Can you guess Kari Gonzales’ dream superpower?

Kari Gonzales is President & CEO of MxV Rail, the world’s premier rail research advisory. Before she travels to Perth to deliver the international keynote address on the power of transformation to set the stage for the next generation of railroading at Heavy Haul Rail 2023, Kari kindly answered this and other behind the scene questions.

Kari Gonzales, President & CEO, MxV Rail

20 years’ ago, she was a little girls’ basketball coach on the path to becoming a lawyer, who gave rail a shot. Advancing from a student intern to a research engineer, and then later assuming the role of Vice President and CFO, Kari has continued this momentum and since taking the head role in 2021, has spearheaded the company’s transformation to reflect its dedication to moving the rail industry forward.

How did you get in rail?

I was coaching little girls basketball and one of the Dad’s mentioned an internship opportunity at a railroad research facility. I didn’t have a real job, so I decided to give it a shot. 20 years later, I still have a passion for making the rail industry safer, more reliable, and more efficient!

What do you want to be when you were growing up?

Per my costume for my pre-school play, I was bound and determined to be a lawyer when I grew up. I don’t know how I ended up being an engineer!

What would be your superpower?

I would like the ability to duplicate myself so I would be able to be in multiple places at one time!

What’s your preference: Phone call, text messages, email, or Slack?

Hands down, text messages. We will no longer be friends if you call me (kidding of course) :)!

Kari will be attending Heavy Haul Rail 2023 (29-30 March) in Perth to deliver the international keynote address addressing ‘The power of transformation: Setting the stage for the next generation of railroading’.

To book your place to meet Kari in person and learn from her experiences, visit the event website www.informa.com.au/hhrail23