"Be curious, not judgmental. And as a safety professional, that's so key. Because as soon as we're judgmental and we assume that we know or have all the answers and we don't understand the whole backstory, we're going to lose that all day, every day." - Jake Wenmark Safety leadership starts with understanding people, not judging them. When safety professionals approach incidents with curiosity, listen to frontline workers, and build trust across teams, they create a stronger workplace safety culture. Jake Wenmark, VP of Risk and Safety at Knobelsdorff (KE), brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience in law enforcement and public service. His journey offers valuable lessons for safety professionals navigating rapid organizational growth, complex operations, and the challenges of protecting employees across multiple states. In this episode of The Canary Report, host Michael Zalle sits down with Jake to explore why curiosity should guide safety leadership, how to integrate acquired companies without losing their culture, and why practical field experience matters when building an effective safety team. They also discuss mental health in high-stress industries, including the importance of addressing trauma and PTSD, reducing stigma, and creating meaningful support systems. Jake shares how consistent communication, strong relationships, and patience can strengthen safety management as organizations grow.