November 25 | 11:00 am CST, 7:00 pm Kuwait, 5:00 pm WAT

Topic From Firefighting to Fieldwork: Why Safety Leadership Starts with the Sharp End of the Stick

In this session, Josh Densberger, CSP, explores what it truly means for leaders to “go where the work is.” Drawing from his unique journey from firefighter to corporate safety director, Josh shares lessons learned from working at the “sharp end of the stick”—the place where real work and real risk meet.

Through stories that blend humility, humor, and hard-earned insight, Josh challenges traditional notions of safety leadership. He shows how authentic engagement, curiosity, and respect for frontline expertise can close the gap between “work as imagined” and “work as done.” Attendees will leave with practical strategies to build trust, learn from the field, and lead with greater impact—no matter their industry or culture.

Speaker Josh Densberger, CSP

With over 20 years in safety, Josh Densberger began his career as a professional firefighter before expanding into leadership roles across multiple organizations. He currently serves as the Corporate Director of Health and Safety at VHB, a transportation engineering and consulting firm where he leads a talented team managing safety for projects shaping the future of transportation.

Josh is also an associate professor of Fire Science at Valencia College’s School of Public Safety, where he has taught since 2011. A proud graduate of the University of Wyoming, he holds a master’s degree in Emergency Management and Fire Science from Oklahoma State University.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys an active life with his wife of 21 years, Angie, and their three children (15, 13, and 9). Their household also includes a spirited cat, Winnie, and Penny, a senior guinea pig still going strong. An avid fitness enthusiast and long-time volunteer leader with ASSP, Josh brings humor, humility, and heart to every conversation about leadership and safety.

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The WISE Mentoring program successfully connects today’s most talented and experienced women mentors with rising and aspiring mentees. This pairing is designed to encourage and empower mentees to more effectively advance their careers through alignment with identified business objective, skill development, career option consideration, and network formation. All discussions are strictly confidential between the two parties. If you are an SH&E practitioner seeking to chart a successful career path or a seasoned pro eager to share experiences and insight, please visit the ASSP WISE website for more information.