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Listen "Driving Change: How a Transit CEO Became a People-Forward Catalyst"
Episode Synopsis
Episode 3: Driving Change: How a Transit CEO Became a People-Forward Catalyst
“We’ve been conditioned to think leaders must be heavy-handed and have all the answers. That’s not me.” – Leann Caver
In this illuminating episode, we sit down with a transit CEO who is working on blending operational excellence with a people-first mindset. She shares her remarkable journey into the CEO role, reflecting on how her innate desire to help people shaped her two-decade career in transit. She also discusses the challenges of leading a newly assembled executive team, embracing a People-Forward Leadership™ framework, the power of establishing core values, and why embracing authenticity and empathy can be game-changers for leaders everywhere.
About the Guest
Leann Caver is the CEO of C-Tran, leading a team of about 450 employees who provide vital transit services to their region and community. With over 20 years in public transportation, she’s dedicated to uplifting people—from frontline staff to executive leaders—through authentic, empathetic leadership.
Key Takeaways
From the Front Lines to the C-Suite
How Leann “fell into” transportation as a bus driver
Her steady climb through supervisory, managerial, and executive roles
Why hands-on industry experience fosters respect and trust at every level
Redefining Leadership
Challenging the traditional, top-down mindset
Embracing vulnerability, empathy, and open communication
Overcoming the fear of not having all the answers immediately
Building a People-Forward Culture
The role of core values in uniting teams and guiding decisions
Breaking down silos and encouraging honest dialogue across departments
How personal coaching and team development accelerated the cultural shift
Authenticity as a Catalyst
Leann’s journey of self-discovery and confidence-building
Modeling transparency and trust to empower direct reports
Giving executives the autonomy to lead while still aligning around a shared vision
Advice for Aspiring and New CEOs
Why embracing a people-first approach yields long-term benefits
How investing in coaching and leadership development pays off
Recognizing the time it takes to shift culture—and why it’s worth it
Resources & Links
Learn more about C-Tran and Leann Caver
Learn more about the People-Forward Leadership™ framework
Recommended reading on building trust and collaboration in teams.
Get the 3 Pillars of People-Forward Leadership™
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