Roadrageous

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This is Roadrageous, the podcast for safer drivers, smarter training, and bold ideas. Featuring innovators and thought leaders from the driver training industry, we're here to inspire and educate.

  1. FEB 18

    From Brain Science to Global Safety: How Shell Turns Data into Lives Saved

    From Brain Science to Global Safety: How Shell Turns Data Into Lives Saved Matt Furstoss is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Risk Management Professional serving as Global Road Safety Advisor at Shell. With a background in brain and cognitive sciences combined with frontline field experience on drilling rigs, Matt brings both analytical rigor and human connection to managing transportation risk across Shell's global operations. He develops safety frameworks, analyzes incident data from thousands of operations worldwide, and influences safety culture across diverse business units spanning from the Canadian tundra to the deserts of Oman. Timestamps: [1:21] How a brain science degree led to safety leadership in the energy sector [4:39] Creating video hazard mapping that won best presentation at Shell's Global Conference [6:03] What it means to be a global road safety advisor at a major energy company [8:35] Why contract structure affects driver behavior and safety outcomes [12:14] The compliance trap: moving from checklist mentality to risk-based thinking [14:34] Breaking down 1,000 incidents using driver, vehicle, and journey factors [20:08] Turning complex data analysis into three bullets that executives will act on [21:03] Building trust, maintaining networks, and establishing SME credibility [22:22] Using authentic connection and local imagery to make safety personal [25:22] Why staying at the edge of discomfort accelerates professional growth In this episode… Most safety professionals never analyze a thousand incidents by hand. Most never extract patterns from free-text fields written in dozens of countries. Most never develop frameworks that work equally well in North American drilling operations and international freight transport across drastically different regulatory environments. Matt Furstoss does all three. He manually analyzed 1,000 collision incidents to extract data buried in free-text fields. He developed systematic categorization that works across drastically different geographies, regulations, and infrastructure quality. And he built risk-based frameworks that Shell now deploys globally. As Global Road Safety Advisor at Shell, Matt architected a systematic approach to turning unstructured incident narratives into actionable intelligence. His method: Break every collision into three components—what the vehicle did, what it interacted with, and what factors contributed. Categorize into driver, vehicle, and journey elements. Apply this formula to every incident. Extract patterns. Identify weak controls. But the real insight is about influence. In an organization where safety leaders have zero direct authority over business units, where operations run 24/7 across cultures that approach risk differently—how do you drive change? That's the story Matt reveals in this Road Rageous episode. The Journey: From Cognitive Science to Global Safety Leadership Matt graduated in 2009 expecting to pursue academic research in how humans think. Instead, the domestic shale boom created opportunity. He started on drilling rigs in Northern Pennsylvania, managing hundreds of trucks daily navigating farm roads for hydraulic fracturing operations. The routing challenge led to innovation: video hazard mapping. He submitted it to Shell's Global Wells Conference, presented in the Netherlands, and won best presentation. That earned him an official Shell job in 2017. Today, Matt's team functions as internal consultants across upstream, downstream, lubricants, and multiple service lines. He has no direct budget authority. He can't compel compliance. Yet his frameworks guide decisions affecting thousands of drivers and hundreds of millions in operations. Infrastructure, Contracts, and Hidden Drivers of Risk Infrastructure varies dramatically across regions. In developed markets, excellent highways and strong regulation exist. In emerging markets, vehicle conditions, infrastructure quality, and regulatory approaches differ significantly. But infrastructure is only part of the equation. Contract structure fundamentally shapes driver behavior. "If you have a contract paid by the load, there's incentive for drivers to drive fast or not sleep. In the US, hours of service regulation covers this. Elsewhere? Not necessarily." This is systems thinking. Safety isn't about training or technology alone—it's understanding how economic incentives, regulatory environments, and infrastructure interact to create or prevent risk. Turning Chaos Into Intelligence: The 1,000-Incident Analysis Matt's breakthrough involved manually analyzing 1,000 collision incidents over two years. The problem: "Most important data on how crashes happened is stuck in free-text fields. Without extracting it, you can't trend