Steering Through Change: A Masterclass in Leadership with Kansas Turnpike Authority CEO Steve Hewitt

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When the winds of change blow through the plains of leadership, few stand as firm and adept as Steve Hewitt, CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. Our latest episode is a testament to the power of steering through upheaval with grace and strategy, as Steve recounts his journey from a Parks and Rec job to the helm of a major transportation network. Facing down the challenges of an EF5 tornado in Greensburg, Kansas, he honed the crisis management skills that now underpin his efforts to ensure the safe passage of thousands each day.
Navigating the transition from toll booths to the sleek efficiency of cashless tolling might seem like a daunting task, but for Steve and his team, it's an exhilarating opportunity to reshape the future of travel. In this candid conversation, we explore the heartbeat of change as Steve discusses the delicate balance of honoring tradition while embracing innovation. His insights into the reassignment of staff and the pivotal role of customer feedback in sculpting a travel experience that is not just efficient but future-ready, offer a roadmap for any organization driving toward transformative change.
This episode isn't just about tolls and turnpikes; it's a masterclass in the philosophy of leadership and the art of change management. Steve lays bare the complexities of guiding a storied institution through significant operational shifts without losing sight of its foundational principles. As we reflect on the importance of adaptability and the courage to evolve, Steve's unwavering commitment to dialogue with stakeholders and his thoughtful approach to leadership elucidate why the Kansas Turnpike Authority remains a beacon of progress in the transportation industry.
DriveKS.com | Cashless Tolling coming July 2024
Steve Hewitt is the Kansas Turnpike Authority’s Chief Executive Officer. He works to set the strategic direction of the organization and oversees its day-to-day operations. He also represents the KTA in the transportation and tolling fields. With over 18 years of executive level experience, Steve’s customer-valued and innovative approach focuses on a quality roadway while advancing the organizational overall strategy.
For nearly 70 years, the Kansas Turnpike has been a reliable and customer-valued transportation option, for both Kansas and the region. The Kansas Turnpike Authority remains focused on its organizational goals to preserve and modernize the roadway. 2024 marks the biggest change since KTA’s beginning... cashless tolling. This presentation will take a deeper dive into the decisions and steps KTA is taking to make this historic change while staying true to its values. You’ll learn how cashless tolling will work and what the change means for you.

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Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

Chapters

1. Leadership and Change Management Journey (00:00:04)

2. Transitioning to Cashless Tolling Initiative (00:13:43)

3. Leadership and Change Management Philosophy (00:20:42)

4. Leadership Podcast Discusses Organizational Change (00:32:15)