Shutdowns are complicated projects that bring together hundreds — sometimes thousands — of transient workers, tight schedules, strict budgets, and enormous safety responsibilities. The pressure to perform can create a cultural dilemma: how do we drive productivity without compromising safety, or even the perception of it?

This panel brings together shutdown leaders to explore the realities of managing large, fast-moving teams in an environment where every hour counts. We’ll look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. How do we build high-performing teams made up of people who may not share the same values, systems, or ways of working — and how to do it without letting standards slip or culture turn toxic.

Our panellists will discuss how leaders can set expectations, maintain accountability, and show empathy under pressure. We’ll examine what good leadership really looks like when time, cost, and safety all compete for attention, and what practical steps are helping organisations deliver shutdowns more safely, efficiently, and sustainably.