For Philip Mikulik, Senior Manager of Safety & Security Operations, safety is personal — it’s about protecting people, not just enforcing rules.
For over six years, Philip has been helping to create an environment where accountability, awareness and open communication drive a stronger safety culture. Drawing on years of operational experience in the warehouse to guide his approach, Philip brings that perspective to every policy, process and conversation.
Read on to see how Philip is turning safety into a shared responsibility across Wayfair.
How do you keep safety culture front and center for your team and at Wayfair?
Maintaining a strong safety culture starts with making it real and relevant to our day-to-day work. It requires consistent preparation, practice and awareness. Sometimes safety doesn’t feel urgent until the moment it truly matters. That’s why we reinforce a “see something, say something” mindset, encourage open communication and recognize proactive behaviors that help prevent incidents. It’s about building a culture of accountability and care, not just compliance.
Ultimately, safety is about ensuring every team member returns home safely — to their families, kids, friends, hobbies, communities and the things that matter most. That’s the purpose behind the process and the reason we make safety a shared priority.
What drives your passion for your work, and how do you maintain that momentum while managing such a wide scope of responsibilities?
What drives me is knowing my work helps keep people safe, whether preventing injuries or reducing risks. We all want to feel secure at work, and I take pride in helping make that possible.
Another motivating factor is the team I work with. We stay in sync with a shared commitment to doing things right, support each other and collaborate without ego. Even the busiest days feel both manageable and rewarding when we’re in it together.
How has your previous experience as a terminal manager helped you in your current role?
As a former terminal manager, I had a front-row seat to everything happening in operations and the warehouse, and that experience has made me stronger in my current role. I’ve felt the pace, the pressure and the constant balance between staying productive and staying safe. I know what it’s like to navigate all the moving parts, manage tight timelines and adapt to the unexpected as our warehouse leaders and associates do every day.
When we talk about safety or security, I’m not just quoting policy: I’m asking, “Will this actually work out there?” or “How can we make this work?” I focus on making solutions practical, not theoretical. It also helps me connect with the team, because I understand where they’re coming from, and that mutual understanding builds trust.
At the end of the day, I’m here to support the people doing the work in our warehouses and I’m here to ensure that safety is a key part of every moment. I have deep respect for our warehouse and operations teams and am truly grateful for the opportunities Wayfair has provided me in my roles.
What would your piece of advice be to someone who is thinking of making a career move to a role that looks very different from their current one?
Go for it! Embrace the challenge and be ready to learn. Invest time in the direction you’re pursuing and commit to it. A career shift is a chance to grow and you’ll bring fresh perspectives to the table. Stay open, ask questions and trust the people around you throughout the process.
Where do you call home and what does “home” mean to you?
Home, literally, is on the fringe of the Gulf Coast and Central Texas regions, and I am proud to be a Texan. That said, home to me is also wherever my family is happy, especially my wonderful wife. She’s the one who makes any place truly feel like home.
What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
Like many kids, I dreamed of being an athlete or someone famous. But my brothers and I faced significant challenges from a very young age, and over time my perspective shifted. I looked up to my grandfather — steady, dependable, committed to our family and full of quiet joy. As I grew up, I just wanted to be like him.
What’s your favorite Wayfair product that you’ve purchased?
Weekends at our home, especially during football season, are a gathering place for a handful of friends and family. These
Dallas Cowboy swivel stools have been a nice touch in our barn for watch parties.