SCOUTS GO FARTHER - Johanna SixL
Welcome to our Scout Motors employee spotlight featuring Manager of Corporate Strategy, Johanna Sixl
Where do you call home?
I am based in Irvine, California and have called the area my home for the past 3 years.
What motivates you at work?
Tackling strategic questions across different parts of the company, defining solution paths, and making recommendations based on data and insights are key parts of my role. Knowing that the recommendations I offer directly influence business decisions and the definition of products that will end up in customers’ hands keeps me motivated and focused.
How did you get into your current field?
During college, I specialized in Innovation Management as I have always had an interest in new technologies. My first experiences in my current field came from a summer internship where I led a project on future mobility developments and business models. Researching and presenting on emerging trends in automotive helped me recognize the range of unique innovation opportunities within the industry. This experience guided my career path, and I spent time working at Tesla and Rivian before joining Scout.
What does a typical day at Scout look like for you?
One of the things that I love about my role at Scout is that no two days are alike. I currently lead our corporate strategy function, which involves evaluating opportunities for Scout’s continued growth. As part of this, I get to work closely with cross-functional teams across the organization on topics ranging from our future portfolio strategy to exploring emerging technologies and developing impactful business partnerships.
What was exciting to you about joining Scout?
Something that really excited me about joining Scout is the chance to build the business and products from the ground up. Seeing the impact of the work I do in as tangible of a form as vehicles that will be on roads across America is extremely unique. Scout’s brand legacy and enthusiast community are already impressive, and I can’t wait to continue to see its future come to life.
What skills do you use on an everyday basis?
Project management and communication are skills I use daily. I typically work on multiple topics at a time which makes it extremely important to stay organized. Having a roadmap of next steps and key deliverables enables clear communication with cross-functional stakeholders. I also routinely present ideas or recommendations as part of my projects. Effectively conveying information is important to making project outcomes actionable.
What has been one highlight of your journey here so far?
A recent highlight for me was our factory groundbreaking in South Carolina. Leading up to the event a small group of employees, driving old Scouts, transported a brick from the former International Harvester factory in Indiana to the new home of Scout Motors in Blythewood. I was lucky enough to be a part of this “rally” and encountered enthusiasm for Scout’s past and future all along the route. Once arrived, it was impressive to see the vast site of our future Production Center with my own eyes and be a part of this special moment alongside the Scout team.
What is one thing about you most folks don’t know?
I am an avid reader and love sharing my favorite books with friends via the Goodreads app. Last year I read 40+ books across different genres (a total of 13,553 pages).
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby is horseback riding. I’ve been involved in the sport for over 10 years and was a member of the Equestrian Team during college. While I don’t get to compete much anymore, I love spending weekends at the barn and consider myself to be a horsepower enthusiast in and out of the office.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Iceland is the top destination on my bucket list. I am fascinated by the landscape and natural beauty of the country. From volcanoes to geysers, there seems to be plenty of adventure to be had. I’d especially love to do a horseback riding trek to some of the more remote parts of the island that are otherwise inaccessible.
If you could go back and tell your 13-year-old self anything, what would it be?
Everything will be okay in the end, and if it’s not okay, then it’s not the end.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
Behind the wheel of one of our Scout vehicles would be the first thing that comes to mind! I truly can’t wait to watch the products come to life. I also hope to continue to make an impact within the automotive industry, driving innovation and technology advancements, while building strong professional relationships along the way.
