Betting on Yourself and Building Safer, Healthier Workspaces

Sometimes the most impactful careers are built quietly, through service, consistency, and a deep desire to help others. That is exactly the space Natalee Harrigan operates in.

As a self-employed Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner, Natalee delivers training, consultancy, and advocacy work that directly improves how people work and live. What makes her journey stand out is not just what she does, but why she does it. For Natalee, the freedom of entrepreneurship and the ability to help a wide cross-section of people has been genuinely life-changing.

The Power of Small Changes

One of the most compelling parts of Natalee’s story is how often the solutions she provides are simple, yet transformative. She spoke about ergonomics, an area that affects workers across offices, outdoor environments, and physically demanding roles.

• A chair that offers no support.
• A monitor set too high or too low.
• A workstation that forces the body into awkward positions.

These small issues can cause neck and shoulder pain that does not stop when the workday ends. It follows people home, affecting their rest, mood, and overall wellbeing. When Natalee steps in and makes small adjustments, the results are often immediate. Relief. Surprise. Gratitude.

Those moments, when someone realises that a long-standing problem finally has a solution, are what fuel her passion for the work.

Why Health and Safety Is a Business Advantage

Natalee also highlighted something many organisations overlook: health and safety is not just a compliance issue, it is a productivity and morale issue.

When employers invest in creating workplaces that are not only visually appealing but genuinely healthy and safe, employees feel it. Comfort replaces survival mode. Creativity replaces stress. People work better because they feel better.

That sense of care builds loyalty and appreciation, and in turn, it strengthens the entire organisation. For Natalee, this is where occupational health and safety moves beyond policy and becomes a tool for human and business growth.

Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

Transitioning from employee to business owner is a major decision, and Natalee is honest about the fact that entrepreneurship is not for everyone. But she recognised something important in herself. She had the skills. She had the experience. And she felt it was time.

Choosing to bet on herself has been a decision she does not regret.

Her perspective is refreshingly grounded. Trying and failing is not the worst outcome. The real regret comes from never trying at all. That belief gave her the courage to step forward and build something aligned with her purpose.

Advice for Anyone Ready to Start

Natalee’s advice for those considering their own path is practical and empowering. She emphasises preparation, research, and building real competence. Confidence, she believes, comes naturally when you know what you are doing.

She also encourages people to start before they feel completely ready. Overthinking can delay progress, and growth only happens once you begin. There will always be room to improve, but improvement requires action.

Perhaps most importantly, she reminds us not to pretend to know what we do not. Asking questions, seeking help, and finding a good mentor are signs of strength, not weakness. Growth thrives on curiosity and honesty.

The Bigger Lesson

Natalee’s journey is a powerful reminder that meaningful work does not always come from grand ideas. Sometimes it comes from solving everyday problems well, caring deeply about people, and having the courage to trust your abilities.

Her story speaks directly to anyone in Barbados who feels a pull toward something more but is hesitating at the starting line.

If she can do it, so can you.

Let’s Do It, Barbados

Take a moment to reflect on the skills you already have and the problems you are uniquely positioned to solve. Whether it is through entrepreneurship, upskilling, or simply rethinking how you show up at work, progress starts with one intentional step.

If this story inspired you, share it with someone who needs the reminder. Follow Let’s Do It Barbados for more real stories, practical lessons, and proof that growth is possible right here at home.

Let’s do it, Barbados 🇧🇧