After more than two decades in the utility industry, Dr. Maria Silva-Palacios has seen an unhealthy pattern—too many field pros accepting pain as “just part of the job.”

In this episode, she joins Dr. Kevin Rindal to challenge that mindset and reveal how true safety culture starts with everyday leadership, empathy, and trust. Drawing on her doctoral research in organizational change and her personal story of overcoming fear to complete seven triathlons, Maria shows why physical pain, burnout, and disengagement are warning lights—not badges of honor.

You’ll learn how leaders at every level can create psychological safety, inspire change “one buoy at a time,” and turn check-the-box programs into habits that help crews move better, feel better, and retire strong.

🔑 You’ll Learn

✅ How empathy and authenticity drive real engagement in safety programs

✅ Why psychological safety is the foundation for preventing injuries

✅ The mindset shift from “pain is normal” to “pain is information”

✅ What “one buoy at a time” teaches us about resilience and leadership

🔗 Resources & Links

📘 Book — Safe Zone: Cultivating Engagement One Leader at a Time 👉⁠ Buy on Amazon ⁠ (⁠https://amzn.to/478jHxj⁠)

🎥 Watch on YouTube →⁠ @WorkReadyPodcast⁠

🌐 Connect with Dr. Maria Silva-Palacios —⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ @dungeonfitness⁠

🌐 Connect with Kevin Rindal on LinkedIn —⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrindal/⁠

🎉 Sponsors

Vimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform |⁠ vimocity.com⁠

Vimocity Community — Join free for behind-the-scenes insights and tools for workforce athletes →⁠ https://shorturl.at/B1IdX⁠