Enter the Supplier Ecosystem: With Infineon’s Chris Thibeault Reflecting on Lessons from Amazon’s Wendy Bauer

Sign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter Watch the full YouTube video - click hereAutomotive buyer-supplier relationships are no longer linear. In the transition from ICE to BEV, vehicles are increasingly software-defined, and it’s nearly impossible for OEMs to source every electronic component on their own. Enter the supplier ecosystem.Following up on her interview with Amazon’s Wendy Bauer, Jan seeks to learn more about the partnership between tech companies and traditional automotive. Chris Thibeault is the partner and ecosystem senior manager at Infineon, and he shares his expertise on the complexity of sales relationships in the semiconductor industry.It’s a new value chain. Chip manufacturers have to work with third-party partner technologies to meet customer requirements, and automotive leadership requires a new level of confidence and humility to keep the relational web intact.Wendy Bauer described how she often saw tech companies and OEMs talk past each other. Chris sheds light on how this happens and explains what company leaders must do to bridge the gap. Trust is only the beginning of a healthy working relationship. A thriving ecosystem requires more traits from its leaders.In a wide-ranging discussion touching on the people who’ve inspired them and the books they’re reading, Jan and Chris take a broad view of innovation, business dynamics and the new style of partnership required for modern vehicle production.Themes discussed on this episode: Understanding the new supplier ecosystemThe central importance of the semiconductor industryNetworking tactics for modern buyer-supplier relationshipsChoosing the right partners to meet customer requirementsLessons from Amazon about the power of cloud computingHow OEMs and tech companies can thrive togetherThe leadership qualities required in a successful business partnershipFeatured Guest: Chris ThibeaultWhat he does: Chris is the partner and ecosystem senior manager at Infineon Technologies. His deep experience in sales and product management gives him insight into buyer-supplier relationships. As a semiconductor company, Infineon has redefined partnerships with third-party companies, combining technologies and skill sets to create innovative solutions for customers.On leadership: “Adding to listening is empathy. Listening is obviously very, very important […] but it’s also the feeling that you are able to connect with the people you're trying to lead.”Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show[1:02] The supplier ecosystem: Jan recaps her interview with Amazon’s Wendy Bauer, and Chris introduces a new meaning of “partnership” in the world of software and electronics. It’s increasingly difficult for OEMs to source every component on their own.[3:40] All about that chip: Software-defined vehicles rely on semiconductors. Chris explains how the chip industry has effectively become a Tier 1 and the implications