Auto Supply Chain Champions

The automotive industry has spent decades perfecting the physical supply chain. The data underneath it still doesn't line up, and the people walking in the door right now spot it in their first month. In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, Jan and Tom Roberts sit down with Wayne State University supply chain students Mia Bustamante and Daniel Kuzniar to hear what the working world looks like from the entry point. Both landed on live problems immediately. Mia's worked on automotive, consulting, finance, and healthcare projects, focusing on cost optimization, launch readiness, and data analysis. Daniel spent his first year of a tier one co-op on tariffs and supply chain mapping. Data is the first thing they name. In school, the set is clean, and the answer's already known. At work, the first job is finding where the data lives: one system here, another team's version there, an Excel tracker somebody built ten years ago and never explained. Daniel saw the same problem from the tariff side. Seven good forms from seven good teams, each right for its own purpose, none able to line up against the others. His ask of the industry is cross-functional data standardization, which is another way of saying you can't ask AI to make sense of silos you haven't broken. Leadership is where both land next, and they use the same word for it: context. Tell a young employee what decision the work supports and who'll use it, and the work comes back better. Give them something to own, and they stay. When his manager was out for a week, Daniel ran daily meetings for a group of co-ops and built the agenda himself. He'd never done anything like it, and the culture made it safe to try. This conversation challenges leaders to stop treating early-career talent as a pipeline problem for later. The people asking why a report exists are asking the right question, and the companies that bring them into the room early, with context and real ownership, will move faster than those still saying, "go get it done." Themes Discussed in This Episode Why clean classroom data sets don't prepare students for automotive Data standardization as a cross-functional problem, not an IT project Context as a leadership requirement Giving early-career talent real ownership What a year in a co-op teaches about culture and psychological safety AI in the classroom and on the job: use it, then verify it Bringing younger employees into the room where decisions get made Why industry voices belong inside academia This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. Featured Guest Name: Mia Bustamante Title: Supply Chain Management and Finance Student, Wayne State University About: Mia is a student at Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business, pursuing a double major in Global Supply Chain Management and Finance. Through internships, consulting projects, and case competitions, she has gained experience across purchasing, supply chain, finance, and automotive operations. She is passionate about technology, leadership, collaboration, and the evolving future of the supply chain industry. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Daniel Kuzniar Title: Honors Global Supply Chain Management Student, Wayne State University About: Daniel is the president of Wayne State University’s GSCMA (Global Supply Chain Management Association) & a procurement co-op focusing on tariffs for a tier one automotive supplier. Daniel works to coordinate and standardize all types of tariff information to be simple and understandable from the top level, and as accurate as going through each entry & invoice form. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Episode Highlights [02:13] Straight Into the Deep End: Mia's worked across four industries before finishing her degree, and Daniel's first year at a tier one supplier put him on tariffs and supply chain mapping, two of the least settled areas in the business. [06:34] There's No Clean Data: Mia's biggest surprise wasn't the analysis. It was discovering that finding the data comes first, and that nobody agrees on where it lives. [08:23] Standardizing While the Rules Change: Daniel built forms and processes for tariff data while the tariffs themselves kept moving, and suppliers didn't always fill them in the same way. [11:59] Context Beats Instructions: Mia explains what separates the leaders she learned from: they say what decision the work supports and who's going to use it. [14:49] Trusted for a Week: With his manager out, Daniel ran daily meetings for a group of co-ops, handed them ownership of the calls, and learned what's possible when a culture makes it safe to try. [17:55] Verify Before You Trust It: Daniel limits AI while he's still building the skill; Mia uses it daily and checks it against a professor or a textbook. Tom makes the case that a degree without AI fluency is worth less than it should be. [22:32] Seven Forms That Don't Talk: Daniel's answer on what the industry should fix is cross-functional data standardization, and Tom traces the mess back to growth by acquisition and system convergence nobody ever finished. [24:32] Bring Them Into the Room: Mia asks leaders for the one thing a training video can't deliver: a seat in the meeting where experienced people think a problem through out loud. Top Quotes [07:11] Mia Bustamante: "School teaches you how to analyze that data, but work really teaches you how to find the data first." [14:25] Tom Roberts: "(Empowerment) gives you tools and context and removes obstacles for you and lets you do the work." [15:31] Daniel Kuzniar: "The most important thing is to empower co-ops, interns, allow them to have ownership over certain things so that they understand that responsibility going into the workforce." If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, where we're closing the gap between insight and action across the global automotive supply chain. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

The Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast is taking a short break this week. To listeners in the US, Jan and Tom Roberts wish you a Happy Labor Day. The next episode releases on September 14, and it turns the microphone toward the people the industry keeps saying it needs: two supply chain students from Wayne State University who have already spent time inside the workplace. Jan and Tom wanted to know what these students expected when they walked in, whether the reality matched, and how they handled the data, leadership, and the culture they found on the job. Their answers give manufacturing leaders a rare, unfiltered look at how the next generation sees the organizations they are about to join. This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

The automotive supply chain runs on scale. Volume buys capacity, amortizes tooling, and puts a buyer at the front of the queue. Karma Automotive builds roughly 150 vehicles a year, so none of that leverage exists. A traditional tier-one scrap earns more in a week than Karma needs in twelve months. In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Juan Lalinde, Director of Global Purchasing at Karma Automotive, the California ultra-luxury automaker built from the assets of Fisker. Juan sources a company where a $2 million tooling quote sits against a 150-unit build year. His model is not a smarter algorithm. It is a stronger network. AI clears the noise, and the non-value-added work, and the doors still open the old way, through a knock, an introduction, and a supplier who wants a shot at ultra-luxury. Juan calls it HI. Human intelligence. That approach got tested. Karma pulled a structural program out of Northern Europe, where the Fisker-era extruders had merged, closed, or scrapped the tooling, and localized it with a supplier in Tijuana, two hours down the road. Requalification finished. The tooling was paid for. Then the tariffs on Mexico landed. Juan ran the numbers, saw that China carried heavier-duty and domestic quotes at 10 times the cost, and chose to stay and work the problem with the supplier. What came out of it is a different kind of negotiation. Karma hands the supplier the schedule: deliver 100 parts by the date, and run the job at 1:00 in the morning if that protects the capacity, paying their bills. Juan is also clear that Karma is not a pure EV. The motors are electric, and the engine exists only to charge the battery, which takes charging infrastructure out of the decision, where it still stops buyers. Most supply chain leaders will never buy at 150 units a year, and the lesson holds anyway. When volume stops doing the negotiating, what is left is the relationship, the speed of the call, and whether the supplier believes the business is going somewhere. That work does not automate. Themes Discussed in This Episode Sourcing when scale is not on your side Why relationships still open doors that data cannot AI for the noise, human intelligence for the decision Localizing to Mexico and absorbing a tariff shock with the supplier Developing small suppliers from ISO to IATF Schedule flexibility as a low-volume negotiating tool EREV and the charging anxiety are still holding buyers back Brand desirability as a sourcing asset This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. Featured Guest Name: Juan Lalinde Title: Director of Global Purchasing, Karma Automotive About: Juan is Director of Global Purchasing at Karma Automotive, with extensive experience in global supply chain management and process improvement. Known for driving operational efficiency and leading high-performing teams, Juan has delivered multimillion-dollar savings and innovative solutions across the automotive and technology sectors. Juan holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and is fluent in English and Spanish. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in the Episode: Beyond the Bottleneck: The State of AI in Automotive Manufacturing and What’s Next, the QAD webinar with Automotive News Marques McCammon, CEO of Karma Automotive, on The Automotive Leaders Podcast Episode Highlights [03:11] The Phoenix in the Portfolio: Juan describes the third-generation Revero as the proof of everything Karma has engineered since 2020, with the Gyesera, the Ivara, and the Kaveya super coupe behind it. [04:10] Volume Buys You Nothing: Traditional tier ones and twos scrap more in a week than Karma needs for a year, so the search is for a partner who cares about the part rather than the quantity. [06:16] Everything Matters at 150 Cars a Year: Juan walks through the paint shop and the body-in-white line, where the goal is to give skilled people their time back and keep rework from stealing it. [08:09] “I Know a Guy” Is a Sourcing Strategy: Karma finds the operator who left a big tier two to open a shop, checks for ISO certification, and develops them toward IATF. If they grow, Karma grows. [09:30] AI Clears the Noise, HI Opens the Door: Juan draws the line between what AI is good for and what still requires a person, and explains why Karma has had to hear a lot of noes to get its yeses. [14:56] Not a Pure EV, and That Is the Point: The powertrain is electric, and the engine only generates power for the battery, which Tom credits as a direct answer to range anxiety. [19:19] The Tariff That Landed After the Tooling: Karma localized an aluminum program to a Tijuana supplier, invested in tooling, and then watched duties on Mexico appear. The relationship, not the contract, carried the cost conversation. [21:00] Hand the Supplier the Schedule: Forecasting and open communication let Karma work around a supplier’s capacity instead of competing for it, which is how a 100-piece order stays welcome. Top Quotes [08:09] Juan Lalinde: "The automotive is a big industry, but it's a small space." [09:30] Juan Lalinde: “Even though AI is the future, for us, HI, human intelligence, is what’s taking us to the next step.” [16:57] Juan Lalinde: “It’s a game of Whac-A-Mole. It’s like a trivia pursuit but with tariffs. You don’t know what you’re gonna get in the next roll of dice.” If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, where we're closing the gap between insight and action across the global automotive supply chain. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

