Target Companies And Industries

Major North American automotive suppliers, including Lear Corporation, Dana Incorporated, Magna International, and BorgWarner, are reducing engineering and R&D expenditures and eliminating thousands of jobs to maintain profit margins. This strategic shift responds to anticipated sluggish growth in new-vehicle sales, uncertainties in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the impending U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from #Canada and #Mexico, set to commence in March 2025. Lear Corp. terminated approximately 15,000 positions globally in 2024, a reduction it plans to replicate in 2025. The company also closed or sold 13 factories in 2024, with intentions to divest five more in 2025, while enhancing automation and artificial intelligence in its remaining facilities. These measures aim to improve operational efficiency amid a highly uncertain market. Dana Inc. announced a $300 million cost-reduction plan through 2026, with $175 million expected in 2025. A significant portion of these savings stems from adjustments in the company's EV strategy, reflecting a cautious approach to capital investments due to lower-than-expected EV production and high labor costs. This plan has been positively received by Wall Street, with Dana's shares rising nearly 40% this year. Magna International is targeting substantial cuts, particularly in engineering, eliminating about $124 million in engineering spending in 2024, with plans to increase this figure to around $500 million by 2026. The company is also preparing for the impact of U.S. tariffs and potential retaliatory measures by other countries, expressing concerns about the sustainability of higher costs associated with these tariffs. BorgWarner aims to save $100 million through job cuts and reduced spending in its e-products division, partly due to weaker-than-expected sales of EV parts. These moves are designed to maintain profit margins even as the company anticipates a decline in sales in 2025. The upcoming U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, effective March 12, 2025, are expected to exacerbate cost pressures on suppliers. These tariffs could add $22.4 billion to the cost of steel and aluminum products imported into the U.S., significantly impacting manufacturing costs and supply chains across various industries, including automotive. https://lnkd.in/dYdb7C3m #automotiveindustry #electricvehicles #batteries #china #europe Tesla MG Motor Europe BYD XPENG

Given the plan to have the steel & aluminum tariffs jump to 50% this week, I wanted to share data on the downstream industries whose cost structures are most impacted by this action. I've done this by using the latest benchmark use table from the input-output accounts (https://lnkd.in/eQdPji9) and calculated each industries' combined use of (i) Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing [331110]; (ii) steel product manufacturing from purchased steel [331200]; (iii) Alumina refining and primary aluminum production [331313]; and (iv) Aluminum product manufacturing from purchased aluminum [33131B]. I then summed the use across these four commodities and divided this sum by each industries' total intermediate inputs (which includes all goods, utilities, and services). Below are the top sectors. Thoughts: •For many industries in fabricated metals (starting with NAICS 332), we see steel and aluminum make up more than 40% of the cost structure. If we assume that domestic prices ultimately rise something like 35% from a non-tariff scenario, that would represent a 15% increase in costs. This is a conservative estimate because I'm using all intermediate inputs as the denominator; if I used only goods and utilities, this figure would be much higher. •As expected, we see substantial impacts on transportation equipment (the major impact on military armored vehicles is a bit ironic) and machinery. Transportation equipment and machinery are two sectors where the USA is very globally competitive; these tariffs make us less competitive by raising producers' costs. For example, the last thing John Deere needs is to be paying higher prices for steel and aluminum as it tries to compete with European rivals for business in Australia. •It's worth again stressing these affected downstream industries employ far more people than employed in making steel and aluminum. This is why tariffing upstream industries has been termed "Self-Harming Trade Policy" (see https://lnkd.in/gWgxQjtY). Implication: many industries will be starting this week with the reality that they are looking at their costs rising substantially due to POTUS's steel and aluminum tariff escalation. This is precisely the type of action that makes the FOMC less likely to reduce interest rates anytime soon. #supplychain #economics #shipsandshipping #manufacturing #freight

