The SAFE Leader with Mark McBride-Wright

E667: From Response to Prevention with Mark McBride-Wright and Robert Mahoney

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright speaks with Robert Mahoney, founder and CEO of TVTP Solutions, about what it really takes to build safer organisations and communities. Drawing on his experience across emergency management, federal agencies and prevention work, Robert explores why safety cannot rely on reaction alone and why relationships, coordination and trust are essential when designing effective systems. Together, Mark and Robert discuss the shift from protection and response towards prevention-led thinking, asking how leaders can move upstream before problems escalate. From breaking down silos to understanding human behaviour, this conversation challenges us to rethink what safety means and how leaders can create systems that are more connected, proactive and rooted in care.

E066: Learning to Lead Through Change with Mark McBride-Wright and Dr Meghan Waldron

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright speaks with Dr Meghan Waldron, educator, advisor and founder, about the power of education to change lives. From teaching in high-needs schools near Washington, DC, to supporting students in healthcare pathways and building a tutoring business focused on writing, Meghan reflects on what it means to help learners find confidence, resilience and their own voice. Together, Mark and Meghan explore how education is changing in an age of AI, digital communication and post-pandemic disconnection. They discuss why learning must remain relational and relevant, the importance of intentional connection, and Meghan’s work launching Women in Change USA. Meghan also shares how living with MS has shaped her empathy, leadership and approach to supporting students as whole people.

E065: Science, Peace and Human Rights with Mark McBride-Wright and Zafra Lerman

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright is joined by Dr Zafra Lerman, chemist, educator, human rights advocate and founder of the Malta Conferences. Together we explore Zafra’s extraordinary journey from a childhood shaped by relentless curiosity to a global career using science as a force for peace. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, her groundbreaking work in science education, and why she believes access to science is a fundamental human right. The conversation also dives into the power of science diplomacy in some of the world’s most divided regions. Zafra shares how the Malta Conferences have brought scientists together across political and cultural borders to collaborate on shared challenges, even in times of conflict.

E064: Leadership Takes All Forms with Mark McBride-Wright and Jay Jacobson

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright is joined by Jay Jacobson, entrepreneur, author, funeral professional and service-led business owner, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, presence and the power of small human moments. Jay shares how early experiences, from delivering newspapers to building businesses, shaped his understanding of responsibility, trust and what it means to truly serve others. Together, Mark and Jay explore how leadership shows up in unexpected places: in customer service, in saying thank you, in creating meaningful connections, and in staying clear about your purpose. From cookies and entrepreneurship to real-life stories behind Jay’s book Lead by Legendary Example, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that leadership is not just about titles or theories, but about how we show up for people every day.

E063: Engineering With Curiosity and Fun with Mark McBride-Wright and Dr Lucy Rogers

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright is joined by engineer, author and science communicator Dr Lucy Rogers for a conversation about curiosity, creativity and the many unexpected paths an engineering career can take. Lucy reflects on her early fascination with making things, the teachers and experiences that helped shape her journey, and how her career evolved from mechanical engineering and industrial research into storytelling, public engagement and writing. They also explore the power of communication in engineering, the importance of making technical ideas accessible, and why fun and professionalism do belong together. Lucy shares insights from her latest book, her global travels researching the science of the sky, and her ambitious work on engineering for extreme environments, from Antarctica to space.