Job description: Akilah represents the leadership for Toyota North America rail operations, which oversees the movement of more than 2.5 million vehicles annually. In her role, Akilah works with multiple Class Is within the United States as well as within Canada and Mexico.

Why she's influential as a leader: Leading from a perspective of Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, Akilah strives to improve Toyota North America's rail shipment practice for finished vehicles by partnering with railroads on best practices. As a result of her work, Toyota's velocity-to-end customers has improved; the level of partnership with the Class Is is at an all-time high; and all teams are focused on making sure that a paying customer receives their product in factory-fresh condition.

Additionally, Akilah listens to others. She seeks alternatives to issues and weighs the available options. She uses her people skills to ensure every voice has a place at the table for Toyota's supply chain. She is a champion of never settling with the status quo.