My Big Safety Challenge

John Whalen, CSP, AMERS Regional EHS Assessment Manager at Microsoft, shares his journey from volunteer firefighter to safety professional—and how those early experiences shaped his people-centered approach to safety. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, he explains why listening, empathy, and truly understanding workers' needs are essential to solving problems effectively and building trust. John also shares his experiences working at a hospital, and later as a safety professional for a team of archaeologists, and how these experiences taught him to lead as a partner—not as an enforcer. Ultimately, John reminds us how invaluable curiosity and collaboration are for effective safety leadership.

With more than 30 years in health and safety, Jim Frederick of Nexus HSE has worked across industry and spent four years with OSHA, giving him a unique perspective on the shared responsibility of protecting workers. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, he discusses some of the most difficult situations safety professionals face, including workplace fatalities and serious injuries, and explains why these topics must be intentionally built into safety programs. Jim also challenges common misconceptions about OSHA, reminds safety pros that they don't always have to have all the answers, and highlights the dedication of public servants working to keep workplaces safer.

Ty Farmer, senior director of Corporate Safety at Dycom Industries, Inc. could have let being placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP) early in his career derail him completely. Instead, he turned a difficult moment into a powerful learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ty's military background led him to his first role at General Electric (GE), where he was quickly thrown into the fire as a regional EHS manager for the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Rather than shutting down in the face of early challenges, Ty leaned into his experiences, using them as opportunities to reflect and grow. After more than a decade at GE, he moved on to a new role where he built an organization's safety program completely from the ground up. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Ty shares why building genuine connections across an organization—from the brand-new employee to the c-suite executive—is essential to creating a strong safety culture. He also discusses the importance of a glass-half-full mindset, offers practical insight on gaining leadership buy-in, and explains why it's a strength, not a weakness, to ask for help.

From an Ohio farm to protecting tens of thousands of lives—this is safety leadership at its realest. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Matthew Compher shares the hard-earned lessons that shaped his career, from steel mills and utilities to leading safety across high-risk industries. He challenges traditional safety thinking, introduces his “capacity model,” and explains why passion, humility, and influence matter more than checklists. If you care about leadership, safety, and getting people home alive, this episode is a must-listen.

From a landfill site in rural Vermont to helping protect more than 2 million employees at Walmart, Wendy Brant's safety journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, the former Global VP of EHS Compliance at Walmart shares how “heat experiences,” strong relationships, and saying “I don't know—yet” shaped her leadership style.We talk confidence, mentorship (up, down, and sideways), navigating massive scale, and why clarity matters when one-in-a-million risks happen twice a day. Packed with real-world lessons, career wisdom, and honest insights, this episode is a must-listen for safety leaders at any stage.

Anthony Dohmann joins My Big Safety Challenge to share his unexpected journey into the safety profession and the experiences that shaped his leadership style. He discusses early career challenges, the shift from authority to influence, and how mentorship and relationships became central to his approach to safety.He also reflects on navigating a workplace fatality, the importance of continuous learning, and why investing in others ultimately strengthens safety culture. This episode offers practical insight and inspiration for safety professionals at any stage of their career.Stay connected with the My Big Safety Challenge podcast community. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Season 6 kicks off with hosts Merle Heckman and Shelley Baber as they talk with Shannon Overland, a seasoned safety leader whose journey began in the rugged forests of Western Canada. What started as a college job in tree planting evolved into co-owning a contracting company—and ultimately discovering what real safety leadership looks like.Shannon shares the pivotal moments that reshaped her mindset, including a near-miss that changed her family business forever. She discusses how shifting from compliance to curiosity, from telling to asking, and from managing to developing people can dramatically strengthen safety culture.Stay connected with the My Big Safety Challenge podcast community. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Welcome to Season 6 of My Big Safety Challenge — where real stories meet real leadership.Hosted by Merle Heckman and Shelley Baber, Season 6 dives deeper than ever into the human side of safety. This season brings together industry experts, frontline leaders, and professionals from around the country who share candid conversations about the challenges, turning points, and breakthroughs that shape safer, stronger workplaces.From transformative leadership experiences to the moments that changed everything, each episode reveals new insights into culture, communication, human performance, and what it truly means to lead with purpose.Stay connected with the My Big Safety Challenge podcast community. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This week on My Big Safety Challenge, we sit down with David Musgrave. With a background in psychology, specifically in autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity, David brings a human-centered lens to the safety world. Now serving as the Senior Vice President of DEKRA North America, he helps companies move beyond outdated thinking and platitudes to create lasting cultural changes. He even tracks worn-out phrases in what he playfully calls his list of “Dinosaur Safety Sentiments.”David isn't afraid to ask for the big things. He challenges the people he works with and believes technical jargon should stay with the technical folks. What matters more, he says, is connecting, building strong relationships that allow you to speak up, push back, and create meaningful progress.Join us for this episode to hear why intentional leadership matters and how doing good work draws others in. David's insights are smart, inspiring, and just a little bit rebellious.