Resilience is the most used word in automotive, and one of the least staffed functions in it. It turns up in board decks, on conference panels, and in webinar titles, and then the next disruption hits, and the response doesn't look any different from the last one: a war room, a handful of empowered people, and a lot of luck. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Ambrose Conroy, CEO of Seraph, to put structure behind a phrase most leaders use loosely. Ambrose built his firm on crisis work, and his answer to the resilience question isn't a mindset. It's an org chart. Build an office of resilience, staff it full-time, and have it report to the CEO or the board. The model already exists outside automotive. Shell and Apple run standing teams that watch their value chains down to raw material pricing, and Apple's got roughly 100 people doing it. Toyota does the same work without giving it a name. What separates them from most OEMs and tier ones isn't intent. It's the ability to see across their own data. That's where most companies stop. Multiple ERP instances, disconnected PLM systems, and dozens of cross-reference tables make it slow to answer a simple question: what stops if the rare earth supply is disrupted, or if an earthquake takes out a plant in Japan? Ambrose and Tom are blunt about what dirty master data does to AI. It drifts. It hallucinates. It returns alerts nobody can act on. Speed is the second half of the argument. In the Novelis disruption, three OEMs faced the same problem. One had an alternate capacity locked in within 48 hours. One followed the full qualification process and lost weeks. The third didn't really know what was going on. The mindset shift is the hard part, and Jan says so plainly about her own years running the supply chain. Nobody wants to fund headcount against a risk that hasn't happened yet. The leaders who fund it anyway will be the ones still shipping when the next choke point closes. Themes Discussed in This Episode What an office of resilience actually does Why resilience fails as a part-time assignment Board and CEO ownership of enterprise risk Master data as the foundation of risk visibility Choke points, commodities, and what-if modeling The end of the annual cost-down Decision speed as a competitive advantage Measuring resilience against competitors This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. Featured Guest Name: Ambrose Conroy Title: Founder and CEO of Seraph Consulting About: Ambrose is the Founder and CEO of Seraph Consulting. He founded Seraph to solve complex, bet-the-business problems for clients and to be the go-to partner for driving operational excellence. Before founding Seraph, Ambrose served as Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions at NAI Global and led the West Coast Global Business Transformation Group at PA Consulting, where he specialized in due diligence, crisis management, and strategic transformation. He began his career as a consultant at CSC. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in the Episode: Seraph choke point analysis webinar deck Episode Highlights [00:04:35] What an Office of Resilience Is: Ambrose anchors it to the board risk committee mandate. The office exists to protect your ability to deliver today's products and services, no matter what happens. [00:05:34] Seeing Across Your Own Data: The blocker isn't strategy. It's architecture. Most OEMs and tier ones have built systems that can't give anyone a cross-enterprise view. [00:07:57] AI Drifts on Dirty Data: Fifty reference tables and disconnected PLM systems produce alerts nobody trusts. Tom points out that's exactly where big data analytics projects fell over a decade ago. [00:09:04] If It's Not in the System, It's Risk: Working around the system of record feels faster in a crisis, and it's what leaves you people-dependent when things start going wrong, and people get tired. [00:13:44] The Cost-Down Era Is Over: Annual price decreases aren't coming back. Ambrose argues that if you're not running the what-if scenarios, the crisis and chaos will cost you far more than the five or ten strategic heads you didn't want to fund. [00:16:45] Who Owns It: CEO, CFO, or board. Anywhere below that, silos and politics kill it before it's produced anything. [00:19:42] Part-Time Doesn't Work: You need full-time people from finance, legal, supply chain, and strategy, led by someone with the standing to challenge peers. Ambrose calls it a grooming ground for future senior executives. [00:22:02] Three OEMs, One Disruption: The Novelis situation exposed the gap between empowered decision-making and process compliance, measured in weeks of lost capacity. [00:24:09] Measuring Risk You Prevented: Purchasing savings as a metric is done, and Ambrose points to an OEM that skipped a volume-specific contract to capture some. Success is relative now: how fast your organization absorbs disruption compared with direct competitors. Top Quotes [00:06:33] Ambrose Conroy: "It's not just getting out of China, it's not just regionalization, it's making sure you have business continuity moving forward, no matter what." [00:16:15] Ambrose Conroy: "So an office of resilience needs to be able to take that into account, and you need to have the data to do it. But you also need to have the organization, you need to have the will, and you need to have the sponsorship from a board level or a CEO level to make it work." [00:27:00] Ambrose Conroy: "There's a lot of choke points out there right now that could close, thinking through those proactively and comparing how your organization performs to those of your direct competitors is the cleanest way to measure the impact and success of the office of resilience." If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, where we're closing the gap between insight and action across the global automotive supply chain. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

The disruption isn't coming. It arrived with dates attached. July 1 brought the USMCA review, and Canada got left in the cold. July 20 marks the end of the Section 301 investigations. July 24 is when the Section 122 tariffs, currently capped at 10% and set to expire, have no automatic renewal. Q2 wasn't a quarter to review. It was a quarter to survive. In this host-only Q2 review, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts trade the guest chair for a hard look at a quarter that refused to sit still. Trade policy moved. Commodity prices moved. The talent question moved. And underneath all of it sits the problem QAD has named for years: manufacturers don't have a data problem, they have an execution problem. The trade math keeps splitting into smaller pieces. Companies may soon have to separate US and Canadian content, then carry that split through every tier of the chain, where country-of-origin data was already hard to trust. Commodities pull the same thread. With the Strait of Hormuz closed at the time of recording, oil spiked, and aluminum, resin, and plastics moved with it. Tom describes tier ones already using AI to catch index swings against exploded BOMs and recover costs that were once hidden in one analyst's spreadsheet. The data was always there. The speed wasn't. Then there's resiliency, the word every leader defines differently. Jan and Tom settle on a working one: know where your risk sits, and be ready when something breaks. The Novelis fire, a single Nylon 12 plant, an earthquake that takes out paint for the F-150, none of these are hypothetical, and AI now lets a team model that exposure across a region before it lands. The quarter closed on the people who inherit it all. Universities call AI cheating. The employers hiring those same graduates expect it on day one. That gap is real, and it starts to close on a plant floor, not behind a screen. Q2 proved the old playbook can't keep pace. The leaders who win the back half won't wait for stability that isn't coming. They'll have built the data, the scenarios, and the bench before the next headline makes the decision for them. Themes Discussed in This Episode USMCA and the cost of a 10-year breakup Section 301 and Section 122: the tariff deadlines that matter Splitting US and Canadian content across every tier Why do what-if scenarios decide who holds the margin Commodity volatility and index-based cost recovery Using AI to model geopolitical risk in real time Resiliency: knowing where the risk actually sits Preparing the next generation for an AI-first plant floor This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in the Episode: Building the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders with Professor Leah Wolf Episode Highlights [02:15] The USMCA Cold Shoulder: The July 1 review signaled the US has little interest in keeping Canada and Mexico together, and this breakup will be bumpy. [03:33] The Dates That Decide Q3: July 20 and July 24 bring Section 301 and Section 122 to a head, with 12.5% duties on 46 countries in play. [05:23] Splitting Content Across the Tiers: Separating US and Canadian content means multiplying already-hard country-of-origin data through every supplier tier. [06:52] What ETL Actually Means: Tom breaks down extract, transform, load in plain terms, and why clean data decides your tariff exposure. [11:00] The Spreadsheet Nobody Can Read: AI can flag index movements for cost recovery instead of trusting the one analyst who understands the file. [12:10] Resiliency Starts With Risk: Know where your exposure sits and have a plan ready before the next plant fire, earthquake, or closed strait. [14:51] From Failed Pilots to Real Wins: AI pilots succeed when they start with a known problem and a defined outcome, not "let's apply AI and see." [17:45] Build the Bench on the Plant Floor: Students need real plants and real AI tools, closing the gap between how they learn and how they'll be expected to work. Top Quotes [06:33] Tom Roberts: " Clean data is going to be incredibly important with those product codes, product classifications to understand what is actually exposed to tariffs, what's not, and I think AI is gonna play a big part in helping to automate some of the cleanup and transformation. " [12:10] Jan Griffiths: "Resiliency is really, step one is understanding where your risk is and being ready when something breaks." If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, where we're closing the gap between insight and action across the global automotive supply chain. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

