Paul Thompson

A well-run steering committee has clearly defined roles and responsibilities, provides governance, ensures a unified point of view is reached among the mix of staff who make up the committee, focuses on collaboration, manages risks, has executable goals, and effectively communicates and prioritizes regular meetings. It can also be the difference between sustainability goals that stall and those that truly take hold. This fireside chat will explore what it really takes to successfully sustain a steering committee—from setting clear direction and maintaining momentum to navigating competing priorities and organizational pressures. Through candid conversation and real-world examples, you’ll gain insight into how to effectively align leaders and stakeholders, foster accountability, and keep initiatives moving forward without losing focus. This session will also dig into common pitfalls that derail committees and share practical strategies to keep yours purposeful, productive, and impactful. We’ll also invite participants to bring their own stories to the table—both successes and challenges—to enrich the discussion and learn from each other’s experiences in real time.

A successful SafeStart implementation doesn’t begin at kickoff—it’s built well before the first session is delivered. This fireside chat brings together SafeStart’s steering committee co-chair Jenn Bennett and SafeStart champion Paul Thompson to give you the facts about what you really need to achieve a successful implementation. The conversation will focus on the critical role of the steering committee in shaping direction, building alignment, and removing barriers early. This session will also explore how to thoughtfully select and prepare trainers who can connect with the workforce, model human factors principles, and sustain momentum beyond the classroom. Participants will gain a clearer picture of benefitting from leadership visibility and communication strategies, as well as how to integrate SafeStart into existing systems and daily conversations. Expect an open, interactive dialogue where real challenges are discussed, lessons learned are shared, and participants can ask questions specific to their own context. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approach, this session will help you avoid common pitfalls and set your implementation up for lasting impact.