Blog
Career 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…
Read MoreVoices of the Industry – Paul Tonsager, Integrated Multimodal Solutions
By: Paul Tonsager, Integrated Multimodal Solutions Over three decades in rail and logistics — from opening Canadian National Railway’s (CN’s) China offices to overseeing over $1 billion a year in rail and truck procurement at Maersk — I’ve seen our industry at its best and most frustrating. These experiences taught me that success in freight…
Read MoreA Comprehensive Assessment of America’s Infrastructure
America’s infrastructure is the foundation on which our national economy, global competitiveness, and quality of life depend. While often taken for granted when it is working properly, every American household or business immediately feels the impact of just one inefficiency or failure in our built environment. Our infrastructure includes an interconnected system of highways, streets,…
Read MoreMaking the Most of a Mid-Career Transition: What’s Next is Up to You
If you’re a mid-career or even a more senior professional working in transportation or logistics, this message is for you. You’re not new anymore—you’ve been around long enough to know how things work. But maybe you’re not quite where you thought you’d be either. The leadership roles still feel just out of reach. You’re busy,…
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