OEMs, and the strategic importance of bold partnerships and investments across the entire value chain. Find out why, according to Dehnel, embracing imperfection, moving fast, and driving cultural change are essential for long-term success — and why the time for pilot projects is over. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of the automotive industry, the role of AI, and the race to define tomorrow’s mobility.

In the fourth live episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, host Sarah Harman welcomes Ralf-Peter Schäfer, VP Product Management Traffic and Travel Information at TomTom. Together, they explore the remarkable transformation of the former navigation pioneer into a global tech provider for intelligent mobility solutions. Having been with the company for nearly two decades, Ralf-Peter Schäfer offers insights into TomTom’s evolution from a satnav manufacturer to a B2B partner for real-time maps, traffic data, and smart city solutions. Listeners will learn how TomTom now connects with over 600 million users worldwide, what links the company to Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, and why cities like Copenhagen are seen as role models for data-driven urban transformation. They also discuss the role of high-definition maps in automated driving, the interplay between real-time data, navigation, and policymaking — and why change is never easy, yet more necessary than ever. Tune in to this inspiring conversation about technology, infrastructure, and the courage to embrace transformation.

In the third live episode of the Visionary Club Podcast at IAA MOBILITY, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Marc Mielau, Chief Commercial Officer at JobRad Loop. Marc Mielau shares a forward-looking vision for the future of cycling: a mobility solution built entirely around the principles of the circular economy. Together, they discuss the potential of high-quality refurbished bikes, the use of digital twins to predict returns and create personalized offers, and the growing demand — especially among younger generations — for sustainable and trustworthy alternatives to buying new. Marc Mielau explains how JobRad Loop aims to revolutionize the used-bike market through digitalization, standardization, and a strong customer-centric approach — and why refurbished bikes are much more than just second-hand.

In the second live episode of the IAA MOBILITY VISIONARY CLUB at IAA MOBILITY, host Sarah Harman sits down with Joachim Franz, General Manager Automotive & Mobility at Microsoft. Together, they explore the concept of the “Third Space” — the vehicle interior as a third workplace alongside the office and home. Joachim Franz explains how Microsoft is working with partners from the automotive industry to make commuting more productive and safer by integrating tools like Outlook and Teams directly into the vehicle. We learn how AI-powered voice assistants can summarize emails, dictate messages, or capture ideas immediately after client meetings — all without distracting the driver. Franz also highlights why cybersecurity and data privacy are key priorities, and how these solutions could evolve alongside increasing vehicle automation — transforming the car from a productive workspace into an immersive entertainment space. Tune in to discover how Microsoft’s “Third Space” concept is redefining the future of work and mobility — and why digital productivity inside the car could soon become a crucial purchasing factor.

In the first live episode of the Visionary Club Podcast at IAA MOBILITY, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Sören Holz, VP Strategy, Business Development, Customer Care at BMW. Sören Holz offers fascinating insights into the transformation from a traditional aftersales business to a holistic approach to customer support and care. He explains why the customer journey extends far beyond the purchase itself and how BMW is redefining the ownership experience with Proactive Care. The focus is on predictive maintenance, digital services via the MyBMW app, remote diagnostics, and personalized communication designed to build trust and peace of mind. We discuss BMW’s “Relax, we care” service philosophy, the use of AI in customer interactions, and the expansion of Proactive Care to the MINI brand. Sören Holz also explains why customer loyalty is a crucial competitive advantage and how BMW is modernizing its dealer networks and service processes to exceed customer expectations worldwide.

In the fourteenth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, our host Sarah Harman welcomes a very special guest: Simon Schütz, Head of Communications, Events, and Marketing at the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Schütz shares exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, discusses the role of political signals, the importance of international exhibitors, and the growing significance of technology partnerships.He explains why the new trade fair concept combining the Summit and Open Space has proven so successful, why experiencing mobility firsthand is so important for reaching broad audiences — and what moved him most on a personal level.

In the thirteenth episode of the IAA MOBILITY VISIONARY CLUB, host Sarah Harman welcomes Markus Papke, Chief Innovation Officer at Riese & Müller. With a visionary outlook, Papke paints a picture of an urban future where e-bikes are not just a means of transportation, but the centerpiece of sustainable, livable cities. He discusses the “Smart Shift” toward cleaner, more connected, and safer mobility, shares inspiring examples from major cities around the world, and explains why e-bikes are a true lifestyle choice—one that has the power to fundamentally change our daily lives and the way we move. Discover how innovative technologies—from AI-powered maintenance to V2X communication—are transforming comfort and safety, the role of circular economy principles and sustainable design, and why bold infrastructure decisions made today can be the game-changer for the mobility of tomorrow.

In the twelfth episode of the IAA MOBILITY VISIONARY CLUB, our host Sarah Harman sits down with Peter Bosch, CEO of Cariad – the Volkswagen Group's automotive software company. With remarkable clarity, Bosch discusses the radical transformation of the automotive industry, Cariad’s strategic realignment, and the company’s journey from crisis mode to tech leadership. He shares his personal motivation for driving deep organizational change, explains why software has become the beating heart of modern vehicles, and how the Group has managed to engineer a true turnaround. Discover why in-house development has become a key strategic priority, how partnerships with Rivian, Horizon Robotics, and XPeng are unlocking new paths to innovation – and why China, of all places, is emerging as a training ground for European tech players.

In episode eleven, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Christian Reitmeyer, CEO and owner of redi-Group GmbH. In a candid and compelling conversation, Reitmeyer opens up about navigating crises, how failure became a turning point, and why resilience has become the most essential leadership trait of our time. He shares his personal journey — from near-collapse to a successful restructuring of his company — and explains why radical transparency, trust, and decentralized responsibility are the true drivers of long-term success. Discover how a crisis can spark innovation, what modern leadership looks like in today’s global automotive industry, and why a sincere “no” can be the starting point of a real partnership.

In the 10th episode, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Dr. Karen Langona, Partner Sales Global Director, Automotive and Manufacturing at Amazon Web Services (AWS).With an impressive background in both academia and industry, Karen brings extensive experience from her time as a professor specializing in computer science and research in high-speed networks and edge computing at the USP - Universidade de São Paulo and the University of Michigan. In the corporate world, Karen has driven big data and edge computing initiatives at Ericsson and advanced connected and autonomous vehicle technologies at Ford Motor Company, contributing significantly to commercial and electric vehicle growth. Together, they explore the rapid advancements in autonomous driving — from the role of software-defined vehicles and digital twins to the growing importance of cloud architectures. Dr. Langona shares how cutting-edge development processes are being accelerated by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI — and discusses the challenges and opportunities across the entire automotive value chain. One highlight: her insights into real-world use cases, her vision for collaboration within AWS’s partner ecosystem, and her outlook on the road to Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy.

In the 9th episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Vojtech Vosecky, a leading voice in the circular economy. Vojtech's expertise, honed through co-founding the Institute of Circular Economy and advising numerous organizations, mayors, and CEOs, makes him a key figure in the discussion around sustainable practices.   Together, they explore what it means to be a circular economist and delve into the importance of transitioning from a linear to a circular economy within the mobility sector.   Vosecky discusses the four key strategies to create a circular economy: rethink, reduce, recover, and recycle.   This episode offers exciting insights and an exclusive look at how circular economy principles can reshape the future of mobility.

In the eighth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Thomas Drewes, Head of Autonomous Driving at DB Regio AG. Together, they explore the future of autonomous driving in public transportation and the opportunities that automated mobility solutions create for both urban and rural areas. Thomas Drewes explains why autonomous driving is a game-changer for public transit, particularly in light of the growing driver shortage and rising operational costs. He shares insights into the KIRA project, where DB Regio is testing Level 4 technology to seamlessly integrate autonomous vehicles into local transportation networks. They also discuss the role of artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and policy frameworks in paving the way for scalable and sustainable mobility. How can autonomous driving improve connectivity in rural areas? When could driverless buses become a reality? And what steps does the government need to take to position Germany as a leader in this field? This episode offers exciting answers and an exclusive look at the future of mobility.

In the seventh episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes-Benz AG. Together, they explore the future of automotive software and how Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) is ushering in a new era of software-defined vehicles. Magnus explains why software in the automotive industry is no longer just about infotainment—it’s transforming the entire driving experience. From hyper-personalized interfaces and advanced AI integration to seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates, MB.OS is redefining what a vehicle can do. He also shares exclusive insights into the role of generative AI, the introduction of ChatGPT in Mercedes vehicles, and the vision for fully connected mobility that extends beyond the car itself. We also discuss how partnerships with Google, Sony,are shaping the digital future of Mercedes-Benz, and why the company isn’t just building a “smartphone on wheels,” but rather a luxurious, secure, and intelligent digital driving environment.