Shelley Baber, CSP, began her career chasing perfection. She wanted to make an immediate impact and thought that if something wasn't perfect, it wasn't right. But after 25 years in the field, now serving as EHS Director for Eaton's Electrical Engineering Services and Systems Division, she's learned that real progress is made through baby steps, or, as she puts it, “Don't let no progress get in the way of any progress.”In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Shelley shares the lessons that have shaped her journey, starting with the power of building relationships in the workplace. She believes the best safety cultures feel like family, where trust and connection allow teams to grow together. At the same time, she's clear that family outside of work comes first. For Shelley, it's not about achieving a perfect balance between work and life. It's about blending the two in a way that makes room for both.You'll also hear why mentoring is now at the heart of her mission and how safety professionals are in a unique position to make an impact at every level of an organization.If you enjoy this conversation, keep an eye out for our next season of My Big Safety Challenge. Shelley will be joining us again, this time as cohost.

This week on My Big Safety Challenge, we sit down with David Musgrave. With a background in psychology, specifically in autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity, David brings a human-centered lens to the safety world. Now serving as the Senior Vice President of DEKRA North America, he helps companies move beyond outdated thinking and platitudes to create lasting cultural changes. He even tracks worn-out phrases in what he playfully calls his list of “Dinosaur Safety Sentiments.”David isn't afraid to ask for the big things. He challenges the people he works with and believes technical jargon should stay with the technical folks. What matters more, he says, is connecting, building strong relationships that allow you to speak up, push back, and create meaningful progress.Join us for this episode to hear why intentional leadership matters and how doing good work draws others in. David's insights are smart, inspiring, and just a little bit rebellious.

Shelley Baber, CSP, began her career chasing perfection. She wanted to make an immediate impact and thought that if something wasn't perfect, it wasn't right. But after 25 years in the field, now serving as EHS Director for Eaton's Electrical Engineering Services and Systems Division, she's learned that real progress is made through baby steps, or, as she puts it, “Don't let no progress get in the way of any progress.”In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Shelley shares the lessons that have shaped her journey, starting with the power of building relationships in the workplace. She believes the best safety cultures feel like family, where trust and connection allow teams to grow together. At the same time, she's clear that family outside of work comes first. For Shelley, it's not about achieving a perfect balance between work and life. It's about blending the two in a way that makes room for both.You'll also hear why mentoring is now at the heart of her mission and how safety professionals are in a unique position to make an impact at every level of an organization.If you enjoy this conversation, keep an eye out for our next season of My Big Safety Challenge. Shelley will be joining us again, this time as cohost.

Heather MacDougall, a lawyer and advisory board member, was in Washington, D.C., when an offer to join the National Labor Relations Board under the Bush Administration changed her career trajectory forever.A lawyer? On a safety and leadership podcast? It makes perfect sense, just trust us.While she didn't get that position, she did shortly thereafter become the Chief Counsel to the Chairman at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, eventually becoming Commissioner of the Council before joining Amazon as the Chief Safety Officer.See, we told you it would start to make sense.From labor lawyer to leading safety at one of the world's largest companies, Heather has shaped a powerful perspective on what it takes to lead in safety today and how innovation and technology are useful tools in reducing incidents. Tune into this episode of My Big Safety Challenge as Heather shares why she believes safety is never a finished product and why the constant pursuit of improvement is one of the field's greatest strengths.

