In Season 3, Episode 8 of the podcast, “Jillian McLaughlin: Find Your Word. Shape Your Year,” listeners are invited to step into the new year with clarity, purpose, and emotional intelligence. Jillian shares a powerful approach to setting intentions by choosing a single “theme word” that serves as a compass for decisions, growth, and alignment throughout the year. Rather than relying on traditional resolutions, this episode encourages reflection, self-awareness, and values-driven action. To support listeners on this journey, a free Theme Word for 2026 Worksheet is offered, helping individuals uncover the word that will guide their most intentional and aligned year yet.
When Josee was just 12 years old, she longed for a new bicycle, a simple dream, but one her family couldn’t afford. Instead of letting disappointment settle in, she let that moment light a fire inside her. She picked up a paper route, began babysitting, and worked for the bike she imagined herself riding.Josee says she’s learned something powerful along the way: every hurdle in her life has held the potential to become an opportunity. We’re all going to face obstacles, some small, some life-shifting, but what matters most is how we choose to meet them. Often, it’s the smallest, quietest acts of determination that end up changing everything.
Don has been part of the transportation industry since 1987, spending three decades as a professional driver before transitioning into a safety leadership role. One of the greatest challenges in that transition was building confidence. After years of working independently behind the wheel, Don had to learn to speak up, share his ideas, and contribute in new ways. As his insights began to gain traction and receive positive feedback, his confidence grew and with it, a strong sense of purpose and impact.Tip from Don:You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room and sometimes it’s better if you aren’t. Staying open to others’ perspectives helps prevent getting stuck in one way of thinking and creates opportunities to learn, grow, and lead more effectively.
Josee shared that when she was 12 years old, she wanted a new bicycle but her family couldn’t afford it. This gave her the push to work for it and she started working a paper route and babysitting. Josee believes hurdles have always been opportunities. We are all going to face hurdles in our lives but we can change them into opportunities. It is the smallest ways we respond to hurdles that make the biggest difference.
Dr. Courtney Beck shared her career in sports laid a strong foundation of life lessons for her. After spending 3 years away, she realized she had another chance to be part of a team again when her coach allowed her to walk back on. Through this small action, she attributes so much personal growth and confidence. Sometimes it’s little things that have the biggest impact or teach you the biggest lessons in your life.
On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson, speaks with Blake Grolmus, SVP of Government Relations at Iowa Motor Truck Association.Â
Blake challenges the "tenure trap" that keeps fresh voices on the sidelines. He shares why his best safety innovations came from people outside the safety team. Drivers who asked "why do we do it that way?" changed everything. He reveals his leadership approach: never ask someone to do what you wouldn't do yourself.Â
Tune in to discover why the best innovations come from unexpected voices, and how quiet leadership opens doors.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why breakthrough ideas come from non-experts in the room
How to create space for newcomers in a longevity-driven industry
The leadership lesson of being remembered for people, not accomplishments
How small frontline changes move entire industries forward
Connect with Blake on LinkedIn HERE.
Want to learn more about Blake’s work? Check out the Iowa Motor Truck Association website HERE.
Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.
Dr. Marline shared the smallest step that had the biggest impact for her was being brave enough to share her story. She set aside the fear that no one else would care and made the decision to tell her story through her book. That small step fueled her passion to connect with others and led her to speaking engagements and then onto the TedX stage.
On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Tom Johnston, Safety Manager at Keizer Management, LLC, who's spent nearly 30 years proving that the best safety culture isn't built on enforcement—it's built on empathy.
Tom shares why safety leaders must reject the "safety cop" mentality, how his role as a caregiver for his wife shaped his leadership philosophy, and what the transportation industry gets dangerously wrong about driver home time and mental health. His open-door approach and habit of daily kindness have earned his team multiple National Safety Council awards—not through rules, but through genuine connection.
If you're a safety manager, operations leader, or anyone responsible for people in high-risk work, this episode will challenge how you think about compliance, culture, and what it really means to bring everyone home safely.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why the "safety cop" approach fails and what works instead
How caregiving experience translates to better safety leadership
The #1 thing Tom would redesign in the transportation industry to reduce accidents
Why letting drivers talk isn't a waste of time—it's a safety strategy
How to identify team strengths and position people where they'll thrive
Tom's advice for making kindness a daily leadership habit
Connect with Tom on LinkedIn HERE.
