Life Lessons from the Desert—A Q&A with Josh Turley and Marc Canton

This Q&A is based on a recent episode of The Fleet Success Show podcast. Watch the full episode here: 

Q: Josh, what sparked this off-roading adventure into Baja?

Josh: Baja has always had a mystique for me. I grew up dreaming of the Baja 1000. Now, hitting those same trails with friends each year feels magical. It’s exhilarating and grounding all at once. Plus, the people down there are incredible.

Q: You mentioned learning life lessons from this trip. What stood out the most?

Josh: Honestly, the biggest lessons came from forced mindfulness. When you’re barreling down dirt roads at 65-100 mph, you can’t think about work or anything else—you have to stay hyper-focused. It’s a total mental cleanse and a reminder that sometimes, it's critical to live 100% in the moment.

Q: How did teamwork come into play during this trip?

Josh: When one truck breaks down, we all break down. There's no leaving anyone behind in the desert. It’s a true embodiment of Patrick Lencioni's "Team Number One" concept—the idea that if someone on the team struggles, everyone pitches in to fix the problem. It’s a principle we carry into the way we lead at RTA.

Q: What role did communication play during the race?

Josh: Communication was critical! We use radios to constantly call out hazards and conditions. Overcommunicating clarity ensures that everyone can respond quickly and stay safe. It’s the same in fleet management: clear, continuous communication prevents accidents and builds trust.

Q: Any unexpected challenges?

Josh: Definitely! At one point, we encountered National Guardsmen who pointed a 50-caliber at us. Talk about a pucker factor! Luckily, it ended peacefully, but it was a humbling reminder that you have to respect local rules and cultures, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Q: Final takeaway?

Josh: Life doesn’t always give you many “jumps.” But when it does, hit it at 65 mph and enjoy the ride! Celebrate the wins, stay adaptable, communicate like crazy, and never leave your team behind.

Learn more about leadership and working as a team when you request a free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook.