Scaling UP! H2O

By: scalinguph2o.com
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • The podcast where we scale up on knowledge so we don't scale up our systems. Find out why working in Industrial Water Treatment is the best job in the world. Hear industry experts share their knowledge and stories. Learn about technologies, methods, and career journeys. Join podcast host Trace Blackmore, former AWT President, LEED, and CWT every Friday for a new episode.
    © 2018 All Rights Reserved, Blackmore Enterprises, Inc.
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • 382 Leading with Safety: How Veolia Embeds Health into Global Culture

    382 Leading with Safety: How Veolia Embeds Health into Global Culture
    Sep 20 2024
    How Veolia Prioritizes Health and Safety Worldwide? At Veolia, safety isn't just a requirement—it’s embedded in the company’s core values. Leading the charge is Arnaud Valleteau de Moulliac, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia Water Technologies. In this week's episode, Arnaud speaks with Scaling UP! H2O host Trace Blackmore about how safety initiatives are reshaping Veolia's culture around the world. Arnaud emphasizes that health and safety are non-negotiable: "It's a 24/7 commitment." This episode takes you inside Veolia’s global approach, showing how the company’s 8,000+ employees have integrated safety into their daily routines. What Drives Veolia's Health and Safety Initiatives? For Arnaud, safety comes from a personal place: “As a father of four, ensuring everyone gets home safely is paramount.” This family-first approach reflects Veolia’s deep commitment to safety, which has been an ongoing focus for over a decade. “Ten years ago, we launched International Health and Safety Week, where every subsidiary worldwide participates in focused discussions and actions on safety.” This annual event creates a space for employees to assess their work environments, recognize potential risks, and form long-lasting safety habits. But at Veolia, safety isn’t just about one week—it's about creating a culture that endures year-round. Fostering a Culture of Safety Every Day While International Health and Safety Week serves as a focal point, Veolia’s goal is to make safety a daily priority. “We need to ensure that health and safety are part of our everyday routines, not just something we think about once a year,” Arnaud notes. To keep safety top of mind, managers at Veolia conduct at least six field visits each year, evaluating safety practices and identifying areas for improvement. Employees are encouraged to report near-misses and incidents, creating a culture were speaking up about safety is valued. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to voice concerns without fear of judgment,” Arnaud says. “Building trust is essential.” A Cultural Shift: Breaking Old Safety Norms One of Veolia’s biggest achievements over the last decade has been a shift in how employees view safety. Arnaud recalls a time when raising safety concerns was often seen as a sign of weakness. Today, those conversations are welcomed and encouraged. “There used to be this mentality of being a 'superman'—toughing it out in unsafe conditions. That’s behind us now, but we always stay cautious. The human element means we can never stop paying attention to safety,” Arnaud warns. This shift has been a significant victory for Veolia, but the work isn’t finished. The company remains vigilant, continually adapting its safety approach to address both evolving risks and human factors. Celebrating 10 Years of Health and Safety Transformation As Veolia marks the 10th anniversary of International Health and Safety Week, Arnaud reflects on the company’s progress. One key success has been the reduction in workplace accidents and the increasing willingness of employees to report safety risks. “Ten years ago, speaking up about safety could be seen as a weakness,” Arnaud explains. “Today, it’s a sign of strength and responsibility.” This cultural change has transformed how employees view safety—not as a policy, but as a core value that protects their colleagues and ensures everyone returns home safely. Starting a Safety Culture: Insights for Small Teams For small businesses, building a safety culture might seem overwhelming. However, as Arnaud explains, it’s not about financial investment—it’s about leadership and intention. “Safety starts at the top. Being an exemplary leader doesn’t cost anything. It’s about creating policies and following through. Take time to sit with your team and ask, ‘What are the risks?’ It’s an investment in people, not just resources. Any company, no matter its size, can do this,” Arnaud emphasizes. Manager Visits: Fresh Eyes on the Ground As part of Veolia’s commitment to safety, manager site visits provide an opportunity for leadership to spot issues that might have become invisible to regular operators. These visits aren’t just procedural—they’re a chance to bring fresh perspectives into the conversation. “Even non-operational colleagues—those from HR or finance—ask valuable questions during these visits. Their common sense often uncovers risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Safety is about asking the right questions, not about being an expert,” Arnaud explains. One Key Takeaway: Lead by Example If there’s one message Arnaud wants listeners to take away, it’s this: “Be exemplary. It starts with you.” Veolia’s success in transforming its safety culture is a powerful reminder that leadership and continuous vigilance are the best tools for creating a safe working environment, no matter the size of the ...
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • 381 The Importance of Segregating Wastewater Streams in Heavy Metals Removal Applications