Want to learn more about Tom’s work? Check out the Keizer Management, LLC website HERE.
Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.
Every passion is going to have roadblocks, but Fabi shares how these are all learning moments. The best thing to do is try to understand what those roadblocks are trying to tell you and remember everything doesn’t always flow smoothly and there are choppy waters. That’s life. The best thing we can do is step away and get inspired instead of getting stuck.
On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Elizabeth Nicholson, Director of Education and Training for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). With experience spanning medical societies, airport associations, and now trucking, Elizabeth brings a member-first mindset to workforce development.
Elizabeth challenges the passive learning epidemic plaguing busy carriers—where employees complete training but nothing changes on the ground. She shares her vision for practical, application-based education where learners implement best practices, report results, and earn certification through real-world impact, not just screen time.
Tune in to discover why Elizabeth believes the greatest gift leaders can give is confidence—and why she's building TCA's reputation as the go-to destination for transportation education.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why "watch the video, check the box" training fails small carriers juggling seven roles
How to shift from passive learning to application-based education with measurable results
The power of listening to subject matter experts when you're not the content expert yourself
How one committee meeting sparked an unbudgeted recruitment and retention training series
Why investing in employee education is actually investing in their confidence—and your bottom line
Leadership lessons from someone who wants to be forgotten but remembered for impact
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn HERE.
Want to learn more about Elizabeth’s work? Check out the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) website HERE.
Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.
We all have a date in which we enter this world and exit this world. In between, there’s a singular dash and it’s what you do on this earth that defines that dash. Sean discussed how he wants to make that dash as long, positive and inspirational as possible to help other people make a lasting positive impact. How will you live your dash?
On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with William Lusk, Director of Education and Government Relations at the National Tank Truck Carriers, where he represents 500 member companies across North America.Â
William shares his journey of building trust by showing up, keeping promises, and connecting members with real solutions. With years of experience visiting facilities nationwide, he’s seen firsthand how innovation in driver recruitment, safety technology, and cargo tank inspections is shaping the industry. He also talks about what frontline leadership teaches us about humanity, how regulations affect companies in unexpected ways, and why genuine, consistent touchpoints matter more than formal meetings.Â
Tune in to hear how one leader is shaping the future of tank trucking through trust, connection, and a commitment to understanding the people he serves.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How trust and integrity form the foundation of effective industry advocacy
The value of visiting member facilities to understand operational challenges firsthand
What frontline leadership reveals about the struggles people face behind closed doors
Innovative solutions emerging across the tank truck industry, from driver pipelines to virtual tank inspections
The lasting impact of advocacy work and policy changes that benefit the entire industry
Why regular communication matters more than scheduled committee meetings
Connect with William on LinkedIn HERE.
Want to learn more about William’s work? Check out the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) website HERE.
Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.
New Season of I Love Learning! The Power of Small with Daniel Westmoreland: Every Day is a New Day to Get it Right.
Daniel shared that staying engaged reminds him just how far he has come and that his journey isn’t just about himself, but about helping others find their own way forward. He knows that you can’t do anything halfway and expect it to last. Growth requires showing up every day, reigniting your drive, and committing to the small routines that keep you moving.
For Daniel, it is not about chasing perfection or focusing too far ahead. It is about the power of small, choosing to be present, to do the work today, and trusting that those little steps will lead to something extraordinary.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Amelia Kelley this week! She is an author, professor, trauma therapist, and art therapist, and co-hot of The Sensitivity Doctor Podcast. Be sure to tune in to hear more from Amelia about her goal of helping people and how she stays passionate!
I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Bruce jones, a professional tank truck driver and 2024 Illinois Driver of the Year! With 28 years of experience in truck driving at G&D Trucking, Inc./ Hoffman Transportation, LLC, Bruce has a wealth of stories and insights to share. Tune in to hear more about how he believes anyone could reignite their passion in the trucking industry.
