People Over Everything: Leadership, Accountability, and Impact with Matt Lasher

TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond

In this episode of TimTalks: Automotive Leadership and Beyond, Tim Cox sits down with Matt Lasher, a seasoned leader from West Herr Automotive Group and President of streamline.auto.

They discuss prioritizing people over everything, navigating accountability, and how great leaders are measured by their impact on their team. They explore the nuances of individualized management, work-life balance, and authentic leadership. Matt also shares his unique approach to leadership: tending a garden with constant nurturing and adaptation.

Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical leadership lessons.

Connect with Matt Lasher on LinkedIn.

[00:00 – 00:17] – Introduction to TimTalks
Tim Cox opens the episode, reflecting on decades of experience in automotive and how leadership is the cornerstone of every great dealership.

[00:18 – 01:22] – Matt Lasher
Tim Cox introduces Matt Lasher as one of the best leaders in the industry.

[01:23 – 02:40] – Matt’s Personal Life
Matt introduces himself and shares about his life as a husband and father, reflecting on the importance of balance.

[02:41 – 04:10] – Matt’s Career Journey
Matt recounts his days working at Nissan North America, his dissatisfaction with corporate America, and his journey back to Buffalo, NY, where he joined West Herr Automotive.

[04:11 – 04:38] – Building West Herr Automotive
Matt discusses how West Herr has grown over 15 years.

[04:39 – 06:07] – The Importance of People
Tim agrees with Matt on the importance of people and the overall success they bring to a company.

[06:08 – 08:30] – Accountability in Leadership
The conversation shifts to accountability, where Matt advocates for big picture thinking.

[08:31 – 09:02] – Work-Life Balance
Matt reflects on the impact personal lives can have on employees’ performance, noting how leaders need to be aware.

[09:03 – 10:33] – People Over Everything
Matt shares his philosophy of “People Over Everything:” leaders must understand their team to guide them.

[10:34 – 13:50] – Being Hyper-Individualized
Matt discusses the importance of individualized management, noting that leaders can’t treat everyone the same.

[13:51 – 15:13] – Non-Linear Paths
Matt reflects on non-linear paths in sales and marketing, emphasizing long-term relationships over short-term metrics.

[15:14 – 18:27] – Vulnerability
Tim and Matt explore the concepts of vulnerability and being aware of personal biases.

[18:28 – 20:29] – Community Involvement
Matt reflects on the experiences automotive professionals share with their customers.

[20:30 – 22:59] – Authentic Leadership
Matt and Tim talk about the importance of authenticity in leadership and reflect on those they admire.

[23:00 – 24:37] – Just for Today

Tim encourages leaders to practice gratitude even just for a day.

[24:38 – 27:06] – Measuring Leaders

Tim notes that true leaders are measured not by what they do, but what their people do.

[27:07 – 28:25] – Hiring Talent
Tim and Matt discuss the insecurity leaders may feel when hiring talented people.

[28:26 – 30:26] – The Garden of Leadership
Matt compares leadership to a garden. Leaders must constantly tend to their team.

[30:27 – 32:03] – Closing

Tim ends the conversation emphasizing how leaders should be judged by what their people accomplish.

Kapitler

1. Introduction to TimTalks (00:00:00)

2. Matt Lasher (00:00:18)

3. Matt’s Personal Life (00:01:23)

4. Matt’s Career Journey (00:02:41)

5. Building West Herr Automotive (00:04:11)

6. The Importance of People (00:04:39)

7. Accountability in Leadership (00:06:08)

8. Work-Life Balance (00:08:31)

9. People Over Everything (00:09:03)

10. Being Hyper-Individualized (00:10:34)

11. Non-Linear Paths (00:13:51)

12. Vulnerability (00:15:14)

13. Community Involvement (00:18:28)

14. Authentic Leadership (00:20:30)

15. Just for Today (00:23:00)

16. Measuring Leaders (00:24:38)

17. Hiring Talent (00:27:07)

18. The Garden of Leadership (00:28:26)

19. Closing (00:30:27)