Two Years In: Leadership Reflections and What’s Next with Beth Malik

On the second anniversary of TMSA’s On the Move podcast, we welcome back a familiar voice, Beth Malik, TMSA President and VP at SMC3, who also happened to be the very first guest when the show launched two years ago.

In this milestone episode, Beth reflects on how both the industry and TMSA have evolved, what feels most important right now from a leadership perspective, and why the shift to role-based education Tracks marks a meaningful step forward for members.

As she prepares to transition from President to Chair at TMSA ELEVATE this June, Beth shares what she’s most proud of from her presidency and where she sees opportunity for continued impact. It’s a grounded, forward-looking conversation on leadership, growth, and what’s next for TMSA.

Check out the Transportation Sales and Marketing Association (TMSA) website or engage with us on LinkedIn.

Transcript

Two-Year Anniversary Highlights

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 0:22

Hello, everyone, and welcome to On the Move, a show where we share transportation sales and marketing success stories. I am Jennifer Carpis Romain, Executive Director of TMSA, a trade nonprofit, educating and connecting marketing and sales professionals inside of transportation and logistics. And today on the show, I have Beth Malik. She is Vice President of Marketing at CMC3, also our board president here at TMSA for a few more months. Today we are celebrating something special. Check it out. Yeah, we are so excited. It is our two-year anniversary here on On the Move. So for an organization that has been around for over 100 years, you always still want to ebb and flow and change with the times and start things. I've loved being on this podcast and starting this podcast. Some highlights for you guys, for our listeners who are so excited. We've had more than 2,000 downloads, 86 episodes. We are listened to in 65 countries. This is crazy to me because I just feel like I get to sit with my friends and ask them questions. It's a very fun experience for me. Um, one of the most downloaded episodes that we, well, the most downloaded episode that we ever had was the May 7th, 2025 episode that I did behind the scenes event operations at South by Southwest with Tammy Richter. She was one of our speakers at Elevate in 2025. So she did an episode with me beforehand. And our second most downloaded episode ever was the very first episode that we did back on April 24th, 2024. And that was with you, Beth Malik. And this is your third time. We brought you back for our first anniversary, and now you're here for our second anniversary. Welcome back to the show. How are you doing?

SPEAKER_00 2:21

Oh, exciting to be here and on the big second anniversary. Yeah, I'm thrilled. So uh it's always great to be here, Jen.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 2:29

Absolutely. We love to have you. I think a lot has changed over the past few years in the industry and at TMSA. So, from you in your leadership chair, as people might not know, our presidencies last for two years at TMSA. So you were president-elect for a year, then you were president for a year. You will go into your chairperson ship come June. But what do you feel feels different right now in this moment in the industry within TMSA as you're kind of sitting in your couple more months as president here?

SPEAKER_00 3:02

Yes. Um, yeah, well, a lot has changed the past two years. Uh, so I would say um across the industry,

Freight Pressure And AI Acceleration

SPEAKER_00 3:10

what really stands out is just how much pressure everyone is under right now. Um, the freight market is now in its fourth year of a downturn, the longest any of us have ever experienced, no matter how long we've worked in the industry. Um, so we're seeing margin compression, rate volatility, fuel price pressure, growing complexity with compliance and tariffs, and throw in an increase in freight fraud layered on top of it all. Companies are navigating through more variables, and in many cases, it's made it tough to plan and operate with confidence. Um, another big change over the past couple of years, I'll say the word that everyone says, has been with AI. So I'd say AI has accelerated so quickly and now is much more of a part of everyday workflows for sales and marketing versus where we were two years ago, which that creates both excitement and opportunity, but also it can create uncertainty depending on what your company's strategy is around AI and how it will be used to impact business results. So, I mean, those are just a couple big changes in the industry within TMSA. Um, what feels different to me is how focused we've become in response. And there's more clarity around how we deliver value and support members in a way that's meaningful to how they're actually working today, and um how important it is here that the association continues to work to strengthen the industry as a whole. I think those two things are very highlighted versus two years ago.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 4:58

Absolutely. I think TMSA, like we talked about even with the podcast, doing this, we understand, hey, this is how a lot of people are getting information. It is a way to highlight our members and what they're doing. So let's start this. And this year, we decided to launch the track-based program. And so now everybody who's coming to conference or in our membership gets to choose from company leader, sales leader, sales practitioner, marketing leader, marketing practitioner. So that way you're getting more catered experience. I also think, like you said at the beginning, like there's just more pressure on everybody. And as an organization, we're like, well, we can't really think that they're going to sit in our member portal and re-watch videos that are an hour long. Like, even if it's the most valuable content, we have to find a way to make it more digestible, to be more efficient, to let them go to market faster. So with all of that in mind, now we're at the beginning of Q2, part way through the year. What feels most important for TMSA, especially as we're like six, seven weeks away from Elevate now? Um, what feels most important at TMSA from the presidential chair?

