Emerging Leaders in Transportation Program
Source - Kirkwood Community College
Why It Matters
As supply chains become more complex, the need for strong, adaptable leaders continues to grow.
By supporting this program, Fifth Season Consulting helps organizations develop leaders who can:
Think systemically, not just functionally
Lead with clarity, not just urgency
Create alignment across teams in high-pressure environments
This work contributes to building a more resilient, collaborative, and future-ready transportation workforce.
Need a program facilitator to connect the content back to objective? Let’s connect!
Facilitating Kirkwood’s program that teaches the next generation of transportation leaders.
Overview
Beginning January 2027, Fifth Season Consulting will facilitate the Emerging Leaders in Transportation Certificate Program through Kirkwood Community College’s Corporate Training division.
This multi-session leadership development program is designed to equip current and future leaders in transportation and logistics with the skills needed to navigate an evolving, complex industry.
The Opportunity
The transportation and logistics industry is rapidly evolving, requiring leaders who can do more than manage day-to-day operations—they must:
Navigate complexity across functions
Lead through disruption and constant change
Align teams across operations, customer service, and strategy
Many professionals step into leadership roles with strong technical expertise but limited exposure to cross-functional leadership and systems thinking.
The Approach
As a facilitator within the program, Fifth Season Consulting supports participants through interactive, real-world learning experiences designed to bridge operational knowledge with leadership capability.
Program Structure
The Emerging Leaders in Transportation program includes:
A series of guided sessions led by industry experts
A cohort-based learning experience
Content spanning industry knowledge, leadership development, and operational alignment
Participants explore how different roles within transportation organizations—such as operations, planning, customer service, and support functions—connect to keep freight moving efficiently.
Facilitation Focus
Fifth Season brings a systems + human-centered lens to the program, helping leaders:
Understand how decisions impact the broader system
Improve communication across teams and functions
Build clarity around roles, expectations, and ownership
Develop leadership habits that support both performance and sustainability
The approach emphasizes application over theory, ensuring participants can immediately translate learning into their daily roles.
Impact
Through this program, participants are able to:
Strengthen leadership skills within transportation-specific contexts
Improve cross-functional collaboration and communication
Gain a clearer understanding of how their role fits within the larger system
Build confidence in decision-making and leadership presence
The program is designed to prepare individuals not only for their current roles, but for future leadership opportunities within the industry.

