Blog
The Intentionality of Change: Why 2026 Can’t Be a Reactive Year
I just returned from the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association January conference in sunny Hollywood, Florida, and the ever-packed Midwest Association of Rail Shippers meeting in frigid Chicago. These are two great, well-attended industry meetings that I count on every January. They both set the tone—is there optimism, what’s new and “shiny” from the suppliers and what’s the…
Read MoreThe Leadership Interview Guide
The best leadership interviews do not rely on intuition alone. They rely on asking the right questions and knowing what to listen for. At TTSG, we spend our days evaluating leaders in complex environments. This experience shaped The Leadership Interview Guide, a practical tool designed to improve how leadership is assessed across any industry. Download…
Read MoreAuthority vs. Influence: Why Modern Leadership Requires a Different Playbook
Every so often, I speak with a leader who feels stuck—not because they lack skill, vision or work ethic, but because the leadership style that worked early in their career suddenly isn’t producing the same results. They’re still dictating direction. They’re still solving problems. They’re still “leading.” But something has shifted. Teams today don’t respond the same…
Read MoreCareer Break: Good Hire or Disaster?
Ten plus years ago, when I returned to the workforce after a decade-long career break, it was hard. Really hard. Despite holding both a B.S. and an MBA, having a successful sales record and being a recognized leader who taught Executive Education programs at local universities, I quickly realized that re-entering the workforce wasn’t as…
Read MoreWhat caused Chicago’s transit funding crisis—and what could fix it?
“As the Chicagoland region faces what many call a “fiscal cliff” for public transit, the stakes for riders, workers and policymakers are rising. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)—which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace—projects a budget shortfall that might be as high as $250 million starting in fiscal year 2026. Absent long-term reforms, observers expect the gap to reappear…
Read MoreThe Great Paradox: Navigating the Line Between Stability and Stagnation
In my years as an executive search consultant, I’ve seen the transportation industry navigate every kind of economic weather. From periods of growth and frantic hiring to moments of contraction and caution, the one constant is change. But lately, a new trend has emerged, one that speaks volumes about the current state of the labor…
Read MoreWarren Buffett just told CNBC his plan for trains. The stocks are moving
“Warren Buffett is not in the market to buy another railroad but he met with the CEO of CSX earlier this month and discussed cooperation to make freight rail more efficient, he told CNBC’s Becky Quick on Monday. Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Buffett and CEO-designate Greg Abel met with CSX CEO Joseph Hinrichs in Omaha, Nebraska, on Aug. 3 in…
Read MoreThe Hidden Strength in Creating Options
The fall conference season is here, and with it comes the familiar hum of conversation. Coffee cups in hand, transportation professionals are swapping stories about summer projects, industry trends and the latest innovations on the exhibit floor. For me, it’s also the season when I begin to hear from both sides of the talent equation:…
Read MoreLayoffs or Labor Shortage? Here’s What We See From the Front Lines (It’s Not Either/Or)
I’ve been hearing the same question over and over lately—from hiring managers, industry peers, even candidates who have been in this business for decades: “So, what is it? Are we dealing with layoffs or a labor shortage?” And my answer is always the same: It’s both. That might sound contradictory, but if you’ve spent any…
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