Leading the Charge: Building Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Leaders

Auto Supply Chain Prophets

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In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Prophets Podcast, Terry Onica and Jan Griffiths sit down with Jim Liegghio, a seasoned supply chain expert with over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. Jim, who leads the training, customer service, and membership engagement team within AIAG, dives into how AIAG bridges the gap between traditional practices and modern demands.

AIAG's core tools and methodologies, such as APQP and control plans, remain valuable despite the rise of EV startups and new industry players. Jim explains how AIAG embraces legacy OEMs and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring their tools stay relevant across various sectors.

While discussing AIAG's diverse training courses and programs, Jim provided us with a list of brief e-modules and comprehensive certification courses that the supply chain should take. From new workshops on MMOG/LE to tailored training for both seasoned professionals and newcomers, AIAG is focused on keeping up with the industry's rapid changes.

Jim is passionate about nurturing future talent and is actively involved in Wayne State University's supply chain programs. He highlights the impact of the 23-week Certificate Program in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, as well as the Tomorrow's Leaders Today (TLT) program. Both initiatives have shaped the next generation of leaders by exposing students to the full spectrum of supply chain disciplines.

As the supply chain continues to evolve, Jim stresses that staying agile and embracing continuous learning isn't just a strategy—it's a necessity. However, beyond strategies and technologies, the real focus should be on people. Nurturing the next generation through training and mentorship is not just important; it's a non-negotiable. As budgets tighten, cutting back on training would be a grave mistake—especially now, when equipping future leaders with the skills to thrive is more critical than ever.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The drastic changes happening in the automotive industry, driven by new technologies and market demands
• The evolution of leadership in the automotive industry, particularly in supply chain management
• AIAG’s mission to stay relevant and ahead of industry changes by providing tools, training, and support to OEMs, tier companies, and non-traditional automotive sectors
• The importance of continuous learning and adapting training formats to meet the needs of diverse learners
• AIAG as a platform for different stakeholders in the automotive industry to come together and solve common challenges
• How AIAG addresses the needs of new market entrants like EV startups, ensuring they see the value in traditional automotive tools and methodologies
• The role of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of supply chain professionals

Featured on this episode:

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:

• WSU’s Global Supply Chain Management Advisory Board
• (MMOG/LE) Materials Management Operations Guideline/Logistics Evaluation
• 2024 AIAG Quality Summit!
• APQP 3rd Edition and standalone Control Plan
• Essentials of Supply Chain Management
• Certificate in Purchasing & Supply Chain Management
• AIAG IATF 16949:2016 Lead Auditor Training with AIAG Supplier Auditor Certification
• AIAG IATF 16949:2016 Internal Auditor Training
• AIAG & VDA Design FMEA: Understanding and Implementing
• VDA 6.3 - Qualification as Process Auditor with Certified Examination
• MMOG/LE Phase 2 Workshop
• Tomorrow's Leaders Today
• 24th annual North American Automotive OEM-supplier Working Relations Index® (WRI®) Study
• AIAG’s Upcoming Events
• AIAG’s Training Course Listing
• Become a member of AIAG
• Contact Jim Liegghio at [e-mail]

Episode Highlights:

[06:26] Staying in the Game: Jim tackles AIAG's efforts to stay relevant in the evolving automotive industry and highlights the importance of proven tools like APQP, even for EV startups that initially resist traditional methods. He also talks about their role as a collaborative platform where diverse industry players—old and new—come together to solve common challenges.

[09:41] Giving What the Industry Needs: Jim dives into AIAG’s extensive training programs and their impact on the automotive industry. He highlights how these programs adapt to evolving industry needs and share a compelling story of a former student now leading a semiconductor startup, demonstrating the lasting impact of AIAG’s education.

[13:27] APQP 3rd Edition: AIAG’s latest APQP update is more than a new edition—it’s a game-changer. Jim delves into how the refreshed APQP and standalone control plan are transforming training with new, flexible formats. From quick sessions to in-depth courses, he highlights how these updates are crucial for managing costs and avoiding post-launch issues.