If you have 20 plus years of experience, how are you planning your next role in today’s market? Over the past week, I had a few conversations with professionals who have 20 plus years of experience and are thinking about their next move. Most of them are in mid management or leadership roles and are finding that the market is very different from what it was ten years ago. At this stage, changing jobs is not a one or two month exercise. Expectations are higher, salaries are higher, and companies want clear evidence of value before hiring. It is practical to give yourself a six to nine month window to find the right role. Also, your aspirational title alone is not enough. The market must see a strong and logical fit between your past experience and the role you are targeting. To bring structure to this process, I usually suggest a simple matrix approach. First, list the domains where you have real expertise. There will be one or two core domains where you have deep experience, and a few adjacent domains that you have worked in along the way. For example, someone may have started in cloud computing and later worked on analytics, artificial intelligence, security, or data center initiatives. Next, list the roles you have performed over the years. These are your horizontal capabilities, such as product management, program management, presales, sales, or solution consulting. Some of these will be strong areas where you have led teams and delivered outcomes. Others may be areas where you have partial exposure. Now create a simple matrix with domains on one axis and roles on the other. At each intersection, assess your strength. Where both your domain expertise and role experience are strong, treat that as your primary target. Where you have moderate overlap and can reasonably stretch, treat that as a secondary option. Where the fit is weak or unrealistic, do not spend time targeting those roles. After this, validate demand in the market. Check job portals and company career pages to see which combinations are actually hiring. This step prevents you from applying randomly and helps you focus your networking and referrals on roles where you have both strong fit and visible demand. If you are planning your next move at a leadership level, take the time to build this matrix. Spend a few weeks refining it. Give yourself a six to nine month window. The clarity you gain will reduce anxiety and improve your hit rate significantly. I write about #artificialintelligence | #technology | #startups | #mentoring | #leadership | #financialindependence   PS: All views are personal

🎯 Spraying your resume across job boards isn’t a strategy—it’s a guessing game. The best job seekers? They build a targeted company list—and use it to unlock the hidden job market. Here’s why this works: ✅ It keeps your job search focused ✅ It helps you network intentionally ✅ It gives you clarity and momentum ✅ It increases your chances of getting referred So how do you build a great target list? Try this simple, 4-step process 👇 1️⃣ Start with what matters to you Don’t just chase logos. Ask yourself: • What industries energize me? • Do I want remote, hybrid, or in-office? • What company culture or values are non-negotiable? • What size of company feels like a good fit? This will give your list more meaning—and help you spot the right roles faster. 2️⃣ Reverse-engineer your dream job Use LinkedIn to: 🔎 Look at profiles of people in roles you want 🔗 See where they work now—and where they came from 📌 Note companies that show up more than once You’ll start to spot patterns—and companies you hadn’t even considered yet. 3️⃣ Build a “Tiered” List Not all target companies are equal—and that’s okay. ✨ Tier 1: Your dream companies 👍 Tier 2: Solid fit, interesting opportunities 👀 Tier 3: Backup or exploratory options A good target list includes ~20–40 companies across all tiers. 4️⃣ Use Your List to Network Smarter Don’t just apply—connect. ✔ Find people in your target roles or teams ✔ Reach out with genuine curiosity, not desperation ✔ Share your interest in the company (not just the job) 💡 Example: “Hi [Name], I’ve been following [Company] for a while—I’m really drawn to your [product/culture/mission]. I’d love to hear a bit about your experience there if you're open to a quick chat.” That’s not a pitch—it’s a conversation starter. 🔥 Final Thought: A targeted company list is more than a spreadsheet. It’s a compass for your job search—and a powerful tool to build real connections. 🔁 Found this helpful? Repost to help other job seekers stop guessing—and start targeting. #jobsearchstrategy #targetcompanylist #hiddenjobmarket #networkingtips #careerclarity #jobhunt #careercoach

