Propel Conference 2025, October 6 2025, Convene Chicago, IL

A Leadership Summit for High-Potential Rail Professionals

A Event

Returning to Chicago
Monday, October 6, 2025

Convene, 311 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL

Following the success of the 2024 Propel Leadership Summit, the excitement for the 2025 event is already building as we reflect on a transformative day for high-potential rail professionals. Attendees gained valuable insights, built lasting relationships, and deepened their leadership skills through engaging sessions and discussions.

With this year's event on the horizon, we are eager to continue empowering the rail industry's future leaders with even more opportunities for learning, growth, and connection at the 2025 Propel Summit in downtown Chicago this fall.

Reserve Your Spot »

Propel Agenda

8:00 AM

Registration/Breakfast

9:00 AM

The Inside Track: Career Lesson's Across Rail's Ecosystem

9:45 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Morning Skill Building Session: Understanding Your Leadership Strengths

11:30 AM

Break

11:45 AM

Moments That Matter: A Conversation on Connection and Career Impact

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Afternoon Skill Building Session: Managing Up

2:45 PM

Break

3:15 PM

Elevate Your Brand: Strategic Presence for Career Growth

4:00 PM

Wrap Up and Cocktail Reception

Program Details

9:00 AM Opening Session

The Inside Track: Career Lessons from Across Rail's Ecosystem

What does success look like at different levels of the rail industry—and how does it really feel to build a career in each space? This candid panel features the voices of the industry, from Class I to Short Line to Contractor to Supplier to unpack the unwritten rules, unique pressures, and unexpected rewards of their roles—and how each perspective fits into the bigger rail ecosystem.

Not another top-down panel, this discussion addresses communication across sectors, what rising professionals need to know about their partners in the field, and what it really takes to thrive—no matter where you sit in the supply chain.

Moderator: Pat Foran

Editor-In-Chief, Progressive Railroading Magazine

Serving as moderator of the Fireside Chat, Pat Foran is editor-in-chief of Progressive Railroading Magazine and all its affiliated information delivery vehicles, including RailPrime, a digital subscription offering dedicated to all things freight transportation and home to the lion's share of Progressive Railroading's originally reported coverage. He has been Progressive Railroading's editor since 1998. Progressive Railroading also produces live events, including RailTrends, held annually in New York City.

10:00 AM Skill Building Session

Understanding Your Leadership Strengths

Every professional brings a unique leadership style to the workplace — not just formal leaders. How you communicate, make decisions, and collaborate with others all shape the way your teams function and succeed. In this session, you will leverage the CliftonStrengths Talent assessment to better understand your personal leadership power and explore how different styles show up across teams. We will focus on recognizing your strengths, adapting to the styles of others, and building strong working relationships. Every attendee will receive their personal Top 5 Strengths report as part of the experience.

Developing this kind of self-awareness is an important step for emerging leaders — helping you navigate team dynamics, contribute more effectively, and prepare for greater leadership responsibilities in the future.

Objectives

Gain a clearer understanding of your personal leadership style.

Learn how different leadership styles influence teamwork, communication, and decision-making.

Identify ways to leverage your style and adapt to others to build stronger workplace relationships.

Facilitator: Matt Meuleners

Executive Partner and Leadership Trainer, FOCUS Training

Matt holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin: Madison. He taught Training & Development at Marquette University as an adjunct professor and is a Past President of the SEWI chapter of the Association of Talent Development.

An Executive Partner with FOCUS Training, Matt leads the professional development market team and serves as Lead Instructor for the Accelerate and Elevate Institutes where he trains and coaches managers and high-potential talent from the nations top companies.

11:45 AM Fireside Chat

Moments That Matter: A Conversation on Connection and Career Impact

Sometimes the most meaningful moments in our careers happen in unexpected ways—through a conversation, a shared experience, or a simple gesture of connection. In this candid fireside chat, Watco leaders Laura McNichol and Zachary Boehme reflect on powerful moments that shaped their professional journeys and outlook on leadership. Together, they share stories of mentorship, personal growth, and the importance of showing up for others. Their insights will spark reflection on the ways we can all leave a lasting impact—no matter where we are in our careers.

Panelist: Laura McNichol

Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Watco

Laura McNichol is Watco's Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, where she has led efforts to secure a federal maintenance tax credit for short line railroads, as well as several state and federal grants allowing for tens of millions of upgrades to her company's railroads.