Heather MacDougall, a lawyer and advisory board member, was in Washington, D.C., when an offer to join the National Labor Relations Board under the Bush Administration changed her career trajectory forever.A lawyer? On a safety and leadership podcast? It makes perfect sense, just trust us.While she didn't get that position, she did shortly thereafter become the Chief Counsel to the Chairman at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, eventually becoming Commissioner of the Council before joining Amazon as the Chief Safety Officer.See, we told you it would start to make sense.From labor lawyer to leading safety at one of the world's largest companies, Heather has shaped a powerful perspective on what it takes to lead in safety today and how innovation and technology are useful tools in reducing incidents. Tune into this episode of My Big Safety Challenge as Heather shares why she believes safety is never a finished product and why the constant pursuit of improvement is one of the field's greatest strengths.

One of the more admirable, yet often overlooked, qualities of the safety profession is the spirit of camaraderie that exists even among industry competitors. As Marty Lalick, CSP, Associate Director at ESPN, shares in this episode of My Big Safety Challenge: “There are no trade secrets [in safety].”This mindset of partnership is woven throughout the conversation, as Marty discusses the tremendous value of openly sharing safety best practices with other broadcast studios—a lesson he has carried through his 27 years of experience spanning environmental cleanup, rapid response, construction, manufacturing, and now television broadcasting.How does someone with dreams of becoming a teacher find themselves leading remediation efforts at Ground Zero after 9/11? Tune in to Marty's episode to hear his incredible story and explore how an educator's perspective can transform the way we see the safety profession.

One of the more admirable, yet often overlooked, qualities of the safety profession is the spirit of camaraderie that exists even among industry competitors. As Marty Lalick, CSP, Associate Director at ESPN, shares in this episode of My Big Safety Challenge: “There are no trade secrets [in safety].”This mindset of partnership is woven throughout the conversation, as Marty discusses the tremendous value of openly sharing safety best practices with other broadcast studios—a lesson he has carried through his 27 years of experience spanning environmental cleanup, rapid response, construction, manufacturing, and now television broadcasting.How does someone with dreams of becoming a teacher find themselves leading remediation efforts at Ground Zero after 9/11? Tune in to Marty's episode to hear his incredible story and explore how an educator's perspective can transform the way we see the safety profession.

How many people is it acceptable to hurt at work?That's a question Will Hewett, Co-Founder & Director of Genii Earth LLC, learned from a colleague and incorporated into his own consultations. In 20 years of safety leadership consulting, where he reshapes the way people think about safety leadership, he's never heard any other answer than zero.That idea drew Will to safety leadership consulting more than 23 years ago. He says that, while he never intended to become involved in the world of safety, it's the way the safety industry treats employees like people, with humanity, that drew him to the profession. Looking for a different perspective on how to approach safety? One that incorporates ideas like invisible PPE and tells us that the most important person to change when it comes to safety is yourself? Tune into this episode of My Big Safety Challenge and find out why Will says being nice and non-confrontational isn't always the right approach, and how working in the realm of stories and interpretation is essential to safety.

How many people is it acceptable to hurt at work?That's a question Will Hewett, Co-Founder & Director of Genii Earth LLC, learned from a colleague and incorporated into his own consultations. In 23 years of safety leadership consulting, where he reshapes the way people think about safety leadership, he's never heard any other answer than zero.That idea was what drew Will to the safety profession. He says that, while he never intended to become involved in the world of safety, it's the way the safety industry treats employees like people, with humanity, that led to his involvement in the profession. Looking for a different perspective on how to approach safety? One that incorporates ideas like invisible PPE and tells us that the most important person to change when it comes to safety is yourself? Tune into this episode of My Big Safety Challenge and find out why Will says being nice and non-confrontational isn't always the right approach, and how working in the realm of stories and interpretation is essential to safety.

Alaina Ziegler, CSP, wants you to become a listener.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Alaina, Vice President of Safety & Human Performance at Lewis Services, unpacks why listening is much more effective when you're listening to understand, not to respond.Overseeing the safety of a dispersed, multilingual workforce across multiple states, Alaina faces communication challenges daily. That's why her team leans into creative tech solutions like video messaging and equipping trucks with iPads to keep everyone connected and informed.Additionally, you'll hear Alaina shed light on why safety often lives in the gray areas and how strong leadership requires employees at every level to get out in the field and “trust but verify” how work is being done.

