Building leadership for 25 years: How People Leader Training has shaped BNSF’s culture

By KELLY BARNETT 
Staff Writer 

Over the past 25 years, BNSF employees have gathered annually in Fort Worth for a special two-day event we call People Leader Training (PLT). Attendees have assembled prosthetic hands for those in need, designed and raced solar-powered cars, role-played with digital avatars, and more.  

These weren’t just activities — they were immersive applications of leadership tools, designed to strengthen decision-making, communication and team dynamics. Each experience was crafted to reinforce our Leadership Model and build the capabilities that drive results. 

PLT is anything but typical corporate training. We believe that leadership is a continuous journey, not a one-time event. The program blends experiential learning with practical tools, helping leaders at all levels develop self-awareness, lead change and build high-performing teams. 

When Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railroads merged in 1995, leaders faced a challenge: how to unify two distinct cultures. The answer began with a shared vision and a commitment to leadership as the differentiator.  

“While our competition could replicate our rail and locomotives, we knew what would set us apart would be our talented team, which is our true competitive advantage,” said Katie Farmer, BNSF president and CEO. 

That commitment led to the launch of PLT in 2001. Originally designed for people managers, the program expanded in 2013 to include individual contributors — because leadership is about how you show up, not your title. Today, PLT is integrated into our onboarding and supervisor development programs, ensuring leadership development from the start. 

“Just like railroading, PLT is a contact sport — built on real connections, face-to-face collaboration and shared experiences,” said Debra Ross, assistant vice president of talent management. “It’s where we practice the skills that matter most — giving feedback, making decisions, communicating with clarity and leading change.” 

Ask Trent Brown, a 34-year team member, and he’ll tell you PLT means transformation. He’s attended all 25 sessions and recalls the competitive energy of the solar car challenge — not just for fun, but for the way it built trust, teamwork and leadership under pressure. 

Jennifer Helm, director of marketing support, turned inspiration into action. After a PLT session on challenging the status quo, she proposed a bold infrastructure solution that unlocked a major customer move. Her story is a testament to how PLT equips leaders to think strategically, communicate with influence and drive results. 

Brown and Helm are among 157 team members who’ve attended every PLT session since its inception. Their stories reflect the essence of PLT: building leaders who take initiative, challenge norms and create lasting impact. 

Through economic shifts, business pressures and even a global pandemic, PLT never paused. We adapted, moved online and returned in person — because leadership development remained a priority. The program’s resilience demonstrates our values of consistency, adaptability and a deep belief in the power of people. 

To mark the 25th anniversary, team members deepened their capabilities in leading change, leveraging strengths and delivering results. They also assembled and donated 1,110 bicycles to local students — connecting purpose with impact through a STEM experience that sparked curiosity and growth. 

“Building bikes with the kids wasn’t just about giving — it was about growing,” Ross said. “We created a STEM experience that sparked curiosity and connection. The bike build was a celebration of our 25-year journey, connecting purpose with impact in the community.” 

Sherry Boecher, one of PLT’s first facilitators, added: “The merger presented an opportunity to build a culture rooted in leadership — not by chance, but by choice. The first PLT introduced the Leadership Model and invited participants to be part of history.” 

That Leadership Model — centered on leading self, leading others and leading the business — continues to guide our development efforts. Whether it’s through feedback frameworks, decision-making simulations or leadership assessments, PLT equips team members with tools they can apply immediately and carry forward throughout their careers.