Editor’s Note: This week we are featuring blog posts from automotive aftermarket professionals who are currently participating in the University of the Aftermarket’s (UofA) Leadership 2.0 executive education experience. UofA’s Leadership 2.0 program began in 1995. For this 24th annual class, 45 aftermarket professionals representing all levels and channels in the light vehicle aftermarket will spend two weeks together learning executive-level business expertise while earning credits toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.
Session I was held on Northwood University’s Midland, Michigan, campus. Between Sessions I and II, participants work on team projects that tackle critical industry issues and opportunities. Those projects will be presented this week. The next class of Leadership 2.0 will take place Aug 11-16. To learn more, click here.
Today, we hear from Leadership 2.0 participant:
Cory Martin
Channel Sales Manager – Import
CRP Industries
The first full day of Leadership 2.0’s Session II is drawing to a close and it’s been great hearing updates on how life has been for my classmates between Sessions I and II. It was awesome to hear how many class members have been promoted, expanded their responsibilities and some even taking on challenges at new organizations in our short time apart. Was it really seven months ago we last saw each other? The vibe among friends feels as though we were on the Northwood campus just last week.
Dr. John Passante’s morning session included insights on the importance of seeking out professional mentors and how personal attitude influences every level of business. His years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and stories from the trenches brought an authenticity that can’t be replicated by a textbook.
Dr. Frank Morgan led us in the after-lunch portion and we switched gears to team dynamics. The class project teams shared a lot of the same struggles and successes as we collaborated across long distances over the last seven months. There is an atmosphere of excitement mixed with suspense as we prepare to present our projects later in the week. Our afternoon group exercise proved many of us won’t survive a subarctic survival situation, but we definitely stand a better chance if we work together!
All in all, the Leadership 2.0 flock is on the right course and enthusiastic about finishing the week strong!
Click here to read Blog 1 from Rob Blitzstein, vice president, vendor management, Parts Authority/IMC.
