June 13 2022
By: Shawn M. Galloway
What are the most memorable events within your culture that shape your thinking and storytelling? In a recent group text, someone sent a picture (like this one) and other items from the 1980s. I responded with, "5th-grade science class, January 1986, watching the Space Shuttle Challenger launch on the roll-in TV. I've always felt for my teacher. A room was full of students as the explosion occurred. Tearful silence." A friend responded, "Every time I see that picture/card image, that's exactly what I think of! Crazy."
In my life, this is one of those "I remember where I was when…" events that I will never forget that shape why I do what I do in my chosen profession. With people unfamiliar with these events within a society or corporation, as they join, they are passed on through storytelling, eventually generation by generation. If you are new to a group and want to know your team and culture or understand the why behind written and unwritten rules, seek to learn and understand the events that shaped them and what continues to shape the culture today.
Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety, is an expert in safety excellence. With almost thirty years of experience, he is a highly sought-after advisor, keynote speaker, and expert witness. Shawn has become a trusted partner to leading organizations across various industries worldwide. He ranks in the top 1% of the most prolific writers in his field, having authored over 500 articles and several bestselling books. He also launched the world's first safety podcast, Safety Culture Excellence©. As a recognized authority in safety, Shawn has received awards such as being named among the Top 50 People Who Most Influence EHS and a Top 10 Speaker, among others.
He is a regular guest on Bloomberg, Fox News, The Daily Mail, Dubai One, U.S. News & World Report, Sirius Business Radio, Wharton Business Daily, and leading safety magazines and podcasts. Shawn also serves as a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, Forbes Business Council, and Fast Company Executive Board, enabling his influence to shape safety thinking and strategy at the executive level.
