What separates a great EHS leader from a good one? According to Lindsey Seiberling, it starts with understanding that safety isn't about enforcing rules; it's about helping people accomplish their goals safely.
In this episode of Facility Rockstars, Jay sits down with Lindsey Seiberling, Environment, Health & Safety Manager at Boston Scientific, to discuss how successful EHS professionals build trust with operations, adapt to increasingly complex work environments, and create cultures where safety becomes a shared responsibility. Lindsey also shares leadership lessons from her experiences at Boston Scientific, Amazon, and Clean Harbors, offering practical advice on building diverse teams, reducing waste, and embracing humility as a leader.
Takeaways:
- Build relationships with operational teams by first understanding their goals and objectives before recommending solutions.
- Spend time where the work happens. Walking the floor and talking with employees provides insights that can't be found behind a desk.
- Safety professionals are most effective when they're viewed as partners helping people succeed—not as obstacles.
- Hire people whose expertise complements your own. Strong leaders aren't afraid to admit what they don't know.
- Diverse backgrounds and perspectives often lead to better safety improvements and stronger problem-solving.
- Sustainability starts with evaluating every process and asking where waste can be eliminated before it is created.
Quote of the Show:
- "Hire where you're weak. You're never going to know everything."
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-seiberling/
- Website: https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/home.html
Shoutouts:
- Paul Donhauser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldonhauser/
- Lori Santoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-santoli-csp/
