Scott EmpringhamAI Marketing Strategist | Helping CEOs Scale with AI

REAL LEADERSHIP HAS THICK SKIN 🔥 #automotive #automotiveindustry #generalmotors #youtubeshorts

16 Jun 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:45

In this YouTube short, host Scott Empringham interviews veteran automotive marketer Mark Lanave. The conversation centers on a memorable first phone call that occurred after a mutual contact, Greg Heath, introduced them. Scott recounts how Greg told Mark that a vendor decision he had made was a mistake, prompting Mark to openly invite further discussion despite the criticism. The anecdote illustrates key leadership traits: thick skin when faced with blunt feedback, willingness to stay open‑minded, and the importance of networking connections in high‑level decision‑making. Both speakers reflect on the emotional impact of the call—Scott describing it as the most intense introduction of his 25‑year career, and Mark emphasizing his readiness to listen and engage. The clip underscores that real leadership involves accepting criticism, remaining receptive, and using professional relationships to navigate disagreements.

Chapters

Hey, Mark, I'm here with a guy named Scott Empringham who says you made a bad decision. Today I am thrilled to be joined by Mark Lanave. He's had one of the most fascinating careers in automotive, in advertising, marketing, sales. He's an executive at the highest level. So before I dive in, I just want to just share one, one short story and ask you, do you remember the very first conversation that you and I personally had on the phone? Vaguely.
I remember something about it stood out, but I'm trying to piece it together. I'm 67 now, Scott, so it's not working as good as it used to.
Greg Heath and I are out to dinner.
Oh, that's right.
And you and I never met, but you, I mean, you were the man.
You were with a digital company that he really liked.
Yes, yes.
And he said, he goes, knowing Greg like I know him, he's like, I can't use the language you use, but he's going, all the rest of it is basically horseshit. This is the guy you want. I remember that.
Yes.
I was in a car with his his dealer that he works for, Chris Leggio, we were going somewhere. I remember now, I was in Southern California when you called.
He's asking me if I'm doing work for you, and I said, no, no, he actually is moving in a different direction. I was doing some work and he's going with another vendor. From what I understand, there's another vendor and he had something to do with the decision. I said, I think it was a big mistake. And he goes, you think Mark made a mistake? I said, I think so. I didn't know he knew you as well as he did. And I said, yeah, I think, I mean, I wish I could talk to the guy and tell him I think he made a mistake. And so Greg Heath goes, you do, huh? And he just, he picks up the phone and I'm like, wonder what he's doing. And he goes, uh-huh. Hey Mark, I'm here with a guy named Scott Empringham who says you made a bad decision here. Scott, here. And I'm like, are you fucking talking to me?
I barely remember. Are you kidding me?
And you're like, who is this? To your credit, and this is, I said this in the LinkedIn post just now, you said, what are we talking about? I told you, you listened to it. You're like, well, listen, I think I made a good decision, but I'll tell you what, if you have a different opinion, I respect Greg, get on my calendar, send me an email, "Email me and get on my calendar and let's talk about it." I was like, "Holy shit." That was the coolest, the most scary introduction I've ever had in my entire 25-year career with anybody. But to your credit, you were like still open-minded. You said, "Get on my calendar, let's talk about it." Yeah.