Born in Germany and emigrated to the United States, John Jörn Stech was always fascinated by cultural interaction and by cars. This dual fascination led to his international career in the auto industry and naturally led to launching The Auto Ethnographer podcast.

John, or Jörn as German friends call him, built his career in the global auto industry. He has worked for four major automakers: Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis (Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat), Volvo Cars, and VinFast. Originally from Germany, then the United States, he has also lived and worked extensively in Latin America, Egypt, Russia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

He has witnessed intercultural successes, failures, and kindled a love for learning how diverse people could interact more effectively for greater success.

The podcast is aimed at sharing this fascination, educating those working in a multicultural environment, and even providing some entertainment.