The auto industry didn’t lose USMCA on July 1st. It lost the assumption that the rules would sit still. The agreement isn’t dead. Nobody packed their boxes. But the US declined to renew the deal as written, and it opened what could be a 10-year renegotiation of the trade framework that governs somewhere between 1.6 and 2 trillion dollars a year, with autos at roughly 18% of that. The proposal on the table increases North American content from 75% to 82%, with half of that produced specifically in the US, and 25% tariffs still in place as leverage. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts bring back QAD trade experts Ian Berman and Joshua Guy to separate what actually changed from what only sounds like it did. The headline reads like an attack on trade with Mexico and Canada. Ian reframes it fast: the real target is China and Mexico, as the bridge suppliers have used to skate on tariffs. If you’ve been finding loopholes, this is the light being pointed at them. Nothing changes tomorrow. That’s the trap. The suppliers who wait for final rules will be doing origin math under deadline pressure that the prepared ones have already finished. Qualifying under the new content thresholds forces every supplier to expose its true bill of materials, and then to know its supplier’s supplier’s supplier. That’s not a sourcing problem first. It’s a data problem first. Joshua makes the same case from the trade-zone side. Foreign-Trade Zones won’t erase the origin issue, but used well, they’re a lever that mitigates duty exposure, with ROI that usually lands inside year one. 2025 was the largest growth year FTZ usage has seen, and DC is staffing up for another record in 2026. Underneath it all, the hosts keep returning to one message: data quality is the survival trait, systems turn that data into decisions fast enough to matter, and agility is the posture, because the volatility isn’t a phase to wait out. This episode is a reminder that global trade is not back-office reporting. It is a strategic infrastructure. Leaders who treat it as such gain flexibility, cash flow timing advantages, and margin recovery. Those who do not will absorb the cost and call it unavoidable. Themes Discussed in This Episode What actually changed on July 1, and what didn’t Why the new rules target China, with Mexico as the transshipment bridge Rising US-content and regional-value thresholds under revised rules of origin Origin qualification as a data problem before a sourcing problem Knowing your supplier’s supplier’s supplier across the bill of materials Clean upstream data as a tier-two competitive advantage Foreign-Trade Zones as a duty-mitigation lever, not a loophole around origin Moving from reactive compliance to proactive planning before the rules are final Featured Guest Name: Ian Berman Title: Global Trade and Transportation Expert About: Ian is the Manager of Business Consulting with QAD Supply Chain. Ian has been with QAD for 11 years and has 20 years of experience in global trade and transportation management. He holds a Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management as well as an ASCM CLTD Certification. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Joshua Guy Title: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Specialist About: For more than 25 years, Joshua has worked at the intersection of engineering, product leadership, and global trade, helping organizations bring structure and clarity to complex supply chains. Today, he leads strategy for Foreign-Trade Zone solutions that enable multinational importers to manage tariff exposure, reduce compliance risk, and strengthen financial performance. He also led the development of QAD FTZ, an industry-leading Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System that supports manufacturers, distributors, and 3PLs as they move from reactive compliance to proactive, resilient trade strategy in a volatile global environment. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Episode Highlights [01:43] Couples Therapy for Your Sourcing Strategy: Jan opens with Pete Mento’s framing of the July 1 news, and the room agrees the metaphor fits: every sourcing decision now comes with an asterisk. [02:39] The Real Target Isn’t Mexico: Ian reframes the headline. This is aimed at China and the Mexican bridge suppliers have used to skate tariffs, not at North American trade itself. [03:57] A Light on the True Bill of Materials: New content thresholds force origin math that exposes what a product is actually made of, and pushes visibility down to the supplier’s supplier’s supplier. [04:40] Tier Two Data Becomes an Advantage: Josh makes the case that clean, auditable upstream data is what separates the suppliers who survive this from the ones who scramble. [05:19] The Data Sensitivity Problem: Tom names the tension: OEMs want deeper visibility, and tier ones are wary of exposing their supply base and origin data outside their four walls. [09:02] FTZ as a Tool in the Toolbox: Josh explains what Foreign-Trade Zones can and can’t do. They won’t erase the origin issue, but they mitigate duty exposure in export-heavy flows. [11:06] A Record Year for Foreign-Trade Zones: 2025 was the largest FTZ growth year yet, and the DC board is staffing up for another record in 2026. Awareness of the lever is finally catching up. [13:04] The ROI Is a No-Brainer: Josh walks Tom through the math: most companies recoup FTZ setup and software costs inside year one or two, before the deeper savings even count. [15:50] Rules of Origin, in Plain Terms: Ian breaks down what a rule of origin actually is and why knowing your biggest BOM cost line matters more than any headline percentage. [19:48] Stress-Test the BOM Now: Jan lays out the starting move: run 82% regional and 50% US content against your bill of materials, prioritize the parts, then build the action plan. [22:32] The Monday-Morning Playbook: Ian, Josh, and Tom close on three moves: baseline your data, put systems in place, and stay agile, because the volatility isn’t slowing down. Top Quotes [04:15] Ian Berman: “ If you're not doing FTA calculations and origin determinations today, my guess is you'll be doing them tomorrow because that's what's really gonna be tied in if you wanna keep being able to use these aspects.” [12:29] Joshua Guy: “You might not be able to get the full savings that you once might have had, but you can use these different tools available to squeeze out just enough margin to stay competitive.” [22:11] Jan Griffiths: “It's about reducing those decision-making cycle times, being able to grab the situation, grab the ball, and pivot and move with it quickly.” [24:40] Tom Roberts: “You got to have great data, and you got to make some decisions, and it's something you can't leave behind. You can't just kinda wait it out. It's good to get in front of it now.” Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

The automotive industry spends a lot of time talking about supply chains, but not nearly enough time talking about the people who make them work. In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts are joined by Leah Wolf, retired General Motors supply chain executive and professor at Central Michigan University, for a conversation about one of the industry's most important and often overlooked challenges: developing the next generation of supply chain talent. After spending 33 years leading supply chain operations at General Motors, Leah now brings real-world experience into the classroom, helping students bridge the gap between theory and execution. From case competitions and plant tours to supplier strategy and inventory management, she shares how universities can prepare students for the realities of today's manufacturing environment. The conversation explores how the skills required for supply chain success are evolving. Technical knowledge remains important, but leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills continue to set great supply chain professionals apart from the rest. As AI and automation reshape the industry, Leah and Tom discuss why technology will amplify human capability rather than replace it. This conversation challenges supply chain leaders to rethink their talent pipeline. The organizations that build strong partnerships with universities, invest in experiential learning, and engage future talent early will be better positioned to navigate disruption and lead the next era of automotive supply chain excellence. Themes Discussed in This Episode Building the automotive supply chain talent pipeline Bridging academia and industry experience Why real-world learning matters in supply chain education The evolving role of AI in supply chain careers Leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure Developing future-ready supply chain professionals University partnerships and talent development strategies This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. Featured Guest Name: Leah Wolf Title: Professor of Supply Chain Management, Central Michigan University; Retired General Motors Supply Chain Executive About: Professor Leah Wolf spent 33 years with General Motors, primarily serving in global supply chain leadership roles across North America and Europe. Since retiring from GM in 2016, she has focused on developing the next generation of supply chain professionals, teaching graduate and undergraduate supply chain management courses at Central Michigan University and Wayne State University while bringing decades of real-world industry experience into the classroom. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Episode Highlights [02:43] From the Plant Floor to Global Supply Chain: Leah reflects on her 33-year career at General Motors, beginning as a production supervisor and eventually leading supply chain operations across multiple countries and cultures. [04:28] Learning Beyond the Classroom: Students gain hands-on experience through case competitions, trade shows, plant tours, and real-world consulting projects before entering the workforce. [08:53] The Total Enterprise Cost Lesson: Jan and Leah discuss why great supply chain decisions require balancing piece price, inventory, logistics, quality, and supplier relationships rather than focusing on a single metric. [12:19] Teaching Real-World Problem Solving: Leah explains how she challenges students with current supply chain issues and forces them to think through implementation, execution, and business outcomes. [14:22] Making Supply Chain Exciting: Plant tours, warehouse visits, and real manufacturing environments help students understand the fast-paced and dynamic nature of supply chain careers. [18:28] The Skills That Never Go Out of Style: A sense of urgency, leadership, transparency, teamwork, and strong interpersonal relationships remain foundational skills for supply chain success. [19:46] The Blackout That Tested a Team: Leah shares a memorable story from the Northeast Blackout and how a highly engaged team found creative ways to keep production running. [22:31] Why AI Changes the Game: Tom and Leah explore how AI, automation, predictive analytics, and risk mapping are transforming supply chain operations and decision-making. [25:01] Preparing Students for an AI-Powered Future: Students are increasingly exposed to AI applications that automate routine processes and help supply chain professionals make faster, more informed decisions. [26:55] Building a Stronger Talent Pipeline: Leah encourages supply chain leaders to engage with universities early, support internships and experiential learning, and build relationships with future talent before graduation. Top Quotes [10:23] Leah Wolf: “Total enterprise cost is key, and I teach that all day long. You've got to run the numbers, and you've got to do the business case.” [15:18] Leah Wolf: "I would go into work every day thinking I've seen it all. And then, I'd go to work the next day, and something else that I'd never even dreamed would've happened would've happened. " [24:47] Leah Wolf: "Everything you just mentioned, I've done manually, and it's very difficult, and sometimes you can't get all the answers, and maybe until it's too late. But with AI, it's going to change all that. It's just gonna be amazing." Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

Data is everywhere in manufacturing. Competitive advantage comes from turning it into action, where the work happens. In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Tom Luttrell, CIO of CSP, to discuss what it takes to modernize technology inside an automotive manufacturing company and why the future belongs to companies that move beyond systems of record and embrace systems of action. With more than three decades of experience leading technology transformations across automotive manufacturing, Tom shares how he approached his first year at CSP by listening first, understanding business problems before technology solutions, and building a roadmap centered on simplification, automation, and employee empowerment. The conversation explores the realities of disconnected systems, fragmented workflows, and siloed data that slow execution across manufacturing organizations. Tom explains why modern ERP platforms, AI-powered workflows, and agentic technologies can place critical information directly in the hands of maintenance technicians, operators, and frontline teams when they need it most. Rather than focusing on technology for technology's sake, Tom emphasizes a people-first approach. Success comes from making employees' jobs easier, reducing friction, improving decision-making, and creating tools that respect human expertise while accelerating action. In the latter part of the episode, QAD's Tom Roberts reflects on the shift from systems of record to systems of action, the role AI plays in uncovering the "why" behind operational issues, and why technology leaders must communicate in business terms rather than technical language. Themes Discussed in This Episode Why manufacturing leaders must move from systems of record to systems of action Building a data-first culture that drives execution, not just visibility Modernizing legacy technology without disrupting the business Using Agentic AI to put knowledge in the hands of frontline teams Empowering maintenance technicians and operators with real-time decision support Making manufacturing execution systems work for the people doing the work Designing technology around human behavior and user adoption Eliminating friction between data, decisions, and action Balancing cybersecurity, productivity, and business outcomes Leading enterprise transformation through trust, relationships, and business alignment This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. Featured Guest Name: Tom Luttrell Title: Chief Information Officer at CSP About: Tom is Chief Information Officer at CSP, bringing more than 30 years of experience leading digital transformation, ERP modernization, cybersecurity, and business growth initiatives across the automotive and manufacturing industries. Prior to joining CSP, he held CIO leadership roles at RealTruck, Shiloh Industries, and Masco Cabinetry, where he led large-scale global technology transformations, ERP integrations, and operational improvement initiatives. He holds degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration and continues to advance his expertise in cybersecurity and risk management. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Episode Highlights [02:17] Building a Data-First Culture: Tom explains his mission at CSP: modernize the technology foundation, create a data-first culture, and make it measurably easier for employees to do their jobs. [03:23] Listen Before You Lead: Technology transformation begins with understanding the business. Tom spent his first ninety days assessing systems, processes, talent, and trust before making changes. [06:40] From Systems of Record to Systems of Action: Traditional ERP systems capture transactions. Modern systems sense issues, trigger action, and help teams respond in real time before problems escalate. [08:30] AI for the Frontline: Instead of searching through hundreds of documents, maintenance technicians could use AI-powered tools to instantly access answers and solve problems faster. [10:46] The Point of Impact: The greatest value comes when critical information reaches the person closest to the problem, enabling faster decisions and better quality outcomes. [12:18] Reimagining the Shop Floor Experience: Tom outlines his vision for manufacturing execution systems that provide real-time visibility, automate routine transactions, and simplify work for operators. [13:46] Technology That Works for People: Whether through automation, scanning, image recognition, or AI-driven workflows, technology should remove friction rather than create it. [15:39] Speaking the Language of Business: One of Tom's biggest leadership lessons was learning to frame technology initiatives around business outcomes, not technical specifications. [17:42] Cybersecurity Without Creating Friction: Security matters, but successful technology leaders balance risk mitigation with maintaining productivity and enabling business operations. [21:08] The Power of Systems of Action: Tom Roberts explains how AI can move organizations beyond reporting what happened toward understanding why it happened and what action should happen next. Top Quotes [02:52] Tom Luttrell: “ The reason why I came in was to modernize our technology foundation for the company and to build a data-first culture, and to make it measurably easier for our employees to get their jobs done.” [10:55] Tom Luttrell: "You're putting the information in the hands of what I would call the point of impact, which would be the maintenance tech at that specific press looking at that specific problem." [16:20] Tom Luttrell: “ You have to primarily come at things from what problem are you trying to solve from a business perspective.” Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

