Revolutionizing Safety-Critical Industries: How Linda is Empowering Frontline Workers with Bigyellowfish

10 Innovative Companies to Watch in 2024

In the high-stakes world of safety-critical industries, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, Linda Johnstone Sorensen is on a mission to transform the way organizations approach worker safety and performance. As the Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Bigyellowfish, a cutting-edge behavioral risk management platform, she is leveraging the power of data-driven technology to amplify human performance and safeguard frontline workers across various sectors.

Linda’s journey into this field began during her undergraduate studies, where a course on man-machine interaction ignited her passion for exploring the intersection of design, technology, and human processes. Her fascination with how teams collaborate amidst complex challenges has been the driving force behind her work in safety-critical industries. 

Through international projects alongside human factors experts and meticulous analysis of accident data, Linda has gained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by frontline workers and the opportunities to enhance safety protocols.

Bigyellowfish, founded on the principles of innovation and impact, aims to empower frontline workers with advanced tools that enhance cognitive function and mental well-being. The company’s solution modules, including Workplace Well-being, Collaboration, and Reinforced skilling, are designed to boost key metrics such as safety, productivity, engagement, and trust and transparency. By leveraging data-driven technologies, Bigyellowfish supports organizational decision-making with a comprehensive behavioral risk management platform, safeguarding personnel and assets across various sectors.

As a passionate advocate for worker safety, Linda emphasizes the importance of fostering dialogue within industry forums and collaborating closely with stakeholders to drive continuous advancements. Her commitment to empowering frontline workers and enhancing safety protocols has positioned Bigyellowfish as a trailblazer in the field of behavioral risk management.

A Lifelong Fascination with Safety in High-Stakes Industries

Linda has always been drawn to industries where safety is paramount, fascinated by how teams come together to solve complex issues in advanced settings. Her journey into the world of design, technology, and human processes began during her undergraduate years, sparked by a course on man-machine interaction. This early exposure widened her perspective and deepened her interest in the intricate connections between these fields.

Linda’s passion for safety-critical environments led her to work on international projects, collaborating with experts in human factors. These experiences enriched her understanding of the field and strengthened her commitment to advocating for frontline workers. Through meticulous examination of accident investigations, Linda uncovered patterns where better safety systems could have prevented accidents. This insight fueled her determination to make a difference by focusing on the needs and well-being of those on the front lines.

Founding Bigyellowfish

Driven by her passion for improving safety practices, Linda founded Bigyellowfish, a company dedicated to empowering frontline workers with tools that boost cognitive functioning and mental well-being. At the same time, the company provides organizations with a behavioral risk management platform, helping them make informed decisions to protect both their people and their assets. This dual approach not only reinforces safety protocols but also strengthens the overall operational framework of businesses.

Linda believes that effective management is about following procedures and best practices, while true leadership involves articulating a shared vision with all stakeholders. This includes internal teams and external partners, users, and clients. Her leadership style is shaped by her own career experiences and the wisdom of influential thinkers like Simon Sinek and Ray Dalio. Linda emphasizes the importance of purpose, trust, and autonomy, empowering her team members to take ownership of their roles and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s goals.

Leadership Philosophy

Central to Linda’s leadership approach is the idea that people want to be part of something larger than themselves. She believes in creating a sense of purpose for her team, which not only motivates them but also aligns their efforts with the company’s mission. Trusting her team members and giving them the autonomy to make decisions is a key component of her leadership style. Linda sees herself as a facilitator, helping her team navigate challenges and encouraging them to grow in their roles.

Effective communication is another cornerstone of Linda’s leadership philosophy. She prioritizes keeping all stakeholders informed about progress towards collective goals, ensuring transparency and alignment across the organization. For Linda, clear and open communication is vital to building trust and maintaining a cohesive team, especially when working towards ambitious objectives in high-stakes industries.

Harnessing Technology for Safety and Well-being

In her role at Bigyellowfish, Linda leverages AI and data analytics to enhance the company’s behavioral risk management platform. She views this as a pioneering effort in the field of SafetyTech, aimed at improving organizational decision-making and supporting individual users by fostering resilience tailored to their specific needs. Linda is committed to developing solutions that stay effective over time, adapting to new challenges and evolving industry standards.

