In this episode, I sit down with Karen Aitchison, Global Head of Wellbeing and Partner at ERM, who brings heart, humour and honesty to the centre of the workplace conversation. From tackling imposter syndrome to rethinking how curiosity can drive stronger connections, Karen shares deeply personal insights and practical tools for creating cultures where people feel safe to show up as themselves. We explore how understanding the brain and human behaviour can shift leadership from reactive to reflective, and why wellbeing is no longer a nice-to-have but a vital governance issue.

Whether you're navigating fear-based decision making or striving to lead with authenticity, this episode will leave you inspired to act with greater intention. Tune in to hear how engineers can apply the same curiosity they have for problems to the people around them, and why being remembered as an authentic soul who helped others grow is the ultimate legacy.

Adriènne Kelbie CBE joins The SAFE Leader Podcast to unpack the reality of leadership beyond titles and job descriptions. From her early experiences navigating personal hardship to becoming Chief Executive of the UK’s nuclear regulator, Adriènne shares a raw and honest account of what it means to lead with resilience, emotional intelligence, and courage. She reflects on the cost of poor leadership, the danger of staying in your comfort zone, and why tuning into your emotions is not just useful, but essential, for making real impact.

In this wide-ranging conversation with host Mark McBride-Wright, Adriènne explores how engineering must evolve to become more human, how psychological safety fuels innovation, and why meaningful change starts with those willing to be different. Whether you’re early in your leadership journey or already at the top, this episode will challenge, inspire, and encourage you to think differently about what kind of leader you want to be, and the legacy you want to leave.

In this special minisode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, host Mark McBride-Wright reflects on the journey so far, sharing personal insights behind the creation of The SAFE Leader framework and the motivations driving his mission. From moving to New York and building new community, to piloting The SAFE Leader Training Course with Rolls-Royce SMR, Mark explores the critical role of psychological safety, authentic leadership, and inclusive workplace culture. He opens up about mental health in engineering, the power of storytelling, and why systemic change must begin with those already in the profession. It’s an honest, thought-provoking solo episode designed to inspire connection, courage, and action.