Most of us are playing with AI; a few are putting it to work. The gap between the two is the difference between curiosity and a competitive edge. Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Cheryl Thompson, founder of the Cheryl Thompson AI Adoption Advisory Practice and one of the most practical voices in AI adoption today. With over 1,400 hours of hands-on learning, Cheryl has gone deep on what works, what doesn't, and where most people get stuck. This conversation is for the supply chain and IT professional who has dabbled in ChatGPT, gotten frustrated, and walked away. Cheryl breaks down the real difference between an AI assistant, a specialist, and an AI employee in plain English. She shares the prompt structure she uses every day, the mindset shift that separates the curious from the capable, and three things every supply chain professional should do this week to move from playing around to producing results. Themes Discussed in This Episode Why AI isn't going to take your job, but someone who knows AI will The RCRQ prompt structure: Role, Context, Request, Questions AI assistant vs. specialist vs. AI employee, explained The Custom GPT, Claude project, and Gemini Gem comparison in plain English Why AI will lie to you confidently if you don't push back The Parkinson's law trap: what to do with the time AI gives back Practical use cases for procurement: RFQ documentation, supplier evaluation, negotiation prep Why human relationships still matter more than ever in supplier development Three things to do this week to move from playing with AI to using it This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. Featured Guest Name: Cheryl Thompson Title: Founder, Cheryl Thompson AI Adoption Advisory Practice About: Cheryl is on a mission to help small business owners and corporate professionals stop playing with AI and start getting real value from it. With more than 1,400 hours of dedicated AI learning and three rounds through an intensive 12-week training program, she has built a practice focused on practical adoption, not hype. Cheryl runs workshops and learning labs tailored by function, including supply chain and procurement, helping professionals build prompts, specialists, and AI workflows that fit how they actually work. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in this Episode: Henry Cloud, Boundaries David Allen, Getting Things Done The Eisenhower Matrix Cheryl's upcoming Learning Lab for supply chain and procurement professionals Episode Highlights [03:11] The 1,400-Hour Rabbit Hole: How Cheryl’s curiosity about AI turned into an obsession and a full-scale commitment to helping people adopt AI with confidence. [08:20] The RCRQ Prompt Structure That Actually Works: Cheryl breaks down her practical framework for prompting AI effectively using role, context, request, and clarifying questions. [09:15] Custom GPT, Claude Project, Gemini Gem: Different platforms. Same concept. Cheryl explains how AI specialists and agents work behind the scenes. [12:57] AI Is the Loud, Confident Colleague Who Sometimes Makes Things Up: Why AI hallucinations happen, how people misuse AI like a search engine, and the importance of pushing back on outputs. [14:05] Parkinson’s Law Meets AI: Tom explores the real challenge companies face once AI gives employees back hours of productive time. [17:29] Only 27% of the Workday Is Real Work: Cheryl shares Asana research showing how administrative overload prevents professionals from focusing on high-value work. [18:20] Negotiation Prep Is an Ideal AI Use Case: From supplier negotiations to procurement strategy, Cheryl explains how AI can sharpen preparation and confidence. [19:37] Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever: Jan reflects on how AI creates space for relationship-building, supplier collaboration, and the human side of supply chain leadership. [21:50] Three Practical Ways to Start Using AI This Week: Cheryl gives supply chain and IT professionals a simple roadmap for moving beyond experimentation into real AI adoption. Top Quotes [13:34] Cheryl Thompson: “AI is not going to take your job. Someone that knows AI is going to take your job.” [14:32] Tom Roberts: “Are people ready to say, okay, I've saved all this time, great. Now, what do I do?” [19:43] Cheryl Thompson: “Yeah, and I'm so glad you said that because we have to remember the human in this AI world.” Connect With Cheryl Thompson Find Cheryl on LinkedIn and learn more about her workshops and learning labs at her website (link in show notes). Connect With Us We want to hear from you. What are your biggest supply chain challenges right now? What conversations do you want to hear on this podcast? Drop us a comment on the podcast website. The link is in the show notes. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

The real cyber threat isn't someone stealing your data. It's someone quietly changing a one to a zero on your shop floor, and you not noticing until something breaks. Cybersecurity used to be the topic everyone talked about. Then it went quiet. Now, with AI accelerating attack capability and quantum computing on the horizon, it's more urgent than ever, and most automotive manufacturers are not ready. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and co-host Tom Roberts sit down with Klint Walker, co-founder of Rule of Three Security and a 20-year veteran of federal cyber leadership. Klint has spent his career protecting critical infrastructure across the southeast, and he knows exactly where the holes are in manufacturing operations. This conversation goes beyond the headlines. The flashy denial-of-service stories get the press, but the real risk is the integrity attack, the quiet manipulation that changes a value, degrades a part, or corrupts a backup. In a world where OT, IT, and IoT have all converged, the attack surface is bigger than most C-suites realize. Themes Discussed in This Episode Why integrity attacks, not data breaches, are the threat manufacturers should fear most How OT systems built for standalone operation became cyber liabilities the moment they got connected Why "convenience is the opposite of security" and what that means for your shop floor Confidentiality, availability, and integrity: the three pillars and why you can't optimize for all three at once AI as a force multiplier for both defenders and attackers, and why only AI can defend against AI The quantum computing arms race and why your encryption catalog matters now Why 70% of cybersecurity is policy, process, and people, not technology The disconnect between the C-suite and the front line on what actually needs protecting Why containerizing AI matters: the cautionary tale of an AI that exposed CEO downsizing memos Tabletop exercises: making the hard decisions before you are in crisis This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. Featured Guest Name: Klint Walker Title: Co-Founder, Rule of Three Security About: Klint has 20 years of experience spanning federal, DOD, and private industry cybersecurity leadership. He has protected critical infrastructure across the southeast United States and holds a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Homeland Security and Defense. At Rule of Three Security, he helps organizations build cybersecurity programs grounded in the three pillars of the field: confidentiality, availability, and integrity. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Episode Highlights [00:03:21] What is cybersecurity, really? Klint opens with the question every C-suite should be able to answer but rarely can. It comes down to three pillars: confidentiality, availability, and integrity, and what those mean is different for every organization. [00:07:30] The integrity attack nobody is talking about. Threat actors changing a one to a zero. Manipulating a girder spec. Degrading a part. The attacks that don't make the news but can quietly compromise everything you ship. [00:10:00] The bank ransomware integrity story. Klint walks through how attackers can poison backups so that when you restore, you restore their fraudulent accounts as trusted data. Now apply that to a manufacturing BOM, a quality record, or a contract. [00:12:43 ] AI as the new attacker advantage. Reconnaissance that used to take weeks now takes 15 minutes. Threat actors are using AI to map employees, build social engineering campaigns, and stay undetected once inside. [00:16:50] The quantum arms race. Most organizations cannot tell you where they are using encryption, let alone whether it is quantum-ready. That cataloging exercise has to start now. [00:19:45] The five things a manufacturing C-suite should do. It starts with one question: have you defined cybersecurity for your organization? Most boards have never been briefed on the state of their own program. [00:21:30] The bank teller test. From the teller to the C-suite, every level of a bank gives a different answer to "what is the most important thing this business does?" If your front line is protecting the wrong thing, your cybersecurity program is broken before it starts. [00:24:22] The AI containment story. A single prompt pulled a draft executive downsizing memo from the CEO's inbox. Most organizations have not told their AI what it can and cannot touch. [00:28:14] The Rule of Three. The name of Klint's company comes from the three pillars. The job is making sure all three have visibility in your organization, and knowing which one matters most when something has to give. Top Quotes [00:06:58] Klint Walker: “Convenience is the opposite of security, and if you build something into convenience, you've bypassed security for it.” [00:08:12] Klint Walker: “The real threats out there might actually be what we call the integrity attacks. These get no love in the media, but these are where the threat actors are going in and they're manipulating data.” [00:23:43] Klint Walker: “If cybersecurity is not a culture of your organization, then it's just an add-on.” Don't Miss the Follow-Up Klint is coming back later this year to go deeper on tabletop exercises and the practical work of building a cybersecurity culture in a manufacturing environment. Subscribe so you do not miss it. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

