This week, in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket, we offer you a front row seat into the Leadership 2.0 experience thanks to participants in this year’s session. Leadership 2.0 is a two-week, residential aftermarket-focused education program hosted by The University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University. In this first blog of the week from Leadership 2.0, we hear from Megan Gardner, senior director, sales and marketing for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Gardner and other Leadership 2.0 participants have gathered in Raleigh, North Carolina, for Session II of this aftermarket executive education program.

It’s exciting to be gathering back for the second session of Leadership 2.0. It’s especially great to see familiar faces that I’ve mostly only seen over Teams or Zoom since August 2021. Held at a fantastic venue, the Carolina Exotic Car Club, the opening reception featured Mike Creedon, president, Advance Auto Parts. Mike spoke on leadership through crisis, an important lesson in any time, especially over the past couple of years.   

The sentiment in the room seemed to be that the future of the aftermarket is bright, but we must continue to manage new and ever-changing challenges from supply chain, labor and the shifting landscape of consumer buying habits. It’s also apparent that everyone is busy – travel, business priorities, and relationships are keeping us all on our toes.  

The 2021-2022 Leadership 2.0 class is filled with a dynamic group of aftermarket professionals looking forward to a collaborative week leading up to our group projects. It’s a forgone conclusion that despite the competitive field and amazing talent in the other teams, my group, Labor Crusaders, will be taking the win. The competitive spirit is alive and well. I look forward to sharing this time with remarkable colleagues in the industry.