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:
Shoutouts:
Paul Donhauser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldonhauser/
Lori Santoli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-santoli-csp/