Waste Management CEO Prioritizes People Amid Automation and AI Expansion

Jim Fish, CEO of Waste Management (WM), has consistently emphasized a "people-first" leadership philosophy, a core value that has become central to the company's culture. During a recent episode of Fortune’s Leadership Next podcast, Fish elaborated on his hands-on approach to leadership, highlighting how he ensures employees feel valued, even as the company integrates automation and AI into its operations. Fish shared that he often interacts with employees at all levels, including those on the frontlines of waste collection, and consistently makes time to say hello, regardless of his packed schedule [1]. This personal touch, he believes, fosters loyalty and reinforces the company's mission to treat employees with respect and dignity [2].

Fish’s commitment to employee engagement is particularly notable given the challenging nature of many roles within the company. He acknowledged that positions such as those on waste collection trucks are physically demanding and have high turnover rates. However, rather than treating this as a cost-cutting challenge, Fish has focused on improving working conditions and implementing safety-focused automation to reduce the risk of injury [3]. For example, the company is transitioning from rear-loader trucks, which require a worker on the back, to automated side loaders that allow for safer, more efficient operations [4]. These changes are part of a broader initiative to eliminate 5,000 jobs by 2026, primarily through attrition rather than direct layoffs [5].

Despite the shift toward automation, Fish emphasized that the company remains committed to a "people-first" approach. He noted that the introduction of AI and self-driving technology should not come at the expense of employee well-being or job security in the short term. Instead, the goal is to transition employees into roles that are less physically demanding and more aligned with the company’s long-term sustainability objectives [6]. Fish also pointed out that the introduction of autonomous equipment could eventually lead to the creation of new job categories that did not exist previously, similar to how the industrial revolution transformed traditional occupations [7].

The company’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its business model. Fish highlighted that recycling is not just a moral obligation but also a profitable venture for WM, with the second-highest return on invested capital after the commercial waste segment [8]. The company has made significant investments in recycling infrastructure, including advanced facilities that improve sorting efficiency and reduce landfill dependency. Additionally, WM has leveraged landfill gas to generate renewable energy, powering part of its fleet of natural gas trucks and creating a circular system that aligns with both environmental and economic goals [9].

Fish also discussed the importance of regulatory support in advancing sustainability efforts. While he acknowledged that state-level regulations vary, he expressed optimism about the progress being made in regions such as California, Oregon, and Washington, where recycling and waste management initiatives are more developed [10]. He noted that local and state governments often respond positively to WM’s suggestions for improving recycling programs, underscoring the company’s role as both an operator and a collaborator in shaping environmental policies.

Throughout the interview, Fish reflected on his personal leadership style, shaped in part by his early experiences in the business and a life-threatening illness during his college years. These experiences, he said, taught him the value of patience, resilience, and empathy—qualities he now applies in his leadership role [11]. He also emphasized the importance of demonstrating these values in everyday interactions, such as greeting employees with a smile and showing genuine interest in their well-being [12].

Fish concluded by addressing the broader implications of AI and automation in the workforce. While he acknowledged the potential for job displacement, he argued that the historical pattern of technological advancement is one of job creation in new industries, much like the rise of the industrial sector [13]. He expressed confidence that the next generation of workers would find opportunities in emerging fields such as sustainability and autonomous technology, provided companies continue to prioritize people and culture.

Source: [1]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [2]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [3]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [4]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [5]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [6]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [7]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [8]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [9]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [10]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [11]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [12]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/ [13]https://fortune.com/2025/08/06/leadership-next-wm-ceo-jim-fish/