Richard Davidson learned the value of hard work at a young age. His early years on the family's small farm near Allen, Kansas--population 200--were happy ones, but the family's world changed dramatically after his father was killed in a car accident when Davidson was just six years old. Necessity forced Davidson's mother to take a job outside the home, and he and his brother took over more of the farm chores. 

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Davidson says the loss made him more self-reliant and motivated him to work hard. He brought that dedication to his railroad career when, at age 18, he took a job as a brakeman on the Missouri Pacific to earn money for college. That same drive fueled his rise through the ranks until, forty-seven years later, he retired as Chairman, President, and CEO of Union Pacific. 

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Listen as Davidson reflects on the wisdom learned through life and railroading.

Interview Transcript And Outtake On The Way!