Leading Through Transformation: Lessons from the Top with Mr. Winfried Rockensteiner

The Allied Advisors Podcast

Episode Overview

In this episode, I sit down with Mr. Winfried Rockensteiner, Global Vice President of Logistics for Bosch Powertrain Solutions, to discuss what it takes to lead large-scale transformations in manufacturing. With more than three decades of experience at Bosch, Mr. Rockensteiner shares valuable lessons from guiding global logistics and supply chain operations through digitalization, electrification, and organizational change.

While Bosch operates on a global scale, the principles he outlines are directly relevant to mid-market manufacturersthat are striving to modernize operations, strengthen leadership cultures, and prepare their teams for the realities of an AI-driven future.

Key Discussion Points

• Leading from the Shop Floor: Why real change begins on the shop floor, not in the conference room, and how leaders can build credibility by staying visible and engaged.
• Making Change Stick: The importance of defining a clear purpose for transformation, communicating it clearly, and sustaining engagement over time.
• Culture Over Systems: Why successful transformation is less about IT systems and more about cultural evolution and employee enthusiasm.
• AI and the Future of Work: Mr. Rockensteiner’s perspective on how AI will reshape supply chain roles, leadership, and organizational competencies in the coming years.
• Lessons for Mid-Market Manufacturers: How smaller firms can use agility, collaboration, and peer benchmarking to accelerate transformation without large-scale resources.

Memorable Quotes

“You don’t lead change from an office. Get out on the shop floor, see what’s really happening, and lead from there.”
“Transformation isn’t a project; it’s a cultural journey that takes years, not months.”
“Sincerity is universal. If your people see you mean it, they’ll follow you.”
“AI won’t just change our tools; it will redefine leadership, competence, and how organizations create value.”
“The most successful teams have flat hierarchies. The manager becomes a coach who enables others to perform.”

Why You Should Listen

If you’re an operations leader, plant manager, or executive in a mid-market manufacturing company, this episode will resonate deeply. Mr. Rockensteiner offers actionable insight into how to sustain momentum, engage teams, and navigate technological transformation without losing sight of what matters most: people and culture.

Connect with Mr. Rockensteiner

You can connect with Mr. Rockensteiner on LinkedIn to follow his insights on logistics, leadership, and manufacturing transformation.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winfried-rockensteiner-11329043/
Email: [email protected]