The Pragmatic Safety Podcast

In this episode of The Pragmatic Safety Podcast by TenForce, host Julia Dubois speaks with Ken Wagner, PhD, Managing Director at Daylight Advisory LLC, who has spent 30 years studying human behaviour and working with leaders to improve safety. Ken shares how behavioral science can help organisations build lasting safety habits instead of relying on short-term initiatives. He explains the importance of repetition, positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and accountability at every level of an organisation. Ken also discusses why leaders should focus on the critical few behaviours that matter most, how to measure behaviour without micromanaging, and how technology and AI can support better leadership. He also highlights the importance of critical thinking, assuming positive intent, and making safety part of how an organisation works every day. With 30 years of experience in behavioral science and safety leadership, Ken Wagner, PhD, shares how organizations can build lasting safety habits through better leadership and a clear focus on human behavior. He explains the importance of repetition, positive reinforcement, practical feedback, and accountability at every level. Ken also discusses the value of focusing on the critical few behaviors that matter most, measuring actions without micromanaging, and using technology and AI to improve leadership. He highlights why leaders should assume positive intent, keep critical thinking in place, and make safe operations part of how an organization works every day. In this episode, expect to learn: -How safety leaders can build lasting habits through repetition, feedback, positive reinforcement, and accountability -Why safety should be treated as a core value rather than a changing priority or short term initiative -How leaders at every level can focus on the critical few behaviors that matter most and support their teams effectively -How to measure behaviors and use precise questions to encourage accountability without micromanaging or policing people -Why technology and AI can improve leadership while critical thinking and understanding human behavior remain essential 📢Discover how TenForce helps industrial teams improve safety, compliance, and operational performance. Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/ 📢 To explore more episodes and practical resources Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/podcast Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser [01:19] - Introduction to Ken Wagner, PhD and Safety Leadership [04:02] - The "Flavor of the Day" Safety Problem [08:36] - Why Safety Initiatives Fail [11:08] - Leading With Intention and Critical Behaviors [14:44] - Cascading Leadership and Positive Reinforcement [20:42] - Safety Culture During Operational Crises [26:52] - Context, Curiosity, and Specific Behaviors [30:18] - Measuring Behavior Without Micromanaging [36:45] - AI, Leadership, and Critical Thinking [40:41] - Where to Connect With Ken Wagner, PhD "Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review." Follow our Guest Ken Wagner, PhD on: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenwagnerda/ -Daylight Advisory LLC (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/daylight-advisory/ -Daylight Advisory LLC (Website): https://daylightadvisory.com/ Follow Host Julia Dubois on: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-dubois-ahimsa/ Follow the Podcast: -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenforce/ -Visit the Website: https://www.tenforce.com/ -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenForceEHSQ -Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/do/podcast/the-pragmatic-safety-podcast/id6793006276 -Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033Ta0S3lA8IWFXIcj68sA?si=2aa99d9a94d94367

In this episode of The Pragmatic Safety Podcast by TenForce, host Julia Dubois speaks with (Jack) John R. Skelley, Corporate Environmental Manager at Gerdau North America, an expert with more than 40 years of experience, including over 30 years in the electric arc furnace steel industry. Jack shares how environmental management has changed through better technology, automation, and data systems. He explains the importance of compliance, audits, leadership support, and practical environmental programs. Jack also discusses the growing role of AI, the challenges of regulation, and why the next generation of environmental managers should stay involved, focus on facts, and keep environmental work practical and effective. With more than 40 years of environmental experience, including over 30 years in the electric arc furnace steel industry, (Jack) John R. Skelley shares how environmental compliance has evolved through better technology, automation, and data management. He explains the importance of practical environmental programs, strong leadership, audits, and accountability. Jack also discusses the growing role of AI, the challenges of changing regulations, and the need for future environmental managers to stay engaged, focus on facts, and build effective systems that support both industry and the environment. In this episode, expect to learn: -How environmental compliance in the steel industry depends on strong systems, audits, leadership support, and accountability -Why technology, automation, and data management are making environmental programs more efficient and easier to manage -How AI can support routine environmental work, data analysis, and reporting while people remain essential for solving complex problems -The challenges of changing regulations and why environmental managers need to stay informed and involved in their communities -Why future environmental professionals should focus on practical solutions, reliable data, and systems that support long term compliance 📢Discover how TenForce helps industrial teams improve safety, compliance, and operational performance. Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/ 📢 To explore more episodes and practical resources Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/podcast Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser [01:11] - Introduction of Podcast and Guest (Jack) John R. Skelley [07:54] - Managing Environmental Compliance Across States [09:07] - Building Practical Environmental Programs [14:13] - Training, Audits, and a Compliance Culture [18:06] - Recycling and Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking [22:33] - Advice for Future Environmental Managers [28:05] - AI, Data, and Environmental Reporting [34:49] - The Future of Sustainability and AI [43:23] - What AI Cannot Replace in Environmental Work [49:30] - Where to connect with (Jack) John R. Skelley "Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review." Follow our Guest (Jack) John R. Skelley on: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-john-r-skelley-88035310/ -Gerdau North America (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/gerdau-north-america/ -Gerdau North America (Website): https://www2.gerdau.com/ Follow Host Julia Dubois on: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-dubois-ahimsa/ Follow the Podcast: -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenforce/ -Visit the Website: https://www.tenforce.com/ -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenForceEHSQ -Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/do/podcast/the-pragmatic-safety-podcast/id6793006276 -Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033Ta0S3lA8IWFXIcj68sA?si=2aa99d9a94d94367

