Embracing Differences

The conversation delves into the complex nature of safety as a value within organizations. Through a personal narrative from a young woman aboard a ship, it highlights the gap between theoretical safety values and real-life experiences. The discussion challenges listeners to reconsider how personal realities shape their understanding of safety, justice, and integrity. It emphasizes that while safety is often declared as a value, the unpredictable nature of human behavior complicates this notion.

This podcast is based on the work of the American Anthropologist Ernest Becker's perennial thesis - 'the denial of death'. In this podcast, Professor Sheldon Solomon explains how death anxiety, which is unique to the human species, leads to a quest for meaning, self-esteem and cultural worldviews. Solomon explains why it is so important for us take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding culture and why we must synthesise the wisdom of ages and sages and combine it with science if we truly want to make sense of human behaviour. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecYC_Y1UnE8

In less than 12 hours, President Trump blamed that DEI was behind the Washington mid-air collision. How did Trump connect so many dots at the speed of light and establish what went wrong with such conviction? And why do so many buy into this DEI ideology as the cause of the accident? In this podcast, I suggest that the president is using fear of death to heighten public anxiety, create a divide and spread hatred in the society.  We will discuss: Why do humans fear death? How do we react and how do we relate with others when we are confronted with death? How does this explain President Trump’s reaction to Washington midair collision?

Myth busting i.e. viewing a myth as a false story, is a political ideology. It is not science. Myth busting creates differences and it spreads hatred in the society. In a culturally diverse society, understanding myth busting is our pathway to cultural intelligence and improving our relationships with others. In this podcast, I will explain what is a myth and why myth busting should concern the risk and safety industry and our society at large. What are the dangers of myth busting and how we can avoid falling into this trap.    We will discuss: What is a myth? A short story of a myth. What is the power of a myth? What is myth busting? Why myth busting is an ideology (not science)? Why myth busting should concern us?  

In October this year, I travelled to Canada for work and on the first night of arrival, while still jet lagged and sleepless, I was searching the internet to read about the culture of First Nations peoples of Canada. There I came across a series of 6 videos between the international expert in humanitarian law, Professor Kathleen Mahoney and the former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Larry Philip Fontaine facilitated by the Canadian TV Journalist Lisa LaFlamme.It was an extremely rich discussion where one could learn so much about the history and culture of Canada and a telling story of #culturechange.A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate to have both Kathleen and Phil on my podcast #embracingdifferences. I was humbled that both of them gave me their time to share their stories which I can now share within my own community.You may think what has the risk and safety industry got to do with the history of the Indigenous people and to this I say give it a listen. It’s a great lesson for anyone interested in understanding culture and how to successfully create culture change.  

John Soria, a young seafarer, shares his gripping experience of falling into a tank, opening the door to a rich discussion on human decision-making. The conversation dives into how cognitive errors occur in high-pressure situations and emphasizes the need for deeper understanding beyond a mere brain-focused approach. Soria stresses the importance of communication and relationships in preventing accidents, while also exploring the impact of unconscious decision-making. His insights shed light on learning from our mistakes through storytelling and empathy.

In this engaging discussion, Francisco Scatino, the former captain of the Costa Concordia, shares his unique perspective on the infamous 2012 sinking. He delves into what constituted 'normal practices' in the cruise industry and how these beliefs can lead to catastrophic decisions. The conversation shifts to the cultural dynamics of safety management, emphasizing the need for understanding human behavior in high-risk environments. Scatino's anecdotes illuminate the complexities of navigation, safety protocols, and the normalization of risky maneuvers in maritime operations.

The guest, an experienced ship captain involved in the 2012 Costa Concordia disaster, shares insights into the critical dynamics of communication and authority on the bridge. The discussion delves into why competent officers failed to speak up, emphasizing the role of framing in shaping perceptions of the tragedy. The captain critiques existing narratives around psychological safety and explores how hierarchical structures may silence voices. Listeners gain a nuanced appreciation of the complexities of decision-making in high-stakes scenarios and the importance of rethinking our assumptions about risk and safety.

Rosa Antonia Carrillo, an expert in risk management and organizational behavior, joins the discussion to unveil the transformative role of mindfulness. They explore how cultivating self-awareness can enhance risk reduction in healthcare and beyond. Rosa emphasizes the significance of 'weak signals' in organizations and how mindfulness sharpens our ability to detect them. Additionally, the duo highlights the power of workplace friendships, revealing how genuine connections foster personal growth and improve team dynamics, ultimately leading to a safer, more empathetic workplace.

This podcast discussion represents two people from different parts of the globe with different backgrounds looking for common ground.   As you listen you can initially hear different perspectives and perceptions. It felt that we began to synchronize at some point and eventually arrived at the same place. It should not be surprising. There are 8 billion of us on the planet. While we all may look completely different; we are designed exactly the same.   When we move to defend our belief’s, we often sacrifice the ability to move forward and seek the learning that is necessary to raise the discussion to higher understanding. Curiosity initiates logic, reason and intuition. Defense moves us to justify and rationalize a belief or an action in the past. Forward is the future we are trying to shape. Backward is the past we cannot change.   We own our belief’s. There is no reason to defend them.  Someone with different belief’s is not a threat to ours. Someone else cannot steal our belief. However, if we are curious and listen to others, we can then decide for ourselves if new information somehow may shape our change our current belief. We don’t have to like another’s perspective or their idea. We just have to listen.   As you listen to this podcast, see if you can hear how the different perspectives begin to align. We can release and discover potential in each other, or we can suppress it. We have that power.   The question is, are you willing to walk through the door?