In October 2024, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) and Schulich ExecEd celebrated the participants of the OTA-Schulich ExecEd Leadership Development Program. The culmination of this program, the Action Learning Project (ALP) Presentations, highlighted the creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills of emerging leaders in the trucking sector.
Participants tackled real-world challenges in the industry, such as optimizing trucking routes using AI, improving cross-border efficiency, and enhancing knowledge transfer with technology. These projects demonstrated the program’s focus on actionable learning, where participants applied structured frameworks to create practical solutions that address industry needs.
Jim Thompson, President at Thompson Terminals, highlighted the significance of these emerging leaders:
“At the annual OTA Convention, we were treated to a glimpse of what the future holds for the OTA with our ‘Next Generation Leaders’ and their outstanding presentations from the OTA-Schulich ExecEd Leadership Development Program. Their innovative thought processes should be showcased at the start of the convention to inspire the AGM where the OTA is going. Our future is bright with these young people who know no bounds with their initiatives. It is incumbent on the OTA and its members to continually create the opportunity for the Schulich program to develop our next generation of leaders.”
A Collaborative Approach to Solving Industry Challenges
Each team dedicated 20 to 50 hours beyond the classroom to their ALPs, developing and presenting innovative strategies to an audience of OTA board members and senior leaders. The event, held at the Delta Hotels Toronto, underscored the importance of collaboration and creative thinking in addressing the industry’s most pressing issues.
“The Action Learning Project (ALP) presentations are a testament to the dedication of participants and their ability to tackle complex problems in the trucking industry,” said Rami Mayer, Executive Director of Schulich ExecEd. “At Schulich ExecEd, we are committed to making a real-world impact by equipping leaders with the tools to innovate and adapt. Programs like this play a critical role in futureproofing the sector, ensuring it remains resilient and forward-looking.”
Inspiring Leadership for the Future
The program’s impact goes beyond individual participants. Graduates of the OTA-Schulich ExecEd Leadership Development Program often become ambassadors within their organizations, fostering innovation and inspiring others to take on leadership roles.
Craig Germain, COO of XTL Transport Inc., shared his perspective as a panelist:
“Each leader that has graduated from this program becomes an internal spokesperson to the next group of emerging leaders. I enjoyed listening to all the presentations this year and appreciated the creativity, innovation, and collaboration each team brought. It was inspiring to see participants not only develop actionable ideas but also enhance critical skills such as effective communication.”
Preparing the Trucking Industry for What’s Ahead
The trucking industry is at a crossroads, facing challenges such as technological disruption, regulatory changes, and workforce transformation. The OTA-Schulich ExecEd Leadership Development Program prepares emerging leaders to navigate these complexities, creating a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and vision needed to thrive in an evolving industry.
With its unique combination of academic expertise and industry insight, the program continues to be a catalyst for innovation, ensuring the trucking industry is well-positioned for a successful future.
Registration is now open for the 2025 OTA-Schulich ExecEd program. To learn more about the story behind the OTA-Schulich ExecEd Leadership Development Program, click here. For more information about Schulich ExecEd’s custom programs for organization, click here.