Podcast: executive sessions – changing careers from auto to rail
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In this episode of Executive Sessions, we explore career transitions between manufacturing sectors with Bill Krueger, President of Global Manufacturing Operations at The Greenbrier Companies. Drawing from his 35-year career with automotive titans like GM, Toyota, and Nissan before moving to rail car manufacturing, Bill shares insights on successfully navigating major industry shifts, identifies key differences between automotive and rail manufacturing, and details what it’s like to develop ESG practices in a new industry.
Bill’s key takeaway is that management skills can transfer across sectors, so long as there is respect for existing systems and active listening is used to understand how management must adapt to a new environment. Bill also discusses developing ESG initiatives in new industries and his involvement in innovative initiatives like “stretch programs” within rail manufacturing to upcycle retired railcars.