![Erin celebrates building the fleet community with 50 episodes and 11K followers on LinkedIn [Podcast]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzI3MDo4NjY=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTc3OCAxMDAwIiB3aWR0aD0iMTc3OCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg== "Episode 50 Thumbnail")
In this week’s episode of Straight Talk on Fleet, Erin Gilchrist, VP of Fleet at IntelliShift, has a conversation with Mike Antich, long-time editor-in-chief at Bobit Business Media, a Fleet Hall of Fame Inductee, member of Global Fleet Hall of Fame, Remarketing Industry Icon Award winner, and two-time AFLA President and Multinational Industry Speaker! With 38 years of experience in the industry, Mike has witnessed it all—from the growing presence of women in fleet leadership to the game-changing impact of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
“Fleet has never really been a true pioneer in a lot of ways, but we’ve been early adopters,“ Mike says, pointing to the fleet industry’s ability to embrace innovation at just the right time.
Technology, safety, and a new generation of tech-savvy leaders are driving the future of fleet management. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is for you. Listen below to explore the past, present, and future of fleet management.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
The Rise of Women in Fleet Management
Back in the day, fleet management was pretty much a boys’ club. But times are changing. As Mike points out, more and more women have stepped into key roles and are driving the industry forward.
“Some of the great fleet managers of that era were women, and it’s only grown since then,” says Mike.
Outsourcing: Growth Through Change
Fleet managers used to see outsourcing as a threat to their jobs, but instead, it turned out to be the opposite. Handing off tasks like vehicle maintenance allowed the industry to expand in ways that weren’t possible before.
“Fleet managers thought outsourcing was a threat, but it helped the industry evolve and grow,” Mike shares.
Technology is Transforming Fleet Operations
Telematics, digital inspections, and other tech innovations are making fleet management safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective. However, Erin points out that some fleets are dragging their heels on going digital.
“It’s amazing to see the transformation, but so many are still not doing those things,” Erin remarks, highlighting the need for more digital transformation.
AI and Automation: The Future of Fleet
AI is a hot topic right now, and it’s opening up new possibilities in fleet management. Mike predicts that AI-powered tools will shift more responsibilities to drivers, potentially changing what it means to be a fleet manager.
“With AI, do you really need a fleet manager? Drivers might handle more themselves with the help of tech,” Mike suggests.
Safety and Accountability Are Here to Stay
Safety remains a top priority in fleet management. Erin and Mike agree that technology, especially AI, will help fleets become safer by reducing accidents and improving driver behavior.
“Organizations will see themselves as more and more of an accountability partner,” Erin notes, emphasizing the role of technology in keeping fleets safe and compliant.
In this episode, Erin and Mike discuss how technology, safety, and a new generation of leaders are shaping the future of fleet management. Although change takes time, AI and telematics are already starting to redefine the industry. Click below to listen to the full episode.
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