What does it take for women to succeed in the workplace? The answer to this question depends upon many primary factors, including your career goals, aspirations and motivations, and overall life goals and objectives.
If you are just starting out in your career and have chosen the trucking industry to be your career focus, make sure to choose a career path within this industry that aligns with your interests and skills. If you’re unsure of what that specific career path looks like, proactively network with others in the industry to explore options.
If you are deeper down your career path, actively manage your career by continuing to take additional initiative that will lead you where you want to go and strive for continuous improvement.
Career Moves: Practical Tips and Advice
There are 8 practical tips that successful women in the trucking industry have incorporated into their careers:
Be Self-Aware and Establish Realistic Goals. Understand and identify your strengths, weaknesses, values, and career aspirations to make informed career choices.
Find Your Passion. Remember that your career can become one of the most significant ways you live your life. Your career can provide satisfaction and motivation in life and becomes a reflection of who you are. Jodi Edwards, a professional driver for J.B. Hunt Transport, knew she had found her passion the first time she climbed into a truck and sat in it. “I could feel the excitement,” she says. “I know it sounds silly, but you get in that truck, everything is set right, and it becomes a part of you.”
Expand Your Relevant Skill Set. Continuously acquire new skills and knowledge to stay relevant in your chosen field. Consider earning a certification or an additional degree if it’s relevant or take a simple online course that can help you to stay on your game. This also includes developing your interpersonal skills and other “soft skills” that will help you to succeed.
Intentionally and Actively Build Your Network. Build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals to access opportunities and gain insights. “I was so fortunate to have met a number of people who mentored me and shared their technical knowledge and life lessons with me,” says Brianna Glowinski. During the pandemic, she became a Diesel Technician with Penske Truck Leasing, and through her talent, hard work, and attention to detail she has risen through the ranks of Maintenance Manager Trainee and currently Maintenance Supervisor.
Be Willing to Take Risks. Women who are most successful in their careers, particularly in leadership roles, oftentimes are risk-takers, says Shelley Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer of J.B. Hunt Transport. “They can learn from failure, deal with remarks (intended or unintentional) and unconscious bias,” she says, “and have the courage to fight for what they believe in and to never give up, no matter how difficult the challenge.” Being a female leader in a male-populated industry like transportation can require the strength and confidence to deal with every obstacle or setback.
Take Initiative and Be Adaptable. “Be courageous in the times when you can go for opportunities presented,” says Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics, who was named the 2024 WIT Distinguished Woman in Logistics. “Say ‘yes’ to even the toughest projects or initiatives that will push you past your comfort zone. But also acknowledge there are chapters where you need to be brave to say ‘no,’ because you can’t take it on at that time or be honest with yourself that the opportunity doesn’t fit your strengths to better the organization.” Be open to change and willing to learn new things as the industry evolves.
Create an Ongoing Feedback Loop. Actively seek constructive feedback from your leaders, your colleagues and peers to identify areas for improvement. Not only will this incorporate continuous improvement in your daily career activities and choices, but it also becomes part of your personal brand that others recognize in you. A successful woman is always looking to improve and she’s not afraid to admit if she has a professional weakness she wants to work on. This also demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
Do the Right Thing and Stay Positive. Maintain a positive outlook and approach challenges with resilience. “In my 4 million miles of driving, I came away with a few things,” recalls Stephanie Klang of her career as a professional driver formerly with CFI. “Do the right thing when no one is watching. Nothing great is achieved easily or without grit. If you do not like where you are in life, improve yourself and move up. Practice and improve every day. And be positive and kind.”
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Find Your Passion. Remember that your career can become one of the most significant ways you live your life. Your career can provide satisfaction and motivation in life and becomes a reflection of who you are. Jodi Edwards, a professional driver for J.B. Hunt Transport, knew she had found her passion the first time she climbed into a truck and sat in it. “I could feel the excitement,” she says. “I know it sounds silly, but you get in that truck, everything is set right, and it becomes a part of you.”
Intentionally and Actively Build Your Network. Build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals to access opportunities and gain insights. “I was so fortunate to have met a number of people who mentored me and shared their technical knowledge and life lessons with me,” says Brianna Glowinski. During the pandemic, she became a Diesel Technician with Penske Truck Leasing, and through her talent, hard work, and attention to detail she has risen through the ranks of Maintenance Manager Trainee and currently Maintenance Supervisor.
Be Willing to Take Risks. Women who are most successful in their careers, particularly in leadership roles, oftentimes are risk-takers, says Shelley Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer of J.B. Hunt Transport. “They can learn from failure, deal with remarks (intended or unintentional) and unconscious bias,” she says, “and have the courage to fight for what they believe in and to never give up, no matter how difficult the challenge.” Being a female leader in a male-populated industry like transportation can require the strength and confidence to deal with every obstacle or setback.
Take Initiative and Be Adaptable. “Be courageous in the times when you can go for opportunities presented,” says Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics, who was named the 2024 WIT Distinguished Woman in Logistics. “Say ‘yes’ to even the toughest projects or initiatives that will push you past your comfort zone. But also acknowledge there are chapters where you need to be brave to say ‘no,’ because you can’t take it on at that time or be honest with yourself that the opportunity doesn’t fit your strengths to better the organization.” Be open to change and willing to learn new things as the industry evolves.
Do the Right Thing and Stay Positive. Maintain a positive outlook and approach challenges with resilience. “In my 4 million miles of driving, I came away with a few things,” recalls Stephanie Klang of her career as a professional driver formerly with CFI. “Do the right thing when no one is watching. Nothing great is achieved easily or without grit. If you do not like where you are in life, improve yourself and move up. Practice and improve every day. And be positive and kind.”
