Operate Smarter

There’s a reason why great operations leaders come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some started behind the wheel; others in finance offices, dispatch centers, or job sites. These diverse viewpoints are powerful — they help us see and solve problems in ways that others can’t. This podcast unpacks the strategies and insights that drive the industries we rely on, giving you direct access to operations leaders who are making a positive impact. From reducing safety incidents at massive organizations to improving uptime and driving efficiency, they've reshaped operations by combining experience with technology. Whether you’re in operations, leadership, or simply curious about how things really work, Operate Smarter reveals the strategy behind the operators keeping the world moving.

Operate Smarter is a business podcast hosted by Samsara, with 5 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Samsara hosts Operate Smarter, a business show with 5 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #4

  Operate Smarter #004 — Putting Pedestrians First: Expanding Driver Awareness with AI

  Jan 8, 202622 minS1

  <p>Every day, professional drivers navigate complex environments with limited visibility. Even the most experienced drivers can’t see every pedestrian and cyclist at once. In fact, 14% of severe large-truck crashes happen due to inadequate surveillance.* In this episode of Operate Smarter, host Hannah Maslar talks with Jason Louis, VP of Safety at Coach USA, one of the largest passenger transit providers in the U.S. </p><p>Jason shares how Coach USA is protecting the most at-risk population their drivers interact with—pedestrians. You’ll hear how Samsara’s AI Multicam and Pedestrian Collision Warning alerts give their drivers 360-degree...

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  Episode #3

  Operate Smarter #003 — When AI Helps Save Lives: Combatting Drowsiness Behind the Wheel

  Sep 23, 202528 minS1

  <p>Drowsiness is one of the leading causes of accidents—and those accidents are often severe. </p><p>Drivers who sleep less than four hours are 11.5x more likely to crash than those who get a full night’s sleep, and 17% of all fatal crashes involve a drowsy driver.* In this episode of Operate Smarter, host Cole Jurden talks with Tom Karnowski, VP of EHS at USIC, the largest provider of public utility locating services in the U.S. </p><p>Tom shares how USIC is keeping their drivers from becoming a statistic. You’ll hear what it’s like to be a Sa...

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  Episode #2

  Operate Smarter #002 - Keeping Crews Safe in High-Stakes Moments

  Jun 18, 202523 minS1

  <p>What does it take to keep utility crews safe during everyday work — and in the middle of a hurricane? In this episode of Operate Smarter, host Sean McGee talks with James Banner, SVP of Administration and Safety at Pike Corporation, one of the largest utility infrastructure providers in the U.S.</p><p>James shares how Pike built a strong, top-down safety culture over the past two decades — and how real-time data is helping crews work smarter today. You’ll hear what it’s like to lead large-scale storm response efforts, why recognition is critical to retention, and how Pike is...

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  Episode #1

  Operate Smarter #001 - People-First Operations: Where Tech Meets the Human Touch

  Jun 17, 202535 minS1

  <p>What does it take to modernize a 105-year-old logistics giant? In this episode of Operate Smarter, host Andrew Ackermann sits down with Michael Keller, Director of Network Solutions-Presort at Pitney Bowes, to find out.</p><p>Michael shares how Pitney Bowes is using technology to evolve its operations — without losing sight of what matters most: people. From presort services to driver engagement, he breaks down how the company is balancing innovation with experience, and why transparency and adaptability are now table stakes in logistics. You’ll hear how automation is improving both employee satisfaction and customer service — and what the fu...

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  Operate Smarter

  Operate Smarter #000 - Teaser Trailer

  Jun 16, 20251 minS0

  <p>About the Operate Smarter podcast:</p><p>There’s a reason why great operations leaders come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some started behind the wheel; others in finance offices, dispatch centers, or job sites. These diverse viewpoints are powerful — they help us see and solve problems in ways that others can’t. When they’ve personally managed a site, navigated a fleet through extreme conditions, or kept critical equipment running under pressure, firsthand experience shapes how the best in the business operate. </p><p>This podcast unpacks the strategies and insights that drive the industries we rely on, giving y...

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