incidents or measure risk factors." His team developed a systematic formula. To have a crash, you need the company vehicle (strike/struck by/rollover/lost load), it must interact with something else, and contributing factors fall into three buckets: Driver factors: Distraction, fatigue, training competency Vehicle factors: Blind spots, cameras, alarms, failures Journey factors: Third parties, weather, road conditions "We read every free-text field and categorized everything. Then we analyzed which risk factors were most prevalent, which scenarios were most prevalent. That allowed us to say: when crashes happen this way, this is our weakest spot." Result: precise resource allocation. "Data-driven, efficient spending in safety versus just 'we think it's this, so let's throw money at that.'" The Three-Bullet Rule: Making Data Actionable "You've got to take all that data and chunk it down to just the three bullets that the VP needs to hear." Three bullets. Not thirty. Not thirteen. This separates analysts from advisors. Analysis without influence is academic. Influence without analysis is speculation. Effective safety leadership requires both. Influence Without Authority: Building Trust and Credibility Matt's approach centers on three elements: Trust—keeping up a strong network within the businesses you're influencing. SME credibility—being on your A-game with what you know. Personability—being approachable, not scolding. But deeper: making safety personal. "Using names and photos of people within businesses in your material—having actual images of people who work at their facility in presentations—it really drives it home that this is us." An old leader shared a metaphor that stuck: "The business is the elephant and you're standing in its path. If you just push, you get trampled. But if you're on the other side poking and nudging, you go the direction you want." Don't stand in front of the elephant. Walk beside it. Professional Growth Through Discomfort Matt's first day: two days after Christmas, major snowstorm, Appalachian Forest, learning drilling operations from scratch. "I grew so much, so fast because of that. Way outside my comfort zone. But staying out of your comfort zone is how you grow." His most effective strategy: "Sitting in the doghouse with the driller, asking 'What is this? How does this work?' And getting to know their families too, not just work." Result: Trust. Learning. Genuine coaching relationships. "People at the center of everything and then pushing your discomfort." Quotable Moments: "How people behave is a key piece to safety." "If you have a contract paid by the load, there's incentive for drivers to drive fast or not sleep." "We're trying to move away from compliance. We want to manage risk from a risk-based approach rather than check-the-box compliance." "Most important data is stuck in the free-text field." "Data-driven, efficient spending in safety versus just 'we think it's this, so let's throw money at that.'" "You've got to chunk it down to just the three bullets that the VP needs to hear." "The business is the elephant and you're standing in its path. If you push, you get trampled." "Always stay on the edge of discomfort. That's how you grow." "You can't lose sight of people in safety work." "People at the center of everything and then pushing your discomfort." Action Steps: Standardize incident reporting systems. Centralized platforms with consistent fields enable meaningful data analysis. Break incidents into formulas. Systematically categorize: what happened, what was involved, contributing factors (driver/vehicle/journey). Manually analyze a sample set. Review 100-200 incidents by hand before automating—this teaches you what matters. Create three-bullet summaries. Distill complex analysis into three actionable bullets executives can understand and act on. Use local imagery in presentations. Include photos and names of actual people—makes recommendations personal and memorable. Build cross-functional networks. Cultivate relationships with operations leaders before you need to influence them. Move from compliance to risk-based thinking. Help teams understand "why" behind procedures, not just enforce checklists. Examine contract structures. Review how payment terms might inadvertently incentivize unsafe behaviors. Get hands dirty in operations. Spend time in the field—you can't advise on what you don't understand. Stay at the edge of discomfort. Actively seek roles and projects that push your capabilities. Key Takeaways ✓ Contract structures, infrastructure, and regulation interact to shape driver behavior more than training alone ✓ Moving from compliance-based to risk-based thinking enables adaptation and continuous improvement ✓ Standardized incident systems across business units make meaningful data analysis possible ✓ Systematic incident categorization reveals weak controls and guides resource allocation ✓ Complex analysis must distill into three-bullet summaries that enable executive action ✓ Safety leaders without direct authority influence through trust, expertise, and authentic relationships ✓ Makin

