In this episode of The Future of Ground Transportation, host Daniel Perez sits down with Blaise Sullivan, Program Director of the Boston CDL Driving School. Blaise shares his journey of revitalizing a dormant educational program and the strategic operational shifts required to build a high-performance training facility from the ground up.

We explore the critical intersection of workforce development and future technology. Blaise offers a pragmatic, 10-year forecast on autonomous trucking, debunking myths about "robot takeovers" while highlighting where automation will actually dominate. If you are a fleet executive, investor, or operations leader looking to navigate the talent shortage and the evolution of logistics, this is a must-listen.

We Deep-Dive Into:

• The strategic revitalization of the Boston CDL School and its operational roadmap.

• A realistic 10-year market forecast: Autonomous highway transit vs. human-centric urban delivery.

• Workforce development strategies to bridge the gap between talent shortages and industry demand.

• The "No Shortcuts" management philosophy for building high-reliability organizations.

• The psychology of training: Overcoming fear barriers to build a confident, high-performance driver fleet.

• Leveraging team dynamics and perspective to fix operational dysfunctions.

Episode Highlights:

Market Dynamics: The real constraints on driver availability.We analyze the impact of strict federal compliance standards on the current talent pool and the recruitment challenges facing fleet operators. The discussion highlights why regulatory friction is reducing the workforce and how the industry must pivot to attract a new generation of logistics professionals.

Future Tech: Why autonomous vehicles will dominate highways but struggle in cities.A realistic forecast of the "hub-to-hub" model where automation handles long-haul highway efficiency. Blaise details why complex urban logistics, backing into docks, and "last-mile" maneuvering will remain human-centric operations for the foreseeable future due to unpredictable environmental variables.

Management: Applying "Type A" efficiency to blue-collar teams.Translating the "no shortcuts" philosophy into a scalable operational strategy. We discuss how enforcing high-performance standards and accountability can drive productivity in operational teams, proving that doing things the "hard way" often yields the highest long-term ROI.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

• Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

• Organization: Boston CDL School

• Organization: DPV Transportation

About the Guest

Blaise Sullivan serves as the Program Director for the Boston CDL School, where he leads the strategic revitalization and operational expansion of the institution's commercial driving programs. With a diverse 40-year tenure in the transportation sector, Blaise has held management roles ranging from Hazardous Waste Safety Director to logistics training.

His expertise lies in workforce development, safety compliance, and operational scalability. Currently, he focuses on bridging the gap between traditional transportation methods and the future of logistics technology, preparing the next generation of professionals for a hybrid industry.

In this episode of The Future of Ground Transportation, host Daniel Perez sits down with Drake Bauer, Co-Founder and CEO of Proaction, a groundbreaking workspace platform designed to transform fleet management. Drake shares his journey and the mission behind Proaction: to provide modular solutions that eliminate the inefficiencies of outdated, disconnected systems. We explore how Proaction is moving the industry from a reactive "firefighting" model to a proactive, data-driven approach. Discover the power of their AI, which can automatically process invoices and even allow technicians to conduct vehicle inspections simply by speaking. If you're involved in fleet operations, logistics, or the future of transportation, this is a must-listen.⚡️ We Deep-Dive Into:* The founding story of Proaction and its mission. * The critical need for a unified workspace in fleet management. * Real-world applications of AI: Automated invoices and audio-powered inspections. * The strategy for moving from reactive to proactive maintenance. * How to manage mixed fleets of traditional, EV, and autonomous vehicles. 👏 Episode Highlights:- The critical need for a unified workspace in fleet management.Discover why relying on a patchwork of spreadsheets and disconnected software is costing your business time and money. Drake explains how a "single pane of glass" creates a single source of truth for all your operations, from maintenance to compliance.- Real-world applications of AI: Automated invoices and audio-powered inspections.Go beyond the buzzwords and see how AI is practically applied today. We break down how Proaction's technology can process a service invoice from a simple photo and allow technicians to perform detailed inspections just by using their voice.- The strategy for moving from reactive to proactive maintenance.Learn the philosophy that separates best-in-class fleets from the rest. Drake outlines the strategic shift from a "firefighting" mentality to a predictive model that uses historical data to fix issues before they become costly breakdowns.- How to manage mixed fleets of traditional, EV, and autonomous vehicles.The future of transportation is complex, with a mix of gas, electric, and autonomous assets. Drake shares insights on how a flexible, modern platform can unify the management of these different vehicle types, preparing your fleet for tomorrow's challenges.#FleetManagement #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfTransportation #Logistics #SupplyChain #ProactiveMaintenance #Telematics #EV #ElectricVehicles #AutonomousVehicles #FleetTech #Automation #SaaS #Proaction 📚 Resources Mentioned:Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieBook: The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins🗣️ About the GuestDrake Bauer is the Co-Founder and CEO of Proaction, a fleet management software startup focused on providing modular solutions for complex operations. Their workspace platform supports multi-location, enterprise clients and is designed to eliminate inefficiencies associated with outdated, disconnected systems. Drake has been involved with the mobility industry since a young age and has two successful exits in his career. Today, he and his team are disrupting the multi-billion dollar fleet management information systems (FMIS) market by leveraging modern development tools and artificial intelligence. The result has been rapid growth into a few of the largest rental, leasing, & mixed-asset fleets in North America.

