WSPS CEO: What we learned from surviving a pandemic

As president and CEO of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), Lynn Brownell knows a thing or too about the importance of organizational health. … “Here at WSPS, my main contribution centres around connecting people: government and industry; business leaders, communities and partners; our employees, volunteers and customers. There are many moving parts in what we do and many relationships that need to be nurtured. Although protecting people’s physical health and safety is still our top priority, we have moved into spaces such as mental harm prevention, the role of leadership in creating a strong safety culture, and of course, the impact of technology on everything we do.”

As a female CEO, Brownell was quick to offer up advice to the next generation of female talent. For her, it all comes down to being true to your authentic self – the rest will ultimately follow.

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“I think anyone could apply the advice I would give,” she told HRD. “We need to encourage people to know themselves and be true to themselves and play to their strengths. We need people to bring what makes them unique individuals to their careers. Leaders need to get out there and speak to diverse groups and let them know that traditional ceilings have no value anymore – we need different viewpoints, skills and experiences. WSPS will be sponsoring the Skills Ontario Young Women’s Conference – for the third year in a row - and I’m delighted to speak to such an enthusiastic group of young people who are interested in careers in the skilled trades and technologies. It’s a different world today and the differences people bring to their professional lives make businesses so much stronger. And much more interesting!”