On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with James McDaniel, serves as editor for Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines, bringing two decades of journalism experience to the trucking industry.
Jason discusses his commitment to preserving print magazines despite industry trends toward digital-only content, and why physical publications still matter for connecting communities. Jason shares his perspective on SEO versus quality storytelling, the overwhelming nature of data in both media and trucking operations, and how telematics creates similar challenges for fleet operators. He talks about the role of AI in journalism and trucking.
Listen to this episode to hear how Jason is shaping the future of trucking media while staying true to the fundamentals of good storytelling and community connection.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Jason's background in journalism and his transition into trucking media over the past 20 years
The mission of Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines to share best practices and spotlight industry leaders
The historical connection between the magazines and the National Tank Truck Carriers association since 1937
The fight to preserve print magazines in an industry moving toward digital-only content
The challenges of SEO-focused content versus in-depth storytelling and quality journalism
The proper role of AI in journalism and business operations
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.
Want to learn more about Jason’s work? Check out Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter magazines website HERE.
Check out EndeavorB2B, Jason’s parent company website HEREÂ
Check out EndeavorB2B, Jason’s parent company podcast, The Fleet Lead HERE.
Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.
Listen to Clayton Dew discuss why failure is not an opportunity but rather a valuable teacher that shapes resilience and determination. He shares insights on how setbacks reveal areas for growth and innovation, inspiring us to reflect and refine our approach. Instead of viewing failure as an end, Clayton encourages embracing it as part of the journey toward mastery and purpose. He reminds us that progress comes from curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from every experience. Continue to grow and learn because learning helps all of us move forward with greater strength and wisdom.
On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Ed Nagle III, CEO of Nagle Companies, a transportation business grounded in dignity, respect, and genuine care for people.
Ed shared his philosophy on leading by example and treating employees as family rather than just workers. He talks about the importance of continous improvement through both technology and process refinement, the value of learning in motivating teams, and how staying connected through industry conferences and vendor relationships helps guide innovation. Ed opens up about his faith-based moral compass and how doing what's right guides his decision-making. He explains how success at Nagle Companies depends on investing in people, building relationships over chasing volumes, and contributing to the community through various charitable activities.
Tune in to discover how dignity and respect transform workplace culture and why investing in people's growth creates stronger business outcomes.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Ed's philosophy on leading by example through dignity and respect
How developing employees to their greatest potential benefits the company
The role of learning in creating motivation and ownership among teams
Faith-based values as a moral compass for business decisions
The evolution of technology in transportation and work-life balance
Building consultative partnerships with vendors to guide innovation
Connect with Ed on LinkedIn HERE.
Want to learn more about Ed's work? Check out Nagle Companies website HERE.
Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.
It was a pleasure sitting down with Amna Shabbir this week! She is a a well-being and high performance strategist, podcast host, and TedX speaker. Be sure to tune in as she talks about the myth that being hard on yourself will make you successful and invites everyone to be kind to themselves!
On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Amy Roosa, founder and CEO of the Safety Rack, a nonprofit organization working to close the personal protective equipment gap for women across all industries.Â
Amy shares her journey from safety professional to nonprofit founder. She experienced firsthand the challenges of wearing men's extra-large safety gear when she needed a medium or small. Amy explains her three founding principles of education, research, and advocacy through what she calls the "Errors Initiative." She opens up about the importance of listening to understand rather than respond. Amy believes that stopping to truly hear women's experiences was her breakthrough moment at a 2018 safety conference.
Tune in to discover how Amy's quiet leadership is building community and moving the industry toward safer workplaces for everyone.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Amy's journey from safety professional to nonprofit founder
The Safety Rack's mission to close the PPE gap for women workers
Research findings showing injury rates linked to poorly fitting safety equipment
The three founding principles: education, research, and advocacy (the "Errors Initiative")
How listening and understanding drives meaningful change in workplace safety
The importance of data in convincing employers and manufacturers to make changes
Innovation emerging in women-specific safety equipment over the past five years
Building community and connection within the safety industry
Leading with purpose while facing barriers and skeptics
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn HERE.
Want to learn more about Amy's work? Check out The Safety Rack website HERE.
Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.