Today, her focus includes seeking ways to reduce carbon and save fuel across Watco's operations in her sustainability role. Prior to joining Watco, Laura worked for R. J. Corman Railroad Group based in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Before Corman, Laura worked for both GoRail and the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks. Laura began working in Washington, DC in 1998 on public policy where she covered issues such as agricultural, natural resources and conservation. Originally from New Jersey, Laura is a graduate of Rutgers University. She and her husband live on a small farm in the Virginia countryside with three cats, a happy golden retriever, two horses and 11 cows.

Panelist: Zachary Boehme

Senior Vice President, Sales-Railroad at Watco Companies LLC

Zachary Boehme has extensive work experience in various roles within the transportation and sales industries. Zachary began their career in 2013 at Genesee & Wyoming Inc., where they served as a Freight Conductor and Locomotive Engineer before progressing to roles such as Trainmaster, Project Manager, Manager of Sales and Marketing, and Assistant Vice President of Industrial Development. During their time at Genesee & Wyoming, they successfully secured industrial development projects, negotiated multi-million dollar contracts, and coordinated resources for customer rail infrastructure projects.

In 2022, they joined Watco Companies LLC as the Vice President and later Senior Vice President of Sales in the railroad division. Their responsibilities include overseeing sales operations and building relationships with internal stakeholders. Prior to their career in transportation, Zachary Boehme worked as a District Sales Manager at Munson Hybrids Inc and as the Business Manager and Company Vice President at Rheinschmidt's Carpet/Galesburg Commercial Flooring.

Zachary Boehme has a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA degree from the University of Illinois Springfield, which they obtained from 2016 to 2019. Prior to that, they attended Knox College from 2010 to 2011, where they studied Business/Managerial Economics. From 2008 to 2010, they attended Monmouth College, focusing on Business Administration and Management, General.

Moderator: Pat Foran

Editor-In-Chief, Progressive Railroading Magazine

1:15 PM Skill Building Session

Managing Up

Most leaders have good intentions towards the staff they support. They want to clear the path for successful work, unlock resources to support the team and help solve problems. However, there are a number of factors that can make it hard for a manager to effectively do these things. They may not have a strong relationship with staff, may lack visibility and understanding of the team's situation, or may lack well-developed leadership skills. When a leader is struggling to provide you and your team with the support you need, practices of managing up may be beneficial. Managing up describes the efforts of an employee to help their manager to be more effective.

This may involve bringing critical information to their attention, helping with prioritization of responsibilities, taking on tasks to help balance their workload, investing in building trust in their professional relationships, and more. In this module, we will explore the benefits, challenges, and best practices of managing up to help your leader, your team, and your career.

Objectives

Learn how to identify and overcome the challenges that hinder a manager's ability to provide effective support.

Acquire practical strategies and tools for managing up successfully.

Explore how effective management techniques can lead to improved team performance, streamlined work processes, and career advancement opportunities.

Facilitator: Matt Meuleners

Executive Partner and Leadership Trainer, FOCUS Training

3:15 PM Closing Session

Elevate Your Brand: Strategic Presence for Career Growth

Your professional brand isn't just about getting noticed—it's about positioning yourself for growth, influence, and leadership within your organization. In this practical, energizing session, Michele Malski of SPRING draws on her experience in talent strategy and recruiting to share what truly elevates professionals in today's workplace.

Through real-world examples and actionable takeaways, Michele will walk attendees through key elements of professional presence—from crafting a confident elevator pitch to refining communication, resume, and digital presence to align with internal career goals.

Participants will leave with a checklist they can use to sharpen their brand, contribute more effectively to their teams, and prepare for the next opportunity within their current organization.

Whether you're aiming to lead a project, step into a new role, or build credibility across departments, this session will help you level up your brand and show up strategically where it counts.

Panelist: Michele Malski

President/Founder, SPRING

Michele Malski, a second-generation railroader, graduated from Cornell University with a major in Industrial Labor Relations, minor in Law and Society, and obtained her MBA with Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington, DC. Michele also retains a certification in Inclusion and Diversity from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Meet Your Facilitator

Matt Meuleners

Executive Partner and Leadership Trainer

FOCUS Training

With over 24 years of experience as a speaker, trainer, and Talent Development professional, Matt Meuleners is an expert in leadership development who specializes in: program design and delivery, L&D consulting, training audits, and leader coaching.

