For the past 20 years, Andrea Sequin has grown her career at Schneider National with positions in information systems, operations, and now safety, as the director of regulatory compliance. But this career path might not have happened if it wasn’t for some early support she received.
“I don’t know if I’d say the transportation industry specifically was on my radar when I was younger, which is why I'm proud when Schneider hosts events for young people to learn more about what we do at our company and in our industry overall,” Sequin said. “That early exposure could have gotten me on my path even sooner!"
Sequin credits the mentorship and encouragement she has received at Schneider for continuing her career there for so many years. This emboldened her to seek internal opportunities at Schneider instead of searching outside the company to further her career. She even obtained her MBA through Schneider’s tuition reimbursement program.
“Schneider’s number one core value is safety, which is demonstrated in countless ways across the organization every day—from the equipment we use, to the training we provide, to the policies we have and uphold, to the quality of people we hire—we do not compromise on safety,” Sequin emphasized. “In my role as a safety leader, having top-down support from the executive team confirming that we will not sway from our values is really empowering.”
Throughout her 20 years at Schneider, Sequin has had the privilege of seeing the company grow and evolve. And she has felt rewarded for her loyalty.
“I've seen the company embrace new technologies, expand its services, and adapt to changing market demands,” Sequin said. “Schneider is really focused on being flexible and adapting to our customers' changing needs through creative, innovative solutions that always keep us a step ahead, and that includes innovation in the safety realm.”
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Overall, the complexities and challenges the transportation industry brings have kept Sequin engaged—whether those be market cycles, economic fluctuations, or technological advancements. Sequin believes trucking is the perfect place for problem-solvers, and she’s always amazed at the solutions Schneider and the rest of the industry come up with.
“The most challenging part of my career has been navigating the rapid changes in technology and ensuring that our team always stays ahead of the curve,” Sequin told FleetOwner. “That creates some pressure, but the flip side is that it’s also rewarding to meet that challenge. Schneider leverages advanced technology when it comes to our equipment specifications, in how we manage driver communications and regulatory processes. And certainly, our use of generative AI will continue to grow. Seeing our efforts pay off in the form of improved efficiency and performance, minimized risk, higher customer satisfaction, and business growth has been incredibly gratifying.”
Sequin has personal strategies in place to ensure she’s confident in her skills and leadership.
“One of my strategies for success is to make sure I feel confident in my knowledge and competence so that when questions arise, I have the data and facts to support my position,” Sequin said. “Staying informed and educated in my areas of expertise and in the industry as a whole is important. I strive to be the well-respected, sought-after expert who is known for leading with facts and solving problems.”
Aside from focusing on safety at Schneider, Sequin is actively involved in the Schneider Women’s Network. This organization is “the longest-standing business resource group at the company and was developed with the intent to attract, develop, and retain the best talent and ensure nothing stands in the way of women growing their careers here,” according to Sequin. She participates in this organization as a mentor and sponsor for other women, helping them further their careers.
Sequin believes that “by creating a supportive and inclusive environment, we can empower more women to take on leadership roles and drive positive change in the industry.”
For women considering careers in transportation, she offers the following advice: “Be confident and not be afraid to take on new challenges. Seek out mentors and allies who can support your growth and advocate for you. Additionally, stay curious and open to learning because the industry is constantly evolving. Your unique perspective and skills are valuable assets that can drive innovation and success.”
