Here in this article, we present a summary of the interviews and lectures Marcel Yoshida delivered, in several Universities and Institutes of Technology, Marketing and Engineering, in Europe and in his last visit to Brazil, during this month of December.
In the realm of automotive leadership, few individuals boast a story as captivating and diverse as Marcel Yoshida.
Born in the vibrant landscapes of Brazil to parents of Japanese and Italian descent, Marcel’s cultural tapestry is as rich and varied as the automotive industry he now spearheads.
Marcel is a German citizen with linguistic prowess that spans eight languages – a skill set invaluable in the global landscape of automotive management and operations.
His journey is marked by a life and career that reads like an epic adventure novel; including an unique fusion of traditional and high-tech brands, like Audi (including the pinnacle Audi Sport division), Lamborghini, Jaguar, Peugeot, Italdesign-Giugiaro and NIO.
Marcel’s professional journey kicked off at the tender age of 14 when he embarked on an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic; then working and pursuing in parallel his academic education, graduating as Mechanical Engineer, holding a Masters in Leadership & Management. Since then, his trajectory in the automotive industry has been nothing short of meteoric.
His tenure as the Global Manager of Sales, Marketing & Aftersales for Ultra Limited Supersportscars at Italdesign-Giugiaro solidified his reputation as a seasoned global manager.
What sets Marcel apart is not just his professional acumen but also his passion for racing. From the pulsating events of, e.g., DTM, 24 hours of Le Mans, Formula-E to the glamorous world of F1, Marcel has been in the midst of automotive greatness. Working alongside legends like Ayrton Senna, Nico Rosberg, Dindo Capello, Emanuele Pirro and Ken Block, he has absorbed the essence of high-performance racing and translated it into his leadership style.
Beyond the confines of boardrooms and racetracks, Marcel is a semi-professional musician, finding solace and expression in the beats his drum-sets. He sees music not just as a personal escape but as a bridge that connects logic and emotions – an apt metaphor for his life’s journey.
Marcel’s commitment to social inclusion is another facet that sets him apart. Initiating a music project aimed at bringing the joy of Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Fusion music to underprivileged communities showcases his belief in the transformative power of art and culture.
His global travels, spanning over 100 countries, have gifted him a unique perspective on life and a profound appreciation for cultural diversity. Marcel’s worldview is one where differences are celebrated, and this philosophy extends to his dedication to societal causes.
Volunteering his time and resources to support individuals with severe handicaps underscores his mission to make the world a better place.
In conclusion, Marcel Yoshida is not just an automotive leader; he is a living testament to the power of hard work, passion, and diversity. Any company/organization he worked/ is working/ will work at, have the fortune in having him as a key player in their team, and the automotive world eagerly anticipates the heights he will undoubtedly reach.
At the end of the most of the two-hours interviews and talk sessions, most of the Engineering, Business Administration, Economy and Marketing students formulated a main question:
“What kind of main advices would you share with us, who are starting, or about to start our professional lifes?”
Marcel, with a smile and attentive eyes responded, very sharply, but in a very comprehensive way:
“Have clear and sincere purposes and targets. Do what you love, so that your work is your passion, as well. Share this passion with your colleagues, customers and society. Be humble and respectful, no matter what. This Planet needs this from all of us, more than ever”.