Alaina Ziegler, CSP, wants you to become a listener.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Alaina, Vice President of Safety & Human Performance at Lewis Services, unpacks why listening is much more effective when you're listening to understand, not to respond.Overseeing the safety of a dispersed, multilingual workforce across multiple states, Alaina faces communication challenges daily. That's why her team leans into creative tech solutions like video messaging and equipping trucks with iPads to keep everyone connected and informed.Additionally, you'll hear Alaina shed light on why safety often lives in the gray areas and how strong leadership requires employees at every level to get out in the field and “trust but verify” how work is being done.

In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, we sit down with Lisa Brooks, Principal at NexusHSE and a pioneer in the field of ergonomics, to explore what she calls “operational intelligence.” For Lisa, it's not just a buzzword, it's a philosophy that bridges leadership and the front-line worker through active listening, relationship-building, and a willingness to get your boots dirty.Lisa shares stories from her groundbreaking work in ergonomics, reveals how mathematics and sports shaped her approach to safety, and challenges us to rethink what it really means to understand the work. Tune in to hear how a shift in perspective can elevate safety for everyone on the team.

In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, we sit down with Lisa Brooks, Principal at NexusHSE and a pioneer in the field of ergonomics, to explore what she calls “operational intelligence.” For Lisa, it's not just a buzzword, it's a philosophy that bridges leadership and the front-line worker through active listening, relationship-building, and a willingness to get your boots dirty.Lisa shares stories from her groundbreaking work in ergonomics, reveals how mathematics and sports shaped her approach to safety, and challenges us to rethink what it really means to understand the work. Tune in to hear how a shift in perspective can elevate safety for everyone on the team.

To begin the season, we sit down with Sammy Davis, PhD, CSP, Gr.IOSH—Vice President of Safety & Security at Papa John's International. Like many safety professionals, Sammy's path to safety wasn't a straight line. Originally setting out to become a trauma surgeon before working as a paramedic and eventually in the construction industry, Sammy received a letter from Indiana University's safety program that launched a career completely different than the one he intended and reshaped how he leads, mentors, and empowers others. Join us for this episode to hear how that unexpected pivot has led to a remarkable career, why Sammy thinks understanding the business side of safety is crucial, and why he trains his employees to one day take his job.

Get ready—My Big Safety Challenge returns Monday, May 12!Host Merle Heckman is back, joined this season by new co-host John Fischer. Together, they'll dive into fresh conversations with inspiring guests, tackling real leadership challenges and the lessons they've learned along the way.Don't miss a moment—subscribe now and be part of the journey!

Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of My Big Safety Challenge. We're kicking things off with fresh voices, powerful insights, and a new co-host! Joining Merle Heckman, Master Trainer at Dale Carnegie, is John Fischer, CSP, Director, Environmental Strategy and Corporate EHS at the Duke Energy Corporation.To begin the season, we sit down with Sammy Davis, PhD, CSP, Gr.IOSH—Vice President of Safety & Security at Papa John's International. Like many safety professionals, Sammy's path to safety wasn't a straight line. Originally setting out to become a trauma surgeon before working as a paramedic and eventually in the construction industry, Sammy received a letter from Indiana University's safety program that launched a career completely different than the one he intended and reshaped how he leads, mentors, and empowers others. Join us for this episode to hear how that unexpected pivot has led to a remarkable career, why Sammy thinks understanding the business side of safety is crucial, and why he trains his employees to one day take his job.

For Michael Langston, Vice President of ES&H at Clean Earth, safety boils down to one simple premise: Make sure the employees know the rules. Make sure the rules make sense. Make sure they're applicable.It seems easy enough, but as Michael quickly discovered as a young Industrial Hygienist at a steel factory, updating policies and procedures designed to protect the worker isn't always met with acceptance. Change can be difficult, but Michael suspects some of the resistance to change lies within the safety industry itself—a field he feels sometimes pushes rules and expectations that don't always make sense.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Michael shares the twists and turns of his professional journey, from studying to be a pharmacist in college to leading safety initiatives for an international corporation. Along the way, he's learned to frame safety in a way where each person should treat themselves as the CEO of their own wellbeing.And don't miss the captivating story of how he used a jar of marbles to illustrate the dangers of distracted driving.

