🎙️ Eric Madison: From Blue-Collar Roots to Leading Safety Innovation at North America's Largest Car Hauler

In this compelling episode, Eric Madison, Senior Vice President of People and Safety at United Road Services, shares his remarkable 30-year journey through the transportation industry and how personal adversity shaped his leadership philosophy. From working the docks as a recent college graduate to overseeing safety operations for over 1,200 trucks moving four million cars annually, Eric reveals how authentic communication and cultural transformation have revolutionized an industry once known for "bang on the desk" management. Through candid discussions about his wife's multiple sclerosis diagnosis and his journey from public speaking terror to confident leadership, Eric demonstrates how vulnerability and transparency create stronger, safer organizations.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Why car haulers are "industrial athletes" requiring unique skills beyond traditional truck driving

• How the trucking industry evolved from aggressive management to people-first culture

• The critical role of telematics and AI in revolutionizing transportation safety

• Why predictability in drivers' lives is key to retention and recruitment success

• How diversification across new cars, used cars, and rental fleets provides stability

• The importance of maintaining safe following distances and respecting truck drivers

• How personal challenges can refocus priorities and improve professional performance

• Why clear, transparent communication is the most powerful leadership tool

• The transformation from fearing public speaking to embracing it as a core skill

• How yoga and mindfulness practices enhance both physical and mental performance

  
  

🌟 Eric's Key Mentors:

• Kathleen McCann (Former United Road CEO): Exemplified cultural leadership and demonstrated how values-driven decision-making creates authentic organizational culture rather than just "pretty frames on the wall"

• Dale Carnegie Course Instructors: Provided foundational public speaking skills that helped Eric overcome his greatest professional weakness and unlock career advancement

• Ashland University Graduate Program: Created intensive presentation opportunities that forced Eric to practice public speaking in every class, ultimately transforming his fear into confidence

• Father (Millwright): Blue-collar work ethic and practical problem-solving approach that enabled Eric to connect authentically with frontline workers throughout his career

• Wife (Yoga Instructor): Personal strength through MS diagnosis and professional guidance in yoga practice that revolutionized Eric's daily routine and mental clarity

  
  

👉 Don't miss Eric's insights on why treating truck drivers as industrial athletes changes everything, how personal adversity can sharpen professional focus, and his prediction that telematics and AI will revolutionize transportation safety in ways we're just beginning to understand.

🔗 Connect with Eric Madison:

• LinkedIn: Eric Madison, Senior VP of People and Safety at United Road Services

• United Road Services: Leading finished vehicle logistics across North America

📄 Transcript Available: From Dock Worker to Safety Leader: Eric Madison's Transportation Industry Journey

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