Transdev COO of Transit Susan Sweat Shares Leadership Insights in Mass Transit Magazine
Transdev U.S. is proud to share that Susan Sweat, Chief Operating Officer of Transit, recently authored a compelling column published in Mass Transit Magazine. Drawing from more than three decades of operational leadership at both FedEx Express and Transdev, Sweat’s article offers a powerful perspective on the true drivers of an organization’s success: the people.
In her piece, Sweat highlights how strong performance is not solely determined by systems, strategies, or technology, but by the dedicated individuals closest to the work. From frontline staff solving real-time challenges to emerging leaders with a passion for the job, she emphasizes the importance of spending time in the field, listening, and recognizing those who make a difference every day.
A key initiative Sweat champions is Transdev’s Developing General Manager Program, which is designed to equip promising employees with the tools, mentorship, and experiences they need to advance their careers.
“Promoting from within is more than retention – it’s about building a leadership pipeline informed by real-world experience,” Sweat writes.
Her philosophy underscores that workforce development must be intentional and ongoing, with opportunities ranging from hands-on operational training to leadership coaching. She believes that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about creating space for others to lead, empowering employees to take ownership and drive meaningful change.
“Retention doesn’t happen by accident,” Sweat reminds readers. “It’s the result of a culture where people feel valued, where they see a future for themselves, and where their work connects to something bigger. At Transdev, our vision is to never stop driving forward – to be the choice for clients, passengers, and people.”
Sweat’s column will spark important conversations across the transit industry about the value of intentional leadership and cultivating a culture of growth and empowerment at every level.
We encourage everyone to read her full article in Mass Transit Magazine and join the conversation about how we can all create workplaces where people thrive.