For Michael Langston, Vice President of ES&H at Clean Earth, safety boils down to one simple premise: Make sure the employees know the rules. Make sure the rules make sense. Make sure they're applicable. It seems easy enough, but as Michael quickly discovered as a young Industrial Hygienist at a steel factory, updating policies and procedures designed to protect the worker isn't always met with acceptance. Change can be difficult, but Michael suspects some of the resistance to change lies within the safety industry itself—a field he feels sometimes pushes rules and expectations that don't always make sense. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Michael shares the twists and turns of his professional journey, from studying to be a pharmacist in college to leading safety initiatives for an international corporation. Along the way, he's learned to frame safety in a way where each person should treat themselves as the CEO of their own wellbeing. And don't miss the captivating story of how he used a jar of marbles to illustrate the dangers of distracted driving.

Would a workplace tragedy fundamentally alter your perspective on your career? For Sandra Merritt, CSP, ASP, a workplace fatality became a pivotal moment that redefined her career—and her purpose.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Sandra recounts how the loss of a colleague, which left a four-year-old child fatherless, stirred her to shift her career from environmental management and compliance to the world of safety. Now the Global Health & Safety Manager at Moog, Sandra—known affectionally as Safety Sandy—shares how experiencing a workplace fatality shaped her hands-on approach to safety. Join us as Sandra expounds upon the power of building personal relationships, breaking down the “we've always done it this way” mindset, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster that is the safety profession.

For most people, witnessing a chemical spill would be a harrowing experience—but for others, it ignites a passion. We tend to call those people safety professionals. Autumn Crum is one such person who, after witnessing a lab spill while shadowing a safety professional at West Virginia University, instantly knew she had found her calling. The intricacies of managing risk and protecting people captivated her, setting her on a career she never knew she wanted. Today, as the Director of Global EHS at Xylem, Autumn is in the business of preventing those types of accidents. A self-described “continual learner,” she views every experience as a stepping stone toward becoming the safety professional she aspires to be. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Autumn shares how that desire to continually learn led her to the oil and gas industry—one she admits she knew nothing about—but became a formative learning experience. You'll also hear why she believes influence begins with trust, why strong relationships are key, and how clear communication can transform safety practices.

Would a workplace tragedy fundamentally alter your perspective on your career? For Sandra Merritt, CSP, ASP, a workplace fatality became a pivotal moment that redefined her career—and her purpose.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Sandra recounts how the loss of a colleague, which left a four-year-old child fatherless, stirred her to shift her career from environmental management and compliance to the world of safety. Now the Global Health & Safety Manager at Moog, Sandra—known affectionally as Safety Sandy—shares how experiencing a workplace fatality shaped her hands-on approach to safety.Join us as Sandra expounds upon the power of building personal relationships, breaking down the “we've always done it this way” mindset, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster that is the safety profession.

For most people, witnessing a chemical spill would be a harrowing experience—but for others, it ignites a passion. We tend to call those people safety professionals. Autumn Crum is one such person who, after witnessing a lab spill while shadowing a safety professional at West Virginia University, instantly knew she had found her calling. The intricacies of managing risk and protecting people captivated her, setting her on a career she never knew she wanted.Today, as the Director of Global EHS at Xylem, Autumn is in the business of preventing those types of accidents. A self-described “continual learner,” she views every experience as a stepping stone toward becoming the safety professional she aspires to be.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Autumn shares how that desire to continually learn led her to the oil and gas industry—one she admits she knew nothing about—but became a formative learning experience. You'll also hear why she believes influence begins with trust, why strong relationships are key, and how clear communication can transform safety practices.

Communication. Its importance is a common theme in the safety industry, but how to properly communicate eludes so many of us—on and off the job. Michelle Gladieux is here to fix that. Founder of Gladieux Consulting and author of Communicate with Courage, Michelle is the go-to communication expert for everyone from NFL players to C-suite executives who want to improve how they communicate.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Michelle shares her insightful journey toward recognizing the critical role of communication—starting in elementary school when she corrected her teachers on how to properly engage with a spirited student to commanding the attention of packed auditoriums. You'll learn why Michelle thinks we all need a “spice file” (while also learning what that is), plus discover how the thousands of decisions you make each day shape the way you send and receive messages.Tune into this episode for practical advice and a fresh perspective on the art of communication.

