
Lisette LeBlanc’s shift from fleet management to right of way work proves that operational discipline and people-first leadership aren’t industry-specific—they’re what make change work. This article shows how to spot the skills that make pivots possible, build trust before problems surface, and use tech to keep teams safe and aligned. It’s a practical look at leading through complexity.
When Lisette LeBlanc packed her bags for Prince Edward Island, she was stepping into a new chapter. After years behind a desk, she was ready for something different. “I’d been in an office my whole career,” she says. “To get out in the field? That’s what I was most excited about. And who’s going to say no to spending spring and summer driving along Canada’s east coast in Prince Edward Island?”
That initial assignment was more than a professional milestone—it was a strategic redirection of her career. After 15 years in fleet management, she was ready for something different. “I’ve never been the type to take the easy road,” she says. “If you present me with two options, I’ll always take the one that’s going to challenge me.” Friends tease me that I choose the harder path on purpose.” Lisette just smiles—"That’s how you grow.’”
That appetite for challenge—and her ability to thrive in unpredictable environments—has defined Lisette’s career. Today, she’s a land analyst training in project management, bringing lessons from fleet logistics and a mindset built on adaptability to every project.
When asked why she felt it was the right moment to pivot from fleet management to the land and right-of-way industry, Lisette explained: “The timing was right. I had just moved back to my childhood hometown of Saint-Antoine, New Brunswick, Canada, to be closer to family. I was working remotely and felt ready for change. I wanted to embrace a fresh challenge and explore different opportunities,” she says.
What drew her to right of way was the chance to work on diverse projects—renewables, power, and gas—and to learn from specialists who are true experts in their field. “It’s been a wild ride,” she laughs. “Land agent work, analyst work, now project management training—I love it. There’s always something new to learn.”
Fleet management taught Lisette how to manage complexity under pressure. “Fleet logistics is volatile and political,” she says. “One day, your whole world can change.” As an operations lead, she managed contracts that kept drivers working and providing income that supported their families. “I was, at times, responsible for feeding 30 families every day. If I didn’t make it happen, they didn’t have food on the table.”
Her strategy? Relationships and proactive planning. “You always need a plan B,” she says. “I’d call key clients and ask, ‘Where can I help? What lanes can we take on?’ It was all about communication and trust.
Those lessons translate seamlessly to land work. “Clear communication is everything,” Lisette says. “Clients want to know you’re on top of it. And when something changes, you need to adapt fast.”
Lisette loves unpredictability. “I’m the type of person who loves puzzles and escape rooms,” she says. “Fleet Logistics was never the same two days in a row—land and right of way is like that too. There’s always an exception to the rule. Nothing is black and white, and it requires a high level of skill and attention to detail to manage effectively.”
That mindset makes her a natural fit for project management. That love of complexity, paired with her calmness under pressure, is what teammates notice. Lisette leads by example—steady, thoughtful, and always the first to jump in and help. “If something’s challenging, embrace it,” she says. “Wake up and tell yourself, ‘I’ve got this.’ A positive attitude changes everything.”
Her experience in fleet management shaped a deep respect for safety—and for leveraging technology to support people.
“We embraced technology that kept drivers safe and gave clients peace of mind. GPS tracking and electronic tablets meant fewer check-in calls, real-time visibility, and the confidence that loads were on schedule—making long days easier for everyone.” she says. “Anything that enhances safety and gives teams confidence is worth embracing.”
Lisette believes knowledge is meant to be shared. “I used to take everything on myself,” she admits. “But I’ve learned you’re not going to be doing this forever. Teach it. Pass it on.
“Anybody willing to teach me something—I’m all in,” she says. “And I’m more than willing to share what I know. That’s how we all get better.”
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