Anthony Cuccione is a Toronto-based Health and Safety Manager with a mission to improve workplace safety and foster a culture of care in the construction industry. Born and raised in Woodbridge, Ontario, Anthony’s early experiences playing house league hockey and soccer shaped his team-oriented mindset and resilience—qualities that continue to guide his professional and personal life.
A graduate of Holy Cross Catholic Academy in 2004, Anthony earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from York University in 2010. Despite entering the construction health and safety field without prior experience, his drive to learn, ask questions, and build trust propelled him to a senior position in his company. Today, Anthony is recognized for his expertise in creating safer, more collaborative workplaces.
Outside of work, Anthony is deeply committed to giving back. He is a regular blood donor and an active supporter of organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society, Sick Kids Hospital, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, reading, and watching movies.
Anthony attributes his success to self-reflection, perseverance, and the unwavering support of family and friends. His career and life are defined by integrity, empathy, and a focus on making a meaningful impact.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early with a quick workout or some time to reflect. At work, I prioritize my tasks by focusing on the most pressing safety concerns first. I check in with teams on-site, conduct inspections, and address any immediate hazards. Communication is key, so I make time to listen to workers and gather insights. Productivity for me comes from being present, staying organized, and building trust with my team.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by involving others in the process. Whether it’s implementing a new safety protocol or improving a training program, collaboration is essential. I start by gathering input from the people who will be directly impacted, then test the idea on a smaller scale to ensure it’s practical. After that, I refine and roll it out with clear communication and ongoing support.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growing focus on mental health in the workplace excites me. Safety isn’t just physical—it’s also about creating an environment where people feel supported emotionally and mentally. I’m glad to see more companies recognizing this and incorporating mental health resources into their safety programs.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Self-reflection is a habit I swear by. At the end of the day, I take a few minutes to review what went well, what didn’t, and what I can do better tomorrow. This practice keeps me focused and helps me continuously improve.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When I started in this field, I worried that asking too many questions would make me look inexperienced. In reality, it’s one of the best ways to learn and grow. People respect curiosity and a willingness to improve.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that failure is just as valuable as success, if not more so. While most people try to avoid failure at all costs, I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Some of my biggest breakthroughs have come from mistakes or setbacks.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Listen more than you talk. Whether it’s at work or in personal relationships, truly listening to others opens doors to understanding and collaboration. It’s amazing how much you can learn when you stop to hear someone’s perspective.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away for a bit. Whether it’s taking a walk, doing something active, or just sitting quietly, that break helps me reset. I also reach out to a trusted friend or family member to get their perspective. Sometimes, talking things through brings clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building trust has been the cornerstone of my success. Whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or workers, trust creates collaboration and accountability. People are more likely to follow safety protocols or share concerns when they trust you have their best interests at heart.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I implemented a safety policy without consulting the workers it would impact. It didn’t work well because I hadn’t considered their perspective. I learned to always involve the people on the ground in decision-making. Since then, collaboration has been a top priority for me.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create an app that simplifies reporting workplace hazards. Many workers hesitate to report issues because it’s inconvenient or time-consuming. An easy-to-use app could encourage real-time reporting and improve workplace safety across industries.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Teams has been a game-changer for me. It keeps all my communications, files, and updates in one place. I use it to coordinate with my team, track projects, and ensure everyone stays on the same page.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why had a big impact on me. It reminded me to always focus on the purpose behind what I do. Understanding the “why” makes every decision more meaningful and effective.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently rewatched Remember the Titans. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and standing up for what’s right. It resonated with me both personally and professionally.
Key learnings
- Collaboration Builds Success
- Failure is a Stepping Stone
- Purpose Drives Productivity