    29 min

  2. FEB 5

    Silent Support, Massive Impact: How Fleet Operations Run a City—And Earn Zero Credit for It

    Silent Support, Massive Impact Craig Croner is Deputy Director of Fleet Operations for the City of Glendale with 30+ years experience managing 1,500 assets across police, fire, waste, and municipal operations. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [1:27] From high school shop class to 30 years in fleet leadership [5:32] What "invisible infrastructure" really means in municipal operations [8:11] Managing everything from police cars to combine harvesters [10:06] Why onboarding safety training is non-negotiable [12:17] The evolution from paper files to integrated fleet management systems [13:22] How GPS technology went from "Big Brother" to exoneration tool [17:43] The parking lot story: How GPS saved a driver's reputation [21:04] The cardiac event rescue: GPS technology that saved a life [22:57] Advice for new fleet managers entering the industry [27:44] Why "adaptive" is the future of fleet operations In this episode… Most cities run invisible infrastructure. Firefighters respond, police intervene, waste trucks collect—but nobody thinks about the fleet operations behind it all. After 30 years in fleet management, Craig Croner proved that invisibility isn't a limitation—it's the goal. Managing 1,500 assets so smoothly that operators never think about vehicles. Integrating GPS, telematics, and safety seamlessly. Reframing technology from surveillance to support. Listen to how Craig built excellence that nobody sees. Quotable Moments: "Hopefully they get to do their job without thinking about the vehicle. That's our job." "We're the silent source that gets things done." "The first thing that comes to an operator's mind is, 'Oh, it's Big Brother looking at me.'" "We're not looking at you. We're looking at things where we can exonerate you." "In a million years, I would never have thought I could use GPS to help a family find answers in a crisis." "There's a difference between being on the cutting edge and the bleeding edge of technology." Action Steps: Define fleet's support role clearly. Ensure operators won't have to think about vehicle reliability. Invest in comprehensive onboarding safety training. Day one means full safety certification for new technicians. Build integration into technology strategy. GPS, telematics, and maintenance platforms should talk to each other. Test and pilot before scaling. Know your ROI before investing broadly. Reframe GPS technology as support, not surveillance. Train supervisors to tell the real story: optimization, efficiency, exoneration. Use GPS for driver exoneration first. Collect stories where technology proved your driver was right. Be on the cutting edge, not the bleeding edge. Adopt technology after proven track record, not day one. Accept the invisibility. Your greatest success is when nobody knows you're there. The Invisible Infrastructure Craig manages everything from police cars to fire trucks to waste vehicles to graders. In the private sector, you specialize. In public sector, you become a generalist. "You can't be specialized in one specific field. You have to be really good at multiple fields and understand the equipment." Safety starts on day one: comprehensive onboarding for technicians covering lifting vehicles, overhead cranes, and all safety protocols. But safety also means every vehicle leaving the yard is safe for the operator. One tire flying off due to improper torque creates real consequences. Technology evolved from paper files (1996) to integrated platforms. Today, Geotab GPS talks to FASTER fleet management. A driver reports a vehicle issue and it automatically generates a work order. Diagnostic codes surface before failures happen. From "Big Brother" to Exoneration Tool When GPS first appeared, operators feared surveillance. Craig's solution: reframe it. "It's up to fleet management to sell the program not based on 'it's a gotcha,' but 'it really helps us drive being more efficient,'" he explains. Fuel optimization, idle time reduction, vehicle diagnostics, cost savings. But the most powerful benefit? Exoneration. A code compliance officer gets backed into by another vehicle in a parking lot. The at-fault driver claims the fleet vehicle hit them. GPS data showed exactly what happened—and exonerated the driver completely. "That word gets out. You have to be able to pinpoint those things and raise that awareness. It's not just about Big Brother. It actually helps you guard against something." The culture shifted. Operators started trusting technology because they saw it work in their favor. The Cardiac Event: When GPS Became a Family Support Tool A code compliance officer suffered a cardiac event and became non-responsive at the VA hospital. His wife, searching for answers, contacted the supervisor. GPS immediately confirmed the vehicle location at the hospital and relayed it to the family. The technology didn't alert emergency responders or activate rescue protocols—instead, it gave the spouse the critical information she needed to locate her husband and connect with hospital staff. This single detail transformed GPS from a surveillance tool into genuine family protection Testing Before Scaling Craig has seen implementations fail when organizations hope technology solves problems. "The worst implementations are always, 'We hope that it does this,' or they're not testing as they implement," he says. His approach: pilot, test, measure ROI, then scale. Will it save man hours? Improve DOT compliance? Free up staff for meaningful work? "There's a difference between being on the cutting edge and the bleeding edge of technology." Advice for New Fleet Managers Find a mentor. Get certified through APWA programs. Join GFX (Government Fleet Executives). Remember that fleet exists to enable frontline operations. "Fleet management isn't for the weak. But there's a lot of rewards because when you see a fire truck on scene, you know you played a role." Key Takeaways ✓ Fleet's job is invisibility—make vehicles work so operators never think about them ✓ Comprehensive onboarding prevents workplace incidents ✓ Integrate systems so inspections automatically generate work orders ✓ Reframe GPS from surveillance to support through exoneration ✓ Test and pilot technology before scaling ✓ Use GPS for driver exoneration stories to build trust ✓ Be on the cutting edge, not the bleeding edge ✓ Greatest success is when nobody notices you're there Resources mentioned in this episode: Craig Croner on LinkedIn City of Glendale Fleet Services GFX – Government Fleet Executives APWA – American Public Works Association Geotab GPS & Telematics SPIDER® Driver Training Chad Lindholm on LinkedIn Gary Alexander on LinkedIn About Craig Croner Craig Croner is Deputy Director of Fleet Operations for the City of Glendale, Arizona, leading a team of 36 managing 1,500 assets across police, fire, solid waste, and municipal operations. With 30+ years of fleet management experience spanning beverage industry safety direction and centralized fleet services for the City of Boise, Craig brings a unique perspective on complex public sector infrastructure. A nationally recognized speaker and GFX advisor, Craig was inducted into the 2025 Public Fleet Hall of Fame for advancing fleet operations and technology integration in the public sector. This episode is brought to you by IMPROVLearning. At IMPROVLearning, we're dedicated to transforming driver education through innovative, research-backed training methods. Our SPIDER™ Driver Training platform combines humor with proven brain-training techniques to help drivers anticipate and avoid dangers on the road. Fleet operations provide the vehicles. SPIDER training develops the cognitive skills that complement your fleet infrastructure: hazard recognition, space management, and split-second decision-making. To learn more about how IMPROVLearning complements your fleet strategy, visit improvlearning.com.

