Episode 313: In this episode of the Safety Leadership Collective, Merle Heckman joins hosts Nicholas Coia and Mike Thompson to discuss the overlooked art of listening and how it shapes leadership, safety culture, and trust. Merle shares practical techniques—asking questions, pausing, and putting ego aside—to influence others and create real change. They explore examples from sports, business, and frontline work, and end with a simple call to action: practice focused listening for one week to begin building stronger connections at work and home. Connect with Merle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merleheckman/ For more information on the Portage County Safety Council, please visit our website at: https://portagecountysafetycouncil.com/