The Auto Ethnographer is a journey into the world’s cultures as told through the lived experiences of people who have crossed borders, navigated unfamiliar norms, and built careers in places far from home. Hosted by global executive and cultural storyteller John Jörn Stech, the show blends personal narrative, cross‑cultural insight, and thoughtful conversation to illuminate how humans adapt, thrive, and sometimes stumble when cultures meet.

John brings a rare perspective: over thirty years working for Mercedes‑Benz, Chrysler Corp (now Stellantis), Volvo Cars, and VinFast, across five continents. His career has taken him from the United States to Germany, Egypt, Russia, Vietnam, and now Thailand -each move reshaping how he understands identity, communication, leadership, and belonging.

While the podcast’s origins were rooted in the global automotive world, its lens has widened. Today, The Auto Ethnographer explores culture first—with guests from business, the arts, education, mobility, technology, and beyond. Automotive voices will still appear, but now as part of a broader tapestry of international experience rather than the sole focus.

What You’ll Hear

– Conversations with expats, repats, and locals who bridge cultures in their work and daily lives

– Stories of adaptation, misunderstanding, humor, and growth

– Insights into how cultural norms shape communication, leadership, trust, and collaboration

– Reflections on identity, belonging, and the emotional realities of living abroad

– Occasional deep dives into the automotive world—through a cultural, not technical, lens

Why “Auto Ethnography”?

Drawing inspiration from the academic method of autoethnography, the show uses personal experience as a window into broader cultural truths. John and his guests explore how assumptions, traditions, values, and emotions shape human behavior, and how those forces play out in workplaces, communities, and cross‑border relationships.

Who This Podcast Is For

The Auto Ethnographer is for anyone fascinated by:

– Global cultures and how people navigate them

– International careers and cross‑cultural leadership

– The human side of globalization

– Stories that reveal how culture shapes success, conflict, and connection

Whether you’re a seasoned global professional, a newcomer preparing for your first international assignment, or simply someone who loves learning how people live and work around the world, this podcast offers insight, empathy, and a few laughs along the way.

About John

Throughout his career, John has worked with thousands of people from dozens of cultures, leading teams, launching brands, and building bridges across borders. His life has been a continuous experiment in cultural adaptation, one he now shares with listeners through candid storytelling and thoughtful dialogue.

The Auto Ethnographer brings those experiences to you: one culture, one conversation, one story at a time.