Saving Lives Through Leadership: Key Moments from Our CEO's Episode of the Inspire Greatness Podcast

Wind turbine technicians, construction workers, and first responders face life-or-death risks every day—and Diane Waghorne, CEO of Tech Safety Lines, has made it her mission to ensure they come home safely. In a recent episode of the Inspire Greatness Podcast with host Matt Tenney, Diane shared her remarkable journey from stay-at-home mom to industry-disrupting CEO, along with her top leadership strategies for fostering high-performing teams.

Listen to the full podcast here: Inspire Greatness Podcast with Diane Waghorne

Below, we break down the key insights from Diane’s conversation, including her 3 proven tips for bringing out the best in others and how her company’s safety innovations are saving lives globally.

From Kitchen Table to Global Impact: Diane’s Unconventional Journey

Diane founded Tech Safety Lines after witnessing the 9/11 attacks and asking: Could a military-grade device have helped those trapped in the towers? Her relentless pursuit of an answer led her to:

• License and manufacture the Military Compact Descender, a one-hand descent device initially designed for soldiers.
• Build a training backbone with firefighters and technical rescue experts to ensure proper use.
• Grow the company from her kitchen table in Dallas to a global operation in 35 countries, with over 50,000 devices in use today.

“We don’t just sell equipment—we sell the ability for workers to go home to their families,” Diane emphasized.

Diane’s Top 3 Leadership Tips for Inspiring Teams

Tip #1: Share Lessons Learned (Even the Tough Ones)

Diane encourages leaders to normalize transparency by openly discussing mistakes and turning them into teachable moments.

• Why it Works: Creates a culture where employees proactively solve problems.
• Her Example: Tech Safety Lines’ ISO-certified design process often leads to new patents—proof that “failures” can drive innovation.

Tip #2: Celebrate Company Wins & Individual Impact

Every time a worker uses Tech Safety Lines’ equipment to survive a fall or malfunction, the entire team celebrates. 

• Her Ritual: Gathering employees to recognize every contributor, from warehouse staff to trainers.
• The Payoff: “We get goosebumps knowing our work saves lives. It doesn’t feel like a job—it’s a mission.”

Tip #3: Foster Growth by Leveraging Strengths

Diane’s mantra: “Don’t let me know you have a talent, because we’re gonna do something about that talent!”

• Case Study: An employee’s expertise in basket rigging led to a new training course, certified by OSHA, with 90+ enrollments in its first round.
• Bigger Picture: Happy, strengths-aligned teams are more productive and engaged.

Why Listen to The Podcast?

Diane’s episode is a must-listen for: 

• Safety professionals seeking cutting-edge equipment and training insights.
• Leaders who want to build resilient, mission-driven teams.
• Women in STEM inspired by Diane’s trailblazing career in a male-dominated field.

Listen to the full podcast here: Inspire Greatness Podcast with Diane Waghorne

About Tech Safety Lines 

Tech Safety Lines designs and manufactures life-saving equipment for industrial workers globally. Learn more at techsafetylines.com/about-us or connect with Diane on LinkedIn.