    30 min

  3. JAN 22

    We're in the People Business: How Waste Connections Puts Culture Over Compliance

    We're in the People Business: How Waste Connections Puts Culture Over Compliance Brandon Leonard is the Region Safety Manager at Waste Connections with over 20 years of fleet experience. He leads safety strategy across waste and recycling operations, emphasizing servant leadership, people-first culture, and empowering frontline employees to make safe decisions in complex operating environments. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [1:11] How washing trucks at 17 led to a safety leadership career [4:45] What a day in the life of a waste collection driver actually looks like [7:46] Unique safety challenges in waste management operations [10:39] Balancing safety, performance, and service reliability [14:16] Interview questions that reveal safety mindset [17:48] Why onboarding never stops at day 15 [22:07] Using DriveCam to coach behavior, not punish outcomes [28:35] Managing change without overcomplicating safety programs [32:44] The one thing every safety leader must genuinely do In this episode… Waste collection drivers start their routes between midnight and 6 AM, navigating blind spots, hydraulic systems, and residential streets where impatient drivers create daily risks. They shake containers at 3 AM to check for sleeping occupants. They build relationships with customers multiple times every month. And they do this in every weather condition imaginable. This isn't typical fleet operations. This is waste management—and it demands a fundamentally different approach to safety. According to Brandon Leonard, the key isn't compliance checklists or disciplinary action. It's culture. It's hiring people who genuinely care. It's leaders who serve their teams instead of managing metrics. It's technology that prevents incidents instead of just reacting to them. After 6½ years in safety leadership, Brandon discovered something critical: Safety managers don't drive results directly. District managers, supervisors, and frontline leaders do. Brandon's job is to influence them and equip them with everything needed to keep their teams safe. His insight: Strong safety practices make consistent service possible. Reliability comes from drivers empowered to say "I'm not comfortable with this stop"—and meaning it. In this Roadrageous episode, Brandon reveals how Waste Connections builds safety cultures that scale, why "be safe but hurry up" creates dangerous pressure, and what happens when you genuinely care about people in an industry that never stops moving. Quotable Moments: "We're in the people business and we pick up trash. But who we are is we're in the people business." "If there's not a driver that reports directly to you, how do you affect change? Those are the ones you gotta influence." "We expect high performance, but never at the expense of safety. Never." "Telling people to be safe but to hurry up doesn't work. We have found that out time and time again." "We want to coach to prevent, not coach to react." "If you don't care about people, you shouldn't be in leadership." "Safety is more than compliance. You have to genuinely care about people." "Everybody wants to do great work. They're not doing it wrong because they want to do it wrong." Action Steps: Ask deep-diving interview questions that reveal authentic safety mindset—not yes/no answers Extend onboarding beyond day 15 by treating it as 90+ days of continuous check-ins Empower drivers to refuse unsafe stops by making it clear that saying "I'm not comfortable" is expected Use DriveCam to coach proactively, not react with discipline after the fact Defend drivers when AI gets it wrong by removing false positives and building trust in the system Train leaders on servant leadership, not just driver safety procedures Start change management by explaining "why" instead of just announcing policies Keep safety programs simple—complexity creates confusion and resistance Build teams that challenge you by creating psychological safety for difficult conversations Care genuinely about people while still measuring what matters The Hidden Complexity of Waste Collection When people think about waste collection, they picture a simple pickup. The reality is far more complex. Drivers conduct pre-trip inspections between midnight and 6 AM, then operate trucks with hydraulics, manage extreme blind spots, navigate tight alleys, and deal with an impatient public. On commercial routes, they face a unique challenge: people sleeping in dumpsters. Brandon explains the procedure: "We're servicing at 3 AM. We train to shake containers to make sure nobody's in there. There's a lot of time people are sleeping in there. That's scary for everyone." Beyond safety concerns, the job is intensely physical. Drivers work in all weather conditions, and they're also doing something critical: building customer relationships that lead to contract renewals. "They're not only picking up the