Addressing issues in the maritime sector, Linda recognizes the unique challenges faced by seafarers, such as isolation, boredom, and stress due to long periods at sea and limited shore leave. She advocates for innovative solutions to support seafarers’ mental well-being, especially during times of crisis or geopolitical instability. By collaborating closely with clients, Linda aims to develop tools that provide meaningful support to frontline workers in these challenging environments.

Navigating Industry Challenges and Staying Ahead

Linda emphasizes the importance of staying informed about industry trends and challenges, as well as actively engaging with industry forums and regulatory bodies. This proactive approach allows her to stay ahead of technological developments and regulatory changes, ensuring that Bigyellowfish remains at the forefront of safety and operational efficiency. Linda believes that continuous learning and collaboration are essential for developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of safety-critical industries.

In addition to her work with Bigyellowfish, Linda is involved with several organizations focused on human factors, where she continues to deepen her expertise and stay connected with colleagues in research and practical applications. Her dedication to advancing her knowledge and understanding of safety-critical industries underscores her commitment to making a lasting impact in these fields.

The Human Element in SafetyTech

Despite technological advancements aimed at reducing human involvement through automation, Linda believes that human operators remain a critical component of most processes. She stresses the importance of developing SafetyTech solutions that address human factors, empowering frontline workers to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions in any operational scenario. Linda’s vision for Bigyellowfish is to create tools that not only enhance safety but also support the overall well-being of frontline workers.

Linda’s Scandinavian background influences her perspective on work-life balance, which she finds to be more complex than simply dividing time between work and personal life. Running a business and working in the shipping industry often extend beyond typical 9-to-5 hours. Linda approaches this challenge by categorizing her tasks and focusing on work that aligns with her current mindset, allowing her to engage in strategic thinking and reflection when the time is right.

A Holistic Approach to Work and Life

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for preventing burnout, and Linda believes in the importance of dedicating time to activities that rejuvenate and inspire. She promotes mental well-being within her company by advocating for policies that support a balanced lifestyle, such as taking holidays, spending time with family, and embracing flexible work arrangements. Linda recognizes that employees have lives outside of work, and she is committed to creating an environment that respects and supports their well-being.

Establishing clear processes and aligning all contributors towards shared goals is essential for success. Linda advocates for democratizing communication, ensuring that messages are understood at every level of the organization rather than relying solely on top-down dissemination. She believes that effective communication fosters collaboration and drives the collective success of the team.

Adaptability and Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Linda understands the importance of adaptability and resilience when navigating complex projects. She acknowledges that unforeseen challenges are inevitable, and stresses the value of staying calm and flexible in response to changing circumstances. Reflecting on the lessons learned during the pandemic, Linda emphasizes the importance of being open to adjusting strategies based on new information, viewing such pivots as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

Her extensive experience across various sectors has taught Linda that practical solutions are paramount in high-stakes industries. Without offering solutions that directly address operational challenges and deliver tangible benefits, gaining entry into these sectors is unlikely. Once a viable solution is presented, Linda highlights the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, which are often key to success in these highly relational industries.

Expanding Impact in the Maritime Industry

Linda’s vision for Bigyellowfish is to make a significant impact in the maritime industry by expanding their platform to support 10,000 vessels within the next five years. She also aims to extend support to frontline workers in various maritime sectors, including ports, terminals, and pilot operations. Linda believes that addressing critical issues directly, with diplomacy and tact, is essential for driving meaningful change and improving working conditions in industries that play a vital role in global trade and daily life.

Linda encourages professionals to be bold and proactive in addressing safety and operational challenges. She sees immense potential in digital tools that integrate big data and AI, particularly in their ability to impact frontline operations where incidents occur. By harnessing the vast amounts of data available in safety-critical industries, Linda believes that it is possible to drive significant advancements in safety and efficiency.

Driving Innovation with Data and Technology

Linda’s commitment to leveraging data effectively is central to Bigyellowfish’s mission. She recognizes the power of data to inform decision-making and improve safety practices, and she is dedicated to developing solutions that harness this potential. By focusing on meaningful data analysis and practical applications, Linda aims to lead the way in advancing SafetyTech and enhancing the well-being of frontline workers across various industries.

In summary, Linda’s dedication to safety, leadership, and innovation has shaped her journey in high-stakes industries. Her commitment to empowering frontline workers, fostering resilience, and driving technological advancements reflects her vision for a safer, more efficient future. Through her work with Bigyellowfish, Linda continues to make a lasting impact, championing the cause of those who keep our world safe and operational.