[16:02] AIAG’s Top Training Courses: AIAG is transforming training with a range of courses from free “Essentials of Supply Chain” e-modules to advanced “APQP Control Plan” classes. Whether you're new or experienced, their diverse offerings cater to all levels, blending foundational skills with the latest industry practices.

[18:13] New MMOG/LE Workshop: Terry reveals an upcoming MMOG/LE workshop she helped develop for AIAG. Set to launch on September 18th, this new class promises a deep dive into critical MMOG/LE criteria. The workshop will begin with in-person sessions, but there are plans for future shifts to virtual sessions.

[21:04] Dedication Towards Education: Jim reveals AIAG's impactful partnership with Wayne State University, showcasing two key programs: the 23-week Certificate in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, which covers all aspects of the supply chain, and Tomorrow's Leaders Today (TLT), designed to accelerate career growth of high-potential individuals.

[30:04] Preparing for the Future: In a time of rapid change, Jim emphasizes the need for agility and continuous learning in the automotive supply chain. He urges leaders to engage small to mid-sized companies with AIAG’s tools and resources, ensuring they stay ahead. He also calls on leaders to nurture future talent, urging them to invest in high-potential employees through initiatives like the 23-Week Certificate and Tomorrow's Leaders Today.

Top Quotes:

[06:45] Jim: “There's a lot of tools that we've proven out to the industry over decades that are tried and true. You get the common perception of these companies is that these tools are outdated, or they don't apply to us, or we're going to do business our way. We respect that kind of renegade spirit, of course, but at the end of the day, things like the core tools and the proven methodologies of APQP and control plan, those tools are so valuable to the manufacturing process that we often see those companies coming back in some way, shape, or form to consume those tools and use those within their business.”

[09:08] Jim: “We welcome all comers in terms of members of AIAG. Collaboration is really the essence of who we are. We like to say we're the platform where companies come together to solve a common industry need. I mean, that's been our tenant for 42 and a half years, and that'll be our tenant going forward is collaboration; it's one of our core values. So, we're very excited for the challenge. We do have an EV-specific strategy group that we're looking at and kind of rolling out some programs in that space specifically, but as I said, there's definitely obviously proven value in all of the standards and the core tools and the other programs that we've had for years as well.”

[10:13] Jim: “One thing that always amazes me is really the size and the diversity of our training program, and I think a lot of people don't realize that, especially, you know, coming in for one class here or one class there or they're taking e-learning online. We have a huge, diverse library of different programs, ranging from a half-day class, in fact, one took place today in the building, all the way through five-day certification programs and that type of thing. We even act as a licensed training partner for other global organizations in some cases. Our training portfolio is very, very diverse. We have everything from micro learnings or short half-day or one-day overview classes to more in-depth content and material. Obviously, as the learner portfolio changes and people's attention spans get shorter and shorter, they get pulled in more and more different directions. We've had to adapt some of those models, and we're looking to continue to do that.”

[31:18] Jim: “Be agile, be a continuous learner, and look at what AIAG has to offer. There's a reason we've been a significant and relevant player in this space for so long. We are the industry standards organization, plainly put. And like Terry said at the very beginning of the conversation, we're all about collaboration. So, also reminding people that they can have a seat at the table and have a voice in the discussion. So, really, that's what we're about, and that's what I would leave the audience with. Take a look at what's out there, and again, disregard the notion that it doesn't apply to your business, your space, or your niche of the industry. It absolutely does.”

[32:02] Jim: “We've talked a lot about next-gen and talent development and talent recognition. My personal plea would be to have people bring someone along for the journey to learn, grow, and develop within their organizations and invest in your key employees, your Hipo people. I just want to tag that on there. I know I was only supposed to say one thing, but I just want to make sure that it is known that talent wants to be developed. And there is a next generation of leaders out there that really are yearning for knowledge and experience.”