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Sometimes the best insights come from looking back.

In this special episode of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, hosts Jan Griffiths, Terry Onica, and James Liegghio break from their usual guest format to reflect on the year's most impactful episodes. Each shares the moments and lessons that resonated most with them and why they matter as the industry faces more pressure, complexity, and change.

Terry highlights her favorite episode with Achim Gatternig from Magna, whose perspective on supplier disruptions, tariffs, and supplier scorecards stood out. The reminder that Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is no longer optional was a clear call to action—and a practical one.

Jim brings up his pick, the episode with Angela Johnson from Plante Moran. Angela's background in anthropology gave her a unique way of explaining the WRI (Working Relations Index). For Jim, the message was clear: Supply chain is about people, and relationships at every level still matter more than we think.

Jan's pick? The live podcast recorded at the AIAG Supply Chain Conference. For her, that episode captured the real energy of the event. The episode featured various voices, and the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives came through naturally, without trying. And for Jan, that's where podcasting shines best.

Then there was Guillermo from Magna. His episode went beyond operations. He talked about mental health. He shared his own experience. And it hit hard, because not enough people in this industry talk about it.

The hosts gave credit to Magna for creating space for that kind of honesty and agreed that emotional well-being needs to be part of the leadership conversation, especially for the next generation. 

Across all these moments, one thing is clear: Tools and systems help. But what really moves the needle is how we lead, communicate, and show up for the people behind the process.

To wrap it up, the hosts want to hear from you. Which episode stuck with you, and why? With more events and more voices coming soon, this conversation is just getting started.

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:

• Catena-X Explained: Driving Supply Chain Transformation with Real-Time Data Exchange with Kevin Piotrowski
• Procurement in Motion: How SRM Drives Better, Faster Supplier Decisions with Achim Gatternig
• Key Insights on OEM-Supplier Relationships: What the 2025 WRI Results Reveal with Dr. Angela Johnson
• AIAG Supply Chain Conference: Real People, Real Problems, Real Progress
• Inside Magna’s Strategy: Winning Business Through Early Customer Collaboration with Guillermo Cano
• AIAG Supply Chain Conference

Upcoming events:

• QAD Champions of Manufacturing Europe
• QAD Champions of Manufacturing Americas
• AIAG Quality Summit
• AIAG North American Customs and Trade Town Hall

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