Welcome!

I’m feeling truly energised this week as I return to New York after attending two incredible events, ASME’s Women’s Leadership Workshop and the Safety on the Edge conference. Both gatherings brought together passionate, like-minded individuals from across the globe, and I’ve come away not only inspired but also in active conversations with several of them about future collaborations. The energy, alignment, and shared commitment to change left me buzzing with ideas.

At the same time, I want to acknowledge a significant and concerning development: the cuts to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). As someone deeply committed to embedding safety and inclusion in engineering, I find it troubling to see investment in this vital institution under threat. We need more focus on preventative safety strategies, not less—especially as we navigate increasingly complex workplace challenges.

Have a nice evening!

Safety on the Edge Conference

Last week, I had the privilege of attending one of the most forward-thinking events in the world of safety leadership, the Safety on the Edge conference in Berkeley, California. It was an intense and enriching experience that gathered industry leaders, innovators, and safety professionals from around the globe to explore how safety can evolve alongside Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies.

The conference covered everything from predictive analytics for incident prevention to real-time hazard detection, AI-driven safety protocols, and automation for streamlining safety processes. These sessions provided practical insights into how emerging technologies can enhance, not replace, human-centred safety leadership. I was especially struck by the balance of technical innovation and cultural transformation on display.

What made it truly memorable were the connections, old friends from the industry, inspiring global speakers, and many new faces all working toward a shared goal: building a smarter, safer future. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and workplace safety, this event is one to watch.

Martin Cottam on Standards, Systems & Culture

In this week’s episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, I’m joined by Martin Cottam, Chair of ISO Technical Committee 283, for a compelling conversation about how international standards can shape safer, more inclusive workplaces. With a career spanning over four decades across nuclear, marine, oil and gas, and other high-hazard industries, Martin offers a rare perspective on how technical systems and human values intersect.

We discuss the evolution of ISO 45001, and its companion standard, ISO 45010, which boldly addresses topics such as menstruation, menstrual health, and menopause in the workplace—a huge step toward dismantling taboos and making occupational safety truly inclusive. Martin also talks about the importance of moving beyond compliance, the role of diversity in standards development, and the power of legitimising uncomfortable conversations through structured guidance.

The episode also touches on psychological safety, engineering education, and Martin’s reflections on leadership—how it’s shaped by curiosity, communication, and unexpected opportunities. It’s an essential listen for anyone passionate about creating workplaces that are not only safer, but smarter and more human-centred.

Holding the Torch Through Uncertain Times

Every week, I share a new article exploring the intersection of leadership, safety, and inclusion, and this week’s piece is especially timely.

With the political climate in the United States shifting once again, we are reminded that progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion is never guaranteed—it must be continually reinforced. In this article, I reflect on a powerful moment I experienced during a visit to the Statue of Liberty, when a solar eclipse passed overhead. That image of Lady Liberty holding her torch high against the darkness has stayed with me as a symbol of resilience and hope.

I explore how we, as professionals—particularly in engineering—must continue to anchor ourselves in empathy, compassion, and courage, even when the wider world feels uncertain. Now is the time to recommit to the values that underpin safe and inclusive workplaces.

And if you're new here, know that each week, you'll find a fresh article in my newsletter home page, designed to challenge, inspire, and support your journey as an inclusive leader.

Let’s connect

Please reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn if we are not already connected.

I love helping organisations where the angle I take with the work I do might help in someway have you make traction in your culture.

Feel free to get in touch here.

Stay SAFE!