Meet Judie Nuskey

We recently connected with Judie Nuskey and have shared our conversation below.

Judie, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.

My ability to communicate effectively has been shaped by a combination of education, professional experience, and intentional growth. Earning a degree in Communication Studies from West Chester University provided me with a solid foundation, and returning to college as an adult allowed me to fully engage in discussions and learn to connect with diverse audiences. As Director of Operations at Advanced Driver Training Services (ADTS), I work closely with clients and stakeholders to develop impactful safety programs, which has sharpened my ability to listen, adapt, and present solutions clearly.

Additionally, leading initiatives like the Network of Women Focused on Driver Safety (NOW) has taught me how to foster collaboration and inspire others. Overcoming challenges in male-dominated spaces and learning from mentors have also reinforced the importance of clear, empathetic, and assertive communication. Through these experiences, I’ve come to value communication not just as a skill but as a tool for connection, problem-solving, and creating lasting impact.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a Safety Training Leader with Advanced Driver Training Services (ADTS) and the founder of the Network of Women Focused on Driver Safety (NOW). My work centers on designing and implementing driver safety programs that promote a proactive culture of safety, reduce fleet crashes, and inspire behavior change among drivers. We must continue advocating for comprehensive safety programs, innovative training solutions, and policies that prioritize lives over convenience. At every level—whether driving, walking, or planning transportation systems—our collective efforts can shape a culture of accountability and care.

What excites me most about my work is its tangible impact on lives and businesses. Whether it’s helping a fleet reduce crashes or empowering women in the industry through NOW, the results are both measurable and deeply rewarding. Recently, I’ve focused on expanding NOW as a platform for women to network, share resources, and champion safer driving environments. These initiatives reflect my passion for fostering innovation, collaboration, and safety in every facet of my work.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities or skills have been especially impactful in my journey:

1. Networking and Relationship Building
Building relationships has been a cornerstone of my success. Networking allowed me to connect with people from different industries and backgrounds, which has expanded my perspective and created opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. For example, joining AFLA and participating in their mentorship program has been transformative, helping me learn from others while sharing my own insights. These connections have not only supported my growth but also reinforced the importance of collaboration in fleet safety initiatives. Over the past two years, I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a mentor, which has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened my appreciation for the mutual growth that mentorship provides.

My Advice:

Make networking a priority—attend events, join professional organizations, and reach out to people in your field.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; some of the best opportunities come from unexpected connections.
Reflect on your experiences after each interaction to better understand what you’ve learned and how it can apply to your goals. NEVER STAND IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM! No one will notice you, stand up front!

2. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning
Transitioning from finance to fleet safety was a significant shift for me. It required an openness to new challenges and a willingness to continually learn, whether it was understanding driver behavior, adopting new technologies, or developing effective training programs. I also went back to school later in life to earn my degree, which taught me that it’s never too late to pursue knowledge and adapt to change.

My Advice:

Stay curious and embrace the unknown; every challenge is an opportunity to learn.
Seek out mentors who can guide you, offer advice, and help you navigate tough situations.
Don’t underestimate the value of formal education or additional training—it can open doors and boost your confidence.

3. Creative Problem-Solving and Leadership
One of the most fulfilling parts of my career has been finding creative solutions to improve driver safety and reduce crash rates. Whether it’s designing custom training programs or addressing risky behaviors head-on, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring change. Building a culture of safety has been one of my proudest accomplishments. This achievement would not have been possible without the expertise, dedication, and professionalism of our incredible law enforcement instructors. Their firsthand experience, commitment to safe driving practices, and ability to connect with drivers on a practical level have been instrumental in shaping our programs. I deeply value and respect the unique perspective they bring, which continues to inspire me and strengthen the foundation of our safety initiatives.

My Advice:

Lead with empathy and take the time to understand the needs of your team or clients.
Be a disruptor when necessary—challenge the status quo, but always with the goal of adding value and making improvements.
Learn from mistakes. Early in my career, I made some missteps, but each one taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my confidence.
For those just starting out, my biggest advice is to embrace every opportunity to grow, build meaningful connections, and never stop learning. You might not always know where your path will take you, but with these qualities, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle I’m currently facing is effectively engaging with new leaders in the industry to align on the critical importance of driver safety training. While many acknowledge the value of technology and vehicle safety features, it can be challenging to communicate that the most important safety feature in any vehicle is the driver. Additionally, there’s a misconception that safety training is an expense rather than an investment. I firmly believe—and often share—that training isn’t expensive; it’s priceless when you consider the lives and costs it can save.

To address these challenges, I’m focused on advocating for the value of instructor-led training, which I see as the cornerstone of effective safety programs. While eLearning tools have their place, the hands-on, personalized approach of instructor-led training is irreplaceable when it comes to building lasting behavioral change and instilling defensive driving habits. I’m working to create opportunities for collaboration and open dialogue with industry leaders, using data-driven insights and success stories from our programs to demonstrate the real ROI of comprehensive driver training.

By continuing to highlight the human element of safety and fostering partnerships with those open to forward-thinking strategies, I hope to make progress in reshaping perceptions and strengthening the culture of safety across the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adtsweb.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judie.iaquintonuskey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judienuskey
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsy0ZpX2bdXO-D8-QKLHXNw