    381 The Importance of Segregating Wastewater Streams in Heavy Metals Removal Applications
    Sep 13 2024
    "There's no doubt that heavy metal waste streams come with a significant amount of occupational risks." In this powerful episode of Scaling UP! H2O, Trace Blackmore engages with Chandler Mancuso from MacDermid Envio Solutions to share insights on this vital topic of segregating wastewater streams in heavy metals removal applications. Chandler shares his extensive expertise on the often-overlooked aspects of wastewater management, providing valuable insights into safety, strategic planning, and the power of experimentation. Why is Segregating Wastewater Streams Crucial? Wastewater management is more than just treating what goes down the drain. It's about understanding where your wastewater comes from and managing it effectively from the start. Chandler explains that his motivation for focusing on this area stems from two key factors: safety and technical insight. Heavy metal waste streams can pose significant risks, making safe handling and treatment a top priority. Chandler emphasizes the need for water professionals to fully understand the sources and composition of wastewater streams before diving into treatment processes. This strategic approach not only enhances safety but also leads to more efficient and effective solutions. For Those New to the Industry: What is a Wastewater Stream? A wastewater stream encompasses all the different sources of wastewater generated during various industrial processes before they reach the treatment stage. Chandler shifts the conversation from the treatment process itself to the strategy of managing these diverse streams upstream. By focusing on this early stage, water professionals can address challenges before they escalate, ensuring more efficient and effective treatment outcomes. Understanding the Role of Heavy Metals in Wastewater Heavy metal waste streams, which often originate from industries such as electroplating, metal finishing, and mining, can contain hazardous metals like zinc, nickel, copper, and chrome, along with other dangerous constituents like cyanide and fluoride. Properly categorizing and treating these complex streams is crucial for maintaining safety and effectiveness in wastewater treatment. How to Ensure Health and Safety of People and Equipment Safety is paramount when dealing with heavy metal waste streams. Chandler advises segregating incompatible waste streams to prevent dangerous reactions, such as the formation of hydrogen cyanide when cyanide-containing streams are mixed with acidic streams. By avoiding these hazardous combinations, water professionals can significantly reduce safety risks and protect both people and equipment. Real-World Examples and Common Pitfalls Chandler shares real-world scenarios, such as the critical need to keep cyanide-containing waste streams away from acidic conditions to prevent the formation of toxic hydrogen cyanide. Despite being well-known, these safety measures are sometimes overlooked, highlighting the importance of vigilance and thorough system design in wastewater management. Best Practices for Wastewater Management Never take safety for granted. Chandler encourages listeners to continuously question the conditions they are working with and to always prioritize health and safety. By remaining aware of potential hazards and continuously optimizing processes, water treaters can ensure safe and effective wastewater management. Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness Through Stream Segregation Segregation of wastewater streams is key to optimizing treatment processes. Chandler discusses how his team at MacDermid Envio Solutions has developed specific protocols for managing challenging waste streams separately, improving operational efficiency and optimizing chemical usage. This not only leads to cost savings but also enhances overall treatment effectiveness. Experimentation: The Key to Success Chandler highlights the importance of creative problem solving in wastewater treatment. A thorough understanding of waste streams, combined with a well-designed experimental approach, can reveal unique solutions that improve treatment outcomes. By being creative and flexible during jar testing, water professionals can uncover innovative strategies that provide significant benefits to their customers. From Jar Testing to Real-Life Application Translating jar testing results into real-world applications can be challenging, but it is essential for achieving practical, effective solutions. Chandler emphasizes the need for accuracy and adaptability in testing protocols to ensure a smooth transition from the lab to the field. Timestamps 01:00 - Thank you for giving us the AWT Innovation Award for the work we do at the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast we are humbled and honored 08:20 - Catching up with returning guest Chandler Mancuso of MacDermid Envio Solutions 16:18 - The Importance of Segregating Wastewater Streams in Heavy Metals Removal Applications 50:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 51:30 - Drop by...
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • 380 The WOW Effect: Women Leading Transformation in the Water Industry

