Discovering a Refreshed Identity in New York

Discovering a Refreshed Identity in New York: Safety and Diversity in Engineering

Moving to New York has been a transformative experience. As I settle into this fast-paced, vibrant city, I find myself not just evolving in my personal journey but also gaining new perspectives on my professional life.

It’s a rare opportunity to embrace change, adapt to new surroundings, and reflect on what truly matters. For me, that means reinforcing the principles of safety in engineering while integrating an even deeper commitment to diversity in STEM.

Since launching my business in the UK, my focus has always been on making engineering a safer, more inclusive space for everyone. Now, in New York, I feel I’m rediscovering and reshaping these values in ways that are more globally relevant and urgent.

The SAFE Leadership framework I’ve developed—Share, Act, Feel, Empower—continues to guide my approach. But I now see even more potential for growth, especially when it comes to uniting safety with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Why Safety and Diversity Go Hand-in-Hand

In engineering, we often think of safety in terms of hard hats, risk assessments, and regulations. But psychological safety—the idea that individuals feel safe to express themselves, make mistakes, and learn—is just as crucial.

New York has opened my eyes to how interconnected psychological safety and diversity are in the workplace. A diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative problem-solving, and creativity. But for that diversity to thrive, the workplace needs to feel safe for everyone.

I’m seeing this more clearly now as I network with engineers and leaders here. Many of them are realising that the key to unlocking true innovation is making sure that underrepresented voices are heard, and that starts with building an environment where it’s safe to speak up.

As I develop my work in New York, I’m convinced that the future of engineering hinges on this combination of safety and diversity.

I see my role as helping leaders in STEM industries understand that these two aspects aren’t separate—they’re deeply interconnected.

By embedding both safety and inclusion into the fabric of their organisations, they can ensure not only compliance with regulations but also a thriving, innovative culture.

The Importance of a Fresh Start

I’ve been fortunate enough to see my business grow, and that growth has brought me here to New York, a city renowned for reinvention. This move has given me a chance to reflect on how I want to continue developing my SAFE Leadership framework and what kind of legacy I want to build for the future.

I’m grateful to have launched my blog, The SAFE Leader Insights, which acts as a space for me to share insights, opinion pieces, and practical tips on embedding safety and DEI frameworks into engineering businesses.

This platform also allows me to engage with both new and established audiences, offering a fresh perspective on the issues that matter most to me and, I hope, to all of you working in STEM fields.

My work at EqualEngineers has shown me that there’s an incredible appetite for learning about diversity in engineering. But The SAFE Leader Insights allows me to go deeper into the challenges and opportunities we face in bringing safety and inclusion to the forefront of our practices.

See Mark in Action!