Communication. Its importance is a common theme in the safety industry, but how to properly communicate eludes so many of us—on and off the job. Michelle Gladieux is here to fix that. Founder of Gladieux Consulting and author of Communicate with Courage, Michelle is the go-to communication expert for everyone from NFL players to C-suite executives who want to improve how they communicate.In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Michelle shares her insightful journey toward recognizing the critical role of communication—starting in elementary school when she corrected her teachers on how to properly engage with a spirited student to commanding the attention of packed auditoriums. You'll learn why Michelle thinks we all need a “spice file” (while also learning what that is), plus discover how the thousands of decisions you make each day shape the way you send and receive messages.Tune into this episode for practical advice and a fresh perspective on the art of communication.

What does it take to thrive across industries as diverse as healthcare, automotive, and food service? For Andrew Wehr, CSP, it's all about building—whether it's safety departments, cultures, or relationships. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Andrew shares the twists and turns of a career he never planned for but has come to love.Starting with his pivot in college from a medical path to environmental sciences, Andrew takes us on a journey through his roles at a refinery, in retail safety, healthcare, and beyond—all the way to his current position as Corporate Stewardship and Employee Safety Leader at the T. Marzetti Company. Through it all, one theme remains constant: the power of saying “yes” and building something better wherever you go.Tune in to hear Andrew's advice on moving up in your safety career, finding the right mentor, and mastering the art of working through others to make an impact. Whether you're new to EHS or a seasoned pro, Andrew has a nugget of wisdom that is sure to inspire you.

What does it take to thrive across industries as diverse as healthcare, automotive, and food service? For Andrew Wehr, CSP, it's all about building— whether it's safety departments, cultures, or relationships. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Andrew shares the twists and turns of a career he never planned for but has come to love.Starting with his pivot in college from a medical path to environmental sciences, Andrew takes us on a journey through his roles at a refinery, in retail safety, healthcare, and beyond—all the way to his current position as Corporate Stewardship and Employee Safety Leader at the T. Marzetti Company. Through it all, one theme remains constant: the power of saying “yes” and building something better wherever you go.Tune in to hear Andrew's advice on moving up in your safety career, finding the right mentor, and mastering the art of working through others to make an impact. Whether you're new to EHS or a seasoned pro, Andrew has a nugget of wisdom that is sure to inspire you.

On this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, we are thrilled to welcome our first international guest—Becky Hickman. Becky serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)—one of the United Kingdom's oldest charity organizations dedicated to safeguarding lives and preventing serious injuries both on and off the job. With over 20 years of experience in occupational health and safety, Becky is a champion of the idea that good work is good for people. She's passionate about shining light on the unsung heroes of the safety profession—those performing good work who don't receive enough recognition. For Becky and RoSPA, bringing safety professionals together to celebrate their achievements isn't just important—it's a reinvigorating force that can propel safety professionals through tough stretches.Tune in to discover how Becky and our safety friends across the pond approach safety and offer a fresh perspective on fostering meaningful work—reminding us that one of the worst parts of an accident is the realization that it could have been avoided.

On this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, we are thrilled to welcome our first international guest—Becky Hickman. Becky serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)—one of the United Kingdom's oldest charity organizations dedicated to safeguarding lives and preventing serious injuries both on and off the job.With over 20 years of experience in occupational health and safety, Becky is a champion of the idea that good work is good for people. She's passionate about shining light on the unsung heroes of the safety profession—those performing good work who don't receive enough recognition. For Becky and RoSPA, bringing safety professionals together to celebrate their achievements isn't just important—it's a reinvigorating force that can propel safety professionals through tough stretches.Tune in to discover how Becky and our safety friends across the pond approach safety and offer a fresh perspective on fostering meaningful work—reminding us that one the worst parts of an accident is the realization that it could have been avoided.

Like many safety professionals, John Fischer, CSP, sort of fell into the field. When first approached about a safety role and asked about lockout/tagout (LOTO), he wondered what the lottery had to do with safety.Now, 25 years later, John is the Director of Environmental Strategy and Corporate EHS at the Duke Energy Corporation. John has spent those 25 years between consulting and the energy sectors, gaining valuable experience and insights into the safety profession and the proper ways to get buy-in from the front-line to the C-suite.In this episode, John explains the three components you must have in order to learn, how relationship-based acquisition is the secret sauce of safety, and why he says safety is as much sales as it is technical.

