According to Adam Muellerweiss, the greatest leadership lesson he has learned is what he dubs the Kenny Rogers Conundrum. Based on the song “The Gambler,” the phrase “Hold, fold, walk away or run – how do you really know which one, when?” captures one of the most significant challenges in business, which is decision-making. “Most often, decisions must be made without all the desired data or clear pathways for outcomes,” said Muellerweiss. “Decision-making in good times requires the best possible combination of facts, fortitude and foresight.”
As the chief sustainability officer and vice president of corporate affairs at Clarios International, Muellerweiss said this method is something he relies on when making decisions for individual leaders and the organization as a whole.
Clarios International Inc. is an automotive company and manufacturer of low-voltage batteries critical to transportation and the future of mobility.
Since he was named a Titan 100, in the past year, Muellerweiss has prioritized mentoring future leaders of Clarios International and those completing the Harvard University Sustainability and Environmental Management Master’s Degree Program. He has championed an enterprise-wide STEM program building on Clarios’ partnerships with First Robotics Wisconsin.
Muellerweiss has also spent the last year focusing on extending the Clarios Foundation partnership with UNICEF through 2030. “Through the Healthy Environments for Healthy Children program, we’re addressing the threats of environmental degradation and climate change, impacting children in countries like Bangladesh, Ghana and Indonesia,” he said. In addition to efforts to create healthier environments for children, this partnership has led to recognition for the 2024 world sustainability awards in the external collaboration category.
Efforts to impact society as a whole are also important to Muellerweiss. “The automotive industry has a tremendous impact on our society and the planet, and it’s no secret that it’s one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions,” he said. “As we aim toward a more sustainable future, it’s clear we must be aligned on a sustainability vision that unlocks a circular economy.”
In response, Muellerweiss and his team have focused on a future that is more electric, digital and circular by collaborating daily with leading automakers, helping them to enhance fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supporting the automotive industry’s environmental goals and affirming the firm’s commitment to a sustainable future through advanced battery technology and systems.
“Our blueprint begins with our responsibility and focus on continuously improving and accelerating our solutions,” said Muellerweiss.