On March 12, the U.S. will expand 25% tariffs on a much wider range of steel and aluminum products, removing all country exemptions and eliminating individual exclusions for importers.   These sweeping changes will significantly impact costs and supply chains:   ▪️ Steel imports affected will rise from 7M to 26M metric tons, with derivative products (elevator parts, prefabricated buildings, etc.) pushing the total tariff impact to $72B. ▪️ Aluminum imports affected will jump from 2.3M to 3.5M metric tons, with derivatives (aircraft parts, appliances, baseball bats, etc.) bringing the total to $132B. ▪️ The cost burden on importers will total $22.4B for steel and aluminum, plus up to $29B more for derivative products—over $51B in total. ▪️ Industries most affected: The automotive, construction, and machinery sectors—which rely heavily on imported metals—face significant cost increases and supply chain pressures. ▪️ Key trading partners impacted: Canada, the EU, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina—who account for approximately 75% of U.S. steel imports—will now be fully exposed to these tariffs.   Unlike in 2018, there will be no carve-outs or exclusions. The previous system allowing U.S. companies to apply for tariff exemptions has been shut down. Potential retaliation is looming. The EU and Canada have already signaled possible countermeasures, though details remain unclear. US Tariffs are unfolding in multiple chapters, each impacting a different group of trade partners and sourcing nations. Potentially no major trade partner will be wholly exempt. It is important for businesses to plan ahead and develop scenarios to understand key risks they might face.   Would love to hear from leaders in manufacturing, metals, and trade—how are you preparing for these shifts? https://lnkd.in/gC9jhC-A.  

The key to landing more interviews is applying to fewer jobs. In theory, more applications = more opportunities. In reality, more applications = less focus for each = unclear messaging = fewer interview opportunities. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about the roadmap to making every application count toward improving your odds. 1) Get clear on your career goals The more targeted your approach, the faster the progress. Often, those who struggle most with this are those with TOO many possible directions. In theory, you are versatile and could excel in many different jobs. In practice, it’s hard to customize for more than a select few job types/directions. If this sounds like you, here are some prompts to help you get more targeted: >Do you want to continue following your current path or explore others? You can do both, but you’ll need to define a few directions to focus on and tailor your approach for each. >What work values are most important to you right now? Think about whether you want to target based on title, compensation, company type (big, small, industry), location, or schedule (including remote/hybrid) >What are some companies/organizations that interest you? Create a list of target companies to follow. >What type of work is most meaningful for you? Target by the type of tasks that will make you feel engaged (for example, managing people or building complex financial models). Ideally, you’ll come up with a max of 3-4 different job types to target. Could be similar titles in different industries or completely different roles. You can always adjust your approach — and your target list — as you go. 2) Map out your skills Next, for each of your role types, map out your relevant skills and strengths and develop your value proposition. To make the mapping easier, make a list of all of your skills and strengths. Identify which are the most relevant for each of your target role types. You may see a lot of overlap across roles. In other cases, you will want to create different versions of your resume for different target roles. For example, Version 1 may be your go-to resume while Version 2 emphasizes certain industry keywords and niche software programs that are only relevant for one of your target career paths. 3) Start applying Once you have your select list of target roles, it will be easier to cut through the chaos of the job boards to find the most relevant opportunities. You can make your search parameters much more specific and focus on only applying to jobs that are a 80% fit (or better) with what you want. Since you’re targeting fewer roles, you’ll have more time to tailor your resume and cover letter and work your network for information or even a referral. Don’t spam the Easy Apply button again — take your time and prioritize a targeted approach instead. And if you need help with 1) and 2), message me. I’d love to help you get clear on your next steps. : )

