Episode Summary

In this episode of the Roadrageous podcast by IMPROVLearning, Jim Senter shares how Kellanova transformed fleet safety from a priority into a core company value. With over 15 years in environmental health and safety, Jim discusses how his team reduced preventable collisions, built a culture of proactive coaching, and leveraged AI-powered dash cams to improve driver behavior.

From humorous anecdotes (yes, someone was eating corn on the cob while driving!) to sobering reminders of real-world risks, Jim’s insights offer a blueprint for organizations looking to embed safety into every layer of their operations.

⏱️ Highlights

• [2:47] Jim’s unconventional journey from retail burnout to fleet safety leadership
• [5:00] The surprising frequency of “hit while parked” incidents
• [7:37] Turning incident reports into teachable moments
• [9:31] Why safety must be a value—not just a priority
• [13:01] Testing AI dash cams and the power of self-correction
• [20:14] Drowsy driving: the next frontier in fleet safety
• [28:08] Technology is additive—not a replacement for awareness
• [30:38] Regional safety training tailored to local risks
• [31:35] Extending safety culture to employees’ families

💡 Quotable Moments

“Safety isn’t a priority—it’s a value. Priorities change. Values don’t.” — Jim Senter

“I thought I was a good driver. The dash cam showed me I still had things to improve.” — Jim Senter

“You don’t want to get rid of people. You want to coach them and elevate your workforce.” — Jim Senter

Conclusion

Jim Senter’s story underscores that safety isn’t compliance—it’s culture. By treating safety as a shared value, supporting drivers with coaching, and leveraging technology responsibly, fleets can create safer environments where people thrive.

When safety is woven into every meeting, every drive, every decision, it becomes second nature—ensuring drivers get home safe and bring that culture of care into their communities.