From AI to real-world skills: A day among industry leaders in automotive supply chain

Daniel Manriquez, MBA ’26

In September of this year, industry leaders, innovators and logistics professionals gathered at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan for the MBA student Daniel Manriquez joined industry leaders at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Conference. Thanks to Broad professor Amy Broglin and the Graduate Supply Chain Management Association (GSCMA) at MSU, a limited number of student tickets were made available—giving Broad MBA students like me the chance to attend the final day of this transformative event.

This opportunity underscored the strength of the MSU network and its commitment to connecting students with real-world leaders shaping the future of global supply chains. Through these connections, I gained firsthand insights from executives representing Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, Nissan, Toyota, DHL, Rivian, Magna International, Harman, Lucid, DP World, and Ryder System, among others.

The conference opened a window into the current state and future trajectory of automotive logistics across North America. Industry experts discussed inbound logistics, vehicle logistics, and service parts operations, offering a data-driven outlook on how the sector is adapting post-pandemic.

A key takeaway was that automotive production is projected to return to pre-COVID levels by 2030, reinforcing the need for strategic supply chain planning. The presentation of the inaugural Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey, developed in partnership with DP World, shed light on global inbound logistics and packaging trends—illustrating the scale of innovation required to meet future demands.

A central theme of the conference was the integration of AI into modern supply chain management. One of the most engaging sessions featured John Rich, Manager of Data Analytics & AI Programs at Mazda North American Operations, who conducted a live demonstration showing how no-code/low-code tools can build AI-powered logistics agents in minutes.

The following panel, “From Data to Delivery: AI-Powered Decision-Making in Logistics and Supply Chain,” further explored how AI is enhancing speed, accuracy, and resilience. It became clear that the future of logistics depends on professionals who can bridge technical knowledge and practical application—a core principle of the Broad MBA curriculum.

While AI and analytics dominated discussions, the final session reminded everyone that fundamental supply chain expertise remains essential. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of demand forecasting, production planning, and end-to-end logistics understanding.

They also stressed that universities should ensure students graduate with both theoretical and practical skills—a philosophy deeply embedded in MSU’s approach to experiential learning. As a Broad MBA student, this message resonated with me: technology may accelerate progress, but it’s operational excellence and sound judgment that sustain it.

One of the most meaningful parts of the event was the Student Forum, where I engaged directly with senior executives and decision-makers. Conversations with professionals from Nissan, in particular, left a lasting impression.

Speaking with Chris Styles, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Nissan Group of the Americas, and Gerardo de la Torre, Senior Director of Supply Chain Management at Nissan, provided rare, candid insights into leadership, global supplier management, and decision-making under pressure. My shared cultural background with Gerardo—both being from Mexico—fostered a deeper connection and reminded me of the value of authentic networking that MSU actively encourages.

These dialogues, some lasting over two hours, went beyond professional advice—they were real mentorship moments that broadened my understanding of how cultural identity and adaptability can shape a career in global supply chain management.

The Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain 2025 Conference was more than a professional development event—it was a transformative experience made possible by the Michigan State network. Through the efforts of Professor Broglin and the GSCMA, I gained exposure to industry leaders, cutting-edge technologies, and real-world perspectives that will shape how I approach my future career.

I left the conference inspired, motivated, and reminded that success in supply chain management requires more than technical skill; it calls for curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to embrace innovation. This experience reaffirmed what makes Michigan State’s Broad MBA program special: it doesn’t just teach you about the business world, it brings you into it.