    380 The WOW Effect: Women Leading Transformation in the Water Industry
    Sep 6 2024
    Meet the Women Behind the WOW Committee This episode features insights from six trailblazing women who are not only leaders in their respective fields but also passionate advocates for the WOW mission: Stephanie Choury, Enterprise Account Manager at Buckman Digital WaterTammy Faber Sales Director of HOH Water Technology and Co-Chair of WOW (Women of Water)Paule Genest, Director of Sales and ESG, Water and Energy at TGWT Clean Technologies, Host of the Paule-Cast and Co-Chair of WOW (Women of Water)Michelle Lunn, Marketing Director of GLA Water Consultants & Director on the AWT BoardJanice Shawl, President of AMSA, Inc. a specialty chemical manufacturing companyPam Simmons, National OEM Sales Manager, Watson Marlow What is Women of Water? WOW exists to welcome, highlight, and celebrate the contributions of women in AWT. Paule Genest articulates the mission clearly: “To encourage all the women working and thriving within the industry of water technologies to come forward and contribute their time and talents to the greater good.” WOW focuses on creating a thriving community where women can belong, elevate, and positively impact AWT. Mission of the WOW Committee The mission of the WOW Committee is clear: to promote the professional development and advancement of women in the water treatment industry. By providing education, networking opportunities, and a strong support system, the committee aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment where all members can succeed. This mission not only benefits women but also strengthens the industry as a whole by encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Facing Challenges Head-On In every industry, women encounter unique challenges, and the water treatment sector is no exception. Pam Simmons, a dedicated member of the Women of Water (WOW) committee, sheds light on the obstacles women face and how the committee is striving to address them. Pam begins by acknowledging a reality that many women are all too familiar with the gender pay gap. According to the International Labor Organization, women globally earn about 20% less than men. This disparity is not just a number; it’s a barrier that women must navigate throughout their careers. But the pay gap is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. There is also the issue of unequal opportunities, particularly in leadership. A 2022 report from Deloitte on women in the boardroom highlights that only 19% of boardroom positions are held by women. This underrepresentation speaks volumes about the challenges women face in advancing to leadership roles. For many women, the journey to the top is not just about breaking the glass ceiling; it’s about finding the ladder to reach it in the first place. Career gaps present another significant hurdle. Whether its time taken off to have a baby or care for a family member, these interruptions can create substantial obstacles when women return to the workforce. Pam points out that these gaps can make it difficult for women to regain their footing and continue progressing in their careers. The struggle doesn’t stop there. Navigating work-life balance is another challenge that resonates with everyone, regardless of gender, but it affects women in distinct ways. Pam reflects on how this delicate balance—or lack thereof—can leave a lasting impact on both personal and professional lives. The WOW committee is not just identifying these challenges—they are actively working to address them. Pam shares that WOW is committed to introducing resources and strategies to help women cope with these challenges. Through support, education, and community, WOW aims to empower women in the water treatment industry to not just survive but thrive. How is WOW Helping Women in the Water Industry? The WOW Committee is already making a significant impact. There are now three women on AWT’s Board of Directors, the most ever in the organization’s history. Stephanie Choury has seen firsthand how the inclusion of women has led to greater collaboration and innovation within the industry. She notes that the women on the Board feel they have a “seat at the table” and are making meaningful contributions alongside their male colleagues. WOW is also instrumental in providing mentorship and creating spaces for women to grow their knowledge, skills, and leadership roles. The Power of Mentorship Mentorship is central to the Women of Water (WOW) committee’s mission, acting as a crucial tool for professional growth and community building. As the industry evolves, mentorship plays a key role in creating pathways for women in water treatment. Tammy Faber emphasizes the importance of mentorship, referencing Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. Sandberg highlights that a mentor or sponsor can significantly boost career progression, yet women often lack such support. WOW addresses this gap by connecting seasoned professionals with newcomers. Tammy explains, “It’s not just about an older ...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 10 mins
Economics
Show more Show less

What listeners say about Scaling UP! H2O

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available