For Angelina Twardawa, CEO of Angie’s Transportation, the most important attributes of a successful leader include authenticity, creativity, adaptability and empathy. “I think it is important to be genuine and true to who you are in regard to your core values and moral compass,” she said. “If you believe in yourself and are your best self then others will believe in you as well and take risks with you.”
Motivating and inspiring her team is a number one priority, said Twardawa, and it serves her well as the CEO. Angie’s Transportation is the number one certified women owned and operated trucking company based out of St. Louis. The company is the leading carrier of dry and refrigerated goods in the Midwest, operating across 49 states and Canada, with a specialization in refrigerated freight.
In the past year since Twardawa was named a Titan 100, she has steered the continued growth trajectory of the company with the acquisition of a fleet of trucks and refrigerated trailers while expanding the client base. “Simultaneously, our relentless commitment to advancing technological infrastructure has played a pivotal role in enhancing our operational efficacy, propelling the organization toward heighted efficiencies and overall excellence,” said Twardawa.
The firm has continued building on current technologies, even implementing the use of AI and ChatGPT. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I love testing new strategies and technology even if our organization is not ready for it,” said Twardawa. “I test and push our limits because everything is trial and error and if it works out then great and if not then it is back to the drawing board.”
This journey of adopting new technology has inspired continued engagement with the American Trucking Association, the Missouri Trucking Association and the Truckload Carriers Association.
“As a Titan 100, it has sparked my passion and dedication aspiring me to be more involved with various government agencies, policy makers and legislative bodies to advocate for industry reforms and policy changes that aim at the needs and future sustainability of the trucking industry,” said Twardawa. She also has plans to expand the refrigerated fleet, diversify into warehouse and brokerage services and build a state-of-the-art facility in the coming year.
“My secret superpower is being very creative and thinking outside the box,” said Twardawa. “I would say it is also being able to connect well with others – I am a great listener and make people feel comfortable and this helps greatly with relationship and trust building.”
For the second year in a row, Twardawa has been named a Titan 100 for her compassion as a leader and her forward-thinking initiatives in the industry.