The rear view mirror exists for a reason. Q1 is done. Jan Griffiths and co-host Tom Roberts look back at what Q1 revealed and look ahead at what Q2 demands. Tariff volatility. AI embedded in every executive's day. The domain knowledge gap that's quietly killing AI ROI. And a Q2 lineup built to help automotive leaders stop reacting and start acting. Over a year of tariff chaos has tested every supply chain in this industry. The companies that survived didn't just get lucky. They had data at their fingertips, not buried in spreadsheets or locked in someone's head. The ones still struggling? Still chasing Billy to find Susie's spreadsheet. And then there's AI. It's no longer theoretical. It's in everyone's day. But domain knowledge is the gap nobody's talking about. Commodity codes, customer master records, plant-level data inconsistencies. AI doesn't figure that out on its own. The humans who know the business have to be in the loop. In Q2, Jan and Tom are bringing in the guests who can help close those gaps. Cheryl Thompson on making AI practically useful for the average automotive professional. Klint Walker on the cybersecurity vulnerabilities hiding in plain sight on the shop floor. And a CIO whose entire focus is putting data in the hands of the people, and the culture shift that demands. Themes Discussed in This Episode Surviving a year of tariff chaos and what it exposed Why "at your fingertips" data is the real competitive edge The volatility problem: it's not tariffs, it's the constant change Why the old automotive playbook no longer works Agentic AI: the promise, the pitfalls, and the domain knowledge gap Breaking down silos between function and IT for AI to drive value Q1 guest highlights: Marty Rathsburg, Dr. Bryan Reimer, Zack from RedZone Q2 preview: Cheryl Thompson on practical AI, Klint Walker on cybersecurity, and a CIO on a data-first journey This podcast is powered by QAD RedZone. About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in the Episode: The Gap in the Gain by Dr. Benjamin Hardy Agentic AI Isn’t the Future. It’s the Line Between Winners and Laggards with Sanjay Brahmawar and Bryan Reimer The First 90 Days: How to Take Over a Purchasing Organization and Win with Marty Rathsburg Beyond Dashboards: Building a Connected Workforce with Zack Sosebee Episode Highlights [00:01:10] Q1 in Review: Stop and Look at the Gain: Jan frames the episode around Dr. Benjamin Hardy's concept of the Gap and the Gain. The industry rarely stops to measure what it's actually achieved. [00:02:39] Data at Your Fingertips, or Not: Tariff disruption exposed the visibility gap. Tom describes the reality for most companies: chasing data across systems, people, and spreadsheets instead of having it ready when it matters. [00:04:16] The Old Playbook Is Broken: The way automotive operates, in silos and reactively, isn't built for a world where tariffs, geopolitics, and disruption arrive simultaneously and without warning. [00:08:11] Agentic AI: Not a Light Switch: Jan pushes back on the idea that AI eliminates headcount overnight. It requires intention, training, human-in-the-loop thinking, and a deliberate build-out of trust. [00:08:45] Domain Knowledge Is the AI Gap No One Talks About: The real barrier to AI delivering value isn't the technology. It's understanding the data structures, commodity codes, and business logic the AI has to work with, and that requires people who know the domain. [00:12:08] Q2 Preview: What's Coming: Cheryl Thompson on making AI practically useful. Klint Walker on cybersecurity blind spots in manufacturing. And a CIO focused on putting data in the hands of the people and the culture shift that requires. [00:19:34] Systems of Record to Systems of Action: Jan and Tom land on the core challenge: automotive must change how it makes decisions, breaks down silos, and uses data, or the disruption will keep winning. Top Quotes [00:05:45] Jan Griffiths: "The world that we lived in before, it's gone. You might as well forget it. The key now is to adapt to the world that we're in." [00:06:09] Tom Roberts: "Where you have your customs folks maybe buried in supply chain somewhere and they're kind of a, back, back, back, back office function. You can't do that. You can't do that with that process or the people, or the systems around it. They have to be tied to active data, real time data, because these things are changing every 150 days or 90 days, or whatever it might be." [00:15:02] Tom Roberts: "Automotive is one of the toughest supply chains in the world. When a finished vehicle has 30,000 parts in it, however many different suppliers, it can be daunting." [00:19:34] Jan Griffiths: "And I am gonna steal your tagline, Tom, working with these systems of record and not turning them into systems of action. We have got to do more of that and we've gotta change the culture behind it." If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow automotive leader and subscribe to the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast, where we're closing the gap between insight and action across the global automotive supply chain. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

What does it really take to walk into a new purchasing leadership role and make it work? Not the strategy deck. Not the org chart. The real work: the people, the data, the relationships, and the hard lessons learned along the way. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and co-host Tom Roberts sit down with Marty Rathsburg, newly appointed Head of Purchasing at the Gemini Group, a tier one and tier two automotive supplier with 17 locations across North America. Marty brings decades of experience in operations, purchasing, quality, and private equity. But this episode isn't about what he's done before. It's about what he's doing right now and what he's learning in real time. One of the challenges Marty ran into? The ERP. Gemini operates on a single ERP platform across all 17 locations, which sounds like an advantage until you realize every plant has customized it differently. Job shops, serial production, different commodity codes, and different supplier codes for the same vendor. The data is there. Getting it to mean something is another challenge entirely. It's a problem that plays out across the industry every day, and it's exactly the kind of execution gap that the right technology and the right systems of action are designed to close. This is Episode 1 of a two-part journey. We're bringing Marty back in six months to find out how it actually went. Themes Discussed in This Episode Why do people come before strategy in any new leadership role The myth of "one ERP" and why it doesn't solve your data problem How to prioritize suppliers when everything feels urgent Stakeholder alignment: building credibility without the ego What vulnerability looks like in a purchasing leadership role The courage to call out your own missteps Featured Guest Name: Marty Rathsburg Title: Head of Purchasing, Gemini Group About: Marty is a transformation-focused operations and procurement leader known for bringing clarity to complex challenges. With 20+ years' experience improving performance and developing high‑impact teams, he’s delivered consistent growth by aligning people, simplifying systems, and driving action. Marty is recognized for his hands-on leadership style, building relationships at every level, and creating cultures where teams move fast and win together. Whether integrating acquisitions or strengthening supply resilience, He brings a grounded, people-first approach to automotive and industrial supply chains. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in the Episode: Tony Trecapelli, CEO of Gemini Group, on the Automotive Leaders Podcast Episode Highlights [00:01:22] The Real Challenge of a New Role: Jan sets the stage: stepping into a purchasing and supply chain role is not about strategy on paper. The real challenge is deciding what to focus on first amid complexity. [00:02:47] Why Marty Chose Gemini Group: Marty shares what drew him to Gemini, rooted in firsthand experience working with them as a supplier and seeing their culture in action. [00:04:59] Start with People, Not Process: Marty’s first move: sit down with every buyer, listen, take notes, and understand the human dynamics before making any changes. [00:07:01] One ERP, Many Realities: Despite having a single ERP across the organization, inconsistencies and plant-level differences require deep validation and gut-checking of data. [00:09:11] The Danger of Silo Optimization: Jan calls out a common industry issue: optimizing at the plant level at the expense of enterprise-wide visibility. The mindset must shift to the full ecosystem. [00:12:59] Prioritizing Suppliers Beyond Spend: Marty explains how prioritization goes beyond spend, factoring in risk, single sourcing, and future growth. A four-hour car ride with a plant manager becomes a strategic turning point. [00:14:51] Building Stakeholder Alignment Through Action: Alignment is not achieved in meetings. It is built through listening, collaboration, and solving problems together. Walking in with all the answers is the fastest way to lose trust. [00:18:17] Three Principles for New Leaders: Marty’s advice: build relationships first, be relentless about understanding the data, and stay focused on outcomes while adapting the path to get there. Top Quotes [00:07:01] Marty Rathsburg: “You can't make decisions without the data, right? And you can't make effective decisions without the data… it's like playing with a deck of cards with half the cards there.” [00:09:11] Jan Griffiths: “We can no longer optimize for some, either a silo or a plant. We can't do that anymore. We have to think of the bigger ecosystem.” [00:16:21] Marty Rathsburg: “Be vulnerable, and then gain that trust, really moves it along quickly. And I think that is my main mode of operation when I'm trying to build these relationships.” [00:17:29] Marty Rathsburg: “Don't expect you're gonna take a hundred percent of the right steps… I've gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable, but call it out…” [00:15:54] Tom Roberts: “You have to have those to start having those relationships, breaking down barriers.” Don't Miss the Follow-Up Marty Rathsburg is coming back in six months. We'll find out what worked, what didn't, and what technology he used to solve the toughest problems. Subscribe so you don't miss it. Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

