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Building Community Over Spotlight: Strategic Leadership in Trucking with Nikki Thomas
Episode 18 • 6th January 2026 • On the Front Line • Dr. Gina Anderson
00:00:00 00:22:39

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On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson, speaks with Nikki Thomas, Vice President of Industry Affairs at the American Trucking Association and leader of ATA Women in Motion. Nikki has three years of transforming how the trucking industry supports women and 20+ years in program and event management.

Nikki explains how a partnership with Trucker Path solved the critical truck parking safety gap for women drivers, why "leading from the front" means making others shine, and how she's building networks that keep talent in the industry. Her approach to innovation—taking one step, trying one new thing, and showing up excited—demonstrates why community-centered leadership creates lasting impact.

If you're navigating male-dominated industries, building inclusive programs, or leading teams through innovation, this episode will show you the power of strategic partnerships and quiet persistence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  1. How Nikki's strategic partnership with Trucker Path created a safety solution accessed 64 million times
  2. Why leadership means creating opportunities for others to shine, not chasing titles
  3. The seven critical safety features women drivers identified for truck stops
  4. How forward-thinking technology and virtual training tools are attracting the next generation to trucking
  5. Why starting earlier with student outreach could transform industry talent pipelines
  6. Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn ⁠HERE⁠.

Want to learn more about Nikki’s work? Check out the American Trucking 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.

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