“Shirley Talks With…” is our interview series where Brand Ambassador Shirley Parsons sits down with influential voices in Environment, Health, Safety, Quality and Wellbeing to hear their stories, insights and views on the future of the profession.
In this conversation, Shirley is joined by Heather Beach, Founder and Managing Director of The Healthy Work Company, to discuss her career journey, the importance of curiosity and influence, and her vision for the future of the profession.
Having entered health and safety almost by accident, Heather began her career in IT before moving into senior leadership roles at Barbour, where she went on to oversee major industry publications and events. She later established The Healthy Work Company, combining her business leadership experience with her interest in psychology and organisational wellbeing.
Shirley and Heather also reflect on their friendship spanning more than 30 years, the growth of Women in Health and Safety and Shirley Parsons’ 21st anniversary.
Leadership, Curiosity and Creating the Right Culture.
One of Heather’s greatest career challenges came when she took responsibility for turning around a struggling business at Barbour, returning it to profitability and growth within nine months.
She credits much of that success to creating an open culture where employees felt comfortable sharing ideas and challenging decisions.
“I really believe the culture we created was the reason why we managed to turn that business around.”
Heather also discusses how the skills needed to succeed in health and safety are evolving. While technical expertise remains essential, she believes curiosity, communication and influence are increasingly important.
“The massive shift is from knowing to curiosity.”
Highlights from their conversation include:
- Heather’s unexpected career journey and the leadership experiences that shaped her approach.
- Why curiosity, communication and influence are essential skills for HSEQ professionals.
- Establishing The Healthy Work Company and the challenges of running her own business.
- The need to give occupational health and wellbeing greater attention.
- Creating opportunities for women through mentoring and professional networks.
- The importance of continuous learning and lasting professional relationships.
Putting 'Health' Back into Health & Safety.
After years of leading businesses within larger organisations, Heather established The Healthy Work Company to pursue her interest in psychology, mental health and organisational wellbeing. Her work focuses on how leadership, culture and working environments influence people’s wellbeing.
While recognising the progress made in safety, Heather questions whether the profession is doing enough to address occupational health and wellbeing.
“Why are we called health and safety when we don’t do health?”
She also explores the need for a more integrated approach to organisational risk, bringing together health, safety, wellbeing and wider business challenges.
Creating Opportunities for Women in Health & Safety.
Heather reflects on establishing the Women in Health and Safety network 14 years ago, after recognising the lack of female representation at industry networking events.
Its first event at Safety & Health Expo attracted 292 expressions of interest for just 100 places, demonstrating the demand for opportunities to connect and share experiences. The network has since developed through mentoring, events and professional development initiatives.
Heather and Shirley are also working together on Rebel Women: A Playbook for Your Career in Health and Safety, drawing on interviews with women across the profession.
Celebrating More Than 30 Years of Friendship.
Having known each other for more than three decades, Shirley and Heather reflect on their friendship and the changes they have witnessed across the health and safety profession.
As Shirley Parsons celebrates its 21st anniversary, Heather shares her thoughts on the company’s contribution to the industry.
“You’ve been a constant in the profession.”
She also recognises Shirley Parsons’ commitment to professional development beyond technical HSEQ competencies and Shirley’s ability to build lasting relationships through her curiosity and interest in people.
We’d like to thank Heather for sharing her experience and insights. Her reflections highlight the importance of curiosity, effective leadership and professional connections, alongside the need to give health and wellbeing greater prominence as the HSEQ profession continues to evolve.
Other episodes in the series:
