This week on Straight Talk on Fleet, Erin Gilchrist is joined by Brian Fielkow, Executive Vice President of Risk Resources at Acrisure and author of Leading People Safely: How to Win on the Business Battlefield. Together, they explore the impact a strong safety culture has on organizations and share practical insights for fleet leaders who want to drive real change. 

Key Takeaways from the Episode 

#1. Safety Must Be a Core Value, Not Just a Priority

Brian challenges the idea that safety can just be a priority because priorities often change. Instead, safety should be treated as a non-negotiable core value—woven into the DNA of the organization. When safety is viewed this way, it remains constant and guides decision-making. As Brian puts it, “Nothing should compete with safety.”

#2. Empowering Frontline Influencers

There is a big difference between power and authority. While authority is tied to job titles, power comes from respect and influence. By identifying the opinion leaders within your team—those who others naturally turn to for guidance—you can create grassroots buy-in for safety initiatives. These frontline influencers can help bridge the gap between leadership and the workforce, ensuring safety becomes a shared mission rather than a top-down directive.

#3. Overcoming Common Safety Dysfunctions

Brian and Erin discuss three major pitfalls that prevent organizations from achieving true safety excellence: 

• Delegated Leadership: Safety can’t be owned solely by the safety department. It’s everyone’s responsibility, especially operations teams who execute it daily. 

• Lack of Respect for Process: Processes must be clear, practical, and consistently followed. If they’re too complex or disconnected from frontline realities, they’ll be ignored. 

• Tolerating Toxic Behavior: Employees who consistently undermine safety values can erode the entire culture. Leaders must address toxic behavior swiftly and decisively. 

#4. Building Trust Through Transparency

Trust is a cornerstone of any successful safety culture, and transparency is key to building it. Brian emphasizes the importance of explaining the “why” behind safety initiatives, such as installing telematics or cameras. When employees understand these tools are designed to protect them, not just monitor them, they’re more likely to embrace change.

#5. Cultural Contracts: Setting Clear Expectations

Brian introduces the concept of “cultural contracts”—simple, one-page documents outlining the expectations and values new hires should know before they begin their roles. These contracts set the tone from day one, ensuring alignment between organizational values and individual responsibilities. 

Why This Matters 

This episode isn’t just about safety; it’s about rethinking how culture drives everything from operational performance to employee morale. Erin and Brian’s conversation highlights that fostering a strong safety culture isn’t rocket science—it’s about consistent effort, clear communication, and genuine care for your team. 

This episode is a must-listen if you’re a safety or fleet leader looking to elevate your organization. Packed with actionable advice and real-world examples, it will leave you inspired to make safety the backbone of your success. 

Tune in to Episode 59 of The Straight Talk on Fleet now and start transforming your safety culture today!