Balbir Singh Dhillon Head of Audi India – Leaders In Tech & Auto

 1. What’s your leadership mantra in the fast evolving auto landscape?

My leadership mantra is to stay agile, innovative, and customer-centric. In the fast-evolving autolandscape, we need to be proactive, embracing new technologies and trends while prioritizing customer needs and experiences.

2. How do you inspire and motivate your team during a challenging time?

During challenging times, I focus on transparent communication, empowering my team to takeownership, and recognizing individual contributions. By fostering a collaborative environment andcelebrating small wins, we stay motivated and focused on our goals.

3. Tell us about a major screw-up in your career, what went wrong, and what did you learn?

Every career journey comes with its share of challenges and learning moments. Early in my career, I was part of a project where timelines were underestimated, leading to execution delays. While the outcome met expectations, it taught me an important lesson about proactive planning, clear communication, and building in buffers for unforeseen circumstances. Since then, I have been deeply committed to thorough preparation and cross-functional collaboration.

4. What’s a mistake you see many young auto leaders making?

Young auto leaders often prioritize product features and tech specs over end-to-end customer experience. It’s crucial to balance these aspects and invest in team development. A motivated team and customer-centric approach are key differentiators in today’s fast-evolving industry.

5. What’s the next big disruption you foresee in the auto industry?

The next big disruption in the auto industry will be the convergence of electric mobility and digitalisation. We’re moving beyond simply building cars to creating intelligent connecting ecosystems. Customers will expect a seamless integration of their vehicles into their digital lives from personalised in-car experiences to predictive service and fully autonomous capabilities. At Audi, we’re already investing heavily in these areas to ensure we’re not just responding to change but actively shaping the future of mobility.

6. What books, podcasts, or quotes changed your perspective on leadership in Auto?

‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey has influenced my perspective on leadership and productivity. I also enjoy podcasts like ‘The Tim Ferriss Show’ and ‘HBR IdeaCast’ for insights on business and innovation.

7. What’s Audi India’s strategy to gain an edge in the premium EV segment?

Our edge lies in early-mover advantage, having launched India’s first luxury EVs, i.e. the e-tron range, coupled with personalised ownership experiences via the myAudi Connect app. We are expanding ultra-fast charging hubs at dealerships and high-traffic zones (like Mumbai’s BKC) while advocating for policy support. We are committed to expanding our electric vehicle portfolio and will leverage our global expertise and focus on charging infrastructure development to gain an edge in the market.