Influential Woman · Transportation
Lakeisha Hinnant
Chief Executive Officer, 2 Women & a Rig
Atkinson, NC 28421
I'd revisit a day with my grandmother just sitting, talking, and laughing together. Now that she's gone, I miss those simple moments the most.
Lakeisha Hinnant · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Lakeisha
Lakeisha Hinnant is a transportation industry executive, entrepreneur, author, and certified life coach serving as Chief Executive Officer of 2 Women & A Rig, a trucking company she co-founded with her female business partner. She has approximately 14 years of experience in the transportation industry, including approximately 10 years operating through a contractual relationship with Landstar. Her professional background includes trucking operations, operations management, freight, customer service, team building, project management, and public speaking. In addition to her executive responsibilities, Hinnant is the author of NONPERISHABLE: The Story of One Woman's Determination to Find Hope; Beat the Odds and Create Her Own Successful Path, which reflects her interest in resilience, determination, leadership, and personal development. Hinnant's educational and professional development reflects an interdisciplinary approach to leadership and personal growth. She has pursued education in a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree. She also obtained a Life Coaching Certification in 2012 and has developed professional expertise spanning leadership, psychology, customer satisfaction, operations, team building, and public speaking. Her career demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, and she emphasizes the importance of remaining a student rather than assuming that one has mastered everything. Beyond her professional work, Hinnant is committed to family, personal growth, and community giving. She supports local schools as well as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts through charitable donations. She attributes her success to her grandmother, her lineage, and her family, while emphasizing hard work, continued learning, gratitude, and balance. As a woman leading within a traditionally male-dominated transportation industry, she encourages other women to set aside limiting assumptions, pursue education, remain open to new opportunities, and think beyond conventional paths. Her leadership philosophy centers on staying grounded, valuing people's time, remaining present, and recognizing that opportunities often emerge when people are willing to think outside the box.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lakeisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my grandmother, my lineage, and my family. Their influence and the foundation they provided have played an important role in shaping who I am and contributing to the success I have achieved.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to never become too comfortable or assume that I know everything. I believe it is important to always remain a student and continue learning. That mindset keeps me level-headed, especially in an industry where safety and sound judgment are critical. Even when I am back on the road, I remain cautious and intentional in how I operate, and I believe maintaining that student mindset has contributed to our successful, accident-free record.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the transportation industry not to underestimate themselves or allow the fact that it is traditionally male-dominated to limit what they believe they can accomplish. Women have an important place in this industry, and although their representation has increased, there is still work to do.
I would also encourage women to keep an open mind and not think inside a box. There are many different opportunities and contracts within trucking, and sometimes an opportunity can lead to something completely unexpected. Do not be afraid to explore different accounts, try something outside of what you normally do, and continue learning. The opportunities are there for those who are willing to look beyond the obvious and think creatively.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the transportation industry right now is the high cost of diesel fuel. Fuel prices can vary significantly by location, creating considerable pressure on trucking operations. Another challenge is that the industry remains male-dominated, with women representing only a relatively small percentage of the industry, which can contribute to women being underestimated.
At the same time, I believe the opportunities are unlimited. There are many strong contracts and different types of accounts available for those who are willing to explore them. The key is to keep an open mind, avoid becoming boxed into one way of thinking, and be willing to look beyond the opportunities that are most familiar. There is significant potential for people who are willing to think outside the box.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Time, family, gratitude, and balance are among the values that are most important to me. My experiences in the trucking industry have taught me never to take people's time for granted and to value the people around me.
I also value being present in the moment. Truck driving can naturally encourage you to think years ahead and constantly plan for the future, but I have learned that preparing for tomorrow should not prevent us from living today. There is nothing wrong with planning for the future, but the journey matters too. For me, maintaining balance means preparing for what is ahead while still appreciating and experiencing the present.
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