

PreAccident Investigation Podcast
Todd Conklin
The Pre Accident Podcast is an ongoing safety podcast conversation of Human Performance, Systems Safety, & Safety Culture.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 2, 2025 • 29min
PAPod 557 - Breaking Paradigms: Why Workers Are Your Greatest Asset
Jennifer Long, co-author of "Workers Are the Solution, Not the Problem," discusses her revolutionary insights on leadership and workforce dynamics. She emphasizes the need for leaders to see workers as assets rather than obstacles. The conversation dives into the evolution of leadership paradigms and the importance of adaptability in modern business. Long also touches on the significance of self-awareness and connection in enhancing leader-employee relationships, advocating for a fresh approach in an ever-changing workforce.

Jul 26, 2025 • 53min
PAPod 556 - CHOL Live - Inside the Final Episode: A Deep Dive with Shane Bush and Dr. David Woods
Join Todd Conklin in the final episode of the Pre-Extended Investigation Podcast as he hosts an insightful conversation with Shane Bush and Professor David Woods. This concluding episode offers a compelling discussion on the evolution of safety practices across industries, the impact of leadership on organizational sustainability, and the challenges faced by modern safety paradigms.
Dive into the nuances of human and organizational learning as Shane and Todd reflect on their decades-long journey, touching upon personal anecdotes and professional insights. Professor Woods contributes his expertise on the complexities of maintaining safety in aviation and beyond, highlighting the essential interplay of technology, human factors, and leadership in high-stakes environments. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the past, present, and future of safety and learning—an invaluable listen for anyone interested in organizational excellence.

Jul 19, 2025 • 29min
PAPod 555 - CHOL Live - "Unveiling Future Predictions: Podcast Reflections"
Join Todd Conklin and Rob Fisher on the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as they delve into their experiences and reflections from past podcast episodes, discussing the art of leadership and the significance of effective communication with senior leaders. With anecdotes from previous recordings, they explore the value of predictions made unknowingly and how iteration and experience shape success.
Rob shares insights into transitioning from operational roles to a leadership position, focusing on listening and adapting to the needs of the company, while providing a compelling narrative on using past experiences to build future strategies.
In a dynamic conversation, Todd and Rob discuss the ever-changing landscape of work and the complexities organizations face due to technological advancements, as well as the human elements that impact safety and resilience. They emphasize the importance of keeping dialogues open, inviting new ideas, and making space for the next generation to lead the way.
Listen in for practical takeaways and thought-provoking insights into building organizational resilience and the human factors that drive success. A conversation not to be missed for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and embrace the inevitable evolution of work.

Jul 12, 2025 • 17min
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.

Jul 5, 2025 • 27min
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.

Jun 28, 2025 • 32min
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.

Jun 21, 2025 • 29min
PAPod 551 - Cracking the Code: Embracing Uncertainty with Sam Olliges
Sam Olliges, a safety professional at Landmark Structures, dives into the world of water tower construction. He shares insights on the rising challenges of attracting skilled workers and the critical shift towards innovative safety approaches. Sam discusses the power of micro experimentation in creating seamless safety protocols. He also emphasizes the importance of leadership and team collaboration in fostering a safer workplace. Plus, he reflects on the intersection of personal stories and professional dilemmas, making for an engaging discussion on resilience and creativity.

Jun 14, 2025 • 21min
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.

Jun 7, 2025 • 23min
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!

6 snips
May 31, 2025 • 25min
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.


