On the Front Line

Dr. Gina Anderson

If you're leading safety, learning, operations, risk, or HR in a complex, deskless, or distributed workforce environment—this is your stage. On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast was created to spotlight professionals like you. Hosted by Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, this show honors leaders driving measurable impact in workforce readiness, safety culture, and compliance success. It’s more than an interview—it’s a recognition of your leadership and a way to inspire your peers in the industry. If you think you'd be a great guest on the show, please apply at https://podcast.learningwithgina.com/podcast-guest.

  1. 3 FEB

    Lindsey Trent's Building Trucking Programs in All 50 States

    On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson, speaks with Lindsey Trent, President and Co-Founder of Next Generation in Trucking Association, reveals why nearly 60% of Gen Z turns to TikTok and Instagram for career guidance, and how the industry must meet them there with authentic voices, not polished corporate messaging. Lindsey reveals why authenticity beats polish when reaching Gen Z, how giving employees a platform to share their stories creates loyalty, and why listening to young voices isn't just good PR—it's the key to solving the industry-wide talent crisis. She also shares NextGen's groundbreaking "What is Trucking?" social media campaign and the simple ways companies can get involved in their own communities. If you're struggling to attract and retain younger talent, this conversation offers practical strategies for making an impact in your own backyard. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why 60% of Gen Z explores careers on social media—and what trucking must do to show up thereHow NextGen works state-by-state to build relationships that create CDL, supply chain, and diesel tech programsThe power of employee-generated content: Why real stories beat corporate messaging every timeHow connecting young people to industry professionals reinvigorates current employees Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn, ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseytrent/⁠Want to learn more about Lindsey’s work? Check out the Next Generation in Trucking Association website, ⁠https://nextgentrucking.org/⁠ Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website, ⁠https://lumabrighterlearning.com/⁠ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply, ⁠https://www.learningwithgina.com/otfl-guest/

    20 min

  2. 6 JAN

    Building Community Over Spotlight: Strategic Leadership in Trucking with Nikki Thomas

    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: How Nikki's strategic partnership with Trucker Path created a safety solution accessed 64 million timesWhy leadership means creating opportunities for others to shine, not chasing titlesThe seven critical safety features women drivers identified for truck stopsHow forward-thinking technology and virtual training tools are attracting the next generation to truckingWhy starting earlier with student outreach could transform industry talent pipelinesConnect 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.

    23 min

  3. 02/12/2025

    Leading Quietly, Moving Mountains: Breaking Down Barriers for Transportation's Next Generation with Blake Grolmus

    On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson, speaks with Blake Grolmus, SVP of Government Relations at Iowa Motor Truck Association. Blake challenges the "tenure trap" that keeps fresh voices on the sidelines. He shares why his best safety innovations came from people outside the safety team. Drivers who asked "why do we do it that way?" changed everything. He reveals his leadership approach: never ask someone to do what you wouldn't do yourself. Tune in to discover why the best innovations come from unexpected voices, and how quiet leadership opens doors. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why breakthrough ideas come from non-experts in the roomHow to create space for newcomers in a longevity-driven industryThe leadership lesson of being remembered for people, not accomplishmentsHow small frontline changes move entire industries forward Connect with Blake on LinkedIn HERE. Want to learn more about Blake’s work? Check out the Iowa Motor Truck 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.

    14 min

  4. 25/11/2025

    Leading with Heart: Why Kindness in Safety Leadership Saves Lives with Tom Johnston

    On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Tom Johnston, Safety Manager at Keizer Management, LLC, who's spent nearly 30 years proving that the best safety culture isn't built on enforcement—it's built on empathy. Tom shares why safety leaders must reject the "safety cop" mentality, how his role as a caregiver for his wife shaped his leadership philosophy, and what the transportation industry gets dangerously wrong about driver home time and mental health. His open-door approach and habit of daily kindness have earned his team multiple National Safety Council awards—not through rules, but through genuine connection. If you're a safety manager, operations leader, or anyone responsible for people in high-risk work, this episode will challenge how you think about compliance, culture, and what it really means to bring everyone home safely. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the "safety cop" approach fails and what works insteadHow caregiving experience translates to better safety leadershipThe #1 thing Tom would redesign in the transportation industry to reduce accidentsWhy letting drivers talk isn't a waste of time—it's a safety strategyHow to identify team strengths and position people where they'll thriveTom's advice for making kindness a daily leadership habit Connect with Tom on LinkedIn HERE. Want to learn more about Tom’s work? Check out the Keizer Management, LLC 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.