trash," Brandon says. "They're getting contracts through great service and great humanity." The "Be Safe But Hurry Up" Problem Every fleet struggles with the tension between safety and productivity. Brandon confronts it directly. "Productivity matters. Numbers matter. KPIs matter," he acknowledges. "But telling people to be safe but to hurry up doesn't work." The message creates cognitive dissonance and pressure where judgment lapses happen. But Brandon also challenges the inverse: "Slow doesn't automatically mean safer. If you're going 35 on a 75-mile-an-hour highway, that's not safe." The solution is empowerment. "We expect high performance, but never at the expense of safety. Reliability comes from drivers who feel empowered to make the right decisions all the time." This works because drivers see conditions supervisors don't. Construction changes traffic patterns. New buildings create visibility issues. What was safe last year might not be safe today. Hiring for Safety: The Questions That Matter Most safety failures don't start on the road. They start in the interview. "Don't just hire butts in seats," Brandon warns. "When you're down three or four drivers, it's easy to make those decisions. But usually you're just in a vicious cycle for six months to a year." Here's what doesn't work: "Is safety a value to you?"—followed by the expected answer "Yes" with zero information gained. Here's what works: "What does safety mean to you?" "Give me a time when you were unsafe, how that made you feel, and how you corrected it." "Have you seen coworkers do something unsafe, and how did you respond?" "You're asking questions and getting to know who they are," Brandon explains. "They're authentically answering because they don't expect those." The key hiring criterion isn't experience. It's genuine care about safety and others. Onboarding That Never Ends Waste Connections has a 15-day onboarding program with 23 modules. But Brandon's philosophy goes deeper: Onboarding doesn't stop at day 15. "You have to continuously talk to this employee to see how they're doing. Onboarding is 90 days, six months—it could be whatever it is." Instead of cramming modules, drivers complete two per day—a pace designed for retention, not just completion. "If you throw a whole bunch of knowledge at them, they're just starting, nervous, and they're never going to retain any of that information." The program prioritizes culture over tactics by teaching who the company is first, then how to do the job. "We want to get their buy-in, get their family's buy-in to who they are working for." DriveCam: Exoneration Over Discipline Brandon's approach separates average programs from exceptional ones. "DriveCam is one of our number one tools. But we want to coach to prevent, not coach to react." They view cameras as exoneration tools first, coaching tools second, and disciplinary tools last. "It exonerates our employees a lot more than it hurts them. When it can show everything they're doing right—because they do so much right—it helps them get confidence in the system." Brandon sees proof in driver behavior: drivers come in saying "Hey, this is what I did. Let's talk about it," or "Look at this incident I avoided by being alert and aware." That's trust, not fear. But this only works if leaders coach rather than just discipline. "If you use this as a disciplinary tool and don't put the time and energy to make them better—doing ride-alongs, taking them to lunch, getting to know them—you're failing them." When AI Gets It Wrong Brandon's response: Defend your drivers. "You can't allow AI to coach your employees. AI is not right 100% of the time. It's your job to defend your employees and say, 'This guy's doing everything right. We need to remove this.'" This builds invaluable respect and trust. He also warns against soft coaching, which destroys credibility. Either the behavior was unsafe and needs correction, or it wasn't and should be removed. Training Leaders, Not Just Drivers Most fleet safety programs focus exclusively on drivers. Waste Connections invests heavily in leadership development. "It's not just drivers you're training. It's district managers, division vice presidents. Training never stops for any of us." But the training isn't about safety procedures—it's about serving people. "We bring people to corporate for specific trainings—not how to be safer, how to get to know your people better. How do you serve your people that then will follow you to be safer?" Change Management: Start With Why Brandon's approach comes down to three principles: 1. Start with Why. "People need to understand why you're doing something—not just because it's a policy. People are far more willing to embrace change when they understand the reason behind it." 2. Get Input (Even If You Can't Change the Outcome). "If you get people's input, at least they had a word in it. Doesn't mean you have to do what they said, but you have to listen." 3. Keep It Simple. "Simple scales a lot better every