SPEAKER_00 6:14

Yeah, well, I think um take it up a little level versus the the going into the conference, because I think we'll get into that in a little bit later too. But I think most important um right now, given the pressure our members and industry are under, um, is really staying truly member first while keeping the association financially strong. And

Why TMSA Shifted To Tracks

SPEAKER_00 6:40

in this kind of environment, focus and discipline really matter, um and that the board and headquarters are aligned on the right priorities, which allows us to adapt as needs evolve. And, you know, I'm also thinking about it as we're going through a leadership transition on several positions on the board. And so that's exciting, but that stability of being both member first and financially strong, keeping those values as we two of that, two of our many values as we go into the second half of the year will help keep us delivering real value without losing the momentum that we've built.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 7:19

Absolutely. We have a really strong board of voices that are at different parts of the industry, different pockets. And as we continue to evolve and change, we listen to those voices of the board, also our committee members and our members at large. Like we're always like, if you guys are willing to share insight, let us know. Um, because I think that is how we continue to stay strong. And to your obviously, we want to stay financially viable too, so that we continue to be here, can continue to be here for our members. Um, with that and the changes that we're making, the more targeted approach, from your perspective, you know, you've been part of TMSA, I think you hit your 10th year on the board prior to taking your presidency. So I think you're near 12 now, if I'm doing math on the spot. From your perspective of being around the association, knowing what the like listening to members hearing those stories, why do you think now is the right time to really think about how the organization is delivering learning and content to its members?

SPEAKER_00 8:26

Well, you really kind of, you know, hit hit hit it right on with the answer there. This really came down like now is the right time because it came down to listening to our members. And you know, sales and marketing right now, our roles have become more complex and interconnected. And members told us they wanted to learn um in a way that was easier to navigate, more relevant to their day-to-day work, and supportive of career growth at the same time. And Jen, I think I heard you say it umce, so I'll quote you. But um, we really looked at this as uh it wasn't a risk, but it was a responsibility of the association. So um the industry is evolving quickly, and our learning model has to keep pace with that. And we also need to close that knowledge gap as experienced professionals move on and to make sure people are equipped to succeed in their roles today, not someday.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 9:27

I agree. And I think we looked at kind of who our most successful members were, and they're people who grew their careers through education, learning, engagement at TMSA and really taking every piece of the professional development that we offered. But then we kind of sat in that and were like, but are we telling that story so that people, everybody understands what you can do here? Like you can join a committee, you can lead a committee. Like so many marketing teams are one person or two people. So, where are you gonna get that experience to lead a team? Well, you can come lead a committee and you get that's I mean, that's the first team I ever led was here at TMSA, and now I lead the whole thing. Um, and so really taking that and growing with people in their careers. We do have people that are VP level CMOs, they've been with us for years, they still have education, but we need to make sure that we are offering that. And then we have people that are more junior in their careers. We need to make sure we're targeting that, but then also encouraging them, giving them a space to come speak at a conference, speak to their peers, and telling that story and creating that narrative so they know how to do that effectively and really get the whole team involved. And that was really what we've all been sitting in for the six months prior to launching earlier this year and um getting Elevate set up to be kind of the biggest launch of what we're doing with it. And it's really cool. Everything main stage will still be applicable to everyone, but every single one of those tracks has their own networking time, has their own workshop, and has their own breakout. So it's not just like a, oh, this is a marketing breakout. Nope, there's a marketing leader one and a marketing practitioner one because those groups of people need different things. Um, I know that CMC3 has its own education and insight component for your customers as well. So obviously, through navigating all this, you've been such a resource of information. But how does that lens then influence how you think about learning and professional development inside associations like TMSA?

