From the Driver’s Seat to the Boardroom

My journey started behind the wheel as a driver, and it ended as a commercial manager with a team of 15, running 18% of the London Bus network. In between, I changed roles many times even though I went over 20 years without a successful job interview. It’s a career typical of many, in that it is not typical at all. Most of my moves came from restructures, acquisitions, and those ‘can you just do this’ moments that shape a career. And now, I’m ready to share the lessons I’ve learned—the kind that can guide anyone, in any industry, navigating a path that refuses to be straight.

Be adaptable and embrace change.

Adaptability was my key to progress. Every time a change happened—someone left, a new challenge arose—I saw it as a door opening. For example, if a colleague was moving on, I asked myself: “Could this be my opportunity to take on something new? Could I step into their shoes and grow?”. Often, I found that these situations turned into valuable experiences. When leaders said, “I’ve had an idea”; “What about this?”; “That isn’t working”; I’d challenge myself to see how I could help solve them. Change is constant, but with the right mindset, it becomes the driver of your career growth.

Always be curious and empathetic.

If I had to distill into one quality what makes someone progress, it is curiosity. What is going on in the industry? Why has your competitor done that? When was the last time you travelled on a bus? It is all too easy to get tunnel vision – I do this job with this employer. Candidates who stand out in interviews are those who show they’ve gone beyond just their job—they understand the business, the market, and they have a vision of how they can help you. Stay curious, and you’ll always find ways to grow

Empathy is essential when working with stakeholders. Even if I did not agree with them, once I grasped their point of view, I could guide the conversation toward a solution that worked for everyone. Empathy doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone; it means knowing where they’re coming from and using that knowledge to build bridges."

Understanding the wider market isn’t just about staying informed—it shapes your strategy and how you respond to competition. If you know what’s happening beyond your immediate job, you can anticipate moves, adapt your approach, and keep yourself and your business ahead of the curve. This broad perspective can be the difference between reacting to change and leading it.

Take initiative.

Leadership often means stepping up before you're asked. I once inherited a team where I kept hearing, “The only time you know there’s a problem is when he’s solved it”. It didn’t take long for me to see this was true, and I promoted that person—even though he was much younger than others. Sure, some were unhappy about being passed over, but my challenge to them was simple: “When have you taken responsibility for a problem without waiting to be told?”. Taking initiative isn’t always natural, but it can be learned. Some people hesitate because they're worried it’s not their job or they fear making a mistake. Throughout my career, my approach was always: “Do it, then tell my manager after—they can’t say no”.  On becoming a busy manager, I much preferred someone to act – if an issue arose then we would learn together. But that was preferable to wondering why it was never done. Problems will always arise; the question is, will you be the one to solve them?".

Have a long-term goal

“Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?” This is not another banal interview question, but one I would often pose during annual reviews. It’s easy to focus on the next role – promotion, responsibility, more money. Successful people have a long-term vision, even if it's vague and adaptable. It’s more than just wanting a promotion or a raise; it's about knowing the kind of career you want.

Once you have an idea of your ideal job, it’s time for a gap analysis. What skills do you already have that are relevant? What do you need to develop, and how can you get that experience? If you want to be a director, you might not get there in one leap. Identify step-by-step milestones that can help you bridge the gap. Be strategic, but stay flexible—look for secondments, new projects, or educational opportunities that bring you closer to your goal.

Implement a succession plan

Throughout my career, I’ve been grateful for those who gave me opportunities, and I’ve been conscious of giving my teams the chance to build their career. Developing others is like being a parent—sometimes you see potential pitfalls, but you must let them learn by making their own mistakes. Of course, I wouldn’t leave them without guidance, but you need to create a safe space where they can take risks, learn from outcomes, and grow without fear of blame. Probably the single most satisfying outcome of my time as a manager was seeing people flourish after giving them an opportunity.

Some worry that developing their team means training someone to take your job. My answer is “What’s wrong with that”? You won’t stay in the same role forever. By developing others, you not only leave a legacy but also create space for your own growth. If they do leave, you've helped build someone’s career, and they’ll remember you for it. The alternative—not giving them a chance—means they’ll probably leave anyway, and they'll resent you for holding them back.

Know when it’s time to move on

There is no set path in life or in work. Everyone’s career journey is unique, shaped by individual decisions, unexpected opportunities, and the challenges we face along the way. You must make choices based on what feels right for you at the time - no decision is final, and every step forward is a chance to learn. Success doesn’t always come from waiting for the right door to open; it often comes from building the door yourself and walking through it with purpose.

Opportunities might not always fall into your lap. To be successful, you must be proactive, constantly seeking ways to improve, contribute, and grow—no matter your current position or the role you aspire to. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned leader, the key to advancement is the same: take charge of your development, be open to change, and stay curious.

A successful career is not about a perfect, linear progression—it’s about adaptability, resilience, making an impact. It’s about people, cultivating relationships, developing those around you, and recognizing when it's time to step outside of your comfort zone and take on something new. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to act; instead, create the conditions that allow you, and those around you, to thrive.

Rob Hudspith
Routes to Success Consultancy Ltd

Rob recently started working as an Independent Consultant following over 30 years in the bus industry with Arriva. His experience encompasses both the London and regional markets, in various commercial and route performance roles. He has a passion for improving services and developing people.