    39 min

  4. JAN 9

    When Technology Meets Tight Alleys: Running a Modern Municipal Fleet

    Municipal fleets operate under a microscope. Every dollar is taxpayer money. Every decision faces scrutiny. Every vehicle supports critical public services. So how do you balance innovation, sustainability, and reliability at massive scale? Eric Winterset knows. As Fleet Services Bureau Manager for the City of Long Beach, he oversees 1,600 rolling stock units serving police, fire, refuse, helicopters, boats, and beach maintenance. Under his leadership, Long Beach has become an early adopter of AI-powered predictive maintenance, automated tire monitoring, and flexible EV infrastructure—while managing operations that never stop. In this episode, Eric reveals: How AI predictive maintenance increased fleet availability from 90% to 93% Why he intentionally let vehicles break down to prove the technology works The automated tire monitoring posts eliminating surprise downtime Flexible EV infrastructure strategies (solar chargers, propane trailers) that bridge the gap before permanent installations Why major EV manufacturers are pausing production—and what it means for fleet planning The hidden training challenge nobody discusses (spoiler: it's not just about vehicles) Real differences between private and public sector fleet operations How Long Beach manages one of only three municipal towing operations in the U.S. Whether you're in municipal fleet management, considering EV adoption, or navigating technology implementation at scale, Eric's nearly 30 years of experience offers practical frameworks for pilots, buy-in, and flexibility. Listen now to discover how Long Beach is building the fleet of the future—one innovation at a time. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Eric Winterset on LinkedIn City of Long Beach Fleet Services Pitstop – AI Predictive Maintenance SPIDER® Driver Training Chad Lindholm on LinkedIn Gary Alexander on LinkedIn Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Long Beach City College Subscribe for more fleet safety insights and industry innovations! SPONSORED BY: IMPROV Learning Transform driver education with SPIDER™ Driver Training—research-backed methods that help drivers anticipate and avoid dangers on the road. Visit: https://www.improvlearning.com/ #FleetManagement #MunicipalFleet #PredictiveMaintenance #AIinFleet #EVInfrastructure #Sustainability #FleetSafety #RoadRageous #Podcast

    35 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Stop Collecting Data. Start Changing Drivers.

    EPISODE SUMMARY: Fleets have safety policies everywhere—but drivers make real-time decisions about whether to follow them. Nancy Bendickson reveals how systematic gap assessment transforms disconnected safety programs into accountability structures that actually stick, turning telematics alerts into behavioral change through collaborative implementation, not top-down mandates. With 40+ years of experience in safety leadership and risk control, Nancy has shaped safety programs for multinational corporations, led global fleet audits, and investigated everything from routine crashes to complex international incidents. As Aon's GRC thought leader for transportation safety, she partners with large clients to analyze loss data, uncover risk drivers, and build strategies that meaningfully reduce risk. In this episode, we explore what separates fleets that transform their safety outcomes from those stuck in compliance theater—and the collaborative, data-driven approach that actually works. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: [2:59] How a dietetics degree led Nancy into insurance risk analysis and why her unconventional path shaped her safety approach [5:11] Why people stay in safety careers for decades—and what makes the work truly rewarding [6:12] The gap assessment framework: Your starting point for meaningful safety improvement (what to evaluate, why it matters) [10:54] The most common safety gaps Nancy finds across fleets (and why they systematically undermine programs) [12:30] Why management buy-in is non-negotiable for safety program success (and how to build it) [15:15] How telematics transformed fleet safety monitoring—and why data without action creates liability [18:45] The critical difference between telematics data (what happened) and fleet cameras (why it happened) [20:22] Building accountability structures when drivers make real-time safety decisions in the field [30:51] Creating collaborative safety implementation that gains genuine organizational buy-in [36:56] How to reduce total cost of risk through strategic loss prevention and targeted initiatives [40:29] What's next: Making telematics implementation truly effective in 2025 and beyond KEY TAKEAWAYS: The gap assessment process examines 8 critical areas: management support, driver selection, training, vehicle management, substance abuse programs, incident management, driver monitoring, and accountability/role clarity Many organizations implement telematics but fail to maximize impact because they lack processes around data management, coaching protocols, corrective action, and continuous monitoring Effective safety programs require collaborative planning, not consultant prescriptions—genuine organizational buy-in separates successful programs from those that fade Forward-facing cameras provide critical context that telematics alone cannot—showing not just what happened, but why and who was at fault The real gap in fleet safety isn't data collection; it's turning data into driver behavior change through structured coaching and accountability Safety leaders who succeed are those who remain flexible, learn continuously, and adapt their approach as organizational needs change Total cost of risk reduction involves frequency management, severity management, documented loss control practices, and sustainable safety culture GUEST BIO: Nancy Bendickson is a Managing Consultant at Aon with over 40 years of experience in safety leadership, risk control, and strategic loss prevention. She partners with large casualty clients to analyze loss data, uncover key risk drivers, and implement targeted strategies for meaningful risk reduction across fleet operations, occupational safety, and general liability exposures. Her career spans diverse roles including 14 years in insurance loss control, leadership at Minnesota Safety Council, corporate safety management at Cargill (where she led global fleet task forces), and 29 years at Aon. She has conducted safety audits for multinational corporations, investigated incidents internationally (including a notable truck accident in Papua New Guinea), and contributes expertise to the EMS Safety Foundation. As Aon's GRC thought leader for transportation and food safety, Nancy brings rare combination of operational insight and technical mastery. Her work demonstrates that effective safety leadership requires honest assessment, collaborative implementation, and unwavering focus on reducing risk. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "When I get a new assignment, I need to figure out what's the current state. Where are their pain points? What are their trends for losses?" "We have telematics data now. How well are you managing that data? Do you have a process in place to help you make sure that events are being handled?" "As a consultant, I can only go so far, but if we can gain some buy in and have this ongoing strategy, we're going to have more success." "Now we have a true picture of what happened. Where did it happen? And we can know, yep, I need to definitely settle that one right away, because we know we've got fault there." "The big lot in life for us in casualty risk control is, how can I impact that total cost of risk for a client?" "You got to be flexible and just kind of be ready to move and change as the client is providing focus for you." TOPICS DISCUSSED: #FleetSafety #SafetyLeadership #Telematics #GapAssessment #RiskManagement #DriverTraining #FleetManagement #BehavioralChange #CasualtyRiskControl #InsuranceSavings #SafetyCulture #AccountabilityStructures #FleetCameras #LossPrevention #Aon #ImprovedLearning #SPIDER CONNECT WITH NANCY: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-bendickson-cds-csp-arm-54616714/ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Aon Risk Solutions - Transportation: https://www.aon.com/en/solutions/transportation EMS Safety Foundation: https://www.emsafe.org/ SPIDER® Driver Training - IMPROVLearning: https://www.improvlearning.com/fleet-training/ Minnesota Safety Council Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS): https://trafficsafety.org National Safety Council (NSC): https://www.nsc.org

