Start With the Why: Finding Purpose in Safety

In this Mentor Moments bonus episode, we take a step back from rules, regulations, and procedures to focus on something deeper—the why behind safety. Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned, we explore how finding your true purpose can transform the way you approach protecting people. From connecting with your core values to inspiring others through your example, this episode will help you move beyond compliance and into a mindset of genuine care and commitment.

Whether you’re a seasoned safety professional or just starting your journey, this conversation will remind you that safety isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.

Hosted by: Joe Garcia, Safety Leader & Culture Advocate
New Episodes Every Other Tuesday
Safety on Purpose

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Transcript

Welcome to Mentor Moments — the segment of Safety on Purpose where we share bite-sized wisdom and real-world stories to help guide the
next generation of safety leaders.
On Safety on Purpose, we’re all about real conversations, fresh perspectives, and practical ideas that make a difference in how we approach
safety and leadership. But sometimes, the best lessons come in small, powerful doses.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce Mentor Moments — short, impactful bonus episodes released once a month. In each Mentor Moment, I’ll
share stories, insights, and practical takeaways from leaders, mentors, and personal experiences that have shaped the way I think about safety,
culture, and purpose-driven leadership.
Think of them as quick boosts of inspiration — something you can listen to on your coffee break, during your commute, or whenever you need
that little nudge to keep going and lead with intention.
Whether you’re a safety professional, a leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference in your workplace, these Mentor Moments are
here to help you grow, stay inspired, and keep safety at the heart of what you do.
Today we’re talking about something every safety professional needs to come back to — your “why.”

Let’s get real for a second.
When you're new in safety, it's easy to get swept up in the checklists, the regulations, the forms, the policies. You’re expected to know a lot, fast.
But here’s the truth — none of that matters if you don’t first anchor yourself in why you do this work.
Your “why” becomes your compass.
For me, it started with a forklift accident early in my career — no fatalities, but it was a close call. I remember standing in the aftermath thinking:
“This should have been preventable.” That moment became my purpose — I never wanted someone to go home injured because we missed
something simple or didn’t speak up.
That moment wasn’t about compliance. It was about people.

So here’s a thought for you:
As a young safety pro, ask yourself today —
“Why do I want to do this?”
“Who am I trying to protect?”
“What kind of culture do I want to help build?”
If your answer is, “because it pays well” or “it’s stable,” hey, that’s honest. But if you want to thrive — not just survive in this field — you’ve got to
connect to something deeper.
Safety is not about catching people doing things wrong. It’s about coaching them to do it right, even when no one’s watching. That takes trust,
empathy, and consistency — all of which flow from knowing your purpose.

Now, let’s talk about what happens when you don’t know your why.
You burn out.
You take things personally.
You chase KPIs instead of building relationships.
You become “the safety cop,” not the trusted guide.
And people can feel that. Culture responds to authenticity. If your team senses you're just checking boxes, they will too.
But when your team knows you genuinely care — when they see you showing up with intention — they’ll lean in. That’s when safety becomes
part of who they are, not just something they have to do.

So here’s your mentor moment homework:
Grab a notebook or your phone and write this down:
“Why do I do this?”
Then list 3 things that connect you to your answer. It might be a person, a story, a mission — whatever fuels your fire.
When the job gets hard — and it will — come back to those three things. Read them. Ground yourself. Reset.
And if you’re still figuring it out? That’s okay. You’re not behind. You’re just starting the journey. Stay curious. Ask questions. Find mentors. Don’t
fake it — learn it.

That’s it for today’s Mentor Moment. If this resonated with you, share it with someone just starting out or someone who might need a reset.
[Slowly fade up Outro Music]
Remember, safety is about people — and that includes you.
Protecting others starts with understanding your own purpose.
Until next time, stay grounded, stay curious, and stay on purpose.
I’m Joe Garcia, and this was Mentor Moments on Safety on Purpose.