The SAFE Leader

The engineering industry underpins everything that we encounter daily and spans across a wide range of sectors including technology, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, shipping, healthcare, renewable energy, and more. Yet despite its importance in our lives, fewer people than ever are studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The engineering profession not only suffers from a shortage of skilled and qualified workers but an ongoing mental health crisis, high rates of suicide, and stereotypical masculine norms that serve to create an unsafe, non-inclusive workplace. In short: in a world that is becoming more globalised every day, engineering is operating in an outdated mode and urgently needs an upgrade to meet the challenges of tomorrow and today. In this insightful and sensitive book, safety engineer Mark McBride-Wright explores how the principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can close the engineering skills gap we face while creating a physically and psychologically safe workplace that fosters innovation and inclusive design. While acknowledging the challenges of achieving equity in the male-dominated fields of engineering and technology, why this matters for health and safety, and what it really takes to lead a cultural change, Mark provides a framework for implementing a holistic and robust DEI strategy that ultimately empowers and benefits everyone in your organisation. Becoming a SAFE Leader will transform the way you lead in all areas of your life. As an extension of Mark's work as the founder of EqualEngineers, a firm committed to engineering inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain top talent, this book demonstrates that success in embedding DEI depends on strong leadership and comprehensive training, and that this approach leads to improved team dynamics, increased financial returns, higher productivity, and, crucially, safe teams.