Haley Beste
Safety Manager
Harcros
Haley Beste, Safety Manager at Harcros, has carved out a successful career in safety management through a blend of determination, adaptability, and a supportive network. Haley’s story is filled with insightful lessons for anyone navigating the industry.
Finding Her Path to Safety Management: Haley’s career began with a bold step: proactively reaching out to Harcros for opportunities. After completing her Master’s in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Central Missouri, she secured a position and never looked back. Haley shared, “Even if there wasn't an opening, I stayed persistent.” This persistence paid off, turning an EHS internship into a full-time safety coordinator role.
Haley's upbringing played a significant role in her professional journey. Raised in a supportive household where her parents emphasized the importance of hard work, she felt encouraged to pursue her ambitions. “My parents always told me I could be anything I wanted to be,” she reflected. Her grandfather’s background as a chemical engineer also served as inspiration, although they only connected over their shared field once she started her job.
Navigating an Evolving Education Journey: Haley’s path through higher education was far from straightforward. Initially a nursing major, she quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. However, she pivoted to public health, ultimately leading to her passion for safety management. “Public health went hand-in-hand with nursing, and I wanted to be sure my degree aligned academically,” she explained. Guided by her advisor, she pursued a science-based Master's program, focusing on industrial hygiene.
Her day-to-day responsibilities as a safety manager are as varied as they are critical. “Some days are set with plans to cover branch procedures, while others involve unexpected visits from regulatory agencies,” Haley described. Yet, she feels well-supported at Harcros, emphasizing the importance of being vocal about what you need to succeed.
The Importance of Mentorship and Continuous Learning:Transitioning from academia to a full-time role in the chemical industry presented unique challenges, but Haley credits her boss with being an invaluable mentor. “He taught me that mistakes are okay and can be fixed,” she shared. This mentoring relationship allowed Haley to explore her strengths and develop her skills confidently. Harcros' emphasis on continuous learning has further fueled her growth. “We’re one Harcros, all working toward the same goal: getting everyone home safely to their loved ones,” she said, highlighting the company’s unified safety culture.
Balancing Work, Travel, and Family Life:As a safety manager responsible for multiple Harcros locations, travel is a significant part of Haley’s role. She maximizes efficiency by sticking to a plan and clearly communicating her agenda. Despite a demanding travel schedule that requires 50% of her time, she balances her responsibilities with her role as a mother to three boys. “We’ve adjusted our schedules since having kids, and I’m grateful for a strong support system, including family who helps out when I travel,” Haley noted.
Being a role model for her boys is especially meaningful to her. “I want to represent a strong, successful mom and show them what a supportive ally looks like,” she explained. For self-care, Haley enjoys running, working out, and spending time with friends and family, which helps her stay grounded and recharged.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Haley emphasizes the value of surrounding yourself with the best people and never being afraid to ask for help. “If you need help, don’t be too proud to ask for it,” she advised. She also highlighted the importance of breaking stereotypes and being open-minded about roles within the industry, encouraging continuous learning and self-advocacy.
This episode was sponsored by:
