Imagine spending years becoming a criminal barrister, only to decide you’d rather sell cars.

That’s exactly what Ella Letiagina did. She left law, walked onto a Volkswagen dealership floor and started again — eventually helping take the brand from 4% market share to number one in Belarus. Then came Russia, then Australia, where she had to do something arguably harder: arrive with plenty of experience, but no reputation, no network and no shortcuts.

In this conversation, Ella and Cameron talk about what it takes to start again, earn trust in a new country and keep backing yourself when the path ahead isn’t obvious. They also get into the future of automotive — from KGM’s reinvention and the changing role of dealerships to AI, technology and why the more machines take care of the routine, the more valuable human judgement and relationships become. And if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to take the next step, Ella has some pretty good advice: sometimes you just have to back yourself a little earlier.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
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Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Ella Letiagina
linkedin.com/in/ella-letiagina-b7266144/
linkedin.com/company/kgm-au/

00:28 From Law to Leadership: Ella's Unique Journey
01:20 Navigating Market Volatility and Brand Reinvention
01:41 Introduction and Background
04:28 Transition from Law to Automotive
07:08 Passion for the Automotive Industry
09:26 Insights from Global Markets
11:59 Cultural Differences in Automotive
14:47 Reflections on Brand Experiences
17:29 Challenges and Humor in the Industry
19:58 Proving Yourself in a New Market
22:32 Navigating New Markets: A Humbling Experience
24:54 Building Relationships and Reputation
25:53 The Value of International Experience
26:57 The Evolution of the Dealership Model
29:07 The Role of AI in the Automotive Industry
32:41 Reflections on Personal Growth and Advice
38:32 From Belarus to Australia: A Journey of Resilience
39:01 Building a Reputation in a New Land

What happens when AI stops being a tool you add to the dealership — and starts becoming part of how the dealership actually operates?

In this episode of The Automotive Talent Show, Cameron Cresswell sits down with Ed Tapley from Podium to look well beyond the current AI hype and into what automotive retail could actually become. From AI sales agents and AI “chiefs of staff” to AI managers, agent-to-agent interactions and buyer-side AI, Ed shares a fascinating perspective on how technology could fundamentally reshape the way dealerships generate demand, manage customers, structure teams and measure performance.

Ed Tapley talks about why the biggest opportunity may not be making today's dealership more efficient, but rebuilding the machine for the operating environment of the future. They explore the shift from “rented demand” to “owned demand”, why dealerships may need to rethink traditional KPIs, how AI could give sales and service teams more time for the moments that actually matter, and why the organisations that win won't necessarily be the ones with the most technology — but the ones that understand how to redesign their business around it.

The future of automotive retail may not be human versus AI. It may be humans and AI working together in ways the industry hasn't fully imagined yet.



🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
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Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Ed Tapley
linkedin.com/in/edwardtapley/
linkedin.com/company/podium/

00:29 Meet Ed Tapley
04:47 The AI opportunity for dealerships
12:11 Redesigning dealership operations
19:28 AI agents, data and real-time insight
30:26 AI, staffing and retention
38:38 AI leadership and ownership
44:20 The future of automotive retail
48:08 Where to start with AI
52:06 Connect with Podium

From dreaming of a career in professional football to leading one of Australia's highest-performing Mazda dealerships, Luke Camilleri has built his leadership philosophy around one simple idea: great dealerships are built like great sporting teams.

Luke Camilleri talks about why culture isn't something you talk about—it's something you practise every day. We explore recruitment, accountability, adapting to change, leading through crises, creating a team-first mentality, and why celebrating the small wins is what ultimately drives long-term success. Luke also shares how marketing, leadership, and customer experience all improve when everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Whether you're leading a dealership, managing a team, or simply looking to build a stronger culture, this conversation is packed with practical leadership lessons that extend well beyond the automotive industry.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Luke Camilleri
linkedin.com/in/luke-camilleri-44b04362/
linkedin.com/company/aspley-mazda/

00:00 Introduction to Luke Camilleri
00:28 Introduction to Luke Camellieri and His Journey
00:48 Running a Dealership Like a High-Performance Team
01:06 Transforming Traditional Business Practices
02:18 Luke's Journey into the Automotive Industry
06:39 Lessons from Early Experiences
11:05 Adapting to Change in the Automotive Industry
16:27 The Importance of Community and Social Media
25:48 Building the 'Car Man' Brand
27:02 Evolving Marketing Strategies
32:46 Creating a Destination Experience
38:53 Building a Strong Team Culture
44:06 Hiring for Fit and Potential
48:16 Future Growth and Consistency
49:52 The Importance of Discipline in Leadership
50:17 Hiring for Culture and Engagement
50:21 Transforming Traditional Business Practices

The automotive industry is changing faster than ever. Customer expectations are evolving, technology continues to reshape the dealership experience, and service departments can no longer rely on doing things the way they've always been done.

Kieran Stack talks about why embracing change isn't optional for today's dealerships. From coaching service advisers and developing stronger leaders to improving customer communication and building service departments that customers genuinely want to return to, he shares the practical mindset shifts that separate thriving dealerships from those that get left behind.

Whether you're a dealer principal, service manager, service adviser, or someone building a career in automotive, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, aftersales performance, customer experience, and why the dealerships that continue to evolve will always have the competitive advantage.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
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Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Kieran Stack
linkedin.com/in/kieran-stack-49060246
linkedin.com/company/service101/

00:00 Introduction to Kieran Stack
02:05 Kieran's Journey to Australia and Training
03:27 The Philosophy of Service 101
05:13 The Role of Service Advisors
09:54 The Changing Landscape of Service Advisors
11:31 The Importance of Training and Communication
17:25 Selling vs. Helping in Service Departments
22:51 Consequences of Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance
28:01 Feature, Function, Consequence in Service Sales
29:15 The Evolution of Communication in Service Advising
31:23 The Importance of Effective Communication
35:37 Understanding Customer Needs and Rejections
40:22 Creating a Memorable Customer Experience
46:42 The Role of Technology in Service Advising
50:59 The Future of Service Departments
56:45 Final Outro.mp4

F&I is often viewed as a numbers game—but the best leaders know it's about much more than finance, products, and profitability.

In this episode of The Automotive Talent Show, Anthony Maluccio shares the leadership principles that have shaped his career in automotive, exploring how trust, culture, customer relationships, and developing people ultimately drive long-term business success.

Anthony Maluccio talks about why the best F&I leaders think beyond the numbers, focusing on building strong teams, creating exceptional customer experiences, and making decisions that strengthen dealerships for the long term. His insights are practical, honest, and highly relevant for anyone leading in today's automotive industry.

Whether you're a Business Manager, F&I professional, Dealer Principal, department leader, or simply passionate about the future of automotive retail, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, performance, and building businesses that last.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
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Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Anthony Maluccio
linkedin.com/in/anthony-maluccio/
linkedin.com/company/think-auto-pty-ltd/about/


00:00 Introduction to Automotive Talent Show
01:45 Anthony Maluccio's Journey into Automotive Finance
03:38 The Unique Role of F&I in Dealerships
05:08 Navigating Sales and Finance Dynamics
07:35 Evolution of F&I Practices Over Two Decades
08:32 Current Challenges in the F&I Landscape
11:32 Compliance in the F&I World
14:04 The Role of Technology in Compliance
17:20 Changing Customer Expectations and Education
20:03 Best Practices for Dealerships in a Competitive Market
23:42 The Future of EV Financing and Market Adaptation
26:36 The Evolving Automotive Landscape
28:35 The Role of Business Managers in Dealerships
32:24 Finance as a Service: The Changing Dynamics
35:36 Future Predictions for F&I Desks
39:02 The Evolution of Think Auto
44:39 Scaling and Adapting to Market Changes
53:21 Final Outro.mp4

Steven Bragg has spent decades helping dealership groups navigate growth, profitability, acquisitions, and industry transformation. Five years after his first appearance on the Automotive Talent Show, he returns to discuss how dramatically the automotive landscape has changed—and what's still to come.

From Chinese OEMs and EV adoption to AI, dealership profitability, workforce evolution, and changing customer expectations, this conversation explores the forces reshaping automotive retail and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.

Steven Bragg talks about why dealerships can no longer rely on old playbooks, how operational discipline creates resilience, where future profitability will come from, and why the businesses that embrace change—not resist it—will ultimately outperform the market.

