At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here

Every strong supply chain starts with strong talent, and at Wayne State University, that’s exactly what’s being built. This episode takes listeners inside the General Motors and Wayne State Supply Chain Case Competition, where students from across the country step into real-world challenges and learn what it takes to lead the industry’s future.

The conversation opens with Lori Sisk from Wayne State University, who introduces the FAST Program (Future Advantage Supply Chain Training), a groundbreaking initiative designed to expose Detroit high school students to the world of supply chain management long before college.

Lori explains how the program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, allowing students to graduate with a certificate in supply chain and a clearer path toward college or immediate industry work. She’s joined by two standout students from the program, Malik and Jeffrey, whose stories bring the program’s impact to life.

Jeffrey recalls how little he knew about supply chain before joining, but after a summer internship with WF Whelan, he found himself fascinated by the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep goods moving.

Malik adds that what surprised him most was how many steps it takes to make something as simple as a roll of tissue. He says that getting hands-on at each stage gave him a new appreciation for the complexity and teamwork involved in manufacturing. Both now see supply chain not just as a career option, but as a field full of opportunity and purpose.

Then comes Chris, a graduate of the Automotive Supply Chain Immersion Program (ASCIP), a 20-week course co-led by AIAG and Wayne State. For him, the program went far beyond the classroom. It provided him with direct access to industry leaders, real-world learning experiences, and a network of mentors who helped him view the supply chain from an entirely new perspective.

The focus shifts to the General Motors and Wayne State Supply Chain Case Competition itself, with GM’s Bill Hurles and Dave Leich. They recount how the program began in 2011, shortly after GM’s bankruptcy, as a way to strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline. What started as a small idea has now evolved into a global event, drawing universities from across North America, Mexico, and beyond. 

Student competitors Danielle Griffin and Daniel Kuzniar then share their perspective on tackling this year’s case, focused on EV adapter sourcing for GM’s Factory Zero. They explain how teamwork, diverse expertise, and late-night preparation sessions helped them stay composed under pressure.

Finally, Lori Sisk and GM’s Christina Meredith take listeners behind the scenes of organizing the event. From coordinating sponsors to creating an unforgettable Detroit experience, their shared goal is clear: showcase the city, connect students to industry, and grow the future of manufacturing talent.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The FAST Program’s role in introducing Detroit high school students to real-world supply chain experience
• The role of Wayne State University in developing the next generation of supply chain professionals
• How partnerships between universities and industry leaders like GM strengthen the talent pipeline
• The value of the AIAG–Wayne State Automotive Supply Chain Immersion Program in advancing professional growth
• How case competitions prepare students to solve real industry challenges with creativity and collaboration
• How industry-university partnerships help Detroit remain a global hub for supply chain education and manufacturing growth
• The case competition’s lasting impact on students, sponsors, and educators as they collaborate to strengthen the supply chain community

Featured guests:

Name: Lori Sisk

Title: Assistant Professor, Wayne State University

Discussed: [01:14] Talks about launching the FAST Program (Future Advantage Supply Chain Training) to introduce Detroit high school students to supply chain careers through real-world learning and industry exposure.

Name: Malik and Jeffrey

Title: FAST Program Students, Southeastern High School

Discussed: [02:25] Describe how the program helped them understand how products move, how teamwork drives operations, and how their internship experience at WF Whelan inspired them to pursue careers in supply chain.

Name: Chris Rochon

Title: Student, AIAG–Wayne State Automotive Supply Chain Immersion Program (ASCIP)

Discussed: [07:53] Shares how the 20-week immersion program deepened his understanding of real supply chain challenges and gave him access to industry leaders who shaped his professional growth.

Name: Bill Hurles and Dave Leich

Title: Former Executive Director of Supply Chain and Executive Director, Supply Chain, General Motors

Discussed: [11:39] Explain how the GM & Wayne State Case Competition began in 2011 and how it continues to challenge students to solve real GM supply chain problems through creativity, collaboration, and practical thinking.

Name: Danielle Griffin and Daniel Kuzniar

Title: Students, Wayne State University

Discussed: [21:16] Talk about competing in this year’s case focused on sourcing EV adapters for GM’s Factory Zero. They share how teamwork, time management, and confidence helped them deliver under pressure.

Name: Lori Sisk and Christina Meredith

Title: Event Organizers, Wayne State University and General Motors

Discussed: [00:00] Detail how the competition comes together each year, from securing sponsors and writing cases to creating a world-class student experience that highlights Detroit’s role in developing future industry leaders.