Welcome to the Future Leaders Forum
Sponsored by one of the ATA’s foundation sponsors, Volvo, as well as Geotab, this professional development program aims at equipping emerging leaders with the tools to advocate for our industry.
The Future Leaders Forum (FLF) is a professional development program for up-and-coming future leaders of the trucking industry. Ten program spots are available each year with nominations submitted by the ATA’s member associations and the TruckSafe program.
The program has graduated close to 80 individuals who have gone on to secure leadership roles at ATA member associations and other industry bodies.
The program consists of:
Training on industry policy, advocacy, focus groups and government policy deployment.
Insights on leveraging media and social media to progress industry issues.
Opportunity to present a key industry issue at Trucking Australia.
Participants will:
Learn how businesses and industry associations can influence policy in an effective and ethical way.
Be connected to a strong professional network of industry leaders through the Future Leaders Alumni network.
Meet the trainers
Warren Howard
Director, Howardco Business and HR Solutions
Warren Howard is the Director of Howardco Business & HR Solutions, and an experienced HR strategist, leadership coach and facilitator.
Warren has held senior roles across oil distribution, insurance and consulting, giving him a strong understanding of the challenges faced by industry.
Warren has worked with organisations including BP, Boral, Scania and Ron Finemore Transport. His work with industry bodies such as ATA, ALRTA, LRTAV and HHTS has deepened his perspective on the challenges in transport and logistics.
Bill McKinley
Chief of Staff and Policy Director,
Australian Trucking Association
Bill McKinley joined the ATA in 2007 after a 17-year career as a political adviser in Queensland and national politics. Most notably, he was the communications adviser to Deputy Prime Ministers John Anderson and Mark Vaile.
Since 2007, Bill has held government relations, communications and policy roles at the ATA. He is now the ATA’s Chief of Staff.
In 2022, Bill led the development of the ATA’s submissions to the High Court in the Victorian electric vehicle charging case.
Bianca D’Rosario
Director, Marketing and Corporate Partnerships, Australian Trucking Association
Bianca D’Rosario is the ATA’s Marketing and Corporate Partnerships Director, responsible for overseeing the organisation’s marketing, events, award programs and corporate partnerships.
Bianca joined the ATA in August 2023, bringing 15+ years of experience in brand, marketing, insights and digital transformation. She has previously worked in the consumer products, superannuation, and energy industries in the US and Australia.
Bianca holds a Bachelor of Sociology, a Certificate in Software Engineering and an MBA from Columbia University, New York.
Colin Anstie
Chief Executive Officer, RD Consulting
Colin Anstie is the CEO of RD Consulting and a passionate communicator who loves helping people build confidence, capability and real-world skills.
With more than 20 years’ experience in communications, marketing and digital engagement, he has worked with government, Defence and private sector organisations across Australia and internationally.
Colin has delivered over 1,000 training sessions and is known for his energetic, practical and hands-on approach. In his Social Media Bootcamp, he’ll share simple strategies, lessons learned and tips you can put into action straight away.
Michelle Rowe
Director, PitchPerfect Media
Michelle Rowe is founder and director of PitchPerfect Media, a strategic communications advisory helping leaders align media, stakeholder engagement and business priorities.
A former senior editor and journalist with more than 25 years’ experience across major Australian and international media, Michelle brings insider knowledge of newsrooms, issues management and audience influence. She has advised government, industry and corporate clients on reputation, positioning, crisis response and growth-focused communications.
For the Australian Trucking Association’s Future Leaders Forum, Michelle delivers practical media training that helps emerging leaders communicate with clarity, manage risk and connect their message to broader industry and business outcomes.