In this episode of The Pragmatic Safety Podcast by TenForce, host Julia Dubois speaks with Gregg Walker, the Senior Director of Communications at Steel Manufacturers Association, about the future of the American steel industry, innovation, sustainability, and safety. Gregg explains how electric arc furnace technology has transformed steel production by increasing recycling and lowering emissions. He also discusses the Global Steel Climate Council, the SMA Plan for American Power, workforce challenges, and the growing role of AI in modern steelmaking. Gregg shares how the industry is improving safety, supporting local communities, and attracting the next generation of talent while helping build a stronger and more sustainable future. With nearly 30 years of nonprofit communications experience, Gregg Walker shares how the Steel Manufacturers Association is helping shape the future of the American steel industry. He explains how electric arc furnace technology has increased recycling, lowered emissions, and improved steel production. Gregg also discusses the Global Steel Climate Council, the SMA Plan for American Power, workforce challenges, and the growing use of AI in steelmaking. He highlights the industry's focus on safety, community support, and innovation while helping build a stronger and more sustainable future. In this episode, expect to learn: -How electric arc furnace technology has helped make American steel production more efficient through recycling and lower emissions -Why safety, innovation, and strong community support are central to the culture of the American steel industry -How the Global Steel Climate Council and the SMA Plan for American Power are helping address emissions and future energy needs -The challenges of recruiting and keeping skilled workers while changing public views of careers in steelmaking -How AI and new technology are improving safety, operations, and efficiency while supporting the future of steel production 📢Discover how TenForce helps industrial teams improve safety, compliance, and operational performance. Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/ 📢 To explore more episodes and practical resources Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/podcast 📩Want to learn more about the work of the Steel Manufacturers Association? Send Gregg Walker your questions. Email him at: [email protected] Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser [01:15] - Introduction of Podcast and Guest Gregg Walker [02:44] - Innovation, Recycling, and Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking [07:22] - Green Steel and the Global Steel Climate Council [11:48] - The SMA Plan for American Power [14:46] - Building a Strong Safety Culture in Steelmaking [20:20] - Community Support and the Rock Solid Foundation Partnership [24:50] - Changing Perceptions of the Steel Industry [28:50] - Trade, Investment, and the Future of American Steel [34:53] - Workforce Challenges and Attracting New Talent [39:50] - AI, Technology, and the Future of Steelmaking [46:00] - Where to Learn More About the Steel Manufacturers Association "Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review." Follow our Guest Gregg Walker on: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-walker-86789821/ -Steel Manufacturers Association (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-manufacturers-association/ -Steel Manufacturers Association (Website): https://steelnet.org/ Follow Host Julia Dubois on: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-dubois-ahimsa/ Follow the Podcast: -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenforce/ -Visit the Website: https://www.tenforce.com/ -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenForceEHSQ -Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/do/podcast/the-pragmatic-safety-podcast/id6793006276 -Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033Ta0S3lA8IWFXIcj68sA?si=2aa99d9a94d94367

Welcome to The Pragmatic Safety Podcast—the show for HSE leaders, plant managers, and operations executives in high-risk industries who want to turn high-level insights into safer, smarter daily operations. Hosted by TenForce COO Julia Dubois, this podcast bridges the gap between corporate policy and frontline execution. In this quick teaser episode, get a preview of the actionable, real-world strategies we’ll cover—from streamlining permit-to-work and lockout/tagout to driving frontline engagement and exploring the actual role of AI in EHSQ. Hit subscribe right now so you never miss an episode. Let’s make safety actionable!