Why Women with Drive matters — especially now
Commentary by Angela Splinter, CEO, Trucking HR Canada
In times of uncertainty, connection is essential, not just for coping, but for thriving.
Across the trucking and logistics sector, organizations and individuals are navigating shifting economic conditions, workforce pressures, technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership. In times like this, it can be tempting to narrow our focus to immediate operational priorities.
But it’s especially during these periods that investing in people – their growth, resilience, and networks – has the biggest impact.
That’s why the Women with Drive Leadership Summit (WWD), which takes place on March 5 in Toronto, continues to be such an important event.
Stability through financial confidence
Uncertainty often shows up first as financial anxiety, whether personal or professional. This year’s WWD agenda includes a session on financial stability, recognizing that financial literacy and long-term planning are foundational to confidence and security.
When individuals feel more in control of their financial futures, they are better positioned to take leadership risks, pursue advancement, and contribute strategically within their organizations. Financial empowerment is not separate from professional empowerment – it supports it.
Melissa Leong is a sought-after speaker, media personality and best-selling author known for delivering high-energy, informative, and practical talks about personal finance. As an added bonus – WWD attendees will also receive a copy of her recent book Happy Go Money.
The power of strategic networks
Economic uncertainty can also create isolation. Roles shift, teams restructure, and long-standing relationships evolve. In this environment, strong professional networks are more than career accelerators, they are sources of insight, opportunity, and resilience.
Our networking-focused session acknowledges that building authentic relationships is a skill. Strategic networking helps people expand influence, gain mentors, and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. This powerful session is being led by Angela Payne and will leave everyone feeling empowered.
Inspiration as a practical tool
In uncertain times, inspiration is not abstract — it’s practical.
An inspirational keynote can remind us why leadership diversity strengthens our sector. Stories of perseverance, innovation, and impact help anchor us in possibility rather than limitation. They reinforce that progress in trucking and logistics has always been driven by people willing to step forward, even when the road ahead wasn’t fully clear.
The Learning Highway: Practical growth, real conversations
The Learning Highway breakout sessions reflect the reality that professional growth is not one-size-fits-all. Whether focused on leadership skills, new technologies, or navigating workplace challenges, these sessions facilitate real conversations and actionable learning.
At a time when many are being asked to do more with less, practical tools and shared experiences become invaluable.
A day of camaraderie and momentum
Perhaps most importantly, Women with Drive is a day of connection and camaraderie. It is a reminder that progress in our industry is collective.
In trucking, where women remain underrepresented in many roles, these conversations matter.
Women with Drive is not simply an event on the calendar. It is a reaffirmation that investing in people, in their financial confidence, professional networks, skills, and sense of belonging, is one of the most practical responses to uncertain times.
Our curated agenda matters now more than ever. We look forward to connecting with you and moving forward on this journey together.
Find out more about the 2026 Women with Drive Leadership Summit.
Trucking HR Canada is the recognized national authority on workforce strategy for the trucking and logistics sector. We’re a non-profit centre of excellence, engaging with employers, governments, think tanks, industry groups, and stakeholders.
Media contact: comms@truckinghr.com
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