This year’s Leadership 2.0 class, which began last August, reconvenes this week in North Carolina. The second session continues through today. All this week, we are bringing you exclusive blog posts from a range of aftermarket professionals participating in this week’s Leadership 2.0 program, hosted by the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University.
Leadership 2.0 is a post-graduate style leadership and business skills education program designed to promote the development of the next generation of aftermarket leaders. In addition to the two week-long classroom segments – which feature lectures, roundtable discussions, networking sessions and team research and problem-solving activities – participants work off-site to develop and present team research projects covering key industry challenges. Featured presenters include leading aftermarket executives and faculty from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management. (Click here for more info on Leadership 2.0.)
Today, we hear from Ben Brucato, senior director membership – sponsorship programs and member services, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association.
Wow, what an exciting opportunity and privilege to reunite this week for the second session of Leadership 2.0.
The excitement and anticipation of the group for the Thursday afternoon team project presentations is in the air. The day started off with one of University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank’s famous roundtable discussions, which are honestly one of my favorite parts of the program. Discussion topics included “private labels,” “eroding full line suppliers” and of course “e-tailing.” Being able to have open and honest discussions with suppliers, distributors and service providers is invaluable and is a great testament to the strength in the aftermarket industry.
Brian also presented on the issues that the very first Leadership 2.0 addressed in 1995. It was incredible to see how some of the issues our industry faced 23 years ago are still very much pertinent today. However, it was encouraging to see that the aftermarket has overcome so many adversities and evolved throughout the years.
Leadership 2.0 is over for the class of 2018, but the chapter of new friendships within the industry has just begun. Thank you to Brian Cruickshank, Frank Morgan, PhD, Susan Woodcock and the rest of the Northwood University team for organizing and leading us through this great experience.
Click here to read Blog 1 from Tenneco’s Debra Kennedy.
Click here to read Blog 2 from SMP’s Cindy Ford.
Click here to read Blog 3 from Joseph Lee of Eastern Auto Parts Warehouse.
Click here to read Blog 4 from Dave Shapiro of SRS Marketing.
