In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Kevin Wayne Johnson, founder and CEO of the Johnson Leadership Group, to explore the inner journey behind becoming a confident and resilient leader. Kevin shares how early mentors helped him uncover his hidden potential, why fear of judgment holds so many people back, and how true leadership begins with deep self awareness. Drawing on more than 34 years of public service and a lifetime of faith driven perspective, Kevin breaks down what it really means to respond to life’s challenges with intention, purpose and clarity.

Together they dive into the personal and professional transformations Kevin has guided across government, corporate, nonprofit and faith based sectors. From navigating leadership transitions to understanding the “sweet spot” of coaching, Kevin explains why leadership development is timeless and recession proof. Whether you are stepping into a new leadership role, building a portfolio career, or simply seeking to grow from the inside out, this conversation offers grounded wisdom, relatable stories and practical insights to help you walk into your leadership potential.

Mechanical engineer and Founder Téa Phillips joins Mark to share her journey from designing solutions in a university lab to building a purpose-driven medical device company. In this conversation, Téa opens up about the moment her grandmother inspired the invention of the MetaFlex glove, the courage it took to leave a stable engineering role, and why the leap into entrepreneurship demanded more resilience than she ever imagined. She speaks openly about the financial and regulatory barriers in the medical device world, the realities of being a woman founder in a biased investment landscape, and how her engineering mindset became her greatest advantage.

Throughout the episode, Téa reflects on the deeper mission that fuels her work: helping people regain mobility, independence, and confidence in their daily lives. Mark and Téa explore the intersection of innovation, inclusion, and impact, revealing what it takes to build products that genuinely change lives. This is an inspiring conversation for engineers, entrepreneurs, and anyone driven by purpose, showing how compassion, persistence, and a problem-solver’s mindset can transform challenges into breakthroughs.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with leadership expert and author Jim Carlough to explore what truly defines effective leadership. With over 30 years of experience transforming teams and organisations, Jim shares powerful stories from his early life and career, from lessons in integrity and servant leadership to the hard truths of learning through failure. He reveals how leadership isn’t an inherited trait but a skill that can be developed through self-awareness, empathy, and an unwavering moral compass.

Listeners will gain insight into the principles behind Jim’s bestselling book The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership and hear why he believes integrity, humility, and accountability are non-negotiable for anyone guiding others. Packed with wisdom, relatable anecdotes, and honest reflection, this episode challenges traditional ideas about leadership and offers a grounded, inspiring roadmap for becoming a leader who truly makes a difference.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark sits down with Enoch Adeyemi for an open conversation about resilience, belonging, and humanity. From childhood in a tough Nigerian boarding school to building community and inclusion in Scotland, this discussion explores what it means to grow through adversity and to lead with empathy. It’s a story of learning that strength comes not only from endurance, but from understanding others’ experiences and perspectives.

Together, they unpack how conversation can be the bridge that connects difference, across culture, race, and identity. This episode challenges us to move past fear and speak honestly, reminding us that we are all human first.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Dr Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Paul Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of the Engineering Council, to explore what it truly means to lead with authenticity in today’s engineering world. From his early career influences to his reflections on trust, ethics, and inclusion, Paul shares insights into how values-driven leadership shapes teams and builds confidence across the profession.

Together, Mark and Paul discuss the evolving role of engineers in society as stewards of sustainability, as standard-bearers for professional integrity, and as compassionate leaders in a post-Covid world. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or an experienced professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, host Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Adam Torres, global speaker, best-selling author, and co-founder of Mission Matters. Adam shares his journey from nervous first-time podcaster to leading one of the most influential media platforms in business podcasting. With honesty and warmth, he opens up about fear, growth, and what it means to create spaces where people can share their truth. Together, they explore how storytelling, vulnerability, and connection build the foundations of authentic leadership.

Through reflections on longevity, purpose, and the power of listening, Adam offers insights that resonate far beyond podcasting, touching on inclusion, empowerment, and what it truly means to lead safely and authentically. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about courage, curiosity, and creating environments where every voice can be heard.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Alex Knight, an award-winning engineer, social entrepreneur, and founder of STEMAZING. From a self-described “shy ginger kid” who avoided the spotlight to a national role model for women in STEM, Alex shares her deeply personal journey of courage, visibility, and purpose. She talks about leaving behind a secure engineering career to create a social enterprise dedicated to inspiring the next generation, and how being visible can ignite real change.

Together, Mark and Alex explore the power of authentic leadership, collaboration over competition, and why breaking down barriers in STEM begins with empowering people to find their voice. Whether you’re an engineer, educator, or leader seeking to make a difference, this conversation will remind you that courage doesn’t wait for confidence, it creates it.

In this episode, safety leader David Garner joins host Mark McBride-Wright to share his remarkable journey from growing up in a world where safety didn’t exist to leading cultures that put people first. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience across manufacturing, architecture, and the military, David reflects on what it takes to move beyond the outdated “name, blame, shame, and retrain” mindset and create systems that truly learn and adapt.

He speaks about trust, psychological safety, and the human side of industrial work, reminding us that leadership isn’t about punishment, it’s about understanding. Through vivid metaphors and lived experience, David offers a vision of safety rooted in empathy and growth, where every action plants a seed for future leaders to nurture and sustain.