McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt on his 36-year career in the automotive industry – Robb Report



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In just eight years, McLaren Automotive has become a major player in the highly competitive supercars market, and the engine of its impressive performance is industry veteran Mike Flewitt. Having started his career more than 30 years ago on the Ford production line near Liverpool, England, he was named CEO of McLaren Automotive in early 2012. During his tenure, the company saw his productions increase every year (she has car badembled by hand this year) and her overall profits. In 2018 alone, total sales (including 4,806 cars) increased by almost 44% over the previous year. Flewitt's leadership style and sincere love for the company played a big role in the brand's tremendous success.

What is the only thing you need to do every day to stay sane?

When I arrive at the office, I must have time to spend the day reviewing, confirming that the agenda and my priorities are online. At the end of the day, I just want to have dinner with my wife.

Your biggest problem at work?

I do not like having to ask twice for something to do. I am always happy to explain and discuss. I sometimes wonder if being polite and asking questions is misunderstood to make it optional, but I consider politeness as part of the fundamental respect we should show to all of our colleagues.

What are you looking for in an employee?

Pbadion and commitment. I expect all members of the team to do what is necessary to achieve the goals we have set ourselves. Nothing less lets the team down.

How long should a meeting last?

As long as necessary. Some meetings are simply communications that are better communicated in person than electronically, but many involve discussion, listening, debating different points of view to align with the best approach.

Email, text or phone?

I like emails.

An adjustment that everyone can do in their life to be more successful?

Consider if you do what you want to do. I measure personal success based on my happiness and not on what I earn. I am very proud of this industry and I feel that things are happening at McLaren.

The McLaren 600LT in Napa, California.

A McLaren 600LT is Flewitt's Daily Driver
Photo by Robb Rice.

What is the best advice you have been given?

If you do the right thing, persevere, it will be fine. You simply do not know what is the good result.

What would you say to your young child?

Enjoy the trip. I am 57 years old and I have been in the automotive industry for 36 years and I love it. I now have friends who are retiring and I just want to continue to be part of what I love so much.

One thing you want to improve in your professional life?

My physical condition I have always worked in one way or another, but it is the first thing that is canceled to create more time.

Do you have a favorite app?

Apple News. Some days it's the only news I read. I can configure it to give me news of the issues that interest me.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

I worked on the production line of the Ford Vehicle Assembly Plant in Liverpool. You learned to bond to survive. At the time, the industry was quite difficult at the workshop level, but the same advice is now valid, in a different context.

What is your daily driver?

The McLaren 600LT.

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