Hetal Vyas, a seasoned project manager with over three decades of experience, has made an indelible mark in the manufacturing industry. A Michigan State University graduate in Business Management, Hetal’s career spans roles at General Motors, Whirlpool, Magna International, and Bosch, where he has specialized in project management, safety, and operational excellence. Beyond his corporate achievements, Hetal is a mentor, podcast host, workshop leader, and an avid marathon runner. In this exclusive interview with Business Insiders, Hetal shares insights into his leadership style, career milestones, and vision for project management’s future.
What’s your approach to leadership, and how has it evolved over time?
Leadership is about listening first. When I started, I thought it meant giving orders. Over time, I learned it’s more about guiding others. Trust is key. People work better when they feel valued.
I focus on clear communication. Teams thrive with direction and purpose. It’s also about flexibility. Each person has strengths. Good leaders adapt to bring out the best in others. Mistakes taught me the most. Early on, I hesitated to delegate. Now, I see it builds trust and grows confidence. Leadership isn’t about doing everything. It’s about empowering others to succeed. My approach continues to evolve. I listen more, adapt quicker, and focus on the team’s success over my own. That’s how great things happen.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did you learn from them?
One of my greatest mentors was John F. Smith Jr. at General Motors. He had this way of making tough challenges feel manageable. He always said, “Look at the risks, but don’t forget the possibilities.” What stood out most was how he balanced being sharp and staying kind. He showed me that leadership isn’t just about hitting goals—it’s about earning trust and building real connections. That stuck with me.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career, and how did it pay off?
Starting my podcast was scary. I didn’t have an audience, and honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing. For months, it felt like I was just talking to myself. There were so many times I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. I kept showing up, episode after episode.
Little by little, people started listening. Then they started reaching out—saying the podcast helped them or inspired them. That was a game changer. Now, it’s opened doors I never expected. I’ve hosted workshops, met amazing people, and connected with project managers all over the world.
Looking back, it taught me something important: you don’t have to start perfectly. You just have to start and stick with it. That’s what makes the difference.
What trends do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
The manufacturing industry is evolving quickly, and it’s exciting to see how automation, AI, and sustainability are driving this change. At Bosch, I focus on blending safety and compliance with cutting-edge technology because innovation needs to be safe and responsible. To stay ahead, I attend seminars, mentor younger professionals, and stay engaged in conversations about sustainability. It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about shaping what comes next.
What failure taught you the most, and how did you bounce back from it?
I was working on this big project at General Motors, and honestly, I got too caught up in the technical side. I thought, “If I nail this, everything else will just work.” But I didn’t spend enough time making sure everyone was on the same page—stakeholders, team members, everyone.
The project hit delays, and it was a mess. I had to stop, regroup, and figure out how to get everyone aligned. That experience taught me something big: even the best technical plan will fail if people aren’t communicating.
Since then, I’ve always made communication the priority. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the people working together. That’s the real key to making a project succeed.
What habits or routines do you follow that contribute to your success?
Discipline is huge for me—like, it’s the foundation of everything I do. Training for marathons has really driven that home. It’s all about showing up, sticking to the plan, and setting clear goals, you know? And I take that same mindset into my work. Every morning, I make it a point to review my priorities and get clear on what I want to accomplish that day. I even set aside time to read and reflect—it’s my way of staying grounded and keeping my mind open to fresh ideas. It just works for me.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon that you can share?
Yeah, so I just started this project management course on my website. It’s designed to help people who are new to the field figure out how to handle the challenges that come with it. I’m also planning to host regular webinars where I’ll share some tips, strategies, and insights from my own experience. The idea is to create a space where people can learn, connect, and really grow into great project managers.
Takeaway
Sitting across from Hetal Vyas, it’s clear that his story is more than a timeline of impressive career milestones—it’s a testament to grit, growth, and the power of paying it forward. Whether mentoring young professionals, tackling complex projects, or hitting the pavement on a marathon run, Hetal brings a contagious energy and focus to everything he does.
As someone who has faced risks, learned from failures, and embraced evolving trends, Hetal embodies what it means to be a modern leader. His journey reminds us that success is not just about results but about resilience, relationships, and staying curious. Hetal’s approach offers a roadmap worth following for anyone looking to build a meaningful career—one that grows with the times and lifts others along the way.
