Leading the Way Alumni Spotlight: Yannick Landry

Name: Yannick Landry
Cohort: 17
Graduation Year: 2020
Current Position: Terminal Manager, Montreal Intermodal Terminal, Canadian National Railway

My approach to DTI’s executive master’s program was slightly different than the majority of my classmates from Cohort 17. Coming from the Law department of Canadian National Railway Company (CN) where I spent the last six years, I had less exposure to the operations than my other colleagues and therefore a greater challenge ahead of me; but most importantly, I had a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I must say that I truly benefitted from the knowledge I gained at DTI, especially from experienced professors such as Craig Lentzsch with respect to capital structure of companies and Jack Buffington regarding the challenges and opportunities in supply chain management. I also fine-tuned my leadership style with sound advice provided by RJ Graham. Equally important as the formal in-class lectures was the wealth of experience shared by all the members of Cohort 17. From sales and marketing to port operations, trucking, and shortline challenges, my colleagues were extremely generous with their time and experiences. I provided free legal advice as a quid pro quo!

I was fortunate enough to be selected by my organization to complete the executive master’s program in Denver and it provided me with great insight into the supply chain opportunities and challenges. Since graduation from DTI in June 2020, as I wanted to be more involved in the operations as well as the core of the business, I moved from the Law Department to the Intermodal Operations at CN. I am currently acting as the Terminal Manager for the Montreal Intermodal Terminal leading more than 125 employees and responsible for the intermodal operations in the second largest intermodal terminal in Canada. I am also involved in several optimization and automation projects aiming at increasing the efficiencies of our intermodal operations. I am extremely grateful to the CEO of the company, Mr. JJ Ruest, as well as Senior Executives such as Keith Reardon, Martin Guimond, Sean Finn, and Olivier Chouc for allowing me this cross-pollination opportunity.

Not only will it make me a well-rounded, versatile, and more knowledgeable railroader but most importantly, it will make me a better and more accomplished leader.

Moreover, I wanted to commend all the teammates from Cohort 17. From the first hours of the first week of the program, Cohort 17 truly became a family. Not only did I meet dedicated and brilliant transportation and supply chain leaders, I discovered exceptional individuals. Everyone helped each other during the good and more difficult times during the program and it may sound a bit cliché, but I truly believe that the friendships created in Denver will last a lifetime.

Despite the pandemic, we kept in touch regularly and I will be hosting the Cohort in Montreal as soon as the border restrictions will be lifted.

Last but not least, all of this would not have been possible without the unconditional support from my wife Virginie, and my two adorable kids, Morgane and Raphael. Onwards!