In this high-impact episode, host Daniel Perez sits down with mobility and autonomy expert Nandini Maheshwari (Uber Director) to break down the critical factors driving the future of ground transportation. From scaling billion-dollar companies to the technological pivot to AI-led autonomous development, Nandini offers an unparalleled, data-driven look at the opportunities and obstacles ahead.👏 We Deep-Dive Into:* Nandini's journey from Investment Banking to Uber's exponential growth and global expansion.* The strategic differences between AI-first and traditional robotics approaches to autonomy.* The 4 Key Hurdles to successful commercialization: Technology, OEM Integration, Customer Adoption, and Public Trust.* Why the next generation may never own a personal vehicle.* The necessity of building complex partnership ecosystems (OEMs, Infrastructure, Software)💫 Episode Highlights:Nandini's Journey from Investment Banking to Global Mobility: Hear the strategic lessons learned from advising tech giants on Wall Street, and how that expertise powered Uber's exponential growth, IPO, and global scaling across diverse markets like Asia Pacific.The Strategic Differences Between AI-First and Traditional Robotics: Understand why Foundation Models and an AI-led development approach are fundamentally changing the game, making autonomous technology deployment faster, less capital-intensive, and inherently safer than legacy robotics approaches.The 4 Critical Hurdles to Successful Commercialization: Nandini breaks down the four non-negotiable pillars—Technology, OEM Integration, Customer Adoption, and Regulatory/Public Trust—that must converge to move autonomous tech from pilot to true market scale.Why the Next Generation May Never Own a Personal Vehicle: Explore the generational shift where the value of time, convenience, and a seamless, autonomous fleet experience will override the desire for private car ownership, dramatically reshaping urban infrastructure and economics.The Necessity of Building Complex Partnership Ecosystems: Learn why the future of mobility is not a single-company win, but a collaborative ecosystem that requires shared value and incentivized partnerships between software developers, vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), and infrastructure providers.📚 Resources Mentioned:Book (Memoir/Business): Bob Iger’s The Ride of a LifetimeBook (Memoir/Business): Phil Knight’s Shoe DogCompany/Technology: Waymo (Provider of early data on autonomous safety)Company/Technology: Aurora (Leading player in autonomous trucking)Former Project: Uber Air (Mentioned in the context of flying vehicles)🗣️ About the GuestNandini Maheshwari is a prominent leader and executive in the global mobility and technology sectors. She brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as a senior leader at Uber, where she played a crucial role in the company's exponential growth, IPO, post-IPO global expansion, and the launch of Uber Eats. Prior to Uber, she honed her financial and strategic skills in investment banking on Wall Street, focusing on the tech industry.Currently, Nandini is on the frontier of autonomous technology, leveraging her expertise at Wabi, an AI company building autonomous software based on cutting-edge Generative AI (GenAI) and Foundation Models. Her work is focused on the commercialization of the next generation of mobility, particularly autonomous trucking, making her a leading voice on scaling, partnerships, and the crucial convergence of AI and ground transportation.AutonomousVehicles #VentureCapital #B2Btech #AIMobility #Uber #FutureofMobility #Wabi #AutonomousTrucking #TechStrategy

