Testimonials

PRAISE FOR JOHN COSTIN AND UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL

John Costin in four words: Genial, soft-spoken‎, creative, mission-focused

John has a rare gift of understanding people of different nationalities and cultures and finding common ground. His disarmingly-gentle demeanor, charm and quick smile (which hide an underlying toughness) eliminate any risk of being viewed as dominant or threatening. People instinctively like and trust him.

They are among his most positive attributes. They brought him success in a corporation where fighting the bureaucracy was often like walking in solidifying concrete. He never gives up. It helped him conquer his serious illness. Years from now, when his time is finally up, he'll negotiate a better position for himself in Heaven…and St. Peter will sign.

 - Bob Lutz, Former Vice Chairman, General Motors

 

Management by Encouragement is by far the most effective management style I experienced during more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. Most managers intuitively believe that criticizing their team members and working on their weaknesses generates results. However, encouraging people to take risks and make mistakes turned out to be far more effective.

Management by encouragement means reinforcing people´s strengths and encouraging them to do the unexpected. I experienced myself with John Costin as my leader that this leadership style was a true booster of self-esteem and positive thinking. It drove me to step outside of my comfort zone and to take far more risk with the most positive attitude…generating great results.

Encouragement means leadership trust and backing in case of trouble, both aspects are critical enablers especially for young talents to explore new grounds and to work outside of organizational hierarchies and boundaries. It also means charging young talents with tasks they initially believe they can never accomplish. Whenever they succeed…and they will do…their motivation goes through the roof.

 - Imelda Labbe, Head of Global Group, Aftersales, Volkswagen, Germany

 

While working in John's organization, I had the privilege of witnessing first hand an inclusive yet decisive leadership style.  His approach was unfailingly even-tempered not only during routine meetings but also when engaged in arduous discussions.  Invariably, John had a knack for keeping his teams on track not only to arrive at difficult decisions but also to yield results his contemporaries and all whom he managed sought to emulate.

 - Kim Kurtz-Seslar, Engineering Group Manager - Type Approval/Certification and Export Regulations, General Motors, USA

 

I have had the pleasure to work for and with John. He is an astute businessman, able to handle complex structures and exceed expectations on targets and delivering high levels of profitability. He has a keen ability to rally teams together, (including diverse multi-cultural groups) motivate them and obtain the best results. He has been a teacher, mentor and friend.

 - Robert C. Triulzi, Former General Director Aftermarket, Asia Pacific, Private Consultant and Global Automotive Executive, USA

 

Top executive with positive human approach!

 - Armin Grond, Languages, Cultures CEO, Switzerland

 

John has something special that nobody has. He is so unique in his ways as he has an abundance of charisma and his approach in all things is refreshing and motivating. I have learned so much from John as he always leads by example. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with John since 2002. He is an engaging, enthusiastic born leader. A big problem is nothing when it comes to John. He has a style that is calming and reassuring as he always finds a solution to the problem. You can have many friends, but in this man, I have discovered a mentor, a leader, a business guru, and most importantly, a friend that I have learned to rely on and trust.

 - Paul Chedid, President, Paul Chedid Automotive Group, Paris, France