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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Ted Mabley’s data-driven discussion on RFQs exposed how outdated processes still slow the industry down and why technology only works when people are willing to rethink habits and silos.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 Onica
Title: Director, Automotive at QAD
About: 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: LinkedIn
Name: Jan Griffiths
Title: 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 Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world. With her extensive experience and commitment to fostering positive change, Jan is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive landscape.
Connect: LinkedIn
Name: James “Jim” Liegghio
Title: Manager, Customer Experience & Engagement, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)
About: Jim is a seasoned supply chain leader with over 25 years of experience, particularly in the automotive sector. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, from hands-on plant-level material and production control to high-level corporate logistics roles at major OEMs like FCA. He has navigated the complexities of international logistics, trade compliance, and cross-functional collaboration, gaining a global perspective that enhances his approach to supply chain management. He excels at working across departments to achieve strategic goals, with a strong focus on optimizing operations and fostering relationships. His work isn’t just about logistics; it’s about cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, community, and diversity. Throughout his career, Jim has remained committed to lifelong learning, driven by a genuine curiosity and a passion for leadership.
Connect: LinkedIn
Mentioned in this episode:
- QAD Midwest Users Conference: Community, Culture and Innovation
- Developing Future Leaders: Inside the General Motors and WSU Supply Chain Case Competition
- Resilient by Design: Embedding Risk Strategy into Procurement Decisions with Kyle Price
- Nissan Redefines Aftersales Across the Americas with Darrin Lucas
- Vested Partnerships: Transforming Automotive Negotiations Into Win-Win Partnerships with Kate Vitasek
- Quote Chaos: Inside The Rising Pressure On Automotive Industry's RFQ Teams with Ted Mabley
- Procurement in Motion: How SRM Drives Better, Faster Supplier Decisions with Achim Gatternig
