Total Buy-In - Failing Safely: Stuntman Lessons on Culture and Communication with Tyler Foley

In this episode of Safety Spotlight, we sit down with Tyler Foley, a former stuntman turned safety consultant and the founder of Total Buy-In HSE Consulting. Tyler shares his unique backstory, moving from performing six-story high falls into cardboard boxes to managing safety in high-risk industries, revealing how the principles of stunt work – like engineering controls and redundancy – directly translate to the job site.

Throughout the conversation, Tyler challenges the traditional “zero incident” mindset, arguing instead for “failing safely” – designing systems where human error is anticipated but the consequences are minimized. He discusses the dangers of siloed safety departments and explains why a true safety culture is just “culture,” where everyone from the C-suite to the frontline is aligned and empowered.

We also explore Tyler’s practical strategies for identifying hidden influencers (the “nodes”) in a workforce, transforming toolbox talks from rote reading into engaging dialogues, and the importance of the “Mentor, Peer, Student” framework for professional growth. Tyler shares a powerful story about transforming a rapidly growing construction company by making leadership personal, visible, and deeply invested in the “family” aspect of the team.

Whether you are a safety professional, a supervisor, or a business leader, Tyler’s perspective on human factors, authentic communication, and the reality of risk offers a fresh, practical approach to protecting your team.

Tyler’s Website: https://totalbuyin.com/

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seantylerfoley/