Like many safety professionals, John Fischer, CSP, sort of fell into the field. When first approached about a safety role and asked about lockout/tagout (LOTO), he wondered what the lottery had to do with safety.Now, 25 years later, John is the Director of Environmental Strategy and Corporate EHS at the Duke Energy Corporation. John has spent those 25 years between consulting and the energy sectors, gaining valuable experience and insights into the safety profession and the proper ways to get buy-in from the front-line to the C-suite.In this episode, John explains the three components you must have in order to learn, how relationship-based acquisition is the secret sauce of safety, and why he says safety is as much sales as it is technical.

Season 4 of My Big Safety Challenge is here! Joining host Merle Heckman this season is Jay Harf, Vice President of EHS&S at Xylem. Listen to the trailer and get a sneak peek of what to expect from season 4.

Join Merle Heckman, Master Trainer at Dale Carnegie, and all three guest hosts from seasons one, two, and three of the “My Big Safety Challenge” podcast. The team will talk through some of the inspiring guests and stories covered through the podcast. You'll walk away from this episode with valuable leadership and influence lessons that you can implement in your daily work.

Have you ever thought about how well you listen to others? Keith Mercurio is back for the second part of episode eight of My Big Safety Challenge, where he reveals how something as simple as being a generous listener can have a profound effect on how we perceive and how we are perceived. Keith illustrates this through his father, an English teacher of 35 years, detailing how in all those years, he never once complained about a student. His father saw what his students were capable of, saw them as big, saw the best in them, and by being a generous listener, he sent them home better than when he found them. Sound familiar?Join us for Part II of Keith's episode where he explores how a day at work sends ripples through the rest of our day, and how by shifting how we listen, we can elevate conversations, honor the speaker, and create a profound impact.

Have you ever thought about how well you listen to others?Keith Mercurio is back for the second part of episode eight of My Big Safety Challenge, where he reveals how something as simple as being a generous listener can have a profound effect on how we perceive and how we are perceived. Keith illustrates this through his father, an English teacher of 35 years, detailing how in all those years, he never once complained about a student. His father saw what his students were capable of, saw them as big, saw the best in them, and by being a generous listener, he sent them home better than when he found them.Sound familiar?Join us for Part II of Keith's episode where he explores how a day at work sends ripples through the rest of our day, and how by shifting how we listen, we can elevate conversations, honor the speaker, and create a profound impact.

Have you ever purchased a new car, only to suddenly notice the same make and model is everywhere on the road? There hasn't been a sudden influx in the number of people driving the same car—it's a natural cognitive response resulting from how we focus. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Keith Mercurio, CEO & Founder of Ethical Influence Global, delves into the science behind how what we focus on grows bigger, and eventually, we become what we focus on. Keith's expertise spans speaking, coaching, training, and consulting, with a focus on helping leaders transform their identities to better influence their organization's culture and performance. He advocates for the power of asking open-ended, novel questions instead of relying on conventional phrases like "accountability" or repeatedly asking "why." By fostering original thought through new kinds of inquiry, Keith asserts that we unlock unique insights. Join us for Part I of Keith Mercurio's episode, where we explore the cognitive science behind why the safety profession should stop focusing on zero and how today's groove can be tomorrow's rut.

Have you ever purchased a new car, only to suddenly notice the same make and model is everywhere on the road? There hasn't been a sudden influx in the number of people driving the same car—it's a natural cognitive response resulting from how we focus. In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Keith Mercurio, CEO & Founder of Ethical Influence Global, delves into the science behind how what we focus on grows bigger, and eventually, we become what we focus on.Keith's expertise spans speaking, coaching, training, and consulting, with a focus on helping leaders transform their identities to better influence their organization's culture and performance. He advocates for the power of asking open-ended, novel questions instead of relying on conventional phrases like "accountability" or repeatedly asking "why." By fostering original thought through new kinds of inquiry, Keith asserts that we unlock unique insights.Join us for Part I of Keith Mercurio's episode, where we explore the cognitive science behind why the safety profession should stop focusing on zero and how today's groove can be tomorrow's rut.

