Q & A with Shawn Trimble-Craig, CEO SWIT

Shawn Trimble Craig, CEO, Southwest International Trucks

Company description: Truck dealership for International Harvester Brand

Company headquarters: Dallas

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, Florida Atlantic University

Three years ago, Shawn Trimble Craig jumped from the telecommunications industry to leading a commercial truck dealership with five locations in Dallas-Fort Worth. While she says it was a risky career move, it ended up being “the best decision of my life.”

Under her leadership, Southwest International has experienced unprecedented growth, innovation and cultural evolution. She has championed inclusivity and diversity, drawing in women to a traditionally male-dominated industry.

She has also emphasized a customer-centric approach that has enhanced the company's reputation for service and reliability. By prioritizing sustainability initiatives and investing in cutting-

edge technologies, she has positioned Southwest as an industry leader in environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

What's the biggest risk you've ever taken in your career? How did it work out?

I spent over 30 years in leadership positions in the telecommunications industry. In 2021, I decided to move over to the trucking/transportation industry and move from Denver to Dallas. This was risky because it was a very different industry, mostly dominated by males, and I was leaving the beautiful state of Colorado to move to the cement city of Dallas. I was scared! This decision was the best decision of my life. In having to learn a new industry, it propelled me to a become a better version of myself because I had to start learning all over again in a different industry and city. It pushed me out of my comfort zone but also taught me that we are never too old or too far into our careers to make a change. Change inspires and energizes you! Also, as a business leader, you learn so many skills that are transferable to all industries. Business is business. People are people. By the way, it turns out I love Dallas!

What advice do you have for women seeking to jumpstart their careers or attain higher leadership positions?

1. Over exceed expectations in your current role. 2. Let your boss know that you want to move up the career ladder. 3. Be a sponge, learn from everyone you meet. Find ways to professionally develop yourself outside of your company — an example would be to join Toastmasters, join networking groups, go to seminars and actively use LinkedIn to meet people and expand your circle. The people you meet early in your career will show up later in your life in ways that you do not know of right now. 4. Don't be afraid to talk to C-level executives. They are just people. My dad taught me this one by the way!

What's your superpower at work?

I am a change leader and advocate. I like to understand the vision and goals for the future and then build a team of people that can help me with the transformation. Leading change, whether it be transforming teams or transforming companies, requires a lot of listening! It helps you figure out the challenges you will have and will help you build trusted relationships with your team. Technology plays a big role when you lead change because change requires implementing new processes into your business or to your teams. Having a strong CIO or technology leader/partner within your company is very important. They are key in helping you lead any type of transformational change.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I am in a dynamic industry that is going through transformational change. There are many changes in our industry due to regulations, electric vehicles for the future and changes in technology in how we serve our customers are a few examples. In addition, we have more women joining our industry now more than ever. This is exciting to me because I have a passion for helping other women join or excel in the trucking/transportation industry as I know it is an exciting industry to be in.