CSX Corporation: Empowering Women in Rail

10 Best Companies to Watch in 2024

The Impact of the OnTRACK 24 Program Under Diana!

The freight rail industry faces significant challenges, from attracting talent to adapting to rapid technological advancements. As organizations strive to modernize and improve operational efficiency, the need for transformative leadership becomes crucial. Meet Diana Sorfleet, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at CSX Corporation, whose visionary approach is redefining the workplace culture within the rail sector.

Diana has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives like the ONE CSX cultural transformation project and the OnTRACK 24: Here SHE Grows program, aimed at fostering women’s leadership. Her extensive background in human resources equips her with the tools necessary to drive meaningful change, emphasizing transparency and employee development. Under her leadership, CSX has cultivated an inclusive environment that not only enhances service delivery but also empowers its workforce.

By aligning technological advancements with cultural transformation, Diana ensures that CSX remains at the forefront of the rail industry. Her commitment to mentorship and robust internal communication has created a collaborative atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard. This focus on human capital is not just about meeting immediate operational needs; it’s about nurturing talent for sustainable growth.

Diana Sorfleet’s leadership exemplifies how strategic human resource practices can transform challenges into opportunities. Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paving the way for a brighter future in the rail industry, proving that compassionate leadership can drive exceptional business outcomes.

Human Resources to Executive Leadership

Diana’s career has been a natural progression from her deep roots in human resources to her current role in executive management. Her journey is driven by a strong belief in the power of cultural and operational transformation. Diana views these elements as vital to cultivating a motivated workforce, which in turn, leads to enhanced customer satisfaction and business success. Her passion lies in building environments where every employee feels involved, safe, and part of the company’s journey.

Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and safety, ensuring that everyone has a voice and a secure place to work. Diana’s role in executive management allows her to influence not just the strategic direction of the company, but also the daily lives of its employees. She understands the impact that a positive, inclusive workplace can have on both employee morale and overall company performance.

The ONE CSX Initiative

A significant focus of Diana’s work has been her involvement in the cultural transformation initiative known as ONE CSX. This program aims to foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration across all levels of the organization. By prioritizing transparency and encouraging open feedback, Diana and her team are creating a workplace where employees feel heard and valued. The initiative also includes significant investments in employee development and programs that promote diversity and inclusion.

The goal of ONE CSX is to create an environment where teamwork is the norm, and all employees work together towards shared objectives. Diana’s leadership ensures that this cultural transformation is not just a set of guidelines but a lived experience for every team member. By actively seeking input from employees, the company is building a culture that supports its strategic vision and business goals.

Empowering Women Leaders

Diana takes great pride in her role in launching the OnTRACK 24: Here SHE Grows women’s leadership development program. This initiative is designed to support and elevate women within the company, providing them with the tools and community they need to advance in their careers. Through a series of events, the program builds a supportive network where women can share experiences, gain insights, and develop the skills necessary for leadership roles.

The program is still in its early stages, but it has already begun to show positive results. By focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in the workplace, OnTRACK 24 is helping to create a more balanced and inclusive leadership pipeline. Diana’s commitment to this initiative reflects her broader belief in the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of supporting all employees in their professional growth.

Strategic Leadership and Vision

As Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Diana plays a critical role in aligning the company’s business objectives across various functions. Her strategic vision for CSX is centered on three core pillars: enhancing customer experience, leveraging technology to drive transformation, and cultivating a positive workplace culture. Diana believes that these elements are essential for long-term success and sustainability.

By focusing on these areas, she aims to create a company where every employee feels valued and motivated to contribute to the company’s success. This involves not only setting strategic goals but also ensuring that all departments work together seamlessly. Diana emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration across different areas of the business to achieve these objectives. Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.

Fostering Communication and Collaboration

Diana understands that effective communication and collaboration are crucial for the success of any organization. To foster a culture of mutual respect and teamwork, she has implemented various strategies to promote open dialogue and interaction across the company. This includes business resource groups, skip-level meetings, and company-wide town halls, all designed to encourage face-to-face interaction and feedback.

CSX also leverages technology to maintain a flow of communication throughout the organization. Through webcasts and video content, Diana ensures that all employees are informed and engaged, regardless of their location. By maintaining a constant dialogue, CSX can respond quickly to the needs of its employees and ensure that they have the resources and support they need to succeed. This approach not only enhances internal communication but also strengthens the company’s overall performance.

Integrating Technology for Enhanced Services

Diana is a strong advocate for integrating technology into the company’s operations. She believes that technology can be a powerful tool for improving services, streamlining processes, and making interactions easier for both employees and customers. However, she also emphasizes the importance of aligning technological advancements with the company’s cultural transformation goals and employee development initiatives.

By focusing on the human aspect of technological integration, Diana ensures that new systems and processes are designed to support the company’s broader strategic objectives. This approach helps to create a balanced environment where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human elements of the business. Diana’s leadership in this area is helping CSX to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust

One of the significant challenges Diana faces is demonstrating to customers that CSX can consistently deliver the high level of service they expect. While the company has made great strides in improving service quality, maintaining and building on this progress is an ongoing effort. Diana is focused on ensuring that the company can not only meet but exceed customer expectations.

Improving labor-management relationships is another critical area of focus for Diana. She recognizes the importance of building trust and collaboration between employees and management to achieve great service. This involves regular communication, leadership training, and recognition programs to strengthen relationships and build a sense of community within the company. By addressing these challenges head-on, Diana is helping CSX to create a more unified and successful organization.

Commitment to Employee Development and Mentorship

Diana is a strong proponent of investing in employee development and mentorship. She believes that providing employees with opportunities for growth and development is essential for building a strong, capable workforce. Diana supports a range of programs and initiatives designed to help employees advance in their careers and develop the skills they need to succeed.

Mentorship plays a key role in Diana’s vision for employee development. She believes that experienced employees can provide valuable guidance and support to their less experienced colleagues, helping them to navigate the challenges of their roles and develop their careers. By fostering a culture of mentorship, Diana is helping to create a company where employees feel supported and valued, and where they have the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Driving Business Success through Strategic Investment

For Diana, the success of CSX is closely tied to the company’s ability to attract and retain customers by offering superior service. This vision is supported by strategic investments in key areas such as customer experience, technology, and workplace culture. Diana believes that by focusing on these areas, CSX can differentiate itself from competitors and achieve long-term success.

Effective recruitment, robust training programs, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion are all essential components of this strategy. Diana is dedicated to building a team that is not only skilled and capable but also diverse and inclusive. By investing in the development of its employees and creating a positive workplace culture, CSX is positioning itself for continued growth and success in the future.