Values-Based Leadership Lessons at UPS Scale

Noel Massie is the former Vice President of U.S. Operations at UPS and author of the new book Congrats, You’ve Been Promoted. Over a decades-long career, Noel rose from part-time college employee to leading 200,000 people with a focus on values-based leadership. Today, he mentors rising leaders and serves on the boards of organizations like the Annenberg Foundation and the Los Angeles Urban League. We talked about leadership at scale, navigating promotions, and building a career that makes an impact—this week on the On Brand podcast.

Noel Massie began working for UPS part-time during college and rose through the ranks to become vice president for UPS’s US Delivery Operations. Before his retirement in 2019, he oversaw 200,000 employees who were led by 12,000 supervisors. In this role, Noel supported and guided the package delivery and logistic services in the United States. He continues to mentor young leaders and supervisors. Noel is currently a member of numerous boards: the Annenberg Foundation, which holds a $1.7 billion endowment and where Noel serves on their investment committee that guides the foundation’s investment strategy; the Los Angeles Urban Leagues Executive Committee, where Noel served as chairman for nine years; Chapter ONE US, an organization that seeks to enhance elementary school literacy; and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legal Center.

Noel has received over a dozen awards, including the Peter Drucker School of Management Leadership Award, the Whitney M. Young Award, the Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Award, the Civic Leadership Award of Los Angeles, and the Civic Leadership Award of Chicago for serving for five years on the Chicago Workforce Board. He currently mentors young leaders and private organizations on values-based leadership principles. He and his family reside in Oak Park, Illinois, with a secondary residence in Southern California.

Congrats, You’ve Been Promoted. That’s the title of Noel’s new book—and a perfect reminder that getting promoted is just the beginning, not the finish line. Noel shared why so many new leaders struggle after their big break and how values-based leadership can help them not just survive, but thrive in their new roles.

What brand has made Noel smile recently? Noel pointed to McDonald’s—admiring how the brand stays consistent and approachable while evolving with the times. For him, it’s a lesson in balancing legacy with innovation, showing leadership isn’t just about flashy moves but steady, reliable connection.

Connect with Noel on LinkedIn and his book, Congrats, You’ve Been Promoted. 

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Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

00:00 Intro and Noel's Background  

02:00 Starting Out and Early Leadership Lessons  

06:15 The Idea Behind Congrats You’ve Been Promoted  

11:35 Core Values and Setting Leadership Terms  

17:00 Handling Ethical Challenges and Uncomfortable Moments  

19:30 The No Casual Moments Rule in Leadership  

22:00 Value-Based Leadership at Scale  

25:45 Lessons from Coaching and Leadership Models  

27:00 A Brand Has Made Noel Smile and How to Connect  

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