This episode of The Knowledge Project interviews Keith Creel, CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway, about the rail industry, its challenges, and his leadership philosophy. The conversation covers common misconceptions about rail efficiency versus trucking, the impact of driverless technology, and the complexities of high-speed rail integration. Creel details his implementation of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), emphasizing process refinement and asset optimization to improve efficiency and reliability. He also shares key lessons learned from mentors Hunter Harrison and Bill Ackman, highlighting the importance of accountability, leadership, and long-term strategic thinking, illustrated by the $27 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern. The interview concludes with a behind-the-scenes look at this major acquisition, emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective and strategic decision-making in a competitive environment.
