When you ask Kris what makes his job at HARMAN rewarding, he doesn't start by naming products or profit margins. He talks about people. About a team spread across Mexico, China, and the U.S., where collaboration — not hierarchy – fuels innovation. He'll mention how employees learn by taking apart dashboards in parking garages, how work sometimes feels more like a "family garage project" than a corporate assignment, and how systems thinking has become more than a strategy. Now it's a mindset.
HARMAN Leadership: From Product Strategy to Cultural Impact
Kris is the Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning for HARMAN's Car Aftermarket and Special Markets division. This world includes everything from marine audio systems to golf cart upgrades. On paper, his role is deeply technical. But spend five minutes talking to him, and you'll realize: his real product is culture. From global collaboration to Pride ERG advocacy, he leads with empathy, purpose, and an open mind.
HARMAN International careers aren't just about technical expertise – they're about fostering an environment where innovation thrives through authentic connections.
Ownership Is the Compass
Kris initially hesitated to join HAMAN, worried he'd feel like "just a number." From his perspective, at a company the size of HARMAN, it's easy to feel like a small cog in a big machine. But someone told him that HARMAN isn't your typical large corporation. People here act more like business owners than just employees. That stuck with him.
Kris doesn't just lead product teams; he nurtures trust, encourages questions, and welcomes new voices. His team is lean and scrappy. The work is fast-paced. And yet, amidst the intensity, there's joy and a shared sense of purpose. They install speakers in their own cars. They teach each other the nuts and bolts. And when something breaks? They fix it together.
This hands-on approach exemplifies what makes working at HARMAN unique – it's not just about the technology, it's about the collaborative spirit that drives breakthrough innovations.
Pride in Action — Not Just in June
Kris doesn't wear his involvement with the HARMAN Pride ERG like a badge. He wears it like a calling. As the inaugural U.S. chapter leader, he helped build safe spaces rooted in connection and quiet courage – the kind that shows up when no one is watching.
The catalyst wasn't corporate strategy. It was a company-wide call where two mothers spoke openly about their transgender daughters. That moment stuck with Kris. He sent a thank-you email. The next thing he knew, he was leading the group.
"I didn't do it for me," he says.
"I did it for my kids." Kris isn't a performative ally. He's the kind who shows up when there's no camera, who gets the budget approved last-minute because someone has to, and who answers the tough questions at Pride events from skeptics. It's the kind of bravery that doesn't shout.
This commitment to authentic inclusion is what sets HARMAN careers apart – creating an environment where every employee can bring their whole self to work.
Be the Voice Someone Needs
Kris never set out to be a culture leader. But by listening, in stepping up, and choosing authenticity over comfort, he became one. Through the ERG, he's had conversations that changed careers – including his own. He found his leadership voice by advocating for others.
In his eyes, ERGs aren't "extras." They're lifelines. Not everyone will join, and that's okay.
"But everyone's invited," he says.
"And sometimes, all it takes is one meeting to realize you're not alone."
For professionals considering HARMAN jobs, this culture of support and authentic leadership represents the kind of environment where careers truly flourish.
Final Word: Build With Heart
Kris's story is a reminder that inclusion isn't a policy – it's a practice. It's in how we show up for each other, how we lead, and how we listen. And maybe, the biggest lesson? You don't need to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. You just need to use your voice when it counts.
Here's a video interview with Kris where he shares his experience.
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Because at HARMAN, culture isn't something that happens around the work. It's part of the work.
Join HARMAN's Mission
Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, HARMAN careers offer the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology while being part of a community that values authenticity, collaboration, and innovation. From our HARMAN Bangalore operations to our global presence, we're always looking for talented individuals who share our commitment to excellence and inclusion.
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