Collaboration Fuels Strategy: Why Long-Term Planning Starts with Listening

Recently I had the privilege of spending the day with theBoard of the Australian Automotive Service Dealers Network (AASDN)in Sydney, guiding them through their next big step - creating a 3–5 year strategy.

AASDN is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led network of some of Australia’s leading independent automotive workshops. It’s a community built on generosity and collaboration - workshops supporting one another with training, mentoring, technical advice, shared tools, and the kind of camaraderie you don’t often see in business.

Over the last decade they’ve grown from strength to strength, fuelled by a clear 12-month strategy and a culture of progressive, practical support. But this session wasn’t about just the next year. It was about stepping back, lifting their gaze, and asking the bigger questions:Where are we heading? What role can we play in shaping the industry? How do we serve our members even better in a changing world?

Before we came together, members were surveyed so their voices and needs could be front and centre. Throughout the day, the Board leaned into open, honest conversation about both the challenges and opportunities ahead: electric vehicles, AI, skilled labour shortages, supply chain issues.

What stood out to me most was their willingness to dream big while staying grounded in service.

Of course, strategy is about turning vision into action. Alongside that long-term clarity, the Board refined some exciting goals for the year ahead: developing a Member Operations Manual, releasing new warranty know-how resources, and launching an official YouTube channel to extend their reach and impact.

As I left the session, what struck me was thestrength of their culture. This is a group of volunteers who give their time not for profit, but for purpose. They’re shaping not just the future of their own workshops, but the future of the independent automotive industry in Australia.

And after a day like that, I couldn’t be more confident that the road ahead is bright.

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