PreAccident Investigation Podcast

PAPod 554 - CHOL Live - The Power of Learning Teams: Transforming Leadership Response

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast hosted by Todd Conklin, featuring an engaging conversation with Bob Edwards from the Community of Human and Organizational Learning. In this episode, Todd and Bob dive into the significance of operational learning and how it is reshaping leadership responses within organizations. Discover how learning teams are providing valuable insights and driving improvements across various sectors, going beyond the realm of safety to address broader operational challenges.Listen as they discuss the importance of fostering a culture where reporting is appreciated, not feared, and explore the role of leaders in utilizing data gathered from learning teams for continuous improvement. Bob shares his experiences and insights on encouraging leaders to look for opportunities to say 'yes' rather than just identifying problems, fostering a collaborative environment that propels organizations forward.Join the conversation on redefining success, breaking away from traditional blame-oriented responses, and focusing on systemic improvements that benefit not just safety, but quality and productivity as well. Gain valuable perspectives on how to effectively engage leaders in the learning process and inspire them to make data-driven decisions that promote growth and innovation.

PAPod 553 - CHOL LIVE - From Bobbleheads to Breakthroughs: Conference Insights

Join Todd Conklin in an engaging conversation with Shane Bush at the Pre-XMet Podcast, as they dive into Shane's unexpected Hall of Fame induction and the surprising gift of his own bobblehead. Throughout the episode, they explore the dynamics of safety conferences, focusing on the interaction between academia and practitioners. Shane shares insights into how historical discussions are being refreshed with new perspectives, emphasizing the significance of both fields in improving systems.The conversation also touches on the evolution of conference content, reflecting on past and present trends, while highlighting the role of academia in shaping the themes. Shane, known for his resilience work, discusses how safety measures evolve, often leading to unexpected outcomes. The hosts further explore ideas from renowned experts, updating concepts like just culture and shifting focus towards more dynamic monitoring and assurance in organizations.With humorous anecdotes and reflective moments, this episode offers a unique perspective on the future of safety and the importance of embracing both change and continuity in professional learning environments.

PAPod 552 - Uncovering the Power of Skepticism in Safety Leadership

Officetoddconklin@gmail.com
Join Todd Conklin on this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as he delves into a fascinating open Q&A session recorded during a conference in Santa Fe. Our expert panel, including Bob Edwards, Andrea Baker, and Martha Acosta, shares valuable insights into transforming skepticism into a driving force for change within workplace safety culture. Explore how leaders can foster curiosity, handle resistance, and leverage skepticism to drive meaningful discussions around safety and performance improvement. Whether dealing with management skepticism or the challenges of workforce accountability, this episode offers practical advice and strategies to enhance learning and engagement in your organization.
Listen in as Todd and the panel navigate complex questions, providing a wealth of knowledge and experience on how to approach learning and change from a proactive standpoint. Discover how to shift from reactive to proactive strategies by addressing weak signals and enhancing resilience, all while honing your leadership and communication skills. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into fostering a culture of openness, safety, and continuous improvement in your organization.

PAPod 551 - Cracking the Code: Embracing Uncertainty with Sam Olliges

Join host Todd Conklin on the Pre-Accident Investigating Extra podcast as he delves into the complexities of everyday life and work. In this episode, explore the philosophical musings of how each day of the week shapes our lives and dive into a lively discussion on turning uncertainties into opportunities. Todd shares his recent cooking experiment with papas rellenas, highlighting how creativity can emerge from chaos.
The episode also features a captivating conversation with Sam Olliges, a young safety professional from Landmark Structures, who sheds light on the challenges and rewards of attracting and retaining skilled workers in the water tower construction industry. Discover the importance of micro experimentation, the art of making safety seamless, and how leadership can embark on a journey with their teams towards a safer future.
Whether you're interested in innovative safety solutions, the intricacies of human behavior, or simply want to hear insightful discussions from industry professionals, this episode offers valuable perspectives for all listeners. Don't miss out on this engaging exploration of safety, creativity, and resilience!

PAPod 550 - Bent but Not Broken: Navigating The Nexus Between Social and Organizational Resilience

In this compelling episode of the Pre-Exit Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin delves into a deeply personal story that challenges perspectives and ignites conversation around resilience and adaptation in organizations. Through the eyes of Hector, a familiar figure from a local restaurant, Todd explores the impact of fear and leadership response in today’s rapidly changing world.With insightful anecdotes, the episode brings to light the unseen pressures faced by individuals and the significant role leaders play in shaping organizational culture. As systems are pushed to their limits, Todd invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership choices and the type of world they want to help create. It's a thought-provoking episode that encourages deep reflection and meaningful dialogue.

PAPod 549 - Unraveling the Secret Behind 'Ampersat'

Welcome to the latest episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with Todd Conklin! Join us on June 1st, 2025, as Todd shares anecdotes about free summer concerts, revealing the intriguing story behind the symbols 'ampersand' and 'ampersat'. Discover how these symbols connect to our understanding of progress and improvement.
In this insightful episode, we delve into the dynamics of progress, challenging the notion that it is linear. Todd explores the concept of 'aim small, miss small', encouraging small, deliberate changes for significant impact. He touches on leadership in times of uncertainty, emphasizing the role of strategic improvement in organizational success.
Stay tuned for exciting announcements, including upcoming conference details and groundbreaking book discussions. This episode is packed with innovative ideas, engaging stories, and practical strategies to enhance both personal and professional growth. Don't miss out - there's something for everyone!

PAPod 548 - by popular request...Unveiling Hidden Barriers: Why People Don't Speak Up

Welcome to the latest episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, where we delve into the critical topic of psychological safety and reporting culture in the workplace. Today's discussion is sparked by insights from Brett Torrent, who has observed over his 20-year management career four distinct reasons why employees may hesitate to report issues. These reasons are rooted in fear of blame and punishment, previous reporting fatigue, unawareness of risks, and concerns about complicating work.The conversation highlights the importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to share concerns without apprehension of repercussions. Effective communication and feedback play pivotal roles in fostering a culture where open dialogue is encouraged and valued.Join us as we explore the elegant yet powerful insights into psychological safety, offering leaders practical strategies to enhance transparency and trust within their organizations. Learn why the way leaders respond to concerns is vital in shaping a resilient and proactive workforce.

PAPod 547 - The Power of Fundamentals: A Journey with Physics and Performance

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, Todd Conklin reflects on the importance of masterfully understanding the fundamentals. Through a fascinating conversation with a renowned physicist, he discusses the intersection of chaos physics and human performance, emphasizing the need to begin every discourse at the start, not where we currently are.
Todd shares insights into a thrilling new bike trail by his home and the forthcoming Santa Fe conference that promises engaging discussions on high reliability and AI safety uses. The episode wraps with the reminder to dedicate time for self-care, even amid efforts to remain resilient and adaptive in our rapidly changing world.

PAPod 546 - Zoe Gulley and Unraveling the Myths of Accident Investigation

In this insightful episode, Todd Conklin leads a fascinating discussion on the concept of counterfactuals with experts Robert Waterhouse and Zoe Gulley from Energy Safety Canada. They delve into the limitations of traditional accident investigations and how long-standing practices may not serve us well in truly understanding incidents and improving performance.
The conversation focuses on causal reasoning, distinguishing it from negative reasoning, and the importance of learning how work is actually performed rather than pinpointing what did not happen. Throughout the episode, Todd and guests explore how this approach can transform not only investigations but also organizational learning and leadership strategies.
The episode reveals how industries can benefit from shifting their focus from corrective actions based on negatives to actions that truly reflect and enhance real work conditions. Join this discussion to better grasp the potential of transforming safety and reliability practices in your organization.

PAPod 545 - A Podcast Redux - "From Southern Tea to Transformative Safety: A Journey"

In this engaging episode, host Todd Conklin kicks off with a delightful chat about Milo's tea, leading into a compelling panel discussion with Bob Edwards, Mark Yeston, and Andrea Baker. The conversation explores the journey of organizational transformation, focusing on shifting from traditional safety views to a new perspective that emphasizes human performance and operational learning.
Join the team as they dissect the stages of change, from gaining leadership interest to integrating new safety philosophies within established systems. With anecdotes, humor, and insightful discourse, this episode offers practical insights into implementing transformative safety practices that enhance reliability and engagement.