Total Buy-In – Failing Safely: Stuntman Lessons on Culture and Communication with Tyler Foley
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In this Safety Spotlight episode, we speak with Tyler Foley—former stunt performer, safety specialist, and founder of Total Buy-In HSE Consulting. Tyler walks us through his remarkable journey from doing controlled six-story drops into cardboard boxes to guiding organizations in high-risk environments. He explains how the fundamentals of stunt work—precise planning, layered safeguards, and engineered controls—mirror what effective safety systems should look like on the job.
As the discussion unfolds, Tyler critiques the common “zero incident” philosophy, advocating instead for a mindset centered on “failing safely,” where mistakes are expected and systems are built to prevent severe outcomes. He emphasizes the risks created when safety functions operate in isolation and reinforces that genuine safety culture is simply culture—shared, understood, and upheld across every level of an organization.
We dive into Tyler’s actionable methods for spotting influential individuals within the workforce, turning bland toolbox meetings into meaningful conversations, and applying the “Mentor, Peer, Student” structure to foster continuous improvement. He also recounts a compelling example of how a fast-growing construction company reshaped its safety approach by embracing personal leadership, visibility, and a true sense of family within the team.
Whether your role is in safety, operations, or leadership, Tyler’s insights on human behavior, communication, and realistic risk management provide a grounded and practical perspective on keeping people safe.
Tyler’s Website: https://totalbuyin.com/
Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seantylerfoley/
