What does it really take to lead with strength and humanity? In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright is joined by Urs Koenig, UN and NATO peacekeeper, ultra-endurance athlete, executive coach, and bestselling author of Radical Humility. Urs shares his powerful philosophy of being tough on results and tender on people, drawing on deeply personal stories from the battlefield, the boardroom, and the racecourse. With raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, he unpacks why humility is not weakness but a competitive edge, and how psychological safety, vulnerability, and meaningful feedback are the true markers of bold leadership.

From rejoining the military after 22 years to racing 3000 miles across America, Urs reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped his approach to high-stakes environments. He challenges common misconceptions about humility, explores the emotional power of sharing stories, and lays out practical tools for building trust and empowering teams. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or just yourself, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead with courage, clarity and compassion.

In this episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, Mark McBride-Wright sits down with Malcolm Staves, Global Vice President of Health and Safety at L’Oréal, to explore what it means to lead with purpose, care, and conviction. Malcolm shares the story of the hummingbird, a simple but powerful metaphor that has come to define his approach to leadership and culture change. From global safety systems to grassroots impact in schools and communities, Malcolm shows how small actions, taken consistently, can drive transformational change.

The conversation moves beyond corporate health and safety into the emotional core of leadership. Malcolm opens up about mental wellness, prevention over reaction, and the need to break the silence around topics like suicide and stress. With reflections on engineering, empathy, and evolving leadership styles, this episode will leave you inspired to become a hummingbird in your own world, doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.

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.