Your physical supply chain is optimized. Your data supply chain is broken. That's the hard truth at the center of this conversation and it's one most automotive leaders haven't fully faced yet. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Kevin Piotrowski, Chief Transformation Officer at AIAG, to break down Catena-X: what it is, why it matters, and why the automotive industry can no longer afford to ignore it. Kevin makes the case clearly: the data that companies need to make decisions no longer lives inside their four walls. 60, 70, 80% of decision-critical data now comes from outside the enterprise, from supply chains both upstream and downstream. Catena-X is the ecosystem built to move that data securely, at scale, across the entire supply chain, while protecting IP, maintaining data sovereignty, and enabling AI and robotics to act on it. This is not another IT initiative. It's a movement. Approaching its fifth anniversary in Europe and hitting year one or two in North America, Catena-X is entering the adoption phase and AIAG is driving that effort as the North American hub. The Readiness Booster Program, a 12-week onboarding, is already helping companies of all sizes get connected. From small suppliers using an Excel file to large manufacturers building their own certified connectors, there's an on-ramp for everyone. The challenges are real. Trust between OEMs and suppliers has never been a strength of this industry. Data extraction from fragmented ERP systems is hard. And many companies haven't even defined a data strategy yet. But the companies that wait will absorb the cost. The companies that move will build a competitive advantage that compounds: in quality, sustainability, carbon footprint reporting, digital twins, and beyond. Jan and Tom will both be at the AIAG Elevate conference in Detroit on May 21st. If you want to understand what's coming and where the real tension between OEMs and suppliers sits, that's the room to be in. Themes Discussed in This Episode Why the data supply chain is the next frontier for automotive What Catena-X is and why it's more than a data exchange Data sovereignty: how suppliers protect IP while sharing across the chain The path from data to AI to robotics and why it's now one integrated system The Readiness Booster Program: how to get connected in 12 weeks Why every supplier needs a data strategy before they pick a solution The trust deficit between OEMs and suppliers, and why it has to change Catena-X in two years and five years: the global expansion roadmap AIAG Elevate Detroit Conference, May 21st: what to expect Featured Guest Name: Kevin Piotrowski Title: Chief Transformation Officer, AIAG About: Kevin Piotrowski serves as Chief Transformation Officer at AIAG, where he leads North American efforts around Catena-X adoption and digital transformation across the automotive supply chain. Kevin brings deep expertise in data strategy, supply chain technology, and industry collaboration, working directly with OEMs, suppliers, and solution providers to accelerate the shift toward connected, AI-ready supply chains. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in the Episode: American Manufacturing Summit Catena-X North America Hub AIAG North American Catena-X Conference Episode Highlights [00:00:00] The Broken Data Supply Chain: Jan explains that while automotive perfected the physical supply chain, the data supply chain remains fragmented across disconnected systems. Catena-X aims to connect and standardize how critical supply chain data moves. [00:03:04] What Catena-X Actually Is: Kevin explains Catena-X simply: a secure way for companies to exchange complex supply chain data across the entire network, not just point-to-point. [00:04:56] Data Sovereignty in Practice: Kevin describes how Catena-X protects sensitive relationships. Data moves only one level up or down the chain, so companies see outcomes without exposing supplier identities. [00:08:00] From Data to AI to Robotics: Clean data feeds Catena-X, which enables secure exchange, powers AI decision-making, and ultimately drives automation and robotics. [00:10:07] The Readiness Booster Program: AIAG’s 12-week onboarding program helps companies quickly join the Catena-X network with training, connectors, and testing for suppliers of all sizes. [00:12:28] The Real Challenge: Strategy Before Solution: Many companies jump to tools before defining their data strategy. Kevin emphasizes understanding what data exists, where it lives, and what should be shared. [00:13:46] Trust: The Automotive Industry’s Weakest Link: Jan and Kevin discuss how trust and collaboration across OEMs and suppliers will determine how fast Catena-X can scale. [00:17:11] Two Years and Five Years Out: Kevin predicts global expansion of Catena-X in the next two years, with broader adoption and measurable value across industries within five. [00:19:06] See You at AIAG Elevate – May 21 in Detroit: Jan and Tom commit to attending the AIAG Elevate conference to hear firsthand how OEMs and suppliers are approaching Catena-X adoption. Top Quotes [00:00:30] Tom: “Manufacturers don't have a data problem; they've got an execution problem.” [00:01:23] Jan: “We spend decades optimizing physical supply chains. We're very, very good at it. But that data supply chain is still broken.” [00:04:16] Kevin: “Today, 60, 70, 80% pick a number, but it's a big number. They need data outside their four walls to make the proper decisions.” [00:07:09] Kevin: “Data sovereignty is making sure everybody has access only to the data they should see and to nobody else's.” [00:09:07] Kevin: “It starts with data, it works its way where you need to exchange it in a secure way, and then it goes to AI engines, and then it goes to robotics.” [00:13:46] Kevin: “Trust up the chain and down the chain is gonna become a very key factor.” [00:17:47] Kevin: “Just like EDI and common barcoding and common quality requirements have saved the industry probably billions of dollars over the decades, this has that same promise.” Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast:...

Contact Ian at ian.berman@qad.com and Joshua at joshua.guy@qad.com for further conversation Global trade does not have a compliance problem. It has an execution gap. The classifications exist. The brokers are in place. The duties are being paid. Yet too often, trade is treated as documentation instead of strategy. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Ian Berman, Global Trade and Transportation expert, and Joshua Guy, Foreign Trade Zone specialist, to challenge that mindset and introduce a new one. Ian and Joshua make the case that tariffs are no longer a temporary disruption. They are a structural operating condition. With layered duties, stacked exposure, and policy volatility, organizations cannot afford to treat trade compliance as a cost center. The companies that will win are the ones that shift from a system of record to a system of action. That means modeling exposure before it hits. Scenario planning under uncertainty. Using infrastructure like FTZs deliberately. And building systems that react at the speed policy changes. The honesty in this conversation sets the tone. Jan openly admits she once treated trade compliance as something to “just like keep me clean. Don’t get me into trouble.” Ian confirms how common that mindset is, saying, “They look at that as just a cost center. Honestly, Jan…” That old-world thinking no longer works. Joshua explains why the stakes have changed: “This is way too complicated of an environment that is changing daily, and so you have to be dependent on systems for this. You cannot be dependent on the old way of how things work.” In a world where executive orders drop on Friday and implementation happens Tuesday, modeling tools and automation are no longer optional. They are survival mechanisms. This episode is a reminder that global trade is not back-office reporting. It is strategic infrastructure. Leaders who treat it as such gain flexibility, cash flow timing advantages, and margin recovery. Those who do not will absorb cost and call it unavoidable. Themes Discussed in This Episode Why treating trade compliance as a cost center is a strategic mistake The shift from system of record to system of action in global trade Tariffs as a structural operating condition, not a temporary disruption Modeling exposure before policy changes hit The critical role of data accuracy under refund and audit scrutiny Building scenario capability to react at the speed of volatility Foreign Trade Zones as strategic infrastructure, not paperwork Turning landed cost management into a competitive advantage Featured Guest Name: Ian Berman Title: Global Trade and Transportation Expert About: Ian is the Manager of Business Consulting with QAD Supply Chain. Ian has been with QAD for 11 years and has 20 years of experience in global trade and transportation management. He holds a Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management as well as an ASCM CLTD Certification. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Joshua Guy Title: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Specialist About: For more than 25 years, Joshua has worked at the intersection of engineering, product leadership, and global trade, helping organizations bring structure and clarity to complex supply chains. Today, he leads strategy for Foreign-Trade Zone solutions that enable multinational importers to manage tariff exposure, reduce compliance risk, and strengthen financial performance. He also led the development of QAD FTZ, an industry-leading Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System that supports manufacturers, distributors, and 3PLs as they move from reactive compliance to proactive, resilient trade strategy in a volatile global environment. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Episode Highlights [01:38] Falling on the Sword: Jan opens with honesty, acknowledging that she once viewed trade compliance as protection, not potential. It was about staying out of trouble, not driving advantage. That mindset, she admits, is exactly what leaders must now challenge. [03:58] Cost Center Thinking: Ian names the pattern many organizations fall into. Trade teams are treated as overhead, brought in after decisions are made, measured by cost instead of contribution. In today’s environment, that thinking leaves value on the table. [10:51] The New Reality: Joshua reframes the moment with clarity. Uncertainty is not a phase. It is the operating model. Leaders who accept that shift can move from reacting to preparing. [17:30] Start with a State of the Union: Before making bold moves, Ian calls for alignment. Understand what you buy, where it comes from, what you pay, and what systems support it. Clarity is the foundation for action. [10:33] Volatility Isn’t Going Away: Ian delivers the hard truth. Today’s structure will change again. Waiting for stability is not a strategy. Building agility is. [12:29] Systems Over Spreadsheets: Joshua draws the line between the old world and the new. Manual tracking cannot keep pace with stacking tariffs and shifting rules. Systems of action are no longer optional. They are essential. [19:37] FTZ as a Lever: Joshua shifts the lens from compliance to opportunity. Foreign Trade Zones are not paperwork exercises. Used well, they become a financial lever that improves cash flow and protects margin. [22:07] Leadership Urgency: Tom closes with resolve. When double-digit cost increases appear, leaders cannot hesitate. They must understand the full landed cost, explore every lever, and act decisively. Top Quotes [04:49] Ian: “They look at that as just a cost center. Honestly, Jan, and again, you fell on the sword and you're not alone.” [10:51] Joshua: “I think the only certainty is uncertainty in these times, right?” [12:29] Joshua: “You have to be dependent on systems for this. You cannot be dependent on the old way of how things work.” [22:07] Tom: “If I'm facing 10% additional cost, or 15 or 40, or whatever it is. I am gonna figure this out.” Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: https://autosupplychainprophets.com/ 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

