Governor's Safety and Health Conference

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2026 Keynote Speaker

Tuesday, October 27th, Mitch Matthews

Mitch’s podcast DREAM THINK DO is in the top 0.5% of all podcasts!

This has allowed him to interview some of the top minds in the world. He’s been able to talk to New York Times Bestsellers, Olympic Medalists, Oscar Winners, Successful Entrepreneurs and Award-Winning Innovators along with lesser known but wildly inspiring individuals.
These conversations have given him a different perspective on what’s possible as well as introduced him to science-based and practical steps for achieving goals, leading more effectively, living at your best and experiencing more joy and peace.

Plus, as a sought-after speaker and executive coach, he’s spent the last 20+ years helping organizations like NASA, United Airlines, Principal Financial and Disney to focus, collaborate and perform at new levels. Mitch combines powerful stories, practical science and insightful case studies with proven strategies so audiences can laugh and learn, be inspired and equipped and leave empowered and motivated.
To find out more about Mitch… please visit: www.MitchMatthews.com.
To find out more about Mitch’s DREAM THINK DO podcast, please visit: www.mitchmatthews.com/podcast
KEYNOTE TITLE: THE CURIOUS LEADER
Get the buy-in, build the connections, and bring tangible tools back to your team!

In this engaging and interactive keynote session, Mitch Matthews tackles one of the biggest challenges facing EH&S professionals: How do you get people to actually care about safety?

The answer? Lead with curiosity.

Mitch offers a powerful and proven question-based strategy that will increase your ability to inspire buy-in, spark innovative solutions, and help you understand the “why” behind human behavior and decision-making. Because let’s face it – some days are harder than others, and traditional approaches don’t always work.

Through powerful stories, relevant case studies, and immediately applicable tools, you’ll discover how to:
• Use “Solution-Based Thinking” to navigate those frustrating moments when people just don’t get it
• Take new ideas from conferences like this one and successfully spread them back to your team (without hitting that dreaded brick wall)
• Build meaningful connections with fellow professionals who truly understand the challenges you face
• Lead with more curiosity, creativity, and resilience – even on the toughest days

Plus, these tools work at work AND at home! (Yes, even with teenagers.)

As Mitch likes to say: “True innovation doesn’t take a 2-day retreat – it can simply come from two minutes spent with a better question.”

You’ll leave energized, equipped with a practical toolbox you can use immediately, and ready to make the most of every session at this conference. This isn’t just
inspiration – it’s transformation you can implement today.

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This website is hosted and designed courtesy of the Heartland Center for OSH, College of Public Health, University of Iowa