PreAccident Investigation Podcast

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.

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!

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.

Dive into the world of fundamentals with insights from a physicist who emphasizes starting discussions from the basics. Explore the intriguing link between chaos physics and human performance. Discover an exciting new bike trail and an upcoming Santa Fe conference focused on high reliability and AI safety. The podcast warns about the pitfalls of assuming leaders grasp performance principles, highlighting the essential training they need for enhancing safety and effectiveness in organizations.

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.

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.

In a humorous recount of a chaotic airport experience, the host navigates an empty TSA line that was designed for a crowd. The discussion dives into the interplay between design choices and efficiency, drawing on insights from Don Norman. Personal anecdotes highlight how absurd designs can affect behavior and safety. The exploration of cultural differences in security lines prompts reflection on balancing convenience and effectiveness in public systems. It's a witty look at how our environments dictate our actions and experiences.

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Podcast, host Todd Conklin delves into the complex topic of toxic uncertainty and its impact on organizations. Through engaging discussions, Todd explores how leaders can guide their teams through an ever-changing world by embracing diversity and making incremental adaptations. Reflecting on lessons learned during the pandemic, Todd emphasizes the importance of monitoring progress and understanding the direction in which organizations are moving. He highlights the significance of building adaptive systems that can withstand unpredictability and thrive in challenging times. Todd also shares personal anecdotes, including his excitement for an upcoming adventure, while offering valuable insights on fostering a diverse environment in decision-making processes.

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with your host Todd. Join Todd and Jennifer Long as they discuss their new book, Workers Are Not the Problem, Workers Are the Solution: A Guide to Leading Differently. The conversation delves into the intersection of leadership, accountability, and the evolving work environment. The discussion highlights the importance of addressing leadership biases and adapting to contemporary workforce dynamics. With a focus on the critical notion of accountability, the episode explores how traditional leadership paradigms need to shift to manage the current landscape of uncertainty and rapid change. Through qualitative observations of various organizations, Todd and Jennifer reveal insights into how the employment environment is changing and how leaders need to rethink their strategies. Tune in to discover how navigating toxicity and uncertainty can redefine leadership roles and expectations.

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