Who will win the race for the future of mobility? While the West protects its legacy industries, China is building a new, integrated high-tech ecosystem from the ground up.Host Daniel Perez welcomes Automobility Limited CEO Bill Russo for an insider's look at this global paradigm shift. This discussion is essential for understanding the future of your investments, business strategy, and the global economy.👉 Key Strategic Insights:How Mobility Defines Economic SuperpowersThe Strategic Advantage of Having “Less Legacy”The EV Market: Who Really Controls It?The Mindset Difference: Rust Belt vs. High-Tech IndustryWhy Mobility is a Utility, Not Just Hardware⚡️Episode Highlights:China's Evolution: Discover how China transformed from an automotive follower into the world's largest mobility market and a global innovation hub in just two decades."Rust Belt vs. High-Tech" Analysis: Hear Bill Russo's compelling argument on why the West's legacy-focused "Rust Belt" model is falling behind China's integrated "High-Tech" ecosystem.The Shift to Services (MaaS): Understand the fundamental paradigm shift from selling hardware (cars) to providing a service (Mobility-as-a-Service) and what this means for the industry's future.The Role of Tech & Policy: Learn how a unique combination of government policy, less legacy infrastructure, and a powerful mobile internet economy has accelerated China's leadership.A Look Into the Future: Get an expert forecast on the future of EVs, the real-world barriers to autonomous adoption, and the disruptive potential of flying vehicles (VTOL). #FutureOfTransport #Mobility #AutomotiveIndustry #ElectricVehicles #EV #AutonomousVehicles #BillRusso #Automobility Limited #China #Tech #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #Investment #Geopolitics #SupplyChain #MaaS #Podcast📚Resources Mentioned:Book: The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton ChristensenBook: Teaching the Elephant to Dance by Lou GerstnerAuthor/Biography: Walter Isaacson (specifically his biography of Steve Jobs)Business Leaders: Lou Gerstner (former CEO of IBM), Steve Jobs (Apple Inc.)Research Firm: Edelman (for the Trust Barometer study on AI)🗣️About the GuestBill Russo is the Founder and CEO of Automobility Limited, a strategy and investment advisory firm dedicated to helping clients navigate the future of transportation. With over a decade of experience at Chrysler and a background as an engineer at IBM, Bill brings a deep understanding of both manufacturing and technology. His unique expertise is shaped by 21 years of on-the-ground experience in China, giving him an unparalleled perspective on the country's transformation into the world's largest and most innovative mobility market. Bill is a leading voice on the global shift toward an electric, connected, and autonomous mobility ecosystem.

Welcome to "The Future of Ground Transportation"! In this episode, host Daniel Perez sits down with David "Nemo" Neal, Chief of Design at Mozee, for an in-depth exploration of autonomous shuttle technology and its impact on urban mobility.

Discover Mozee's innovative approach to self-driving vehicles, including their unique "mobile architectural space" design philosophy and their strategic decision to operate without LiDAR. David shares his extensive experience, from the Olli project at Local Motors to his current leadership role at Mozee, offering valuable insights into the technological, regulatory, and user-perception challenges facing the AV industry. We discuss the realistic timeline for achieving Level 5 autonomy, the critical importance of safety and reliability, and Mozee's strategy for market penetration and user adoption.

This episode is essential for business leaders, tech innovators, and anyone involved in the future of ground transportation and smart city development.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Mozee's unique design philosophy: Shuttles as "mobile architectural spaces."

• Mozee's AV tech stack: Camera, radar, and AI-driven vision, without LiDAR.

• The pragmatic timeline for achieving true Level 5 autonomy.

• Strategies for enhancing safety, reliability, and building public trust in AVs.

• The evolving role of "Safety Stewards" and human oversight.

• David Neal's expert perspective on the future trajectory of autonomous transport.

Episode Highlights:

Mozee's Unique Design Philosophy: David Neal elaborates on Mozee's vision of autonomous shuttles as "mobile architectural spaces" designed to foster community and unique user experiences, moving beyond mere A-to-B transport.

The Technology Powering Mozee: An in-depth look at Mozee's sensor suite, which notably excludes LiDAR, relying instead on a sophisticated combination of cameras, infrared, radar, and a proprietary self-learning vision algorithm for navigation and safety.

End-User Perception & Adoption Strategies: Neal discusses the evolving public perception of autonomous vehicles, highlighting the increasing adoption rate and Mozee's focus on building trust through transparent design, demonstrable safety, and the current role of human "Safety Stewards."

The Timeline for True Level 5 Autonomy: David Neal offers a pragmatic, and perhaps surprising, prediction that genuine Level 5 autonomy (full self-driving under all conditions without human intervention) is likely still about 20 years away, citing cultural and deep-seated trust issues as more significant hurdles than purely technological ones.

Critical Business Advice for Innovators: Neal shares a pivotal piece of advice: the necessity of refining raw talent and ideas through rigorous challenges ("in the fire") and the power of authenticity over simply "faking it till you make it" in a competitive landscape.

Resources Mentioned:

“Play Bigger“ - On category design“22 Rules of Category Design“ - Practical playbook for defining new markets“How to Build a Car“ by Adrian Newey - Lessons from F1 design and innovation

About the Guest

David "Nemo" Neal is the Chief of Design at Mozee, an innovative company developing autonomous electric shuttle solutions designed to redefine urban mobility. With an extensive background in vehicle innovation, David played a pivotal role at Local Motors, leading design efforts for the pioneering Olli autonomous shuttle. He is recognized for his forward-thinking approach to user-centric design and his deep expertise in autonomous vehicle technology. David is dedicated to shaping the future of transportation by creating solutions that are not only efficient and safe but also foster community and enhance the urban experience for all users.

