When Jo Tomaszewski, Operations Manager at Freighter Group NSW, stood on stage at the Road Freight NSW 2025 Conference and Awards, she spoke with raw honesty about the whirlwind journey she has taken over the past 12 months. Her speech was more than a career reflection — it was a story of resilience, determination, and the power of seizing opportunities in the transport industry.
A New Chapter After Hardship
Jo’s path back into full-time work came after years of personal challenges. At the age of just 32, she faced breast cancer, enduring chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and ongoing treatment. Doctors warned her that motherhood might not be possible. Yet, against the odds, Jo and her husband welcomed their daughter — a child she describes as “the absolute sunshine of our lives.”
Returning to work after maternity leave, Jo admitted she was apprehensive. “Coming back as a full-time working mum in what is a predominantly male industry, I was quite worried about how I was going to manage,” she told the conference. “But I made a promise to myself and my daughter that I would give it my all.”
That promise fuelled her determination to stay visible, build her career, and show her daughter that “you can get through hard things, and you really can do it all if you put your mind to it — and with a lot of coffee.”
Finding Inspiration at Road Freight NSW
Her turning point came when she received what she called the “golden ticket” to the 2024 Road Freight NSW Conference. Despite working in transport for more than a decade, she had never attended an industry event before.
“I was so excited to be here. Some colleagues thought I was a little unusual for being so excited about a conference, but I didn’t care,” Jo said. Listening to speakers, networking with other professionals, and connecting with women she had previously only known through LinkedIn gave her a sense of belonging.
She left the event energised, posting her reflections online — a simple step that, in hindsight, set off a series of opportunities that would reshape her career.
Scholarships and Study
While on maternity leave, Jo had enrolled in an MBA. Used to the fast-paced world of operations, she found herself restless during quiet moments at home. “What does a transport professional do when they go from working 24/7 to having a perfect little baby who eats and sleeps well? I decided to do my Masters in Business,” she joked.
Through her growing network, Jo learned about the Driving the Difference Scholarship facilitated by Transport Women Australia Limited and Teamwork. Though unsure of her chances, she applied and was awarded support toward her MBA studies. That recognition further boosted her confidence and reaffirmed her decision to keep investing in her career.
Future Leaders Program
Not long after, Jo received a call encouraging her to apply for the Australian Trucking Association’s Future Leaders Program, sponsored by Daimler Truck. Initially shocked — “What, me? Are you sure?” — she embraced the challenge and was selected as part of the 2025 cohort, nominated by Road Freight NSW.
The program brought together emerging leaders to develop skills in advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. Participants worked in groups to tackle pressing industry issues: attracting apprentices, retaining workers, and preparing for technological change.
“We spent months researching these topics, interviewing connections, running focus groups, and using our own experiences to drive conversations and answers,” Jo explained. The groups presented their recommendations at the national Trucking Australia conference — a career highlight she describes as “such a cool experience.”
Building Networks and Confidence
For Jo, the program offered more than professional development. It created lifelong connections. Working alongside other operations managers, she saw how varied the roles can be across the industry — from managing workshops and mechanics to overseeing drivers and even getting behind the wheel. Those conversations deepened her understanding of the scale and diversity of road transport.
“The wonderful thing about projects like this is that they build a network of people around Australia who are striving for the same thing,” Jo said. “I’ve spoken to members of our group over the past few months, they’ve reached out to me, and I’ve reached out to them. What a cool little group of people we have moving forward, working together, advocating for what we need.”
A Supportive Industry
Jo highlighted one of her biggest learnings: the power of support. From the encouragement of her general manager at Freighter Group, to the mentorship of industry leaders, to the warm welcome from Road Freight NSW and the ATA, she described being overwhelmed by the generosity of others.
“There are people in this room and connections that I’ve made that have shown me more support than some colleagues I’ve worked with for many years, and for that, I’m truly grateful,” she said.
She reserved special thanks for Road Freight NSW CEO Simon O’Hara, the ATA, Daimler Truck, and the many individuals who had encouraged her along the way.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Jo’s journey over the past year is proof that taking the first step — attending an event, posting on LinkedIn, applying for a scholarship — can open doors to new opportunities. It also highlights the importance of creating pathways for women and parents in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
She closed her speech with a message of optimism: “The Future Leaders program really is a good news story. We all want to build on this industry, and I’m honoured to be called a future leader.”
Her story resonated deeply with conference delegates, showing that resilience and passion can overcome obstacles — and that building a career in road transport is about more than trucks and trailers. It is about people, support, and a shared vision for the future.
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