Leadership 'isn't about knowing everything- it’s about listening' says Hydro One director
"Women in safety face unique challenges, but we also bring unique strengths," says Janet Holt-Killingbeck, director of health and safety field support at Hydro One. As she prepares to take the stage at the upcoming Women in Safety Summit in Calgary, she is eager to share her journey—from human resources to health and safety leadership—and the lessons she has learned about finding her voice, knowing her value, and leading with confidence.
Holt-Killingbeck is a featured speaker on the panel, "Finding Your Voice and Knowing Your Value – Strategies for Developing Self-Confidence in the Workplace." The discussion, she says, is a critical one. "We, as women, sometimes take a passive role in conversations or apologize for having a different opinion. It’s something we need to change," she explains.
Non-traditional path to safety
Unlike many in the safety field, Holt-Killingbeck did not start in the trades. Instead, she began her career in human resources, later transitioning to distribution at Hydro One, where she became one of the first female business managers in the department. “Being one of the first female leaders came with its challenges,” she admits. “In a male-dominated field, you have to prove yourself in ways that others might not.”
Five years ago, she made another career shift—this time to health and safety. Without a technical trade background, she encountered skepticism from some. “When you don’t have a trade designation, some people assume you don’t understand the work,” she says. But Holt-Killingbeck quickly proved her value by asking the right questions, respecting the expertise of frontline workers, and continuously educating herself. She is now completing a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from Toronto Metropolitan University.
“I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about listening, asking the right questions, and using a different perspective to solve problems,” she says.
Weight of workplace safety
For Holt-Killingbeck, safety is more than policies and procedures—it’s about protecting lives. Her commitment to the field solidified after experiencing a workplace fatality at Hydro One. “I will never forget those days,” she says solemnly. “It’s something that stays with you. I hope we never have another one.”
That personal connection fuels her drive to make workplaces safer. At the summit, she wants to emphasize that safety leaders don’t have to fit a specific mold—they just need passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn. "At the end of the day, I care deeply about people. That’s why I do this work," she says.
Building confidence, building networks
Beyond sharing her own experiences, Holt-Killingbeck is looking forward to learning from others. She describes herself as a sponge at conferences, eager to absorb new strategies and perspectives. "You're always learning," she says. "I want to hear how others are approaching leadership and safety. What’s working for them? How can we support each other?"
She also values the networking and mentorship opportunities the summit provides. “Mentorship has been a huge part of my career,” she says. “Building relationships, having people to bounce ideas off—that's how we grow. And I want to give back and help others in the same way.”
As she takes her seat on the panel in March, Holt-Killingbeck hopes to leave attendees with a sense of empowerment. “We all have a voice. We all bring value. And we need to start owning that,” she says.
The Women in Safety Summit takes place March 4, 2025, at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.
