Passing On What Counts

The past few issues of The Waterways Journal have featured well-known members of the maritime industry community who have either retired or are nearing retirement. This week, for instance, the WJ carries a profile on Glenn Hendon, who just retired as chief operating officer of Hines Furlong Line.

One thing that’s significant about our interview with Hendon is his emphasis both on mentoring and on passing the torch to the next generation of leaders in the maritime industry.

“We want them to do the right thing, but we also want them to make their own decisions—to grow, improve and do better,” Hendon said of young leaders taking up the mantle of the older generation.

“We did that when we were young, and it’s their turn now,” he also said.

Mentoring and transferring responsibility to younger leaders is nothing new on the inland waterways (or in life in general). When Horace Bixby was instructing a young Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) in the intricacies of river piloting, Bixby urged Clemens to keep a notebook.

“Write down everything I tell you,” Bixby said.

Some 167 years ago, Clemens earned his pilot’s license.

We have vastly more tools and technology at our disposal than Clemens did. Artificial intelligence is one of the most important new tools that will help transform the barge and towing industry, along with many others. It’s already improving software products.

But AI can never replace the men and women who work the vessels and those who lead companies. Technology can never supersede mentorships like the one between Clemens and Bixby. The knowledge, networks, judgment and skills that experienced leaders have built up over a lifetime can’t be completely captured by any software, algorithm or operating system.

They’re passed on through personal relationships.

With the 40 Under 40 awards, The Waterways Journal is proud to recognize and celebrate the young leaders who are making an impact on our industry and moving up from the ranks. If you know someone who should be considered for this year’s 40 Under 40 award, go online to www.inlandmarineexpo.com and submit a nomination.

Recipients will be recognized at IMX, which will take place in Nashville, Tenn., May 27-29.