In the sixth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Albert Waas, Managing Director & Partner at BCG and Head of the Automotive & Mobility sector in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Africa. Albert shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the European automotive industry during this transformative period. We discuss stagnating EV sales, rising costs for automakers, and the impact of global geopolitical developments on the sector. Albert explains how production flexibility and striking the right balance between innovation and cost reduction are key to staying competitive. A particular focus is placed on battery production, sustainable mobility goals, and the need for closer collaboration between industry and policymakers.

In the fifth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, we welcome Philippe van den Berge, Vice President of Automotive, EMEA at NVIDIA. Philippe shares fascinating insights into the transformative role of AI and advanced computing in the automotive industry. Together, we explore NVIDIA's cutting-edge technologies, including Omniverse, a platform for creating digital twins, and the Drive platform for autonomous vehicles. Philippe explains how digital twins can enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation. We also discuss how humanoid robotics could revolutionize manufacturing and the opportunities generative AI presents for developing new driver assistance systems. Learn how NVIDIA is helping automakers leverage AI-driven platforms and why investing in these technologies is more critical than ever. Don’t miss this insightful episode, shedding light on the future of mobility and the potential of digital transformation.

In the fourth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, our host Tim Wegner welcomes Wayne Griffiths, CEO of SEAT and CUPRA. Wayne Griffiths has transformed CUPRA into one of the fastest-growing car brands in Europe in just six years. In this conversation, he shares his vision for the future of the automotive industry, the challenges of electrification, and how CUPRA is redefining the world of cars. From disruptive strategies and building an authentic brand to his ambitious goal of making CUPRA a global, fully electric brand—this inspiring conversation offers deep insights into an exciting new era of mobility.

Join us on the latest episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club podcast for an insightful journey through the recent transformations in urbanism and mobility. In this episode, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Scott Shepard, Founder & CEO of #CitiesFirst Advisors. Scott brings extensive expertise in urban planning and mobility innovation. Together, they delve into an overview and chronology of recent urbanism and mobility changes, featuring compelling case studies from Europe and the Global South. Scott shares his insights on the role of AI in shaping future urban environments and transportation systems. He discusses emerging trends that are transforming cities worldwide, enhancing sustainability, and improving quality of life. Tune in to learn how technological advancements and innovative planning are redefining urban spaces, and discover Scott's vision for the future of our cities. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that highlights the pivotal developments shaping the next generation of urban living and mobility.

Join us on the latest episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club podcast for an exclusive glimpse into the future of mobility as we approach IAA MOBILITY 2025. In this episode, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Felix Poernbacher, Co-founder and Co-CEO of DeepDrive, a pioneering high-tech company revolutionizing electric vehicle drive units. Felix shares his insights on the unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, discussing how DeepDrive’s innovative dual-rotor electric motor technology is set to transform electric mobility. He explains how this breakthrough increases energy efficiency by 20%, reduces costs significantly, and enables more compact vehicle designs. Felix also emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships between high-tech startups and established automotive giants to drive innovation and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Tune in to learn how DeepDrive is collaborating with industry leaders like BMW and Continental to bring this game-changing technology to the roads, and discover Felix’s vision for the future of sustainable transportation. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the cutting-edge developments shaping the next generation of mobility.

Join us on the new episode of IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club podcast for an exclusive look ahead of IAA MOBILITY 2025. In this season 2024/2025, at the beginning, an expert selected in collaboration with our knowledge partner Boston Consulting Group, delivers a 5-10 minute inspirational talk. The talks provide valuable insights, stimulate thought-provoking ideas, and inspire the audience to consider new perspectives on the future of mobility. ollowing the talk, there is a 15-20 minute interactive Q&A session, where moderator Sarah Harmann fields questions from the audience , pre-recorded on the LinkedIn channel of IAA MOBILITY. In the first episode in this season, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Hildegard Müller shares her valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry. She discusses the need for sustainable production processes, the development of electric vehicles and alternative propulsion technologies, and the importance of a comprehensive charging infrastructure in Europe. Additionally, she talks about the role of digitalization, the future of connected vehicles, and the challenges posed by geopolitical uncertainties. Tune in for fascinating insights and learn how the VDA is actively driving the transformation of the mobility sector. She also shares her personal visions for the future of mobility in 10, 20, and 30 years and what new trends and technologies she expects to see showcased at IAA MOBILITY 2025.