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Auto Supply Chain Prophetsbecause supply chain is where the money is! Author: QAD and AIAG
We really cant predict the future because nobody can. What we can do, though, is help auto manufacturers recognize, prepare for, and profit from whatever comes next. Auto Supply Chain Prophets gives you timely and relevant insights and best practices from industry leaders. Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Lessons We’re Taking Forward From Our Favorite 2025 Episodes
Episode 98
Monday, 15 December, 2025
At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here This episode takes a break from our usual detailed discussions to reflect on the conversations that shaped the year for the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast. Jan Griffiths, joined by co-hosts Jim Liegghio and Terry Onica, looks at why specific episodes stuck with them and what those moments reveal about where the automotive supply chain is heading.Live podcasting quickly rises to the top, especially the Midwest User Group episodes. Hearing customers talk openly about what they deal with every day brought everything back to reality. The hosts agree that these conversations stood out because they were raw, unscripted, and focused on real-life challenges rather than polished talking points.From there, the focus shifts to the next generation of supply chain leaders. Episodes recorded at the GM Wayne State Case Competition and other student-focused events captured something rare: genuine excitement about supply chain careers. Hearing students wrestle with real GM case studies and receive direct feedback from senior leaders reinforced why investing time in education and mentorship matters.Jim then reflects on episodes centered on leadership under pressure, including Kyle Price from Caterpillar and Darrin Lucas from Nissan. Both talked about disruption as something you plan for, not something that throws you off balance. Tariffs, volatility, aftersales pressure, none of it was treated as a crisis. The focus remained on preparation, trusting teams, and staying level-headed. The takeaway was simple but powerful. The way leaders respond sets the tone for everyone else.For Jan, Kate Vitasek’s work on collaborative agreements stood out because it moved beyond talk and into how collaboration actually works. But with structure, accountability, and measurable business impact.Ted Mabley’s data-driven discussion on RFQs exposed how outdated processes still slow the industry down and why technology only works when people are willing to rethink habits and silos.The episode closes with a grounded reminder: AI, standards, and platforms matter, but they are not shortcuts. Progress depends on people, relationships, and the willingness to unlearn old ways of working. With that perspective, the hosts wrap up 2025 grateful for the conversations, the community, and the momentum heading into the year ahead.Featured on this episode: Name: Terry OnicaTitle: Director, Automotive at QADAbout: For two decades, Terry has been the automotive vertical director of this provider of manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning software and supply chain solutions. Her career began in the supply chain in the late 1980s when she led a team to implement Electronic Data Interchange for all the Ford assembly and component plants.Connect: LinkedInName: Jan GriffithsTitle: President and Founder, Gravitas Detroit About: Jan is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President & Founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she is the host of the