📅 March 16, 2025 Hot-Rolled Coil Market in the US: A New Reality After Tariffs Back in November 2024, I talked about a possible price surge in the US steel market. Some agreed, others were skeptical. Today, the situation has moved to a whole new level. In November, hot-rolled coil (HRC) was trading at $560–620 per ton. Now, we’re at $946 – and this is far from the peak. The US market has entered a new cycle of aggressive price growth, fueled by Trump’s tariffs. Many already feel the impact, but the key question remains: where is the point of equilibrium? What has changed? 🔺 1️⃣ 25% Tariffs on Steel Imports The US has closed the doors to cheap imports from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Europe. Domestic producers now have full control over pricing. 🔺 2️⃣ Rising Production Costs With imported alternatives disappearing, demand is shifting to US producers, but their capacity is limited. 🔺 3️⃣ Inflation and Economic Factors The cost of raw materials, energy, and labor is rising. Add to that macroeconomic uncertainty and political risks, and we get a market where every new contract comes with a price premium. How is this impacting US industries? ✅ US steelmakers are winning – they now set the rules and push prices up. ⚠ Automotive, construction, and machinery industries are under pressure – steel is getting more expensive, and cost structures are shifting. 🚨 Steel shortages are a real risk – if domestic mills can’t keep up with demand, supply disruptions may follow. What’s next? We are not just witnessing price growth – we are seeing a structural market shift. 📈 My forecast remains unchanged: $1250–1350 per ton by August 2025. 📉 However, a temporary price drop may occur to “shake out” weaker players before the next rally. 🚀 The question is no longer IF prices will rise, but HOW HIGH they will go. How to act? 🔥 Producers – factor in risks and reassess contracts. 📊 Traders – be cautious about calling the market bottom; volatility isn’t over yet. 💰 Investors – steel is back in focus, but macro trends will play a decisive role. 💬 What’s your take? Have we hit the peak, or is another surge coming? 📌 Next, we’ll analyze the European market – a completely different story. #steel #hotrolledcoil #tariffs #USA #metals #trading #business #investment #HRC #manufacturing #supplychain #commodities #inflation

The HVAC manufacturing industry is facing a significant shift as new tariffs on imported materials and components take effect. With President Trump’s recent tariff policies targeting key trading partners, manufacturers must navigate rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and potential market shifts. Here’s what you need to know about how these tariffs will impact the industry and what steps businesses can take to adapt. What’s Happening? The U.S. government has implemented a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. These tariffs affect a broad range of products, including steel, aluminum, electronic components, and HVAC-related materials. For HVAC manufacturers, this means that the cost of raw materials and components will likely rise, leading to increased production costs and potential price hikes for end consumers. In addition, retaliatory tariffs from affected countries could further disrupt supply chains and business operations. Key Impacts on the HVAC Industry 1. Rising Material Costs • The HVAC industry relies heavily on imported steel and aluminum, key materials used in heat exchangers, ducts, and structural components. Higher import costs will increase manufacturing expenses.    • Electronic components, sensors, and refrigerant parts sourced from China may see price hikes, affecting HVAC equipment pricing across the board. 2. Supply Chain Disruptions • Tariffs may cause delays in obtaining raw materials, leading to longer production times and potential shortages.    • HVAC companies may need to explore alternative suppliers or shift towards domestic sourcing, which could take time and further increase costs. 3. Higher Prices for Contractors & Consumers • As manufacturing costs increase, HVAC companies may need to pass on costs to distributors and contractors, leading to higher equipment prices.    • Building owners, contractors, and service technicians may face higher project costs, potentially slowing down new installations and retrofits. 4. Market Adjustments & Competitive Shifts • Domestic HVAC manufacturers may gain an advantage if they rely less on imported materials.    • Companies with strong supplier diversification and efficient manufacturing processes will be better positioned to absorb cost increases. What Can HVAC Businesses Do? While the impact of tariffs is inevitable, businesses can take strategic steps to adapt to the changing landscape: ✔ Diversify Suppliers ✔ Optimize Inventory & Forecasting ✔ Explore Alternative Materials ✔ Increase Pricing Strategically ✔ Advocate for Policy Adjustments Final Thoughts The new tariffs present significant challenges for HVAC manufacturers, but with the right strategies, companies can adapt, stay competitive, and continue serving the market efficiently. How do you see these tariffs affecting your business? Are you making any adjustments to your supply chain or pricing strategies? Let’s discuss in the comments.

