Column: Operational excellence through purpose-driven leadership

Operational excellence begins with clarity of purpose. Transdev’s purpose is simple, yet powerful: We empower freedom to move every day thanks to safe, reliable and innovative solutions that serve the common good. For me, that purpose is more than a statement — it’s the foundation for every decision we make and every service we deliver. 

As CEO, I view leadership as a responsibility to connect strategy with people. Technology and systems are essential, but they only succeed when employees feel engaged, respected and aligned with our mission. That’s why I prioritize being present when I’m riding our services, visiting locations and listening to the voices of those who interact with passengers every day. These conversations aren’t symbolic; they inform how we improve safety, reliability and the overall experience for the communities we serve. 

Leadership presence matters at every level. I encourage our general managers, assistant general managers, operations managers and safety managers to be visible and engaged during day-to-day operations—especially during morning pull outs. These moments set the tone for the day, reinforce priorities and show employees that leadership is invested in their success. Presence isn’t just about oversight, it’s about connection and trust. 

Purpose-driven leadership also means making goals tangible. Programs that set clear, measurable goals help employees see how their work impacts customers and communities. When employees understand how their work connects to that promise, they take ownership. That sense of connection transforms good operations into exceptional service. 

Recognition and development are equally important. Celebrating individuals who go above and beyond reinforces the idea that great service is built through people—one decision, one action, one ride at a time. By investing in upskilling and career growth, we ensure that our workforce sees a future with us. Retention isn’t accidental. It’s the result of a culture where people feel valued and connected to something bigger. 

My role as CEO is to set the vision and create conditions for success. That means fostering a culture where safety is nonnegotiable, innovation is embraced and purpose drives every decision. Operational excellence doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when strategy and culture align and when leaders at every level are empowered to lead. As the mobility industry evolves, present leaders who connect employees to their company's purpose will shape the next era of customer-focused service.