In this episode of The Safe Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Antonio Zappulla, CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, to explore what it really means to lead with purpose in uncertain times. From his early days in a newsroom during 9/11 to navigating the challenges of running a global organisation through COVID-19, Antonio shares how decisiveness, curiosity, and a refusal to accept the status quo have shaped his leadership journey.

Antonio also opens up about his advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of defending fundamental human rights, and his vision for a world where every passport holds the same power. This conversation is a masterclass in values-driven leadership, bold decision-making, and finding opportunity in crisis. If you’re ready to be inspired by a leader who takes action when it matters most, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Paulo Oliveira, Vice President of Process Safety Consulting at DEKRA UK, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about the evolving world of safety. From his roots in Portugal to leading international safety initiatives, Paulo shares how his journey was shaped not just by technical expertise, but by a deep philosophical drive to understand people, purpose, and the power of influence. He discusses how curiosity and self-reflection have been vital in transforming safety from a checklist activity to a human-centred force for good.

Together, they explore why the future of safety depends on empathy, communication, and representation, and how “safety entrepreneurs” can lead that change. With standout moments on the importance of diverse perspectives, the untapped value of analysing success, and the role of psychological safety in engineering, this episode is a must-listen for professionals ready to shift from compliance to culture. Tune in and discover what it really means to keep people safe in today's complex world.

What happens when a seven-year-old sees injustice and decides to change the world? In this powerful episode, Mark McBride-Wright speaks with Ayo Sokale — civil engineer, children's TV presenter, tech founder, and author — about what it means to live life on purpose. From witnessing flooding in Nigeria to protecting thousands of homes through engineering, Ayo shares how personal experience shaped her career and calling. She also opens up about building Get Coached, an AI-powered app making coaching accessible to everyone, not just the C-suite.

The conversation dives deep into purpose, equity, and innovation, exploring how we thrive in systems not built for us, and how storytelling and data can work together to drive real change. Whether you're in STEM, leadership, or simply searching for direction, this episode will leave you inspired to act, reflect, and redefine your impact.