Matt holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin: Madison. He taught Training & Development at Marquette University as an adjunct professor and is a Past President of the SEWI chapter of the Association of Talent Development.

An Executive Partner with FOCUS Training, Matt leads the professional development market team and serves as Lead Instructor for the Accelerate and Elevate Institutes where he trains and coaches managers and high-potential talent from the nations top companies.

Pricing and Registration

Your $229 Propel Registration Includes:

Sunday Night Icebreaker (Evening Before the Event)

Jumpstart your Propel experience the night before with a relaxed networking mixer—an ideal setting to meet fellow attendees and start building connections.

Morning Registration & Networking Breakfast

Ease into the day with a light breakfast and the chance to mingle with other early-career professionals in rail.

Exclusive Content You'll Only Find at Propel

The Inside Track: Career Lessons Across Rail's Ecosystem

Hear real-world insights and pivotal career moments from leaders across the rail industry.

Moments That Matter: A Conversation on Connection and Career Impact

Explore how relationships, mentorship, and small moments make a big difference in career trajectories in the rail space.

Elevate Your Brand: Strategic Presence for Career Growth

Learn how to stand out and position yourself for long-term success across myriad rail organizations and enterprises.

Interactive Skill-Building Sessions

Understanding Your Leadership Strengths

Each attendee will complete the CliftonStrengths leadership assessment and receive a personalized Top 5 Strengths Report, providing insight into their natural talents and how to lead with authenticity and impact.

Managing Up

Gain practical strategies to work effectively with leadership and advocate for yourself professionally.

Catered Lunch & Refreshment Breaks

Enjoy a full lunch and coffee/snack breaks throughout the day to stay energized and engaged.

Closing Cocktail Reception

End your Propel journey on a high note with at the post-Propel party and celebrate the day of learning, growth, and meaningful connections.

Bulk discounts for enterprise/team registrations of two or more are available. Please contact education@tradepress.com.

Secure Your Registration »

The Event Venue

The Convene Chicago

Convene, 311 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL

Convene 311 W Monroe is located between South Wacker Drive and South Franklin Street in the Loop near Washington/Wells Station and Quincy Station. Convene 311 W Monroe pays homage to the city's rich industrial and musical history by interweaving modernist architecture with an interior design reminiscent of Chicago's underground jazz scene.

Words From Our Attendees

Top Reasons for Attending Propel 2024:

Networking and Workshops/Skill Sessions

The small size of the event allowed for meaningful networking and great discussions.
- Propel 2024 Attendee

I found the building strong teams and enterprise mindset modules to be extremely helpful and relevant to my work. It has me evaluating my own performance around how I set expectations for my direct reports.
- Tiya Cunningham-Sumter, Acting Director of Learning and Support at Chicago Transit Authority

The presentation and activities on expectations and trust were a great illustration of the importance of both.
- Propel 2024 Attendee

100% of Survey Respondents in the 2024 Attendee Survey Would Recommend Propel to their Colleagues

It is important to hear other perspectives from outside your organization. It helps form expectations and standards for our individual career challenges and progress.
- Gene Barber, Commercial Finance & Marketing Manager at R. J. Corman Railroad Group

I appreciated the training and group sized. The group was also very interesting with a variety of backgrounds.
- Propel 2024 Attendee

They [my colleagues] would benefit from the skill building sessions and insights of other Rail leadership.
- Shequira Hall, Senior Fleet Management Specialist at GATX Corporation

100% of Survey Respondents in the 2024 Attendee Survey Expressed Interest in a Future Propel Event

I really like the way the program was organized. The class participation component was very interactive. I was very engaged.
- Terry Wilkerson, Acting Director of Transit Instruction at Chicago Transit Authority

I believe that connecting with industry peers outside one's own company is crucial for personal and professional growth in the rail industry. Events like this are valuable because they provide a platform for fostering those essential connections. Therefore, I will always make an effort to support an event like this.
- Falyn Coleman-Wright, VP of Business Development- Rail at API (Accommodations Plus International)

I left Propel really motivated and inspired to expand my leadership strengths. There were practical tools I see myself implementing Immediately.
- Tiya Cunningham-Sumter, Acting Director of Learning and Support at Chicago Transit Authority

Who Attended in 2024?