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A Closer Look at the Sessions Powering Propel 2025

Get ready to dive deeper into the sessions shaping the future of leadership in rail. The full agenda for Propel 2025 is here—and it's built to deliver practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and career-defining moments. Whether you're focused on building influence, navigating new challenges, or expanding your network, this one-day summit is designed to meet you where you are in the rail industry—and move you forward.

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Summit Highlights

9 AM Opening Session

The Inside Track: Career Lessons from Across Rail's Ecosystem

Get candid insights from professionals across Class I, Short Line, Contractor, and Supplier roles as they share what it really takes to succeed in every corner of rail. Learn the unspoken rules, unique pressures, and how each role connects across the industry.

Skill Building Sessions

10 AM Morning Skill Building Session: Understanding Your Leadership Strengths

Discover your personal leadership style using the CliftonStrengths Talent assessment and learn how to leverage it for stronger collaboration and team success. Walk away with a personalized strengths report and practical tools to lead from any level.

1:15 PM Afternoon Skill Session: Managing Up

Learn practical strategies to support your manager, improve team performance, and strengthen communication when leadership falls short. Managing up is a career-boosting skill that benefits you, your team, and your organization.

11:45 AM Fireside Chat

Moments That Matter: A Conversation on Connection and Career Impact

Watco leaders reflect on career-defining moments of mentorship, growth, and connection—and how showing up for others shapes leadership. This personal conversation will spark fresh thinking on how to create meaningful impact in your own journey.

3:15 PM Closing Session

Elevate Your Brand: Strategic Presence for Career Growth

Position yourself for the next step with actionable tips to sharpen your professional brand, communication, and digital presence. Talent strategy and recruiting expert Michele Lasky of SPRING shares what truly sets high performers apart—and how to show up where it counts.

Explore Full Agenda »

Meet the Featured Speakers

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Matt Mueleners

Facilitator
Focus Training 

 


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Laura McNichol

Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer
Watco

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Zachary Boehme

Senior Vice President of Sales
Watco

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Michele Malski

President/Founder
SPRING

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Pat Foran

Editor-In-Chief
Progressive Railroading Magazine
MODERATOR




A Leadership Summit for High-Potential
Rail Professionals

Monday, October 6, 2025
Convene • 311 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL

Learn More » Register Today »

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