The Launch of The SAFE Leader

I can hardly believe it has been several months since the launch event for my book, The SAFE Leader. Reflecting on that incredible evening in London at the prestigious design consultancy, Arup, I am filled with immense gratitude for everyone who made it so special. The event was hosted by two distinguished professionals, Loraine Martins OBE FRSA (Global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Director) and James Pomeroy (Global Health & Safety Director), with thanks to Dame Dervilla Mitchell DBE for her instrumental introductions.

A Night of Reflection and Celebration

The atmosphere at Arup that evening was electric. Surrounded by colleagues, friends, mentors, and supporters from across my professional journey, I was reminded of how far I’ve come. Seeing so many familiar faces in the room—each having played a part in shaping my career—was truly humbling. Loraine set the perfect tone for the evening with her warm welcome, followed by James' insightful reflections on the intersection of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Health & Safety.

The Journey to The SAFE Leader

During the event, I shared the story of my professional journey and what motivated me to write The SAFE Leader. Looking back at my early days as a chemical engineering student, securing my first internship at Nexant with the support of Roger Green, to co-founding InterEngineering with Cdr Peter Gracey CEng MIET FIRSE RN, and now leading EqualEngineers, I feel deeply grateful.

This book is a culmination of my experiences, insights, and the invaluable support I’ve received along the way. A particular highlight was acknowledging Roger, who gave me my first break in the industry—having him in the audience meant the world. Similarly, dear friends and clients like Greg Turner-Smart and Jenny McLaughlin, who have championed my work over the years, were also present. And of course, my husband, Sam McBride-Wright, D.Phil., was right there beside me. Having my dedicated EqualEngineers team and current clients in attendance made the event all the more meaningful.

The Power of Community and Gratitude

Writing The SAFE Leader has been a transformative experience, allowing me to distill years of professional insights into a framework that I hope will make workplaces safer and more inclusive. But this journey was never a solo endeavour—it was shaped by the guidance, encouragement, and collaboration of so many.

The launch event gave me the perfect opportunity to express my gratitude—to mentors who have guided me, colleagues who have collaborated with me, and family and friends who have cheered me on. I remain profoundly thankful to each person who has contributed to making this book a reality.

Celebrating Through LinkedIn Highlights

One of the most special moments from the launch was seeing the flood of LinkedIn posts from attendees sharing their thoughts on the book and its impact. It was heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm from the community, reinforcing The SAFE Leader's relevance across industries. Huge thanks to everyone who posted and celebrated the occasion with me, including:

• Cdr Peter Gracey CEng MIET FIRSE RN

• Pooja Godhania

• Andy Webster

• Amelle Mestari

• Phil Clarke

• Simon Houghton

• Roger Green

• Laxman Godhania

• Greg Turner-Smart

• Jenny McLaughlin

A massive shout-out also to my incredible EqualEngineers team—Fayon Dixon, Luigi Bozzo, Poggy Murray Whitham, Elio López Vega, and Kat Culyer—who have been instrumental throughout this journey!

The Commitment to Writing

Becoming an author has been a profound experience. I initially felt a rush to ensure everything was ready for the publication date, 15th May 2024, but I soon learned that a book’s first year is about promotion and ensuring its message reaches as many people as possible. Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint, and I’m embracing each step of the journey.

There were moments of doubt and frustration, but the unwavering support from my network kept me going. Writing The SAFE Leader reinforced the importance of perseverance and staying true to my vision.

Engaging Discussions and Future Plans

One of the standout moments from the event was the Q&A session. Hearing from attendees who had already started applying The SAFE Leader framework in their organisations was inspiring. A particularly insightful question came from a reader asking about the practical challenges of implementing the framework. This sparked a rich discussion about organisational commitment, continuous learning, and the role of leadership in fostering safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Since the launch, we have been actively developing The SAFE Leader training course to help organisations put these concepts into practice. This course offers practical guidance, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies to ensure meaningful impact. Excitingly, we already have two clients signed up for a total of three cohorts!

Expanding Horizons in New York City

Another major milestone for me this past year has been my relocation to New York City. This move represents a significant step both personally and professionally. I am eager to expand my professional network and bring The SAFE Leader framework to a broader audience across the United States.

I am actively seeking opportunities to exhibit and speak at conferences and expositions in 2025. If you know of any organisations or events that align with my work, I’d love to hear from you!

A Journey That Continues

Looking back on the journey of writing and launching The SAFE Leader, I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The work doesn’t stop here—ensuring this book reaches the right people and makes a meaningful impact remains my priority.

To everyone who has supported me along the way—thank you. Your encouragement and belief in my mission continue to drive me forward. Here’s to making our workplaces safer and more inclusive together!

With gratitude,

Mark

See Mark in Action!