    43 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    From Data Overload to Driver Engagement: Making Telematics Actually Work

    From Data Overload to Driver Engagement: Making Telematics Actually Work Phil Kozdemba is a seasoned business development leader with a proven track record in sales management, strategic partnerships, and technology-driven growth. At GO Analytics, he's driving global expansion by building high-impact relationships with customers, resellers, and industry partners, helping fleets transform overwhelming telematics data into clear, actionable insights. With experience spanning Microsoft and now GO Analytics—a company focused on enhancing the Geotab experience by creating workflows that make telematics data more actionable and usable—Phil brings a unique mix of innovation, scalability, and customer focus. His work is shaping the future of fleet safety and efficiency, ensuring technology serves the people who rely on it every day. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [02:04] Phil's journey from Microsoft retail to fleet safety technology and why it feels like meaningful work [04:11] How GO Analytics bridges the gap between data overload and actionable fleet insights [06:27] Why giving drivers direct access to their own risk data changes everything [08:25] The power of treating drivers like adults and letting them make informed decisions [09:45] Building safety culture through leaderboards celebrating improvement, not just identifying problems [10:11] Meeting fleets where they are: from safety skeptics to fully adopted organizations [12:31] Why the most impactful safety direction comes from direct supervisors, not chatbots [14:59] Balancing biometric driver ID technology with privacy concerns and union considerations [17:04] The evolution of camera acceptance: from "no way" to industry standard [19:12] Taking a tactical approach: focusing on one safety issue at a time instead of overwhelming systems [21:25] How the Geotab Marketplace transformed GO Analytics from custom solution to scalable product In this episode... Fleets are drowning in telematics data. Terabytes of information flow in daily about vehicle performance, driver behavior, maintenance needs, and more. But having data doesn't equal having insight, and having insight doesn't automatically drive behavioral change. How do you transform overwhelming information into workflows that actually make drivers safer? According to Phil Kozdemba, Business Development Leader at GO Analytics, the answer lies in making data accessible at every level of an organization—especially to the drivers themselves. By creating intuitive interfaces that give drivers direct visibility into their own performance, risk scores, and improvement trends, fleets can move from top-down enforcement to bottom-up engagement. Phil explains how combining AI-powered automation with human conversation creates the most effective path to behavioral change. In this episode of RoadRageous, host Chad Lindholm sits down with Phil to explore how GO Analytics transforms Geotab's comprehensive telematics platform into actionable workflows. They discuss why driver engagement beats punishment, how to balance technology with privacy, and why successful safety programs focus on one challenge at a time rather than trying to solve everything at once. Quotable Moments: "I really wanted to be part of something that I felt strongly about. I know that the work we are committed to doing is helping save lives and reduce accidents." "If the driver doesn't react to what's being presented to them, you're not going to inflict the change that you want." "Give them that information directly and let them make adult decisions with their driving behaviors. That is the core of how to make our roads safer." "Positive reinforcement is so important. Who's doing the best? Who's the most improved? Who do we want to celebrate?" "Automation is important, but it can't replace everything. There is an immediate distaste when you're being bombarded by technology versus someone you directly talk to every day." "What interests the boss fascinates the worker. If my boss talks to me about my actual driving, that's going to have a bigger impact than a chatbot." "Focus on the things that matter most. Take things one piece at a time. If you try to adapt all the functionality at once, you're going to get overwhelmed." "The marketplace has been an absolute godsend for us. It truly lifted our solution into a place where we couldn't have achieved it in that amount of time on our own." Action Steps: Empower drivers with direct data access: Provide drivers visibility into their own risk scores, trends, and improvement progress Combine automation with human touch: Use AI tools to identify issues but rely on direct supervisors for meaningful coaching conversations Celebrate positive behaviors: Create leaderboards highlighting top performers and most improved drivers alongside risk concerns Focus on one challenge at a time: Start with a single high-priority safety issue (like cell phone use) before expanding to other areas Communicate technology changes clearly: Ensure drivers understand what's being recorded, why it matters, and how it protects them Build tactical implementation plans: Roll out safety technology in structured phases rather than all at once Leverage ecosystem partnerships: Utilize marketplace platforms to scale solutions faster and reach larger customer bases Prioritize driver engagement over punishment: Frame safety programs as tools for improvement, not surveillance mechanisms Transforming Telematics Data Into Driver Engagement In a recent episode of RoadRageous, host Chad Lindholm welcomed Phil Kozdemba, Business Development Leader at GO Analytics, to discuss how fleets can move beyond data collection to meaningful behavioral change. The conversation centered on making complex telematics systems accessible, balancing technology with human connection, and implementing safety programs that drivers actually embrace. From Microsoft to Fleet Safety Technology Phil shared his journey from running business-focused pilot programs at Microsoft to joining the fleet safety space. His background in integrating software with hardware to help businesses save time and money translated naturally to fleet operations, but what drew him to GO Analytics was the opportunity to do work that genuinely saves lives—a mission that makes the role personally meaningful. Key Discussion Points: Making Geotab Data Actionable: GO Analytics builds intuitive interfaces on top of Geotab's comprehensive telematics platform, creating dedicated workflows for every organizational level from drivers to CEOs. Driver-Facing Transparency: Unlike many risk management systems that focus only on management reporting, GO Analytics provides drivers direct access to their own performance data, enabling self-coaching and adult decision-making. The Human Element in Safety Technology: Phil emphasized that while AI automation helps identify issues and streamline processes, actual behavioral change happens through face-to-face conversations with trusted supervisors. Positive Reinforcement Culture: The platform includes leaderboards celebrating top performers and most improved drivers, not just highlighting risk concerns—building safety culture through recognition. Privacy and Biometric Technology: The discussion addressed the complex balance between streamlining driver identification through biometric systems and respecting privacy concerns, especially in unionized and public sector environments. Camera Technology Evolution: Phil noted how driver-facing cameras have evolved from controversial "no way" technology to increasingly accepted industry standard as privacy concerns adapt to our connected world. Tactical Implementation Strategy: Rather than overwhelming fleets with comprehensive functionality all at once, Phil recommends focusing intensely on one high-priority safety issue before expanding to additional concerns. The Geotab Marketplace Advantage A significant portion of the conversation focused on how the Geotab Marketplace transformed GO Analytics from a custom solution for a single customer into a scalable product reaching major fleets worldwide. The "Order Now" patent status opened doors to enterprise customers that would have taken years to reach independently. Conclusion: Phil's insights demonstrate that effective fleet safety technology isn't about collecting more data—it's about making existing data accessible, understandable, and actionable at every organizational level. By combining automated intelligence with human connection and focusing on driver empowerment over enforcement, fleets can create sustainable safety improvements that protect both people and business operations. PROFILE DESCRIPTION: Phil Kozdemba Business Development Leader at GO Analytics with proven expertise in sales management, strategic partnerships, and technology-driven growth. With experience from Microsoft's business solutions division, Phil now drives global expansion by helping fleets transform overwhelming telematics data into clear, actionable insights through the Geotab ecosystem. He specializes in building high-impact relationships that scale innovative safety solutions while ensuring technology serves the people who depend on it daily. Resources mentioned in this episode: Phil Kozdemba on LinkedIn GO Analytics Geotab Geotab Marketplace Chad Lindholm on LinkedIn IMPROVLearning Previous episode with Emily Garza on fleet complexity and continuous learning Sponsor for this episode: This episode is brought to you by IMPROVLearning. At IMPROVLearning, we're dedicated to transforming driver education through innovative, research-backed training methods. Our SPIDER™ Driver Training platform combines humor with proven brain-training techniques to help drivers anticipate and avoid potential dangers on the road. With over four million students trained, we know that learning sticks best when it's engaging, short, and actively tested — resulting in fewer

    27 min

  7. 09/18/2025

    From Death Care to Data Analytics: How Fleet Complexity Demands Continuous Learning

