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.

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 thinking about AI for frontline training and hazard prevention.

• James Banner: Senior Vice President of Administration & Safety at Pike Corporation
• https://www.pike.com/

• Sean McGee: VP of Product Management at Samsara

Operate Smarter is an original podcast presented by Samsara.

www.samsara.com

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.

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 future holds for AI and retention in the transportation space.

Guest:

• Michael Keller: Director of Network Solutions-Presort at Pitney Bowes
• https://www.pitneybowes.com/

Host:

• Andrew Ackermann: VP of Product Design at Samsara

Operate Smarter is an original podcast presented by Samsara.

www.samsara.com

About the Operate Smarter podcast:

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.

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 an original podcast presented by Samsara.

www.samsara.com