Manufacturers do not have a data problem. They have an execution gap. The dashboards exist. The reports are generated. The KPIs are reviewed. Yet too often, action stalls between insight and impact. In this episode, Jan Griffiths and Tom Roberts sit down with Zack Sosebee, SVP of Operations & Customer Success at Redzone, to explore what changes when data moves beyond visibility and into the hands of the people closest to the work. Zack shares a clear and practical vision of the connected workforce. Not as another layer of software. Not as another reporting system. But as a system of action. By giving frontline operators simple, real-time visibility through red, yellow, and green performance signals, manufacturers create clarity in the moment decisions are being made. That clarity builds accountability. And accountability drives results. What makes this approach powerful is its simplicity. Instead of overwhelming teams with endless metrics, Redzone focuses on a few meaningful signals that operators can influence hour by hour. When teams see performance in real time, they respond in real time. Maintenance is called sooner. Problems are escalated faster. Peer-to-peer competition becomes a positive force. Execution accelerates because ownership shifts to the frontline. But technology alone does not transform a factory. Coaching does. Zack explains how culture change happens when leaders reinforce new behaviors, close feedback loops, and respond quickly to issues raised by operators. When a long-tenured employee logs a safety concern and sees it fixed the same day, trust is built. When a retiring expert captures knowledge that strengthens the next generation, pride returns to the shop floor. These are not software wins. They are human wins. This conversation is a reminder that digital transformation is not about collecting more data. It is about empowering people to act with confidence and clarity. When operators think like supervisors and supervisors think like leaders, performance improves. More importantly, culture evolves. And in today’s manufacturing environment, the companies that win will be the ones that move from reporting yesterday to deciding what happens next. Themes Discussed in This Episode What “connected workforce” really means in manufacturing Why digital transformation often stalls at dashboards Overall Equipment Effectiveness explained in simple terms Red, yellow, green real-time visibility on the shop floor Coaching vs training in culture change Turning skeptics into champions Eliminating paper logs and manual downtime reporting Using simplicity to accelerate adoption Technology as an enabler of ownership, not oversight Empowering operators to think like leaders Featured Guest Name: Zack Sosebee Title: SVP Operations & Customer Success, Redzone About: Zack is Senior VP of Operations & Customer Success at Redzone , where he leads the entire customer experience across coaching, implementation, and support, with a clear focus on delivering measurable results. A member of the early Redzone team, Zack helped build the company’s coaching organization and drives a people-first, customer-focused approach that empowers frontline teams and creates sustainable operational impact. Prior to Redzone, he held operations leadership roles at Ignite Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Porsche Cars North America, and Ford Motor Company. Zack holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Episode Highlights [01:30] Data in the Right Hands: Jan challenges the idea of simply “moving data to the shop floor” and raises the deeper issue of empowerment. Technology alone is not enough. Culture must enable action. [03:11] The Connected Workforce Vision: Zack explains Redzone’s founding vision: take critical executive-level data and put it directly in the hands of operators so they can think like supervisors and leaders. [04:42] Speed to Value Over Analysis Paralysis: Instead of overwhelming teams with data, Redzone focuses on just a few signals that drive immediate decisions and measurable operational gains. [09:33] Red, Yellow, Green in Real Time: Operators see hour-by-hour efficiency through simple visual scoring, creating healthy competition, faster decisions, and higher performance across lines. [11:33] Coaching Changes Behavior: Technology is only half the equation. Redzone coaches push teams to act on data, raising expectations and building sustainable cultural transformation. [13:52] Goodbye Paper Logs: Manual downtime sheets and whiteboard reports are replaced with real-time digital visibility that eliminates guesswork and false reporting. [16:27] The Skeptic Who Became a Champion: A long-tenured operator resistant to change logs a safety issue on day one. It gets fixed immediately. That moment transforms him into an advocate. [18:07] Legacy Over Retirement: A veteran employee planning to retire stays on after using Redzone to document his knowledge, leaving a lasting operational legacy. [19:58] Training vs Coaching: Zack clarifies the difference between learning which buttons to click and building new behaviors that fundamentally change how factories operate. [20:16] Culture Is the Real Business: Redzone is not just about software deployment. It is about coaching change and driving ownership at every level of the plant. Top Quotes [03:28] Zack: “And our view is that every worker in the factory should be there for a career, should care about their role, should be making decisions that help influence the factory to be better.” [11:22] Zack: “It's not about more data. It's about better decisions with the data you have.” [18:55] Zack: “When people feel like it's more than a job, all of a sudden, like it's fun to work.” [20:16] Zack: “If we have easy software and we have a simple deployment, we look at a few things. Now we coach in change and drive culture change, which is what we're really in the business of doing.” Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

Automotive supply chains are no longer being reshaped by crisis. They are being reshaped by clarity, and clarity is forcing hard choices. In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast , Jan Griffiths and co-host Tom Roberts are joined by Paul Eichenberg, Chief Strategist and author of The Road Ahead: Five Key Predictions for the Global Automotive Industry in 2026 , for a blunt, reality-check conversation about what lies ahead for suppliers. The industry has moved past the chaos of shortages and disruptions, but that does not mean conditions are improving. Flat volumes. Thin launch schedules. Policy volatility. Long-standing assumptions that once protected supplier business models no longer apply. Paul makes the case that 2026 is not about recovery. It is about reckoning. Growth will not lift all boats. Outgrowth will be selective. Capital allocation, portfolio focus, and strategic intent will determine who wins and who fades. This conversation challenges automotive leaders to confront the most dangerous assumption still in play: that the industry is operating under the same rules it always has. The leaders who succeed in 2026 will be decisive, intentional, and willing to make hard bets instead of spreading resources thin. Themes Discussed in This Episode Why flat volumes expose weak supplier strategies The end of “a rising tide lifts all boats” thinking What outgrowth really means in a 0–1% market Capital allocation as the ultimate strategy lever Why the next decade is the hybrid decade Portfolio focus vs being all things to all customers Why clarity, not comfort, defines 2026 leadership Featured Guest Name: Paul Eichenberg Title: Chief Strategist, Automotive Industry About: Paul is a seasoned automotive strategist and industry advisor with decades of experience supporting OEMs and suppliers through major market transitions. He is the author of The Road Ahead: Five Key Predictions for the Global Automotive Industry in 2026 , where he outlines the structural shifts redefining growth, competition, and portfolio strategy across the global automotive value chain. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Hosts Jan Griffiths Jan is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast . A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan is recognized as a Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. She brings direct, grounded conversations to leaders navigating execution, disruption, and transformation across the global automotive ecosystem. Tom Roberts (Co-host) Tom is Co-host of the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast and Vice President of Strategic Industry Development at QAD . He works closely with automotive and industrial manufacturers to close the gap between insight and execution, helping leaders move from visibility to systems of action that drive real operational outcomes. Mentioned in This Episode The Road Ahead: Five Key Predictions for the Global Automotive Industry in 2026 Episode Highlights [02:52] The most dangerous assumption suppliers are still making as they enter 2026 [05:27] Why outgrowth, not volume recovery, will separate winners from losers [09:44] Why the next decade belongs to hybrids, not single-path electrification [17:17] Why portfolio and footprint choices now define competitiveness [22:22] The one bold move Tier One CEOs must make in 2026 Top Quotes [05:19] Paul Eichenberg: “The idea that the tide raises all boats is no longer the assumption that suppliers should have going forward.” [07:23] Paul Eichenberg: “Strategy execution comes down to how you allocate capital in your talent or your resources.” [22:51] Paul Eichenberg: “Being all things to all people is a path to failure in this type of constricting market.” [23:17] Paul Eichenberg: “This is a year of clarity.” Follow the Auto Supply Chain Champions Podcast for real conversations with leaders who are making hard choices, focusing their bets, and leading with intent. 🎧 Follow the podcast: 🔗 Learn more about QAD Redzone: https://www.qad.com/