What if we could fix traffic, improve safety, and build better cities using smarter policies instead of just more concrete? In this powerful episode, host Daniel Perez is joined by Michael Replogle, a veteran of transportation policy, to explore the innovative solutions that are reshaping our urban landscapes.

Michael draws from his experience as a former NYC DOT Deputy Commissioner to reveal how government can actually get out of its own way to foster rapid innovation. He breaks down the success of programs like Citi Bike and explains how SmartGO is pioneering market-based ideas like pay-by-the-mile insurance to give people better, more sustainable travel choices. This episode is packed with game-changing ideas for leaders, policy-makers, and anyone passionate about the future of our cities.

In This Episode, you will learn:

• How NYC turned a 2-year permit process into an overnight success story

• The secret to a successful public-private partnership that doesn't cost taxpayers

• A powerful economic tool that reduces driving by 10%

• Why building more roads doesn't solve traffic congestion

• The real safety challenges facing autonomous vehicles today

Episode Highlights:

How NYC turned a 2-year permit process into an overnight success storyMichael shares the inside story of the "Open Restaurants" program, where the city radically simplified a two-year permitting process during the pandemic. This single move allowed 10,000 restaurants to quickly open for outdoor dining, saving an estimated 100,000 jobs.

The secret to a successful public-private partnership that doesn't cost taxpayersDiscover the brilliant model behind NYC's Citi Bike program, which has grown to 40,000 bikes without using taxpayer money. Michael explains how the city provides the public space and regulatory framework, while a private partner funds and operates the entire system.

A powerful economic tool that reduces driving by 10%Michael introduces the concept of pay-by-the-mile car insurance, a simple market-based solution with a profound impact. Learn how turning a fixed annual cost into a variable per-mile expense incentivizes smarter travel choices and has been proven to reduce driving by an average of 10%.

Why building more roads doesn't solve traffic congestionMichael debunks the myth that widening highways is the answer to traffic jams by explaining the principle of "induced demand." He argues that the key is not building more capacity, but better managing the space we already have and giving people viable alternatives to driving.

The real safety challenges facing autonomous vehicles todayGet a grounded, safety-first perspective on the current state of autonomous vehicles that moves beyond the hype. Michael explains why AVs still struggle with unpredictable "edge conditions" like construction zones, bad weather, and emergency situations, which are the final hurdles to widespread, safe deployment.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs

• Book/Concept: Behavioral Engineering by B.F. Skinner

• Non-Profit: Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP)

• Program: Bikes Not Bombs

About the Guest

Michael Replogle is a distinguished expert in transportation policy and urban planning, currently serving as the President of SmartGO, a non-profit dedicated to expanding sustainable travel choices. His extensive career includes six years as the Deputy Commissioner for Policy at the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), where he was instrumental in shaping the city's mobility landscape and advancing key initiatives like the Citi Bike program. A serial entrepreneur in the non-profit sector, Michael also founded the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and has worked with governments and organizations globally to create more efficient, equitable, and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

How does a small, family-run business with four buses grow into a dominant transport platform through 11 acquisitions? In this episode of The Future of Ground Transportation, we go down under to speak with Stuart Stratton from Con-X-ion in Australia. We dive deep into their journey of growth, adaptation, and cutting-edge tech adoption.

Stuart shares how his team is using AI to radically accelerate software development, turning projects that once took four weeks into seven-hour tasks. He also discusses the challenges of competing with government-subsidized transport, the strategic shift from being a transport provider to a transport platform, and his vision for a future with autonomous vehicles. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in business growth, technology, and the future of mobility.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The strategy behind successfully completing 11 acquisitions

• How to build your own software when nothing on the market fits

• A clever recruitment strategy for finding great drivers when there's a shortage

• How AI can make your development team exponentially more productive

• The mindset needed to turn a service business into a scalable platform

Episode Highlights:

The strategy behind successfully completing 11 acquisitions

Stuart shares the most overlooked aspect of an acquisition strategy: managing the human element. Learn how Con-X-ion navigated the cultural challenges of merging 11 different companies, including turning "bitter rivals" into a unified and effective team.

How to build your own software when nothing on the market fits

Discover why off-the-shelf software couldn't support Con-X-ion's complex multi-stop shuttle model, forcing them to build their own platform from scratch. Stuart explains the 15-year journey of developing proprietary technology and how it became their biggest competitive advantage.

