A reflective account of building leadership through fraud detection, risk management, and people development in transportation and logistics, emphasizing proactive problem-solving and continuous organizational growth.
Her Story
About Julie
Julie Lawson is a seasoned transportation and logistics professional with more than 16 years of experience spanning claims management, risk mitigation, accounting operations, and organizational leadership. Currently serving as Head of Accounting & Risk at Direct Traffic Solutions, she oversees enterprise risk management, accounting operations, compliance, and internal controls while leading five critical departments: claims, credit, collections, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Known for her analytical mindset and operational expertise, Julie plays a key role in ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth within the organization.
Julie’s career began in fraud detection at Citibank, where she developed strong investigative and problem-solving skills that laid the foundation for her future success. She later transitioned into transportation claims, starting as a claims assistant and steadily advancing through positions including claims adjuster, senior claims adjuster, claims manager, credit and risk manager, and ultimately Head of Accounting & Risk. Throughout her career, she has specialized in handling complex claims involving cargo, vehicle transport, truck fires, rollovers, and major accidents, while continuously expanding her expertise across multiple facets of the transportation industry.
One of Julie’s most significant accomplishments was the complete reconstruction of her company’s claims department, implementing process improvements that reduced costs, strengthened carrier relationships, and enhanced operational performance. Her leadership and industry impact earned her recognition as one of the 2026 “Women to Watch” by the Women In Trucking. Guided by values of patience, attention to detail, collaboration, and continuous learning, Julie remains committed to driving operational excellence, mentoring others, and advancing best practices in transportation, logistics, and risk management.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Julie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to patience, being highly detail-oriented, and maintaining a positive attitude. Especially in claims, where you often work with upset carriers or customers, staying calm and composed is essential. I’ve learned that patience and clear communication can make all the difference in resolving issues effectively and maintaining trust.
Strong communication, attention to detail, and transparency have been key to my growth. I believe in being open and upfront with everyone because honesty and clarity make the job easier and strengthen relationships. I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships with our executive team, and I believe that comes from my willingness to collaborate, step in to help when needed, and continuously learn and grow..
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my current CEO, who taught me the importance of shifting my mindset and not always viewing things in black and white. One lesson that has stayed with me is to never bring a problem without also bringing a solution to discuss. That advice changed the way I approach challenges and has become something I now instill in my own team as a manager.
My CPO has also been a constant source of growth, consistently challenging me to think deeper and more critically. Her approach has taught me to anticipate questions, evaluate situations from multiple angles, and be more intentional in my decisions before taking action. Together, their mentorship has shaped the way I lead, pushing me to think differently, work harder, and continuously grow both professionally and personally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to women entering the transportation industry is to never stop asking questions. This is an ever-changing field, and staying informed is one of the most important ways to grow and succeed. There are countless resources and articles available at your fingertips, so take advantage of them and make learning a constant priority.
Be willing to bring new ideas to the table and put them into action. The more you educate yourself and stay aware of industry changes, the more opportunities you’ll see to innovate and make an impact. Applying fresh ideas and adapting to change is what helps you stand out and build a successful career in transportation.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the transportation and logistics industry is effectively managing risk, maintaining operational efficiency, and adapting to constantly evolving regulations. The pace of change requires professionals to stay agile, informed, and proactive in order to navigate challenges successfully.
At the same time, these challenges create significant opportunities for growth. Professionals who embrace innovation, build strong relationships, and focus on continuous improvement are positioned to drive meaningful change, strengthen operations, and create long-term success within the industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I value patience, attention to detail, maintaining a positive attitude, and strong communication. I believe in being open, collaborative, and creating an environment where we can have fun while still getting the job done. Building strong relationships is incredibly important to me—not only within my company but also with our customers—because I believe trust and connection are key to long-term success.
Outside of work, the most important part of my life is my family. I’m a proud parent of two adult children, and they are truly my everything. My son is autistic and I learn so much every day from him. My Daughter had thyroid cancer and continues to have mild health issues. She does not let that slow her down as she is now a Nurse and loving her job. Their journeys have shaped me in many ways and continue to inspire me every day. My time outside of work is centered around spending quality time with my husband, kids, friends, and family, whether that’s relaxing together or enjoying one of my favorite passions—sports. I’m a huge football and baseball fan and love the energy and excitement that comes with being a sports fanatic.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Julie
Leadership Built on Accountability, Growth, and Resilience
Building Systems, Preventing Problems: A Leadership Philosophy Forged in Risk Management
Early in my career, working in fraud detection at Citibank, I saw firsthand how small gaps in process and oversight could turn into significant financial and operational consequences. That experience shaped how I think—not just about solving problems, but about anticipating them. It also taught me that strong leadership is rarely about having all the answers; it's about asking the right questions early enough to change the outcome.
That mindset has stayed with me throughout my 16+ years in the transportation and logistics industry.
Head of Accounting and Risk at Direct Traffic Solutions
Today, I serve as Head of Accounting and Risk at Direct Traffic Solutions, where I oversee five departments spanning accounting operations, risk management, and claims. My role requires balancing precision with perspective, ensuring financial accuracy while protecting the company from operational and claims-related risk in a high-volume transportation environment.
My career path has been built step by step through claims, credit, and risk management, with each role adding a deeper understanding of how freight movement, customer expectations, and financial accountability intersect. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that claims and risk management are not just about resolving issues; they're about preventing them, strengthening processes, and protecting long-term business relationships.
Strengthening Claims Processes and Scalable Growth
At Direct Traffic Solutions, I've had the opportunity to help rebuild and strengthen claims processes, improve departmental structure, and support scalable growth. Today, our organization manages more than 56,000 shipments annually, and maintaining a claims rate of approximately 0.3% requires consistency, communication, and a proactive risk mindset across all departments.
People Development
Leadership, however, is not just measured in operational outcomes; it is equally defined by people development. I place strong value on building teams that are confident, capable, and continuously growing. I believe in creating an environment where employees feel supported enough to ask questions, challenge processes, and take ownership of their work. The strongest teams are built when individuals are empowered to think critically, not just follow instructions.
As our company has grown, I've also focused heavily on collaboration between departments—ensuring that billing, claims, and accounting functions are aligned rather than siloed. In logistics, disconnects between teams can quickly turn into financial exposure or customer dissatisfaction. Strong leadership bridges those gaps before they become problems.
One of the 2026 Women to Watch in Trucking
I was recently honored to be recognized as one of the "2026 Women to Watch in Trucking" by Women In Trucking, a recognition that reflects not just individual achievement, but the collective work of the teams and mentors who have supported me throughout my career. While personal recognition is meaningful, I view it as a reflection of the work happening across the organization and the trust placed in me by leadership and peers.
Continuous Improvement
What continues to drive me today is not just solving problems, but building systems and people that reduce the need for firefighting in the first place. Leadership in risk and accounting requires a mindset of continuous improvement—always asking how processes can be clearer, faster, and more transparent.
Looking ahead, I remain focused on strengthening operational alignment, developing future leaders within my teams, and ensuring that Direct Traffic Solutions continues to grow with integrity, structure, and accountability at its core.
Leadership is not a destination; it is a continuous responsibility to the people, processes, and principles that sustain an organization. And for me, that responsibility remains both a privilege and a commitment.
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