Discover how embracing imperfect beginnings and choosing to act now can transform procrastination into meaningful progress. Learn to value growth over perfection.
Her Story
About Dr. Lisa
Dr. Lisa Biala, is an accomplished Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professional with extensive experience in Occupational Health, safety Management, and Public Health education. Currently serving as the Director of Environmental Health, and Safety at the University of Mary Washington, where she provides strategic oversight for environmental compliance, laboratory safety, hazardous waste management, and program sustainability.
Dr. Biala's leadership ensures the highest standards of Environmental Compliance while supporting special projects and fostering a culture of total worker well-being across the campus. In addition, Dr. Biala is an Assistant Professor at Virginia State University, where she lectures Biological Lab Research within the Natural and Health Sciences department. Her professional background spans over a decade in Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety. Leadership roles Includes Mondelēz International and Amazon. She has a proven track record in data analysis, emergency management, ergonomics, and safety training, consistently driving improvements in operational safety, compliance, and workforce wellness.
Dr. Biala holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from Capella University, where she focused on 'Improving Ergonomic practices in the manufacturing industry', working within diverse communities, collaborating with healthcare professionals and using evidence-based research to solve Occupational and Public Health issues. Dr. Biala also holds a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Safety/Environmental Management from Columbia Southern University.
A dedicated public health educator and Assistant Professor, she combines technical expertise with a commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals, reflecting a career devoted to enhancing both workplace health and leading the next generation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God almighty, my family (biggest motivators), hard work and discipline. Life has been known to show you challenges; it is what you do with the challenges will make you stronger. It is ok to feel defeated, frustrated and even cry, but after that you have to recharge and get yourself together and keep it moving (one foot in front of the other is what I say) failure is not an option.
1. Make a plan of what you want to do.
2. Set goals. Short term and long-term goals. I like short-term because these are 3 months. You feel a sense an accomplishment when you are finished. Then you ask what is the next short-term goal that is a part of your long-term goal.
3. Review your plan and goal setting. Life does not wait for you to accomplish these goals. Things will happen life may change you have to remain focus.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It doesn't matter your age, gender, how many children you have, where you came from...if you have a dream or an accomplishment that you want to achieve, make a plan and begin working on your plan.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the increased awareness of mental health within the workplace, workplace well-being programs are growing. So, there is certainly a growing need for professionals in this field. To begin, it is good to have something background knowledge about occupational health to be better positioned to enter the field. The field is normally, bunched together with occupational safety and environment management. Having all a basic foundation through a certificate course or an undergrad degree is the first step.
If you are not currently working in the field, ask your manager if your manager if you can be paired with your onsite safety specialist or your onsite EHS specialist so that you can work with them for 2 to 3 hours per week. If your spare time learn more about the field as much as possible. Invest in yourself, as well. Get the OSHA 10 general industry certification, then the OSHA 30 general industry certification. Learn more about wellness programs. Ask about any wellness initiatives that your organization is presently undertaking. Ask if you could be a part of those initiatives.
The field in a rewarding field and I would encourage all to expand you present role to learn more about how your organization is advancing worker well-being and the initiatives that they are using.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The three most important values in work and personal life are patience, integrity and honesty.
Patience, because this gives you grace to handle any situation. Patience also gives you space to provide understanding of others and their point of view. Even if you do not agree with the other person's position, at least you are open enough to listen. Often someone only needs a listening ear.
Integrity focuses on doing the right thing (being honest and trustworthy) even when no one is looking. To build trust in with your family and the people that you work with it is important to be transparent and to commit to what you say that you would to. In addition, it is always good to build trust in your employees. Trust them to do what they should be, do not micro-manage, give them enough space to succeed on their own, as this gives them the space to be creative, think outside of the box and problem solve.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Dr. Lisa
Focus on the moment you can control, and the project moves forward with you.
Starting imperfectly is the first step toward meaningful growth and transformation.
The Power of Now: Embracing Imperfect Beginnings
The power of now shows up in countless ways throughout our daily lives. Yet “now” is often misunderstood. It isn't a perfect moment we wait for; it's the moment we choose. It's the decision to begin, even when the path isn't clear, and to move forward one intentional step at a time. For many of us, recognizing when to start or when to stop can feel uncertain, especially when doubt or hesitation creeps in.
I don't consider myself a perfectionist, but I often find myself procrastinating. I pause too long on how to begin a project, which direction to take, or when to call it complete. I question whether the work is good enough, whether anyone will care, or whether the audience will find value in what I've created. These thoughts sit heavily on my mind, and they often slow my momentum more than the work itself.
Recently, I came across a simple visual progression of a vase being formed. It showed five stages, each one imperfect, each one evolving. What struck me wasn't the final vase, but the courage of the beginning: the willingness to start with an unrefined shape. Over time, those imperfections became part of its strength and character. The vase didn't become beautiful despite its flaws; it became beautiful through them.
That lesson applies to everyday life, to every project, and even to writing this article. This is my first piece, and it certainly won't be my last. I know it isn't perfect, but I started. With time, I'll grow, refine my voice, and strengthen my structure. I'm choosing not to chase perfection, only continuous improvement. The power of now is simply the power to begin, to evolve, and to trust that each imperfect step is shaping something meaningful.
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