Gene Seroka - Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles

Send us Fan MailThe Port of Los Angeles is one of those places most of us only notice when something goes wrong, yet it quietly touches nearly everything we buy, build, or ship. I sat down with Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, to get past the headlines and into the real work of leadership inside the busiest container port in North America, where global trade, local community impact, and public accountability collide every day. Gene shares the personal story behind his leadership style, from growing up in New Orleans with working-class and union roots to spending years overseas in shipping and global logistics. We talk about what surprised him when he took the port job, how he navigates stakeholders across city government, state and federal partners, and neighborhood voices, and why he values a team that will challenge him instead of a “yes factory.” We also dig into the future of the supply chain: cleaner fuels, the push toward zero-emission cargo handling equipment and trucks, and how sustainability ties directly to public health near the harbor. Gene lays out an ambitious workforce development vision too, including plans for a first-of-its-kind training campus that looks like a real port terminal so people can learn safely and build careers in goods movement, technology, and equipment maintenance. If you care about California jobs, trade policy, the future of shipping, or simply becoming a better leader, you’ll walk away with practical lessons, including Gene’s straightforward framework: be visible, be mobile, and be durable. Subscribe, share this conversation with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Support the show🎧 New episodes every Month. (Dark in July & December)🎓 Powered by California Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences.🌐 Learn more at: https://www.californialeaders.com/workshopsLet’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time.🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?  👉 Email [email protected]🔗 CONNECT WITH CALIFORNIA LEADERS 🎙️ Host: Christopher Luna 🌐 Website: https://www.californialeaders.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleadersofficial/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/californialeaders/🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/caleadersx📧 Email: [email protected]🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping California and beyond.#CaliforniaLeaders #CaliforniaLeadersPodcast #Networking #CaliforniaBusiness #PodcastInterview #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondNetworking #ChristopherLunaLeading California Leaders - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.