Shield The Vulnerable: Prepare, Don't React
Shield The Vulnerable: Prepare, Don’t React
In today’s evolving work environment, employee engagement goes beyond simply showing up. In a recent conversation featured on Shield the Vulnerable, the host sat down with Wendi Pannell—Fractional CEO at Pannell Consulting and an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Tech—to discuss how genuine care and proactive training impact everything from workplace safety to overall employee well-being. As the host notes, we are all only one degree removed from knowing someone affected by workplace violence or online exploitation, and these issues directly filter into our daily work lives. Wendi’s infectious energy and deep expertise highlight the importance of going beyond the obvious to truly shield the vulnerable in our workplaces.
Rethinking Engagement: Beyond Free Perks
The discussion quickly moved past superficial notions of engagement, emphasizing that true connection comes from tangible support rather than fleeting benefits.
From “Pizza and Ping Pong” to Real Value:
Wendi passionately explains that the days of relying on “pizza and ping pong” or other “nonsense features” to engage employees are over. While these perks might offer temporary boosts, they don’t cultivate the deeper engagement needed in today’s complex environment. Instead, she advocates for training that serves as an “insurance policy”—going beyond mere compulsory regulatory requirements. This type of training is not just about checking a box; it’s about providing employees with valuable skills and awareness they can apply both at work and in their personal lives.
Engagement Through Empowerment:
When employees are given relatable training and feel that their employer genuinely cares, it fosters a profound sense of loyalty and engagement. Wendi highlights that true empowerment comes from offering training that allows employees to know “that you care enough to offer this type of training or awareness,” and that it’s “very relatable and that they can take away, maybe just not in their workplace, but also at home.” This holistic approach ensures that employees feel valued beyond their immediate job functions, fostering a deep appreciation for the organization’s investment in their well-being.
The Power of Listening and De-escalation:
A key takeaway is the critical role of listening. Leaders don’t always need to know what to say, but they do need to listen and “know what to do with that information.” Providing tools for de-escalation, encouraging open communication, and creating clear reporting channels can prevent terrible things from happening. This proactive approach focuses on addressing issues before they escalate, reinforcing a culture of safety and support.
Building a Culture of Trust and Care
The discussion consistently circled back to the idea that genuine care, rather than a focus on bottom-line metrics, is the true driver of a resilient and engaged workforce.
Clarity, Check-ins, and Recognition:
Building an engaged workforce involves consistent effort. Wendi speaks to the importance of “having those regular check ins and recognition,” which are often overlooked in a busy, outcomes-driven world. She also advocates for “creating environments where people can do what they do best,” or, as she puts it, “putting a person in a role where they’re now like wearing their cape.” By providing clarity and empowering employees, leaders can foster independence and allow themselves to focus on strategic priorities.
People Matter More Than the Bottom Line:
The episode concludes with a powerful reminder: “Your people matter… they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When organizations stop viewing people solely as contributors to the bottom line and start genuinely caring about their safety and well-being, it transforms the workplace. While quantifying this care can be challenging, it is a qualitative measure that, in the long run, yields invaluable returns in terms of loyalty, performance, and a thriving work environment.
Final Thoughts
The conversation with Wendi Parnell is a compelling call to action for leaders everywhere: move beyond superficial engagement tactics and invest in genuine care and proactive preparedness. By focusing on empathetic communication, empowering employees with valuable training, and prioritizing a culture of trust and safety, businesses can transform the workplace into an environment where every individual feels supported, valued, and truly engaged.
On Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories, host Dave welcomes Valerie Cobb, CEO of The Impact Book. A successful entrepreneur and advocate, Valerie shares insights on exploitation, human trafficking, and workplace violence, emphasizing the need for awareness, education, and action.
In this episode of Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Natalie Salinas discusses the harsh realities of human trafficking, exploitation, and workplace violence. Learn about the emotional and financial toll of these issues and how awareness can help prevent them.
In this episode of Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Natalie Salinas discusses the harsh realities of human trafficking, exploitation, and workplace violence. Learn about the emotional and financial toll of these issues and how awareness can help prevent them.
In today’s evolving work environment, employee engagement goes beyond simply showing up. In a recent conversation featured on Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Dave sat down with Adam Hickman….
In this powerful episode of Shield The Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Cheryl Greenfield shares her harrowing yet inspiring story—from childhood sexual abuse by a family member to decades of silence, trauma, and inner battles.
About Wendi Pannell
Wendi Pannell is a dynamic Fractional COO, founder of Pannell Consulting, and a recognized leader in operational strategy and women’s advancement in technology. With over two decades of leadership experience spanning global enterprises like HP and GE to fast-growing startups, Wendi specializes in translating visionary goals into scalable, executable plans. She excels at aligning people, processes, and products to drive organizational velocity and results.
Currently serving as COO of Lightstance and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, Wendi brings clarity, structure, and strategic insight to every engagement. As the founder of Pannell Consulting, she partners with CEOs and executive teams to streamline operations, boost execution, and cultivate sustainable leadership practices.
Her passion for supporting women in technology is reflected in her role as past Chair of the RBTC Women in Technology committee and in being honored with the 2022 TechNite Regional Leader Award. Wendi is also a sought-after speaker on topics including operational excellence, leadership alignment, and balancing ambition with personal well-being.
