Building a Culture of Safety
From Mascot to Mentor: A Journey in Safety Leadership
Featuring Brian Carpenter, Sales Leader at ClickSafety
In this episode of the jobTopia Podcast, host Tony interviews Brian Carpenter, a dynamic sales leader and safety manager at ClickSafety, in a story that proves leadership can come from the most unexpected places.
Titled “From Mascot to Mentor: A Journey in Safety Leadership,” this episode explores how strong safety culture and forward-thinking leadership are reshaping industries.
Welcome to jobTopia: the top-ranked learning & development podcast.
Over the years, jobTopia has evolved into one of the top-rated platforms in the learning and development (L&D) space. Originally covering sales, marketing, and recruiting, the podcast now dives deep into topics like safety leadership, employee training, and workforce transformation—answering the call of an audience hungry for real-world, actionable insights.
In this episode, we explore how safety leadership training is becoming a strategic business priority, not just a regulatory requirement.
Safety as a Business Imperative
Safety is no longer just a compliance checkbox—it’s a core part of operational strategy. Especially in high-risk sectors like manufacturing, construction, and automotive, companies are investing in scalable safety solutions. At a recent Charlotte conference, a wave of vendors emerged offering safety as a service across industries—from solar energy and mining to potato farming.
Businesses that treat safety as a foundation—not an afterthought—are staying ahead of both regulations and risks, improving outcomes for employees and operations alike.
From Mascot to Safety Manager
Brian’s career began in unexpected places—from working in grocery stores to becoming a college mascot. But that unique energy translated into a career marked by influence and mentorship. After stints at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Pulte Homes, and McGraw Hill Construction, a mentor guided him into the world of safety.
Today, Brian emphasizes the impact of safety leadership in building trust with clients, teams, and stakeholders. He highlights how proactive leadership can improve responsiveness and drive real business results.
The ROI of Safety Programs
A strong safety program does more than protect—it pays off. Companies with advanced safety initiatives often receive up to 52% discounts on workers’ compensation insurance, outperforming industry benchmarks. Even one injury can bring a job site to a halt, triggering fines, investigations, and project delays. Fatalities, while rare, leave lasting effects on families, teams, and reputations.
Leaders who invest in safety leadership training understand that prevention saves more than money—it protects people and preserves progress.
Building a Culture of Safety Through Engagement
A high-performing safety culture is built through consistency, creativity, and buy-in from every level of the organization. Tools like a “question of the day” gamify training with small rewards and leaderboards, turning education into engagement.
Whether through OSHA 10/30 certifications or on-the-job briefings, empowering workers to act—stop unsafe work, identify hazards, or report issues—is what transforms a policy into a shared mindset. The most effective companies make safety part of their identity, achieving zero injuries across millions of work hours.
Reshoring and the Trades Renaissance
As U.S. manufacturing returns onshore, the need for safety professionals is skyrocketing. With labor shortages in construction and skilled trades, companies are building talent pipelines from the ground up—even recruiting in middle schools. For many teens, trades like welding now offer six-figure opportunities by graduation.
This shift is rewriting the story of success, challenging old models and highlighting how leadership and management intersect with education, equity, and opportunity.
Online Safety Training Is the New Standard
Post-COVID, online platforms have revolutionized safety education. With 57% of OSHA cards now issued online, platforms like ClickSafety.com provide accessible, flexible, and cost-effective options. Workers can learn during downtimes or between shifts, reducing the need for time off and costly travel.
This model blends well with management leadership training initiatives, reserving in-person time for job-specific instruction while delivering foundational knowledge online.
A Fun Look Back: The Mascot Days
Before closing, Brian shares a peek into the world of mascot tryouts—think dance-offs, charisma checks, and suit endurance tests. Now coaching at the University of Kansas, he’s mentoring a new generation of mascots for the school’s upcoming stadium launch.
His journey reminds us that leadership can start anywhere—and that those who can rally a crowd can often rally a team.
Connect with ClickSafety
Whether you’re leading construction crews, managing compliance in agriculture, or overseeing operations in manufacturing, ClickSafety offers proven solutions to improve training, reduce costs, and protect your workforce.
Stay tuned for more from jobTopia, where learning and development meets real-world leadership.
Ready to expand your workforce safely? Connect with Tony for a Q&A.
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