Every Role Matters with Neil Underwood

Welcome back to By Their Side, everyone! Joining me today is someone with a raw, real, and inspiring story to share. Neil Underwood is the General Manager of Autonation Toyota Tempe, and he comes onto the show for this episode to share his past as a child living through what so many kids in the foster care system are living through today.

Before he was leading teams and earning industry-wide awards in the automotive industry, Neil was a teenager sleeping in his car between foster placements, struggling to finish high school after losing his mom and brother at a young age.

Listen in as Neil shares what it was really like to grow up in the system in the '70s and '80s, bouncing between homes, (some of which were not even licensed) and how the absence of support systems like CASA shaped his path.

We discuss the turning points that helped him keep going, even when it felt like no one else was in his corner, and while Neil’s story is raw and real, what really struck me most was his refusal to quit on himself, and how that mindset now drives the way that he leads others and gives back to his community.

Neil and I also get into the practical ways that people can show up for youth in foster care, and we don't just just mean professionals but also neighbors, mentors, employers, anyone. Neil offers thoughtful advice to those trying to make a difference: be consistent, be real, and never underestimate the power of simply caring.

This conversation got me thinking about the ripple effect of even one adult showing up, and I am sure that will inspire some deep thought within you, too! Neil is proof that resilience is real but also that no kid should have to do it alone. I am so grateful that he shared his story with me and with you!

Highlights:

[1:54] - Hear how Neil rose from poverty and foster care to become a longtime car industry leader.

[3:51] - A lack of support systems left Neil drifting through unstable homes and sleeping in his car.

[6:33] - Shelters were overcrowded and bleak, but Neil pushed forward, determined not to give up.

[9:38] - Facing sudden independence when he aged out, Neil learned that trust builds via consistent care and presence in kids’ lives.

[12:51] - Neil believes that strong leadership means understanding and supporting employees at every level, face-to-face.

[14:52] - Winning AutoNation’s CEO Award helped affirm Neil’s commitment to community.

[16:34] - Neil is a champion for youth programs, ensuring measurable impact and long-term support even after aging out.

[18:58] - Hear how having no safety net taught Neil to rely on himself and keep moving forward.

[21:37] - Surrounding yourself with the right people is important for staying focused and avoiding setbacks.

[24:58] - Neil found strength and purpose via sports and community support despite early failures and temptations.

[27:38] - Supporting kids’ dreams via volunteering can impact their future and leave a lasting impression.

[30:14] - Neil believes that kids in foster care can thrive when shown care, consistency, and positive attention early on.

[33:45] - Many kids in group homes flourish academically when given support, even when they are initially written off.

Links & Resources:

Neil’s LinkedIn Page