Perry Logan, Ph.D., seemed destined to be a leader in the safety industry. Growing up in the Florida Keys during the 1970s and 80s, Perry often accompanied his father, an underwater welder—a job known for its extreme danger—to work, seeing firsthand at a young age the dangers of the profession. He recalls his dad attending diving school in preparation for the job with 8 other divers, and within a decade, half of them had tragically lost their lives on the job.Perry credits his father's acute sense of hazards, often emphasizing when he really needed Perry's focus while performing a dangerous task, with his affinity for the safety profession. Today, Perry is a Leader with the Health + Safety Leadership Partners, where he applies the science of health and safety to better protect people and our communities.Tune into this episode of My Big Safety Challenge and listen to Perry discuss the critical role listening plays in the safety field, how safety professionals need to act as coaches, and how a team diverse in skills and personality is key to a strong safety culture.

Perry Logan, Ph.D., seemed destined to be a leader in the safety industry. Growing up in the Florida Keys during the 1970s and 80s, Perry often accompanied his father, an underwater welder—a job known for its extreme danger—to work, seeing firsthand at a young age the dangers of the profession. He recalls his dad attending diving school in preparation for the job with 8 other divers, and within a decade, half of them had tragically lost their lives on the job.Perry credits his father's acute sense of hazards, often emphasizing when he really needed Perry's focus while performing a dangerous task, with his affinity for the safety profession. Today, Perry is a Leader with the Health + Safety Leadership Partners, where he applies the science of health and safety to better protect people and our communities.Tune into this episode of My Big Safety Challenge and listen to Perry discuss the critical role listening plays in the safety field, how safety professionals need to act as coaches, and how a team diverse in skills and personality is key to a strong safety culture.

As the Vice President of Health and Safety at Mortenson, a leading construction company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Marni Hogen has worked to create a safety culture that emphasizes personal connections, open communication, and employee empowerment. Marni believes that everyone in an organization, regardless of role or job title, has a responsibility for safety, and to truly create an effective safety culture, you must “make safety personal.”In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Marni shares her journey into the safety field, highlighting the critical role of mental health within the construction industry. She discusses how building personal relationships with the workforce, engaging in meaningful conversations, putting people over metrics, and sharing stories that may be tough to tell contribute to a culture of inclusion that makes the workplace more fun. Plus, you'll hear how she delivers tough news using the “sandwich technique,” and who doesn't love a sandwich?

As the Vice President of Health and Safety at Mortenson, a leading construction company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Marni Hogen has worked to create a safety culture that emphasizes personal connections, open communication, and employee empowerment. Marni believes that everyone in an organization, regardless of role or job title, has a responsibility for safety, and to truly create an effective safety culture, you must “make safety personal.”In this episode of My Big Safety Challenge, Marni shares her journey into the safety field, highlighting the critical role of mental health within the construction industry. She discusses how building personal relationships with the workforce, engaging in meaningful conversations, putting people over metrics, and sharing stories that may be tough to tell contribute to a culture of inclusion that makes the workplace more fun. Plus, you'll hear how she delivers tough news using the “sandwich technique,” and who doesn't love a sandwich?

Tyler Lorenzen, CEO of Puris—a plant-based food company dedicated to restoring knowledge, control, and trust within the food system—believes that in order to save people, we have to save food. If his name sounds familiar, it's because Tyler spent his Saturdays in college playing quarterback for the University of Connecticut before joining the New Orleans Saints, winning a Superbowl with the team in 2009. Tyler uses the leadership skills he learned on the field to hone his role as CEO, emphasizing the importance of a team-first culture: “A winning culture is how do you win as a team, not how do you win as an individual.”Listen to Episode 5 of My Big Safety Challenge to discover more about how Tyler's football career shaped his leadership style at Puris. Learn about his inspiring journey from the football field to the boardroom and how his sister's advice to “be 100% where your feet are” guides him as he balances being a new father, a husband, and a CEO.

Tyler Lorenzen, CEO of Puris—a plant-based food company dedicated to restoring knowledge, control, and trust within the food system—believes that in order to save people, we have to save food. If his name sounds familiar, it's because Tyler spent his Saturdays in college playing quarterback for the University of Connecticut before joining the New Orleans Saints, winning a Superbowl with the team in 2009.Tyler uses the leadership skills he learned on the field to hone his role as CEO, emphasizing the importance of a team-first culture: “A winning culture is how do you win as a team, not how do you win as an individual.”Listen to Episode 5 of My Big Safety Challenge to discover more about how Tyler's football career shaped his leadership style at Puris. Learn about his inspiring journey from the football field to the boardroom and how his sister's advice to “be 100% where your feet are” guides him as he balances being a new father, a husband, and a CEO.