If We Want To Make Safety MATTER, We Have To Make Safety PERSONAL.
For over 25 years, Candace Carnahan has dedicated her life to advocating for workplace safety and mental well-being. A global keynote speaker and safety expert, Candace has inspired audiences across multiple continents, sharing her powerful message of resilience and the importance of proactive safety measures. Her journey began with a personal tragedy —losing her leg in a workplace incident at the age of 21—which ignited her passion for preventing similar incidents for others. Since then, Candace has become a leading voice in the field, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between physical and psychological safety.
Candace's efforts have been recognised internationally, earning her numerous awards and honours for her contributions to safety and leadership. She has been invited to speak at global conferences, corporate events, and educational institutions, where her compelling story and actionable insights leave a lasting impact on all who hear her.
With her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety, Candace continues to empower individuals and organisations worldwide, encouraging them to embrace safety as a choice and an opportunity, not just an obligation. Her work has not only saved lives but also transformed the way people think about and approach safety in their personal and professional lives.
Talking Points
It Could Happen to You...
Candace believes that “The first step in NOT getting injured is knowing that you CAN be.” Her unimaginable experience dispels the myth that we are invincible; what you don’t know, in fact, can hurt you – lessons Candace learned the hard way. It Could Happen to You...
Through sharing her lived experience, Candace recounts the day that changed her life forever. One step over a moving, unguarded conveyor belt changed the course of her life and resulted in the loss of her leg below the knee.
With her ever-present sense of humour and passion for her message, she emphasises that when an injury happens, there is rarely only one cause or contributing factor – emphasising the countless opportunities to intervene in the name of safety.
Candace encourages people to take a leading role in their own health and safety!
Combating complacency and encouraging people to “focus on focus!” are key components of Candace’s message. Her story is a reminder that safety isn’t 9-5 – rather, it’s a state of mind, an attitude that we must carry with us throughout our day-to-day lives.
Lead it. Live it. The Leadership Lifestyle.
Candace promotes the practice of checking in to ensure what we say we believe about safety is supported by our actions. Lead it. Live it. The Leadership Lifestyle.
This speech explores the vital connection between leadership and workplace safety, emphasising that true leaders don’t just enforce rules—they inspire a culture where safety is valued, respected, and prioritised. Through real-world examples and personal insights, it highlights how leadership at every level shapes attitudes, behaviours, and expectations around safety.
A key focus is the power of vulnerability in leadership. When leaders are willing to share their own experiences, admit mistakes, and show that they, too, are continuously learning, they create an environment of trust and openness. This vulnerability fosters stronger connections, encourages honest conversations about safety concerns, and empowers individuals to speak up without fear.
The message is clear: when leaders champion safety as a core value—fostering open communication, psychological well-being, and inclusivity—they create workplaces where people feel supported, look out for one another, and prevent harm before it happens.
Bridging the Gap
In a work world that traditionally emphasizes physical safety, it's crucial to recognize that true protection begins within - the vital connection between psychological health and physical safety. Bridging the Gap
A key component is the role of leadership. We delve into the transformative power of leaders who dare to show vulnerability. When leaders openly express their own challenges, uncertainties, and emotions, they create a ripple effect. The openness breaks down barriers, fostering a culture where psychological safety thrives, enabling everyone to bring the whole selves to work without fear of judgment.
By addressing the often-overlooked aspects of psychological safety, we'll reveal how mental well-being acts as the foundation not only for preventing incidents and ensuring physical safety, but also cultivating a culture of caring in the workplace.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of why protecting our minds is the first step in safeguarding our bodies, equipped with actionable strategies to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
Safety: Obligation or Opportunity?
In this powerful and thought-provoking speech, we explore the concept of safety not just as an obligation but as a profound opportunity. Too often, safety measures are viewed as tasks that must be checked off—a routine compliance. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we embraced safety as a proactive choice, an opportunity to protect not just ourselves but our colleagues and communities? Candace knows first-hand the devastating consequences of a reactive approach and challenges us to rethink our attitudes toward safety.Safety: Obligation or Opportunity?
This speech is a call to action, urging each of us to see safety as more than a duty—it’s an opportunity to make a difference, to lead by example, and to ensure that every voice is heard in the pursuit of a safer, more mindful workplace.
Resilience and the Transformative Power of Positivity
In this compelling and uplifting keynote, Candace shares her remarkable journey of recovery after a life-altering workplace incident that resulted in the loss of her leg. While losing a leg was a challenge, Candace learned early on to look for a silver lining — think of the money she's saved booking her pedicures half price! With wit and wisdom, Candace reveals how life’s toughest moments often come with unexpected perks.Resilience and the Transformative Power of Positivity
Through heartfelt storytelling and candid humour, Candace reveals how hope and positivity not only shaped her path but also fuelled her ability to embrace life’s challenges with grace. She highlights the profound impact of seemingly small acts of kindness and courage—demonstrating how even the simplest gestures can spark transformative change for ourselves and those around us. Audiences will be inspired by Candace’s message of perseverance and will walk away empowered, knowing that they, too, possess the strength to overcome adversity and create lasting change in their own lives.
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Candace Carnahan | Bridging the Gap
Candace speaks about how psychological safety connects with workplace safety.Candace’s message of safety, not only in workplace but in life generally, was both powerful and inspiring. She has a wonderful way of engaging with her audience that empowers them to take he ... keep reading Heathshare NSW
Candace is a natural speaker that had the audience absolutely captivated with her amazing story. It was a delight to meet her and our pleasure to have her as our International Keynote speaker at our Safety in Action Conference. Her message of “See something, Say something” really hit home with attendees. Thank you Candace for bringing your story to us.
I had the privilege of hearing Candace speak at a company event, and her powerful personal story on workplace safety left a lasting impact on me and everyone in the audience. Her account of the injury she experienced in her youth and how it transformed her life was truly inspiring, moving, and captivating... Her message resonated deeply.... With her presence in the world, the world is a better and safer place.
To say there was energy and enthusiasm at both sessions would be an understatement.
Candace was one of the best keynotes we have ever had! Not only was her message on safety powerful and passionate, but she was able to bring humour and honesty as she shared her story with us. She resonated with our audience and her story will stick with us for years to come. It was a privilege to have her on our program and she was a joy to work with!
Candace did an incredible job, and her speech touched a lot of our members. It was a weighty topic, but Candace was excellent at throwing in some humor to keep the room engaged. I believe that this safety meeting will make an impact on our members now and well into the future. Again can’t say it enough, great delivery and presentation. I’ll recommend Candace whenever possible!
