Episode 206 - Dr. Megan Tranter - Leadership and Career Strategist

Dr. Ayers sits down with Dr. Megan Tranter, a leadership and career strategist with a long and varied background in safety, to explore the human side of safety leadership. The episode focuses on soft skills, imposter syndrome, and giving and receiving feedback — three areas that often determine whether safety professionals thrive or stall in their careers.

  🧠 Key Themes 1. Soft Skills Are the Real Differentiator

Dr. Tranter emphasizes that technical knowledge alone doesn’t make a great safety leader. Critical soft skills include:

• Communication

• Influence

• Emotional intelligence

• Relationship‑building

These skills determine whether safety messages land and whether leaders gain trust. Sources:

  2. Imposter Syndrome Is Common — and Normal

Dr. Tranter discusses how many safety professionals feel like they’re “not enough,” especially when stepping into new roles or facing high expectations. Key insights:

• Imposter syndrome affects high performers

• It can be managed through self‑awareness

• Confidence grows through action, not waiting

Sources:

  3. Feedback Is a Leadership Superpower

The episode highlights two sides of feedback:

Giving feedback:

• Be specific

• Focus on behaviors, not character

• Deliver it with care and clarity

Receiving feedback:

• Listen without defensiveness

• Look for patterns

• Use it as fuel for growth

Sources:

  4. Career Growth Requires Intentionality

Dr. Tranter encourages safety professionals to:

• Seek mentors

• Ask for stretch opportunities

• Clarify their long‑term goals

• Build a personal leadership brand

Your career doesn’t advance by accident — it advances by design. Sources:

  🚀 Leadership Takeaways

• Soft skills elevate safety leaders far more than technical expertise alone.

• Imposter syndrome is common — and manageable.

• Feedback is essential for growth, both giving and receiving.

• Intentional career planning creates momentum and opportunity.