    Emily Garza is a seasoned fleet leader with experience spanning both the private sector and fleet management companies. Emily has built a reputation for driving efficiency, optimizing vehicle acquisition strategies, and leading teams through change with sharp focus on cost savings, compliance, and operational excellence. She's managed fleets across organizations like Rivian, Arch Rock, and Red Bull, and now serves as Fleet Asset Manager at Sempra Infrastructure. Beyond her technical expertise, Emily is known as a collaborative team player, skilled negotiator, and fun fact—an avid proofreader and copy editor who brings precision to everything she does. With her background in English from Southern Illinois University and years of hands-on leadership, Emily blends analytical insight with clear communication, a combination that has made her an agent of change throughout her career. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:30] Emily's unexpected journey from planning law school to two decades in fleet management [03:45] Strategies for attracting more women to fleet through mentorship and industry associations [05:20] The most unusual fleets: from hearses and limos to Mini Coopers with coolers and mobile DJ booths [07:15] Emily's classic "how many bodies" story from a Ford Fleet preview event [09:30] Taking on new challenges: expanding fleet operations into Mexico and learning Spanish [12:00] Common misconceptions about fleet management: "It's not easy—there are a lot of moving parts" [14:15] The explosion of fleet technology: from telematics to AI, predictive analytics, and data security [16:45] Key metrics that matter: cost per mile, total cost of ownership, and rightsizing fleets [18:30] "Nobody gets safer by doing nothing" - the evolution from Big Brother to protective technology [21:00] Coaching vs. punishment: using data to analyze driving environments, not drivers [23:15] The value of NAFA's CAFM program and succession planning in fleet management [26:30] Current challenges: tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and the sustainability push [29:00] Essential advice for newcomers: embrace chaos, manage up, and get an emotional support dumpster fire In this episode... Fleet management isn't rocket science—unless you're managing NASA's fleet, in which case it literally is. But for everyone else, the complexity lies in the countless moving parts, evolving technology, and the misconception that fleet work is somehow simple or straightforward. How do you navigate an industry that's constantly changing while building the expertise needed to lead effectively? According to Emily Garza, Fleet Asset Manager at Sempra Infrastructure, success comes from embracing the chaos and never stopping the learning process. With experience managing everything from hearses to Red Bull's promotional vehicles, Emily has seen how fleet complexity varies dramatically across industries. She emphasizes that while fleet management has evolved from basic vehicle procurement to sophisticated data analytics and global operations, the fundamentals remain the same: focus on cost control, safety, and building strong industry relationships. In this episode of RoadRageous, host Chad Lindholm sits down with Emily to explore her unconventional career path and the lessons learned from managing diverse fleets across multiple industries. They discuss the importance of mentorship for women entering the field, how technology has transformed fleet operations, and why succession planning isn't just nice to have—it's critical for organizational success. Quotable Moments: "I did not embark on a lifelong quest to manage fleet vehicles. I took my first job at Enterprise so I could work for a year or two and then eventually go back to law school." "How many bodies do you think I can fit in there? I work in the death care industry—I don't just have a habit of offing people and throwing them in the back of vans." "The most common incorrect assumption is that fleet is easy. It's not brain surgery or rocket science, but there's a lot of moving parts." "Nobody gets safer by doing nothing. Safety is such an important aspect of fleet these days." "We analyze the driving environment, not pinpoint the driver themselves. We look at trends, not one-offs." "Succession planning isn't a nice to have—it's critical." "Embrace the chaos, manage up, and never stop networking or educating yourself." "Get yourself an emotional support dumpster fire. Sometimes he listens to me vent, sometimes he just sits there patiently."

    22 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    From Combat to Bucket Trucks: Military Leadership Principles Transform Fleet Safety

    Rob Matthews currently serves as Regional Fleet Manager at Lewis Tree Service, a 100% employee-owned company where he oversees critical operations across a diverse fleet of commercial and utility vehicles. A Marine Corps veteran with over 27 years of hands-on experience, Rob has built an impressive track record managing light, medium, and heavy-duty fleets across industries including waste management, propane distribution, and military logistics. His approach is rooted in operational excellence, data-driven decision making, and a relentless focus on safety, compliance, and process improvement. From multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to executing fleet strategy back home, Rob brings discipline, accountability, and mentorship to the forefront of everything he does. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [02:43] Rob's journey from Hot Wheels in the sandbox to managing real bucket trucks [04:23] The unique challenge of "incidental drivers" who are craft workers first, drivers second [06:28] How Lewis Tree Service keeps America's power lines clear while managing 26,000-pound vehicles [08:39] The two-method approach: being present with drivers and using coaching-focused technology [10:46] Why driver-facing cameras became a game-changer for behavior modification and coaching [13:25] Real-world exoneration stories: how video evidence protects drivers and resolves disputes [15:30] Tracking safe driving habits instead of just measuring crashes and incidents [18:07] The power of positive reinforcement: celebrating good behaviors caught on camera [19:10] "Complacency kills" – bringing military mindset to civilian fleet safety culture [21:11] Supply chain challenges and the importance of backup plans in fleet management [26:30] Why humility and continuous learning are essential for fleet managers [31:09] Lightning round: theme songs, futuristic features, and the hot dog sandwich debate In this episode… When your drivers are craft workers first and professional drivers second, how do you instill the discipline needed to safely operate 26,000-pound bucket trucks through residential neighborhoods? The challenge becomes even more complex when these same drivers are responsible for keeping America's lights on, often working in high-pressure storm response situations where lives and communities depend on their expertise. According to Rob Matthews, Regional Fleet Manager at Lewis Tree Service, the answer lies in combining military leadership principles with smart technology deployment. Drawing from his Marine Corps experience and 27 years in fleet operations, Rob explains how his team transformed their safety culture by focusing on coaching rather than punishment, using driver-facing cameras as development tools, and maintaining the "complacency kills" mindset that keeps standards high even when operations run smoothly. In this episode of RoadRageous, host Chad Lindholm sits down with Rob to explore how military discipline translates to civilian fleet management. They discuss the unique challenges of managing incidental drivers, the power of positive reinforcement in safety programs, and why building authentic relationships with frontline workers is just as important as implementing the latest technology.

    35 min
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About

This is Roadrageous, the podcast for safer drivers, smarter training, and bold ideas. Featuring innovators and thought leaders from the driver training industry, we're here to inspire and educate.

Information

  • Creator
    IMPROVLearning
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Roadrageous (c) 2025
  • Show Website
    Roadrageous