What does it take to manage one of the busiest rail terminals in the U.S.?
In this episode, Percy Fields, President and General Manager of The Belt Railway Company of Chicago, shares how he rose through the ranks from conductor to senior leadership. With 20 years of experience and deep family ties to railroading, Percy shares insights on managing large-scale operations and keeping 8,500 railcars on track daily.
At the core of the Belt Railway’s success is its unwavering commitment to safety. Percy emphasizes how prioritizing safety—from ensuring well-maintained infrastructure to promoting a strong safety culture among employees—minimizes disruptions and keeps operations running smoothly. With top-tier safety protocols, the Belt Railway ensures it can meet the daily demands of not only Chicago but also the larger U.S. supply chain.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Percy Fields
(01:00) Entering the railroad industry
(06:02) “What breaks you, makes you”
(08:10) Why the Belt Railway is vital to Chicago's supply chain
(10:01) A day in the life at The Belt Railway Company of Chicago
(13:09) How to prioritize safety for smoother operations
(16:04) Percy’s career advice in embracing discomfort
(17:36) Be authentic in every role of your life
(20:35) How to prepare for setbacks
Resources:
Connect with Percy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/percy-fields-415040a1/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/
