Frank Elsner, Chief of Safety and Security for the Natural Factors Group of Companies, is advocating for increased public focus on personal preparedness and mental readiness, drawing from decades of experience in high-pressure roles. Elsner argues that the most effective safety tools are not complex systems but the small, consistent habits practiced daily. He notes that most risks show signs before becoming emergencies, and preparedness begins with awareness, calm thinking, and everyday choices.
Recent studies highlight a growing gap between public expectations and personal readiness in Canada. One in three Canadians report feeling unprepared in daily situations, while 76% experience difficulty focusing due to stress, digital overload, or fatigue. Workplaces have seen a 22% rise in preventable incidents linked to communication breakdowns and rushed decisions. Elsner explains that these are human issues, not technical ones, and that small habits can make a substantial difference in mitigating such challenges.
Elsner's career, which includes undercover work, intelligence operations, dive team leadership, tactical response assignments, and senior safety roles, has shaped his perspective on readiness. He recalls that in undercover operations, subtle shifts in tone or movement could alter entire situations, emphasizing that awareness is about paying attention with purpose, not paranoia. He also adopts a practice from tactical teams: conducting quick, structured debriefs after major tasks to assess what worked, what didn't, and what should change, a method he believes anyone can use to stay grounded.
To address these issues, Elsner recommends three practical habits for individuals, families, and workplaces. First, he advises pausing before making decisions, noting that a few seconds of patience can prevent hours of damage control. Second, he suggests writing things down by hand, as studies show handwriting improves information retention by 20–30%. Elsner shares that when he returned to university as a mature student, handwriting forced him to slow down and absorb ideas more effectively. Third, he encourages using short debriefs after stressful or important moments to strengthen future steps. These strategies aim to improve clarity and reduce stress, particularly in unpredictable situations.
Elsner also highlights the importance of having a personal "reset mechanism" to manage overwhelm. For him, riding a motorcycle forces full attention on the road, but for others, it could involve walking, cooking, or sitting quietly. He believes in the value of calm reflection, learned from years in environments where clear thinking was critical, and adds that silence is underrated as it provides space for better judgment. Elsner's approach is detailed further in resources available at https://www.naturalfactors.com, which offers insights into safety and wellness practices.
In a call to action, Elsner invites Canadians to choose one daily habit to enhance their readiness, emphasizing that preparedness is about presence, not fear. He argues that slowing down, staying aware, and checking in with oneself can strengthen families, workplaces, and communities. He encourages workplaces, schools, and community groups to integrate conversations about awareness and decision-making into their cultures, fostering a more resilient society. Elsner's advocacy underscores the broader implications for public safety and mental health, suggesting that widespread adoption of these habits could reduce stress-related incidents and improve overall well-being across Canada.
