Why Should You Subscribe?
Hello, I'm Michael Ford, and I'm thrilled to welcome you here.
We all stumble and fall. Individual setbacks? They're a part of life. Whether it's that dart that never hits the bullseye, or the car project that's been gathering dust in your garage, we've all been there. But when individual mistakes snowball into institutional failures, especially in a sector as critical as the nuclear industry, the stakes are exponentially higher.
I've seen it firsthand, and sometimes, I've been right in the middle of it.
The nuclear industry is at a pivotal juncture. With the pressing need for a zero-carbon energy solution, it's been handed a lifeline. But this resurgence is fragile, built on a delicate balance of long-time advocates and those who've recently shifted from staunch opposition. Overseeing this intricate dance are U.S. regulators, striving to maintain their impartiality, while the government grapples with the multifaceted challenges of aging and cutting-edge nuclear power plants.
In this evolving landscape, there's a crucial element we're losing sight of — the essence of organizational cultures that thrive in high-risk sectors.
James Reason nailed it when he remarked, "If eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, then chronic unease is the price of safety." This 'chronic unease', a cornerstone of the nuclear industry, seems to have faded over time. Through my insights, I aim to reintroduce this vital perspective into the discourse.
Why Trust My Perspective?
With four decades in the nuclear industry, I've delved deep into its technical intricacies, often navigating classified terrains. My journey has taken me across the DOE nuclear weapons complex, collaborations with Homeland Security, DOD, and other federal entities, and partnerships with private clients tackling nuclear challenges, including radioactive waste management and spent nuclear fuel.
But there's another side to my story. For 14 years, I served Texas as a governor-appointed official, spearheading two organizations championing the judicious use of radioactive materials, ensuring safe radioactive waste disposal, and fostering open dialogues among the public, stakeholders, politicians, and corporations. These dialogues are paramount for the nuclear sector to operate with integrity and precision.
My vast experience, peppered with my fair share of (stupendous) missteps, offers a distinctive lens through which I share my narratives and analyses.
As Sumner Redstone aptly put it, "Success is not built on success. It's built on failure. It's built on frustration. Sometimes it's built on catastrophe."
Join me on this journey. Subscribe for unfettered access to my newsletter and website, and stay updated on every revelation.
Consider Being a Paid Subscriber
Although I have no plans to ever charge for my writing, your financial support of as little as $5 a month would greatly contribute to my ability to dedicate more time and resources to producing high-quality content. If $5 a month is a bridge too far, you can Buy Me A Coffee if you ever find one of my podcasts particularly noteworthy or useful.
Regardless of whether you’re a paid subscriber or not, I truly value your presence in our community. Your decision to upgrade, should you choose to do so, would make a significant difference. It's through the support of individuals like you that I can continue sharing valuable insights and engaging discussions within the nuclear industry.
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