SPEAKER_00 11:30

Yeah, um the I I'll say on that, you know, both SMC3 and TMSA are purpose-driven organizations. And I think of it this way um a lot, that we're not for we're not for profit, we're for progress. And that's progress of the industry as a whole, not individual companies or individual verticals or shareholders. Um, we believe and know that when the broader industry improves, it lifts everyone involved. And that's what makes our mission different. Um, this around education, you know, education, expert insight, community, they aren't just standalone offerings. They are a connected system designed to help people grow and succeed. Um, you know, we believe that learning works best when people come together and share experiences and learn from each other, and that

Learning That Pays Off Monday

SPEAKER_00 12:30

learning has to evolve with our members and the demands of the industry. Um, so for me, that reinforces that learning has to be practical, role-relevant, worth people's time, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more capable industry.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 12:47

Absolutely. And you touched on this a little bit before how sales and marketing roles, especially leadership roles, are kind of intertwining those departments a little bit more. These role-based tracks then better reflect how sales, marketing, and leadership actually function inside of organizations today. What do you think is kind of the core component of building a model that reflects what's happening today versus two, three, 10 years ago?

SPEAKER_00 13:14

Yeah, I mean, I think it's reflective because today sales marketing and leadership roles like across the two, functional and leadership, they aren't siloed in ways they once were. And people are collaborating more closely and often wearing multiple hats. So the role-based tracks reflect that reality by aligning learning to how members actually show up at work while it stills still allows them to explore adjacent areas as their responsibilities grow. So, you know, these tracks they create a more intentional experience that supports both depth in a role and broader professional development.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 13:59

And if a member is sitting, listening, thinking, absorbing everything you're saying, but they're like, okay, that sounds great, but how does this actually help me when I get to work on Monday morning? How would you answer that question?

SPEAKER_00 14:13

Um, I think a Monday morning, it helps by giving you clarity and focus. So instead of trying to keep up with everything that's out there, all everything and all the education coming at you, you can focus on learning that aligns to where you are and what's most important right now. So that means spending time on content and conversations that help you solve real problems and have more confident discussions and show impact in your role. Um, I think ultimately, if it's not helping you be more effective in how you think, lead, show up either right now or in the near term, like Monday morning, it's it's not worth your time. And the tracks are designed to guide you to exactly that.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 15:02

Absolutely. And it one of the other pieces of feedback that we had gotten from conference attendees was that some of them really liked that they were able to go to the bigger networking spaces and meet everybody. And then other people were like, I wish there was a time just to network with people that are in my same thing because they want to talk about what their pain points on a Monday morning are. And so that's why each track has their own networking space. Um, on Monday morning breakfast, there'll be like track tables. So people will sit with their track, get to know people. Um, you get to play on a trivia team with your track participants, and you get to travel that way through conference, but then also schedule those accountability meetings once you leave Elevate. Make those people your friends and contacts. Like once you get back and you start really thinking about stuff, don't lose the people that you met at conference. That's part of being in the membership and growing. And so I definitely think taking what you learn in person and then taking it with you when you go back to your, you know, real life and taking those contacts will um really benefit you long term as well.

SPEAKER_00 16:12

Yeah, it's so important to take to before you start getting Monday morning, getting in there, um reflecting on everything that you just learned and connecting, making sure you're connected to everybody that you just met and keep those conversations going and that network going and the learning going between each other. Um, that reflection time after the end of a conference, I think is so important for everybody. Absolutely.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 16:38

It's also why we started ending conference with that like 15 minutes of like, who did you meet? Did you make contact with them on LinkedIn? Do you have a meeting with them set? What are three takeaways that you learned that you want to bring to the office? And then one thing that we're shifting for this year, we mentioned each of the tracks have their own workshops, but these are no tech workshops, these are workbook-based workshops. You will have an actual workbook or sheets, whoever the you know facilitator wants to do it, but you are in your weeds going through what's going to matter to you. It's not one more presenter giving you top ideas, it's really like driving home what and it's the one of the last things that we're doing. So everything that you learned over the past two days, you know, put that into the work that you're doing today. And that was something I pushed really hard for because we want to develop different types of content. People learn in different kinds of ways. And I also feel like as you round out the second day of a conference, sitting and listening to another, like it's time to take that space to apply too. So I'm really excited to see how people feel about that and um what that means long term for how we do education at TMSA. So um, as we talked about, you'll be rounding out your presidency as we get to elevate. So you will then be preparing to transition into the chairperson role. So it's not like you're leaving TMSA or the board or anything like that. You still have two more years dedicated to the cause. But how do you feel about that shift? How do you feel about your presidency? I mean, as you said,

Better Networking Plus Workbook Workshops

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 18:15

um the past four years and from an economic standpoint have been really hard. So I'm sure when you took your presidency, you thought we would be on an upward swing. And um here we are. Um, but what um as you prepare to transition to that next role, how are you thinking about that shift?

