Robin Fleming’s guest on this episode of the Innovation of Work podcast is Doug Pontsler, Chairman and Managing Director at COVE.
Launched in 2018 by the Toledo Museum of Art, COVE is dedicated to the application of visual literacy for industrial and service applications with an emphasis on safety.
Doug was the former vice president of operations sustainability and EHS for Owens Corning (retired). He joined Owens Corning in 2002 and held leadership positions including director of corporate services and vice president of global sourcing.
Prior to joining Owens Corning, Doug spent 23 years with Eaton Corporation. While at Eaton, he held various roles of increasing responsibilities in accounting, finance, production and inventory control management, factory management, and sourcing.
Doug served as a member of the National Safety Council (NSC) Board of Directors and as the Chairman of the Campbell Institute at the National Safety Council. He is a recipient of NSC’s 2019 Distinguished Service to Safety Award.
Content Timeline
02:40 – “There’s no more important work… than working to keep our people protected.”
04:40 – Seeking expertise and support – organizations instramental in personal learning.
07:56 – Going all in with Campbell Institute.
10:02 – Importance of leadership and building engagement around EHS objectives.
13:20 – “If we expect people to contribute, they have to know why we’re trying to accomplish what it is we’re trying to accomplish.”
16:20 – COVE and why it is important.
22:05 – How people get involved with visual literacy and the impact it has on safety.
30:30 – What role does seeing play? Visual literacy in practice.
37:25 – Recommendations around COVID19 and safety implications.
42:10 – Looking to the future.
