What does leadership look like when the industry is unpredictable and change is constant? For Gemini Group CEO Tony Trecapelli, the answer is simple: it starts with people. In a recent appearance on The Automotive Leaders Podcast, Tony shared his perspective on leadership, culture, and the habits that help teams thrive – not just survive – in uncertain times.
Leadership Rooted in People
“I am a coach and I am a servant. I love to help people…that’s what turns my wheels.”
Tony defines himself first as a coach and a servant leader. For him, success isn’t about command and control, but about helping others become more than they imagined possible. That mindset shapes how he leads Gemini Group and connects with employees across the company.
Culture in Everyday Actions
“Culture shows up in the small things – the daily habits, the gestures, the way you treat people. That’s what sets the tone.”
Culture isn’t built in slogans or posters – it’s built in the small, daily actions of leaders. Tony emphasizes how simple gestures, listening, and transparency create trust and resilience. He believes people need to feel safe trying new things, making mistakes, and learning along the way. That’s how a company grows stronger together.
Building a Habit of Winning
“We need to be more comfortable taking risks, and we need to make a habit of winning.”
Tony often says that winning, like losing, is a habit. He encourages Gemini’s teams to build that habit by taking smart risks, learning from setbacks, and improving every day. That culture of continuous improvement, determination, and resilience gives Gemini Group its competitive edge.
Facing Automotive’s Uncertainty Together
“I don’t pretend to have all the answers. What I do, is make sure people understand the challenges and feel connected to the bigger mission.”
As a tier two supplier, Gemini operates in a fast-changing industry. Tariffs, EV transitions, and global competition bring constant challenges. Instead of pretending to have all the answers, Tony leads with transparency, making sure employees understand the bigger picture and feel connected to the mission. In his view, facing uncertainty openly is what builds resilience.
A Future Built on Collective Success
“Don’t be afraid to be a team. When you walk in the door in the morning, the person next to you has to be more important than you are.”
Tony’s closing message is straightforward: success comes from teamwork. Whether it’s within Gemini Group or across the supply chain, progress only happens when people put collective wins ahead of individual gains. That’s the culture he’s committed to sustaining – one that will carry Gemini forward no matter what the future brings.
Conclusion
Leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about how you meet them. For Tony Trecapelli, that means putting people first, encouraging resilience, and building a culture where winning together is the norm.
You can watch the full interview with Tony on YouTube or listen to the audio-only version on The Automotive Leaders Podcast.
