What does it take to step away from a successful corporate career and build something more meaningful? In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, host Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Trisha Daho, Founder and CEO of Empowered, to explore her journey from Big Four partner to cultural change leader. Trisha shares how a single question reshaped her path, why she built her business around a covenant of trust, and what it really means to empower people to thrive at work.

From tackling diversity challenges and creating cultures of safety to showing up with vulnerability and authenticity, Trisha offers bold insights for leaders ready to reimagine what’s possible. Whether you’re navigating leadership in a technical field or rethinking your company’s culture, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with honesty, embrace transformation, and create lasting impact.

Natalie Desty, founder of STEM Returners, joins Mark McBride-Wright to share her inspiring journey of tackling inequality in engineering and creating pathways back into STEM for professionals after career breaks. From leaving a director-level role to launching what many thought was a risky idea, Natalie reveals how she turned personal challenges into a movement that has already helped hundreds of people restart their careers.

In this episode, Natalie and Mark explore the barriers that keep talent out of STEM, the life-changing impact of returner programs, and the importance of inclusive hiring for the future of engineering. With powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and transformation, this conversation shines a light on how STEM Returners is changing lives and redefining opportunity across the sector.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, host Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Callum Thomas, founder and CEO of Thomas Thor, a global leader in workforce solutions for the nuclear industry. Callum shares his journey from discovering a lifelong passion for business to dedicating his career to building a diverse and resilient talent pipeline for one of the world’s most vital sectors. From the transformation of nuclear into a disruptor for climate change to the critical role of psychological safety alongside physical safety, Callum offers a rare insider’s view into the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of energy.

The conversation goes beyond industry insights to explore leadership, inclusion, and values. Callum reflects on privilege, the difficulty of creating lasting change, and why now is the time to double down on efforts that matter. He issues a powerful reminder that for new nuclear ventures and established organisations alike, inclusion is not optional, it is an existential imperative. This episode is a must-listen for leaders committed to safety, innovation, and building workplaces where both people and the planet can thrive.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with executive coach and leadership strategist Yosi Kossowsky to explore a remarkable journey of growth and transformation. From starting out with no clear plan, to discovering a passion for computers and technology, Yosi shares the twists and turns that shaped his early career. He reflects on the challenges of moving from technical expertise into leadership, and the powerful lessons he learned when feedback revealed that emotional intelligence, not just technical skill, was the missing piece.

The conversation dives into vulnerability, self-awareness, and the hard but rewarding work of uncovering limiting beliefs. Yosi opens up about his experiences with emotional wellness practices, the importance of embracing the full range of human emotions, and the wisdom of learning to enjoy the journey rather than rushing toward goals. Honest, insightful, and inspiring, this episode offers leaders a fresh perspective on growth, resilience, and leading with both head and heart.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, host Mark McBride-Wright sits down with physicist, entrepreneur and emotional intelligence advocate Randy Lyman. From early success in engineering and business to a profound personal transformation, Randy shares how uncovering and releasing hidden emotional baggage reshaped his approach to leadership and life. Their conversation explores the link between vulnerability, compassion, and high performance, showing how leaders can build stronger teams and deeper connections by embracing their emotional truth.

Through powerful stories and practical insights, this discussion challenges outdated ideas of masculinity, authority, and leadership. Together Mark and Randy uncover why engineers and technical leaders must recognise their human side, how authentic leadership creates belonging, and why true power comes not from titles or positions but from serving others. This is a must listen for anyone ready to rethink leadership and discover the lasting impact of emotional intelligence.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Barry LaBov, two time Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, celebrated author, and founder of LaBov and Beyond. From unloading parcels at 3am and chasing dreams in a rock band to building a nationally recognised marketing and communications firm, Barry shares the resilience and creativity that shaped his journey. He opens up about the unexpected path that led him into entrepreneurship, the mistakes and lessons learned in growing a business, and how he continues to inspire people through his philosophy of differentiation.

Together, Mark and Barry explore the power of brand re-engineering, the vital role of engaging employees before customers, and the importance of storytelling in leadership. Barry reflects on what it takes to win hearts and minds, how technology like AR and VR can bring hidden innovation to life, and why resilience and authenticity remain underrated but essential traits for leaders. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to build stronger teams, stronger brands, and a stronger sense of purpose in their work.

Abi Hird joins Mark McBride-Wright to share her journey from unexpected career beginnings to becoming a leader in innovation. From early dreams of being an art teacher to navigating academia and industry, Abi speaks candidly about embracing challenges, following opportunities, and finding her place in shaping how organisations think about growth and change. Her story highlights the importance of curiosity, resilience, and stepping into the unknown with confidence.

In this episode Abi unpacks what innovation really means beyond technology and products, revealing how culture, strategy, and communication are often the real game changers. She discusses how to create space for meaningful conversations, why innovation is relevant to everyone, and why sometimes the biggest risk is doing nothing at all. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone who wants to understand innovation differently and feel empowered to take the leap in their own career or leadership journey.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Francie Jain, Founder and CEO of Terawatt, to explore her journey from Wall Street to wellness and the creation of a platform dedicated to making professional coaching accessible and impactful. Francie shares how her work connects head, heart, and gut to help individuals and organisations unlock potential, whether through building relationships, fostering psychological safety, or guiding people through career transitions. From supporting manufacturing workers and veterans to transforming leadership in healthcare, she reveals the moments and insights that have shaped her mission.

Listeners will hear stories of personal discovery, lessons from scaling a business with purpose, and real examples of how coaching can create lasting change in workplaces. Francie’s passion for helping people find joy in their careers shines through, along with her belief that treating all stakeholders with respect and transparency can build not just a strong company, but a better world. Whether you are a leader, a coach, or someone navigating your own career path, this conversation offers inspiration, practical takeaways, and a reminder to always keep sight of your North Star.