The Trump administration just announced new tariffs on aluminum and steel. That might not sound like a big deal to most, but for small businesses—including my beloved craft breweries—25% is a gut punch. The craft beer industry is already struggling post-Covid. Breweries took on debt to survive the shutdowns, taproom traffic isn't what it used to be as many consumers shy away from alcohol, and supply-chain costs have been unpredictable and high. Now, just as many are trying to regain their footing, they get hit with another hurdle. Most craft breweries package their beer in aluminum cans. If the cost of aluminum goes up because of tariffs, so does the cost of packaging. And it's not just cans, brewing equipment is made of steel. Fermenters, brite tanks, brewhouses, kegs, construction materials—all of it. So, breweries that want to replace aging equipment, expand, or just keep up with demand are looking at higher costs across the board. And let's be clear: These costs don't just disappear. Breweries will have to pass them down to consumers. That means your favorite local beer is about to get more expensive. Meanwhile, the biggest players—macro-breweries with deep pockets—can absorb these price increases far more easily than your neighborhood local. This isn't just an economic issue; it's a competition killer. Tariffs like these don't "protect American businesses." They protect big business at the expense of the little guys who drive innovation, create jobs, and bring character to our communities. If we want to support small businesses, we should be fighting against policies that make it harder for them to compete.

𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. If you’re stuck, read this with urgency. The market is tough, but hope alone won’t get you hired. You need a system. You need volume. You need proof. Here’s how top job seekers run their search like a pro: Define your target with laser focus. → Role: Get specific. “Risk Management – Operational/Enterprise Risk” is clear. “Anything in finance” is not. → Industry: Stick to your strengths. If you know BFSI, double down. → Location: Pick your market. Bangalore, Mumbai, or wherever you can win. Build your target list. Own the math. → Example: You’re a risk pro in financial services, targeting Bangalore. → Shortlist 50 BFSI companies. → Identify 4 decision-makers per company: Head of Risk, CRO, BU Lead, Talent Lead. → That’s 200 personalised DMs and 200 tailored applications. That’s your pipeline. Lead with value, not a resume. → What’s the one risk problem you solve again and again? → Turn it into a sharp value prop: “In my last 2 roles, I reduced operational loss incidents by 37% in 12 months by standardising KRIs across 7 functions. I can replicate this in your environment—happy to share the 90-day plan.” → Make it impossible to ignore. Run your outreach like a machine. → Monday–Wednesday: 20–30 personalised DMs/day. → Thursday: Follow-ups + share a short insight (post/slide) about risk trends or a mini-case. → Friday: Applications to roles aligned with your target + referral asks. → Weekend: Refine your target list; prep next week’s messages. Personalize smartly. 30–60 seconds per message. → Mention a recent event (new product, audit finding, regulatory update). → Map your value prop to their context. → Ask for a 10-minute call, not a job. Show receipts. Prove your impact. → Quantify outcomes: loss reduction, control uplift, audit findings closed, time-to-detect. → Share artifacts: a sanitized RCSA template, KRI dashboard mock, or a 30/60/90 plan. Track your pipeline like a salesperson. → Simple CRM (Sheet/Notion): Company, Contact, DM date, Follow-up date, Status, Notes. → Aim for: 200 DMs/month → 25–40 replies → 8–12 conversations → 3–5 interview loops. Don’t outsource the grind. → Many ask, “Can you get me an interview?” I can. But I won’t steal your struggle. → The muscle you build prospecting is the same muscle that accelerates your career after you land. If you haven’t done the above, it’s too early to say “there are no jobs.” There are. You need pipeline. You need persistence. You need proof. Stop hoping. Start hunting. 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗮 #inspiration #careergrowth #jobsearch