Introduction:
Ellen Voie is a prominent figure in the business world, internationally recognized for her dedication to empowering women in the trucking industry. As a dynamic businesswoman and speaker, she has played a pivotal role in fostering gender diversity and inclusivity within this traditionally male-dominated field.
The Women In Trucking Association:
Under Ellen Voie’s capable leadership, the Women In Trucking Association has emerged as an industry leader. This non-profit organization aims to promote the employment of women in the trucking industry, eliminate barriers to their success, and celebrate the achievements of its members. Founded in 2007 with a passionate leadership team, engaged members, and committed sponsors, the association has made a global impact.
In 2012, Ellen received recognition from the White House as a “Transportation Innovator Champion of Change,” which significantly elevated the organization’s credibility and visibility in the trucking industry.
The Inspiring Journey:
Ellen’s career began in 1978 when she was employed at a steel fabricating plant in central Wisconsin. She initially worked in the drafting department and later transitioned to the Traffic Department, eventually becoming the Traffic Manager. Alongside her professional endeavors, she married a professional truck driver and started their trucking company. She also pursued higher education, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in communication.
In 2007, while completing her pilot’s license, Ellen noticed the absence of a similar support network for women in the trucking industry. This realization led to the formation of the Women In Trucking Association.
Differentiating Factors:
As a member-based organization, the Women In Trucking Association focuses on listening to its members’ needs and providing valuable resources. In 2007, there was a lack of data related to gender in the trucking industry, with many companies not tracking the percentage of female employees. The organization’s primary goal is to gather data, learn, and offer the necessary resources to create a more diverse and inclusive culture.
Company’s Future Perspectives:
Over the past thirteen years, the Women In Trucking Association has grown to approximately 5,200 members across ten countries. Their goal is to expand into more international markets to better understand the challenges and opportunities for women in trucking worldwide. They are also working on establishing more local and regional groups by forming chapters.
Hurdles in the Path & the Biggest Failure:
During challenging times, Ellen emphasizes the importance of adaptability and proactive decision-making. For instance, the organization transitioned its annual conference into a virtual event due to external circumstances. While virtual meetings have their advantages, they lack the personal connections made at in-person events.
Ellen doesn’t view actions as failures but rather as learning opportunities. She acknowledges that some decisions may lead to different directions, but they are all part of the journey.
The “Secret Sauce” and “Vision” in Life:
Ellen’s leadership approach is centered on leading by example and fostering a self-motivated and independent work environment. She values outcomes over hours, allowing team members to choose their workdays and establish their schedules. Her superpower is her forward-looking vision, enabling her to seize opportunities for positive change in the industry.
New Ideas:
Ellen’s new ideas as a CEO include creating more tailored opportunities for different demographic and professional groups to learn from the organization’s expertise. For example, segmentation based on factors like team vs. solo drivers, owner-operators vs. company drivers, or types of freight hauled could lead to more individualized connections.
Best Advice Received:
The best advice Ellen received is to move out of her comfort zone. Testing one’s limits and taking on challenges are essential for personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Ellen has embraced this advice through experiences like skydiving, bungee jumping, learning to drive an 18-wheeler, flying a plane, and riding a motorcycle. Ellen Voie’s journey and leadership exemplify the transformative power of determination, inclusivity, and the willingness to push boundaries in the trucking industry.