SPEAKER_00 18:33

Yeah, I mean, I'm thinking about the transition through the lens of continuity and support. So I think we've I feel like we've built a strong alignment as a board. We've strengthened how we operate and created real momentum. So the focus now is on making sure that that carries forward. Um, moving into the chair role allows me to step back from day-to-day leadership while supporting Don and headquarters and the rest of the board, the next phase of the association. So to me, it's back to about being about that continuity while creating space for new leadership to lead.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 19:16

Absolutely. And so this is your third time on the show. So I had you were the first person to be a three-peat. I had to think about a new question at the end. And so we've we've talked about this and something our current chairperson who will be rolling out, uh, Mark Dirks, he said this to me like when I got this role of executive director, and then when I became president of the nonprofit that I'm involved in and all that stuff, is he always talks about what is the like when you're taking that leadership role, what is the legacy that you want to leave behind? So, not that I could ask this as a third question for everyone who comes on the show, but you talked about like what you were looking forward to and taking that chairperson ship. But when uh when we're five, 10 years into the future, how do you want to be, you know, the Beth Malik presidency years to be known for?

SPEAKER_00 20:09

Yeah. Uh well, I think um I've I think I said this once maybe when we started, maybe in the first episode or maybe in the first uh speech when I was president, but I always in an association with more than a hundred years of history, every presidency is just a brief chapter in a much larger story. And there's a big supporting cast behind them of board members and the executive team, the board in general, members, headquarters. So I always hope all of those people are always recognized as well as the reason for things can happen. Um, but I really hope my my time is remembered uh those these two years as a time when TMSA continued its path of modernization while staying grounded in its purpose and stayed closely connected to our members through a very challenging period for the industry. Um we've been able to strengthen our systems, our team, how we serve our members, and that work continues and it will continue. So, you know, my hope is that we've put the right foundation in place so future leaders can keep building in ways that serve our members and strengthen the industry.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 21:28

I think that's great. Yeah, I mean, looking over the past two years, I mean, we weathered a lot of storms and there's been so much movement, but yeah, we really sit in and we process and we think, but but now what what comes next? Like you took your presidency as we were celebrating a hundred years. Like that's you're the first step into the next 100 years of TMSA, which can feel overwhelming, I'm sure. I mean, I know leading through that time period, I'm like, what am I just a little girl? Um, but I I do think that continuing to push things forward, but being mindful of change and not changing too fast, that we um like I like how you said, like, but we still stayed like steadfast in being here for our members. Like that's always what's most important. It's not just change for change's sake, but change to be there for our members to be able to better target their needs and hopefully giving them the space to tell us if that's working or not. Um, because if if we don't, we don't we can't change or evolve what we don't know, is it working?

SPEAKER_00 22:32

Right.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 22:33

Right. Well, it's such a pleasure to have you back on the show. Um, it's been uh always a reflective moment when you come on because it is like that first episode, and it's it's these big moments um of like you're about to take your presidency, and then you're halfway, and now you're switching into the chairperson ship, and we'll be bringing Don Ferdell on is into presidency. Um and then also for me, like reflecting over that time, like I've been here for four and a half years now. So Don will be like my fourth president, which seems kind of crazy. Um, and then yeah, two years anniversary too of On the Move, which is something I love. I love doing this show. Um, I love being able to speak to the leaders in this space. My personal favorite is when I have someone that comes on that tells me it's their first podcast ever. We talked about professional development, learning skills, um, letting people know they have a voice somewhere and their perspective matters, and being able to bring that, that is what keeps me going week to week to be able to bring that and to then be able to bring those new perspectives, bring that new knowledge, bring that information to our listeners. Huge win for me from my perspective.

SPEAKER_00 23:54

Yeah, I mean, you've done an awesome job with it and love your passion around it. Um, it's it's been a

Legacy Reflection And Elevate Invite

SPEAKER_00 24:00

tremendous couple years with the show. So kudos to you, Jen.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain 24:05

Well, thank you. And we will continue to have more episodes weekly. We do take a little bit of a summer break and a break over the winter holidays and stuff, but I like doing a weekly show and staying mostly consistent through it for two years is a win in itself, let alone the the quality of content that our members and and speakers and sponsors and everyone who's agreed to come on the show has um has allowed us to do. So thank you again for coming back on the show. We hope you join us June seventh through ninth in Denver for our Elevate Conference. You can learn more at events.tmsa today.org. So hope to see you there. Thank you. Bye.