    22 min

  5. 18/11/2025

    Leading from Behind the Scenes: Building Confidence Through Education in Transportation with Elizabeth Nicholson

    On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Elizabeth Nicholson, Director of Education and Training for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). With experience spanning medical societies, airport associations, and now trucking, Elizabeth brings a member-first mindset to workforce development. Elizabeth challenges the passive learning epidemic plaguing busy carriers—where employees complete training but nothing changes on the ground. She shares her vision for practical, application-based education where learners implement best practices, report results, and earn certification through real-world impact, not just screen time. Tune in to discover why Elizabeth believes the greatest gift leaders can give is confidence—and why she's building TCA's reputation as the go-to destination for transportation education. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why "watch the video, check the box" training fails small carriers juggling seven rolesHow to shift from passive learning to application-based education with measurable resultsThe power of listening to subject matter experts when you're not the content expert yourselfHow one committee meeting sparked an unbudgeted recruitment and retention training seriesWhy investing in employee education is actually investing in their confidence—and your bottom lineLeadership lessons from someone who wants to be forgotten but remembered for impact Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn HERE. Want to learn more about Elizabeth’s work? Check out the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) 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.

    17 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    Building Bridges: The Power of Connection in Tank Truck Advocacy with William Lusk

    On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with William Lusk, Director of Education and Government Relations at the National Tank Truck Carriers, where he represents 500 member companies across North America. William shares his journey of building trust by showing up, keeping promises, and connecting members with real solutions. With years of experience visiting facilities nationwide, he’s seen firsthand how innovation in driver recruitment, safety technology, and cargo tank inspections is shaping the industry. He also talks about what frontline leadership teaches us about humanity, how regulations affect companies in unexpected ways, and why genuine, consistent touchpoints matter more than formal meetings. Tune in to hear how one leader is shaping the future of tank trucking through trust, connection, and a commitment to understanding the people he serves. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How trust and integrity form the foundation of effective industry advocacyThe value of visiting member facilities to understand operational challenges firsthandWhat frontline leadership reveals about the struggles people face behind closed doorsInnovative solutions emerging across the tank truck industry, from driver pipelines to virtual tank inspectionsThe lasting impact of advocacy work and policy changes that benefit the entire industryWhy regular communication matters more than scheduled committee meetings Connect with William on LinkedIn HERE. Want to learn more about William’s work? Check out the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) 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.

    21 min

  7. 14/10/2025

    Storytelling Over SEO: Championing Tank Trucking's Frontline with Jason McDaniel

    On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with James McDaniel, serves as editor for Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines, bringing two decades of journalism experience to the trucking industry. Jason discusses his commitment to preserving print magazines despite industry trends toward digital-only content, and why physical publications still matter for connecting communities. Jason shares his perspective on SEO versus quality storytelling, the overwhelming nature of data in both media and trucking operations, and how telematics creates similar challenges for fleet operators. He talks about the role of AI in journalism and trucking. Listen to this episode to hear how Jason is shaping the future of trucking media while staying true to the fundamentals of good storytelling and community connection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Jason's background in journalism and his transition into trucking media over the past 20 yearsThe mission of Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines to share best practices and spotlight industry leadersThe historical connection between the magazines and the National Tank Truck Carriers association since 1937The fight to preserve print magazines in an industry moving toward digital-only contentThe challenges of SEO-focused content versus in-depth storytelling and quality journalismThe proper role of AI in journalism and business operations Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE. Want to learn more about Jason’s work? Check out Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter magazines website HERE. Check out EndeavorB2B, Jason’s parent company website HERE Check out EndeavorB2B, Jason’s parent company podcast, The Fleet Lead 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.

    25 min

  8. 07/10/2025

    Leading by Example: Creating Family Culture in Transportation with Ed Nagle III

    On this episode of On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast, Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Ed Nagle III, CEO of Nagle Companies, a transportation business grounded in dignity, respect, and genuine care for people. Ed shared his philosophy on leading by example and treating employees as family rather than just workers. He talks about the importance of continous improvement through both technology and process refinement, the value of learning in motivating teams, and how staying connected through industry conferences and vendor relationships helps guide innovation. Ed opens up about his faith-based moral compass and how doing what's right guides his decision-making. He explains how success at Nagle Companies depends on investing in people, building relationships over chasing volumes, and contributing to the community through various charitable activities. Tune in to discover how dignity and respect transform workplace culture and why investing in people's growth creates stronger business outcomes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Ed's philosophy on leading by example through dignity and respectHow developing employees to their greatest potential benefits the companyThe role of learning in creating motivation and ownership among teamsFaith-based values as a moral compass for business decisionsThe evolution of technology in transportation and work-life balanceBuilding consultative partnerships with vendors to guide innovation Connect with Ed on LinkedIn HERE. Want to learn more about Ed's work? Check out Nagle Companies 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.

    11 min
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About

If you're leading safety, learning, operations, risk, or HR in a complex, deskless, or distributed workforce environment—this is your stage. On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast was created to spotlight professionals like you. Hosted by Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, this show honors leaders driving measurable impact in workforce readiness, safety culture, and compliance success. It’s more than an interview—it’s a recognition of your leadership and a way to inspire your peers in the industry. If you think you'd be a great guest on the show, please apply at https://podcast.learningwithgina.com/podcast-guest.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Gina Anderson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Gina Anderson
  • Show Website
    On the Front Line