Whether you're a Dealer Principal, automotive executive, or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into navigating one of the most significant periods of change the automotive industry has ever experienced.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
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📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
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Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
STEVEN BRAGG
linkedin.com/in/stevenrbragg
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitcher-partners/

00:00 The Evolution of the Automotive Industry
02:16 Surprises in Industry Changes
04:59 Consumer Behavior and Vehicle Choices
07:27 The Impact of New Market Entrants
09:45 Challenges for Legacy Brands
12:47 The Role of Emissions Schemes
15:18 Brand Loyalty and Market Dynamics
23:18 The Shift in the EV Market
25:45 Profitability Pressures in the Automotive Industry
28:08 The Importance of Scale and Efficiency
31:37 Navigating Tax Changes and Business Structures
34:25 Talent Acquisition and Industry Changes
40:50 Preparing for Future Challenges in the Automotive Sector
48:21 Final Outro.mp4

Tegan Blockey's automotive journey started with a car care role after putting a career in the police force on hold. Twenty years later, she's leading Bridge Toyota, Gove Toyota, and Lexus of Darwin, building one of the Northern Territory's most respected dealership operations.

In this conversation with Cameron Cresswell, Tegan shares lessons from growing through the industry, leading teams across remote communities, developing future leaders, creating a culture people want to be part of, and adapting to an automotive landscape that continues to evolve.

Tegan Blockey talks about why leadership matters more than management, hiring for attitude over experience, investing in staff, supporting local communities, and creating an environment where people can build long-term careers. She also shares her perspective on the future of automotive retail, changing customer expectations, and the opportunities that come from embracing change.

Whether you're a Dealer Principal, people leader, or someone looking to build a career in automotive, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, culture, customer relationships, and developing great teams that stand the test of time.


🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
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Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Tegan Blockey
linkedin.com/in/tegan-b-a8717b162

00:00 Introduction
01:12 How Tegan Started
06:15 "Leading" as a "woman in a man's world"
09:01 Tegan talks about Imposter Syndrome
11:33 Why mentors matter
15:19 Tegan talks about Birdge Toyota and Eagers
22:56 Leaders not managers
25:33 Stereotype in the automotive industry?
30:36 Finding the balance
34:58 Croc as a pet?!
39:39 Age of connectivity
42:03 Outro

Andrew Hillcoat has spent more than 40 years in the automotive industry, building a career that has taken him from apprentice technician in regional Queensland to luxury automotive leadership roles across Australia and the Middle East.

In this conversation with Cameron Cresswell, Andrew shares lessons from every stage of that journey—from launching Maybach and SLR McLaren in the Middle East to helping dealerships across Australia unlock growth, improve performance, and navigate an increasingly competitive market.

Andrew Hillcoat talks about why aftersales remains one of the most overlooked opportunities in automotive retail, the leadership habits that separate great operators from average ones, and how dealerships can uncover significant profit through better process, accountability, and customer retention.

Whether you're a Dealer Principal, Service Manager, sales leader, or simply passionate about the automotive industry, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who has seen the business from every angle.

🎧 Listen on SPOTIFY/APPLE/AMAZON/IHEART/DEEZER:
theautomotivetalentshow.riverside.com

🎬 Full Episodes:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu

🎬 Clips & Shorts:
youtube.com/@AutomotivetalentAu/shorts

📱 FOLLOW US
Instagram: instagram.com/automotivetalent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/automotive-talent
Facebook: facebook.com/AutomotiveTalent
X/Twitter: x.com/Auto_Talent
Podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/the-automotive-talent-show-podcast/

👥 Host:
Cameron Cresswell
linkedin.com/in/cameroncresswell/

🎤 Guest:
Andrew Hillcoat
linkedin.com/in/andrew-hillcoat-1ba23139

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Toowoomba to the Automotive Industry
02:26 Automotive is an Inviting Industry
03:36 Navigating the Luxury Automotive Landscape
06:29 Experiences in the Middle East: A Unique Perspective
10:14 Transitioning Back to Australia: Lessons Learned
12:04 The Importance of After Sales in Automotive
14:53 Maximizing Profitability: Strategies for Success
18:00 Driving Performance: Key Metrics and Insights
20:56 Integrating Sales and Service Departments
22:24 Accountability in Sales and Service
24:15 The Role of Mentorship in Business
25:07 Addressing Underperformance in Dealerships
27:07 Maximizing Productivity and Efficiency
28:26 Rethinking Non-Productive Staff
30:17 The Impact of AI on Dealership Operations
33:19 The Future of AI in the Automotive Industry
35:22 Communication is Always a People's Job
38:32 Evolving Roles of Dealership Management
41:18 Navigating Industry Changes and Challenges
44:46 The Importance of Leadership Optics
47:36 Building Credibility and First Impressions
49:45 Maintaining a Positive Leadership Presence
49:59 Final Outro