Automotive manufacturing leaders have no shortage of data, but only those who turn it into action are winning, and AI is the accelerator. In this milestone episode, Jan Griffiths is joined by Sanjay Brahmawar, CEO of QAD, and Dr. Bryan Reimer, MIT Research Scientist and author of How to Make AI Useful, for a grounded conversation about how AI is creating real advantage in automotive manufacturing. The challenge facing automotive manufacturing leaders is not visibility. Leaders know where problems exist. The issue is that action often stalls between insight and execution. Dashboards explain what happened. They do not decide what happens next. Sanjay and Bryan draw a clear distinction between systems of record and systems of action. Systems of record observe. Systems of action decide, execute, and learn. Agentic AI belongs in the second category. It creates value when it removes friction from work, accelerates routine decisions, and gives people better context at the moment action is required. Frontline teams in automotive manufacturing do not resist AI. They adopt it when it respects their expertise and helps them do their jobs better. Adoption follows usefulness, not mandates. When AI amplifies human judgment instead of supervising it, execution speed improves and results follow. This episode challenges automotive manufacturing leaders to stop treating AI as a reporting layer and start using it as an execution engine. The organizations pulling ahead are not waiting for perfect conditions. They are starting small, learning fast, and letting action build confidence. Themes Discussed in this episode: Why data visibility alone does not drive performance in automotive manufacturing Systems of record vs systems of action How AI removes friction from automotive manufacturing operations Frontline-first AI adoption in plants Agentic AI as an execution multiplier Leadership ownership of decisions Building momentum with 60 to 90-day wins Featured Guests: Name: Sanjay Brahmawar Title: CEO of QAD About: Sanjay Brahmawar is the CEO of QAD, a cloud software company delivering cloud-based solutions for manufacturers and global supply chains. With more than two decades of experience leading global technology businesses, he brings deep expertise in digital transformation, AI, IoT, and data-driven platforms, built through senior leadership roles at IBM and Software AG. Connect: LinkedIn Name: Dr. Bryan Reimer About: Dr. Bryan Reimer is a Research Scientist at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics and a key member of the MIT AgeLab . He is also the author of How to Make AI Useful: Moving beyond the hype to real progress in business, society and life. His work focuses on how drivers behave in an increasingly automated world, using a combination of psychology, big data, and real-world testing to study attention, distraction, and human interaction with vehicle technology. He leads three major academic-industry consortia that are developing new tools to measure driver attention, evaluate how people use advanced driving systems, and improve in-vehicle information design, thereby guiding automakers and policymakers toward safer, human-centered mobility solutions. Connect: LinkedIn About Your Host – Jan Griffiths Jan Griffiths is the host and producer of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast and The Automotive Leaders Podcast , and is recognized as the Champion for Culture Change in the automotive industry. A former automotive manufacturing and supply chain executive, Jan focuses on leadership, culture, and execution, bringing practical, real-world conversations to the forefront of industry change. Mentioned in this episode: QAD Champion AI How to Make AI Useful: Moving beyond the hype to real progress in business, society, and life Episode Highlights: [03:16] Data Isn’t Enough: Automotive manufacturers often have abundant data, but without ownership, trust, and decisive follow-through, insights fail to drive real results. [06:28] Trust Through Action: Leaders in manufacturing must embrace experimentation and small steps, because confidence in AI and new systems grows only when action precedes certainty. [10:53] 90-Day Mindset: Transformative leadership in manufacturing means challenging norms, leveraging AI, and rallying teams to achieve ambitious goals in record time. [15:20] Sandbox Leadership: Automotive leaders stall by overthinking and seeking perfect solutions, while real progress comes from small experiments, empowering teams, and proving concepts before scaling. [19:53] Manufacturing Love: Sanjay’s passion comes from his shop floor roots and belief that AI and modern tools can empower people, attract talent, and transform the future of manufacturing. [22:20] Process Passion: Bryan’s focus is optimizing workflows, amplifying teams with AI, and shifting the narrative from fear to the positive impact of technology in manufacturing. [24:46] Start Small, Win Big: Leaders can kick off AI adoption with role-based agents, targeted problem-solving, and rapid implementation to achieve meaningful 60–90 day wins. [28:06] Empower to Optimize: True AI adoption starts by giving teams low-risk space to experiment, share insights, and amplify their work while leadership fosters trust and transparency. Top Quotes: [03:42] Sanjay: “Manufacturers are very good at dashboards. But dashboards they explain yesterday. They don't decide what happens next. And when no one owns the next move, any kind of insight just sits there and it will just wait. That’s the core difference between a system of record, where you store and you record and you have data to a system of action. While the system of record observes; a system of action actually decides, executes and learns.” [16:11] Sanjay: “ Champion AI doesn't supervise the operators, it amplifies them. Gives them early signals, better context. Allows them to execute faster. People trust automation when it respects their expertise. [16:31] Sanjay: “ Adoption always follows usefulness, not mandates. You tell somebody you have to use AI; that's not the way it's gonna work. You've gotta create and show them the usefulness. And I think then it's not a change management problem.” [23:43] Dr. Reimer: “ We are going to blame a lot of layoffs on AI, and that is gonna drive more fear into the market. And I think that's something that we need to move away from. We need to look at the power of AI to amplify, and we need to be honest with ourselves when we need to do workforce reductions. It's not because of AI most of the time. It's really because of other processes or other business outcomes that we need to be more transparent with.” [31:27] Sanjay: “ I firmly believe Agentic AI and AI is not about replacing people. It's actually about augmenting, empowering. It's about elevating the human judgment when it matters the most. I think there's so much potential here.” Follow the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast for more real discussions with leaders who are moving from insight to action and learning by doing. And if you want to see how these ideas are being applied in manufacturing today, explore how QAD is helping teams remove friction, accelerate decisions, and turn AI into an execution advantage. 🎧 Follow the podcast: https://autosupplychainprophets.com/ 🔗 Learn more about QAD: <a...

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 As 2025 wraps up, the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast looks back on its journey and shares thoughts about what’s next. Hosts Jan Griffiths, Jim Liegghio, and Terry Onica take a moment to celebrate the podcast’s impact, highlighting 15,000 downloads in over 20 countries, and look forward to their 100th episode in 2026, a milestone only a few podcasts achieve. Jim encourages listeners to revisit past episodes to hear how industry leaders think, solve problems, and approach supply chain challenges. Terry shares her retirement from QAD after 23 years, celebrating a career spent promoting supply chain excellence and promising to continue contributing to projects she loves. Jan confirms the podcast isn’t going anywhere. In 2026, it will return with a refreshed format and new energy. For now, listeners can check out past episodes, dive deeper into the content on the website, and follow along as the hosts continue sharing conversations that shape the automotive supply chain. Featured on this episode: 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 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 Mentioned in this episode: Check out every episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets podcast here .

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 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

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 Brand loyalty at Nissan isn’t earned during a sale. It’s earned later, when a driver needs a repair, and the part they need is already there. That moment shapes Darrin Lucas’s work. He leads after-sales supply chain operations across the Americas, making sure vehicles stay in service instead of sitting in a bay waiting for parts. His team manages warranty support, service parts, and dealer inventory with one goal in mind: a repair should feel routine to the customer. The planning beneath it, however, is anything but routine. Instead of reacting to dealer requests, they work ahead of demand and stock items based on what they expect will be needed weeks from now. To make those decisions earlier and with more accuracy, Nissan is moving past traditional forecasting habits. The company utilizes AI-driven predictions, real-time performance dashboards, and automation in its distribution centers to prepare the correct parts before customers arrive for service. With better insight comes a different kind of supply chain partnership. Suppliers aren’t just shipping parts; they’re sharing data, adapting quickly, and helping Nissan support both production and service without sacrificing one for the other. Dealers are also part of the strategy. Darrin talks about advisory boards where dealers give feedback, test ideas, and influence how inventory gets planned. This helps Nissan prevent shortages before they occur, and it provides a clearer picture of what customers are actually experiencing in service bays, not just what spreadsheets predict. Darrin’s own career mirrors the way Nissan wants the organization to work. He joined Nissan as a packaging engineer and moved into logistics, quality, and operations because leaders encouraged him to learn beyond his role. That gave him the perspective he uses today. Now, he leads by giving his team the same space to grow, allowing people to learn, think independently, and solve problems without being controlled by every metric. When people understand the business, the KPIs follow. Nissan views after-sales as an ongoing promise to customers who have already chosen the brand. It isn’t a backup to manufacturing or a response to breakdowns. It’s part of the relationship that continues long after the car leaves the showroom, earning loyalty through every mile the vehicle stays on the road. Themes discussed in this episode: How stocking service parts weeks in advance prevents vehicles from sitting idle at the dealership The shift from outdated forecasting methods to AI-driven demand planning in automotive after-sales How automation in distribution centers speeds up service part delivery and reduces wait times Why suppliers must support both production and after-sales to meet customer repair expectations The increasing demand for OEM parts through e-commerce and how it disrupts traditional delivery models How proactive parts planning turns after-sales into a strategic advantage instead of a reaction to breakdowns The value of cross-functional experience in building leaders who understand the entire parts lifecycle The responsibility of after-sales supply chain teams to maintain customer confidence after the sale Featured on this episode: Name: Darrin Lucas Title: Director, Aftersales Supply Chain Operations Americas at Nissan North America About: Darrin is the Director of Aftersales Supply Chain Operations for the Americas region at Nissan Motor Corporation, where he leads strategies to optimize logistics and ensure the timely delivery of parts across the dealer network. With nearly two decades at Nissan, Lucas has played a pivotal role in strengthening supply chain resilience and driving operational excellence. Passionate about collaboration and continuous improvement, Lucas emphasizes efficiency, speed to market, and customer satisfaction as core priorities for Nissan’s aftersales operations. Connect: LinkedIn Episode Highlights: [04:41] Where Loyalty Actually Starts: After sales is the part of the business that earns trust by keeping vehicles on the road through parts support, service, and warranty care long after the sale. [06:50] Forecasting the Fix: Nissan is shifting from traditional demand guesses to AI forecasting and stronger supplier partnerships to keep the right parts flowing where repairs are needed most. [08:43] Manual to Smart: Nissan is introducing AI forecasting, real-time dashboards, and new automation tools to replace manual after-sales planning and boost operational efficiency. [09:24] From Hesitant to All In: Darrin admits he once doubted AI, but now pushes his team to embrace it fully as a tool that strengthens customer support and future talent development in supply chain. [10:13] Collaboration Still Wins: Darrin credits better forecasting and open performance data as the foundation for trust-driven collaboration with suppliers, purchasing, and dealerships. [11:07] Dealers in the Driver’s Seat: Nissan uses rotating advisory boards to test ideas, challenge plans, and give real service feedback before new after-sales initiatives roll out. [12:57] A Culture People Return To: Nissan’s culture encourages employees to explore new functions, build cross-functional experience, and even boomerang back because empowerment makes them want to grow there. [16:31] AI, Automation, and Going Green: Nissan plans to expand AI forecasting, automate distribution centers, adopt eco-friendly packaging, and build centers of excellence across the Americas to boost after-sales performance. [17:25] No More “How We’ve Always Done It”: Darrin challenges suppliers to move faster, stay flexible, and break old norms so they can meet changing customer needs without hesitation. [18:28] Unlearning the OEM Way: The industry must rethink daily dealer delivery models and learn to serve e-commerce customers with new expectations and faster final-mile options. [19:35] Empower First, Measure Second: Darrin leads with family-style trust and balance, believing that when people are empowered, culture delivers the results KPIs never could. [21:35] Leaders Who Think Ahead: He looks for people who challenge norms, plan beyond the KPIs, and drive improvement instead of repeating the same work without progress. Top Quotes: [00:00] Darrin: “After sales or service part is everything we do to support the customer after that initial vehicle sale. That's about keeping the vehicles on the road and ensuring the customers are confident in our parts availability, service support, and warranty care. It's where we build a trust with the customers, and we want that brand loyalty because we want them to come back to the brand again and again.” [17:54] Darrin: “We have to be more dynamic, flexible, and adjust to our customer needs and adjust to the industry. I think we've had a lot of events over the last 15 to 20 years that've kind of challenged us from a flexibility perspective, and we're better for it, but I think we can even improve on that. With customer demands and trends changing ever so often, we have to be able to shift almost on a dime these days to make sure we're satisfying them.” [20:23] Darrin: “Leading a large team as I do, across the Americas region, it's all about empowering my team. And I think it's key to our success, right? Without it, we can't service our customers. And I like to say I try to lead with balance. So that's operational excellence, sustainability, and team engagement. Because strategies only work where the culture brings it to life.”