A clever recruitment strategy for finding great drivers when there's a shortage

Facing a severe driver shortage, Con-X-ion abandoned traditional recruitment and instead marketed a "part-time lifestyle opportunity" on social media. Find out how this unique approach attracted a dedicated, reliable workforce and dramatically improved their customer satisfaction scores.

How AI can make your development team exponentially more productive

Learn how Stuart's team is leveraging AI to accelerate their software development at an unprecedented speed, cutting a project from four weeks down to just seven hours. He explains the shift in mindset from developers as programmers to developers as architects, who guide AI to build the code for them.

The mindset needed to turn a service business into a scalable platform

Stuart breaks down the crucial strategic shift from being a hands-on service provider to becoming a scalable technology platform. Understand the mindset required to build an ecosystem that connects all stakeholders and prepares your business for future disruptions like autonomous vehicles.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins.

• Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

• Book: The Simple Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.

About the Guest

Stuart Stratton is a leader at Con-X-ion, one of Australia's premier ground transportation providers based on the Gold Coast. With a background in sales and telecommunications, Stuart took a central role in his family's transport business, steering it through significant challenges and periods of intense growth. He has been instrumental in the company's expansion, overseeing a strategy that has included 11 acquisitions and a major technological pivot from a traditional transport provider to an integrated software platform. Today, Stuart focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technology like AI to drive efficiency and prepare Con-X-ion for the future of mobility.

In this deep-dive on electric bus adoption, autonomous driving, and long-term business strategy, host and industry leader Daniel Perez sits down with Paul Blaguss, a third-generation leader of the 100-year-old Blaguss Group. This episode provides an executive-level analysis of how to manage and scale a massive passenger transportation operation, including a fleet of 600 buses, 200 vans, and a groundbreaking 3,500-vehicle EV subscription service.

Paul Blaguss shares critical insights into the zero-emission vehicle transition, breaking down the real-world economics and timeline for when electric coaches will become more cost-effective than diesel. He offers a unique perspective on the future of autonomous driving, viewing it not as a replacement for his 1,400 drivers, but as a powerful support system to enhance safety and in-vehicle service. This conversation is a masterclass for any executive, operator, or investor looking for a strategic blueprint on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the modern transportation industry.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The strategic playbook for scaling a transportation company to an 800-vehicle fleet.

• The real economic timeline for electric buses to achieve cost parity with diesel.

• Why the future role of a driver is in service, supported by autonomous technology.

• How to manage a multi-generational business and a team of 1,400+ drivers.

• The counterintuitive leadership principle that has guided a 100-year-old company.

The 100-Year Playbook for Scale: Paul Blaguss shares the incredible story of how his family company grew from a single truck into a European transport powerhouse. He discusses the key decisions that allowed them to scale to a fleet of 600 buses, 200 vans, and a team of 1,400 drivers, all while launching a separate 3,500-vehicle EV venture. This is a masterclass in long-term, sustainable growth.

The Real Economics of EV Transition: This is a deep dive into the business case for electrification, moving beyond environmental goals to pure ROI. Paul provides a clear timeline for when electric city buses (6-7 years) and coaches (10 years) will reach cost parity with diesel, driven by lower maintenance costs and impressive 1.5-million-kilometer battery guarantees.

A New Vision for Autonomous Driving: Instead of replacing drivers, Paul argues that autonomous technology will serve as a powerful support system to enhance safety and service. He shares his vision of a future where the driver becomes a high-value service attendant on highways, focusing on the customer experience while the vehicle handles the long stretches of driving.

The Leader’s Intuition: In a candid moment, Paul reveals the most impactful business advice he ever received: to trust his own feelings and intuition when making critical decisions. He explains how this mindset is essential for navigating the complexities of a large-scale, multi-generational company and having the conviction to invest in the future.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Hostage at the Table: How Leaders Can Overcome Conflict, Influence Others, and Raise Performance by George Kohlrieser.

• Organization: YPO (Young Presidents' Organization)

About the Guest

Paul Blaguss is a third-generation leader of the Blaguss Group, a distinguished family-owned transportation and tourism company in Central Europe. He has been instrumental in scaling the company to its current powerhouse status, overseeing a core fleet of 600 buses and 200 vans supported by a team of 1,400 drivers. Demonstrating a keen eye for market disruption, Paul also leads a separate, trailblazing venture with a fleet of 3,500 electric cars offered via a subscription model. His leadership is defined by a strategic focus on the economic and operational transition to zero-emission and autonomous technologies, positioning the Blaguss Group for its next century of growth.