Dr. Pagonis Puts People and Psychology at the Center.
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“You can have the best systems and equipment. But, if people aren’t empowered to speak up, you’ll always fall short.”
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That’s the philosophy guiding Dr. Johanna Pagonis, founder of Sinogap Solutions. Dr. Pagonis, an expert in leadership and psychological safety, has redefined how organizations view safety. Her approach is simple but profound; safety starts with people. Their voices, their courage, and their ability to lead from the heart.
Falling Into Safety: A Career Reimagined
When Dr. Pagonis launched Sinogap Solutions, her focus wasn’t on safety. But a conversation with a former colleague, Christopher Spasoff, changed her perspective. “Christopher is an occupational health and safety lawyer. He told me, ‘What you’re teaching—emotional intelligence, leading with the heart—this is what the safety industry needs,’” Dr. Pagonis recalls. That idea stuck with her.
Dr. Pagonis’ early work focused on mental and psychological health, not physical safety. “I can’t tell you how to design an organization for physical safety,” she admits. “But I can tell you how to empower people to use the tools and systems you’ve already put in place.”
For Dr. Pagonis, this is the core of the problem. “Checklists and high-tech gear won’t help. If people don’t feel safe challenging the status quo or proposing new ideas, you won’t achieve your safety goals,” she says. Her mission was clear: teach groups to create safe, innovative, and collaborative environments.
Her leap into safety wasn’t just about identifying gaps; it was about bridging them. As she consulted with organizations, she found that psychological safety wasn’t a fringe concept. It was a foundation. “It’s not something you tack on,” she says. “It’s woven into every conversation, every decision.”
Psychological Safety as the Foundation
Dr. Pagonis’ work centers on psychological safety. The idea that people should feel safe to take risks without fear of punishment is a spearhead. “Organizations often focus on the tangible aspects of safety,” Dr. Pagonis explains. “But psychological safety is just as important. Without it, even the best tools and processes will fail.”
Dr. Pagonis trains leaders, through Sinogap Solutions, to create safe spaces. Employees should be able to voice concerns and suggest solutions without fearing retaliation. She emphasizes that this isn’t about creating a “bubble-wrapped” workplace.
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“Psychological safety isn’t about avoiding hard conversations. It’s about having the courage to speak up and challenge the system when it’s needed.”
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Her training programs teach leaders to be vulnerable, build trust, and listen with empathy. “If leaders don’t set the tone, no one else will,” Dr. Pagonis says. “Brené Brown says it best: what a leader does gives permission for others to do the same.”
One of her favorite teaching tools is role-playing difficult conversations. “People often freeze when they’re in the moment,” she explains. “Practicing scenarios teaches them to face challenges without shutting down or escalating.”
Dr. Pagonis also emphasizes the importance of consistency. “You can’t build trust with one grand gesture,” she says. “It’s the small, daily actions that matter most.”
Key Takeaways
- Psychological safety is the foundation of real safety. Without trust and open communication, even the best systems fall short.
- Empowered people make safer decisions. When employees feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to speak up and take initiative.
- Leadership starts with vulnerability. The tone leaders set—through empathy, consistency, and courage—shapes the entire safety culture.
- Investing in people isn’t soft—it’s strategic. Programs that build confidence and trust drive long-term results in safety, engagement, and performance.
Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Industries
Dr. Pagonis’ work often intersects with male-dominated fields like law enforcement, construction, and transportation. Her course, “Women Up: Ignite the Leader in You,” addresses the unique challenges women face in these environments.
“When I started my career, I spent years in male-dominated spaces,” Dr. Pagonis shares. “As a female civilian in law enforcement, I had to earn credibility in ways my male counterparts didn’t.” Those experiences inspired her to create programs that equip women with the skills and confidence to lead.
The Women Up course is on its seventh cohort. The program focuses on building confidence, fostering executive presence, and navigating difficult conversations. “One of the biggest challenges women face is confidence,” Dr. Pagonis says. “Whether it’s speaking up in meetings or advocating for themselves, the gap often isn’t in skills but in belief.”
One success story stands out. A participant in the inaugural cohort was a senior executive. She was acting in a temporary role while competing for a permanent promotion. The decision-makers passed her over, claiming she was “stressed” and needed “protection.” Dr. Pagonis calls this a classic case of benevolent sexism. “Her male peers were never told they weren’t promoted because someone needed to protect them,” she notes. They denied her opportunities despite her clear qualifications.
The program taught the executive to frame her concerns. It also helped her control her emotions in high-stakes talks. “She went back to her boss, asked him to advocate for her, and changed the narrative,” Dr. Pagonis recalls. “Within a month, they promoted her.”
The ripple effects of Women Up are far-reaching. Graduates not only advance in their careers but also mentor others. “It’s about creating a cycle of empowerment,” Dr. Pagonis says. “When one woman succeeds, she paves the way for others.”
Success Stories That Stick
Dr. Pagonis measures success not by how many people take her courses but by the tangible changes they create. A leader in Alberta Health Services had a great example. They turned an emotional intelligence concept into a daily practice.
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“He printed a life-sized emotion wheel, put it on the wall, and used magnets to represent each team member. At the start of every shift, they placed their magnets on the wheel to show how they were feeling. It became a way to build trust and support, especially in a high-stress environment.”
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Another participant shared how her team adopted a check-in system to foster psychological safety. “The team started each day with open conversations about their mental state,” Dr. Pagonis says. “It transformed how they worked together and improved overall morale.”
Dr. Pagonis often hears from clients months or years after their training. One leader told her how a simple practice of asking, “What do you need to succeed today?” reshaped their entire team dynamic. “It’s such a small question,” Dr. Pagonis says, “but it sends a powerful message: I see you, and I’m here to support you.”
Looking Ahead: Building a Better Workplace
Dr. Pagonis sees her work as part of a larger revolution in workplace culture. “People want more than a paycheck,” she says. “They want to feel valued, heard, and empowered to make a difference.”
She helps organizations see that investing in psychological safety is both moral and smart for business. “When people feel safe to speak up, innovation happens. Engagement improves. And ultimately, safety outcomes get better,” she says.
She plans to expand her programs into universities as she advocates for systemic change. She remains focused on her mission. “Safety isn’t just about policies or training,” she says. “It’s about creating environments where people thrive.”
She also envisions a future where psychological safety becomes a key metric for success. “Imagine if companies measured trust the way they measure profits,” she says. “That’s where we’re headed.”
Conclusion
Dr. Johanna Pagonis isn’t just teaching leadership; she’s redefining what it means to lead. Her work with Sinogap Solutions highlights a critical truth: safety starts with people. Dr. Pagonis is paving the way for safer, stronger workplaces. She’s empowering women leaders and fostering psychological safety.
Her message is clear: when organizations put people first, everyone wins. And with leaders like Dr. Pagonis at the helm, the future of workplace safety looks brighter than ever.
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