What does it really take to be an influential safety leader? Steven Harris doesn’t just talk safety, he lives and breathes leadership. In this jam-packed conversation, we dig deep into the evolution of the safety profession, the mindset shifts needed to thrive, and how to build lasting credibility in a world full of noise.

 

If you’ve ever wondered how to move from compliance cop to strategic catalyst, this one’s for you. And if you’ve been wrestling with how to say "no" without guilt, influence without arrogance, or lead without burning out, prepare to take notes.

 

Episode Highlights

• Most Influential Safety Pro: Steven’s award and the powerful story of Mavis
• Strategic shift: From compliance to business enabler
• Mission creep warning: HSE roles absorbing too much, too fast
• Mental health, behaviour, wellbeing: Be careful what you're handed
• Saying no with strength: The underestimated leadership skill
• The credibility bank: Why HSE pros must build trust before they advise
• GP model vs. specialist: Know when to refer out, not solve everything
• Storytelling for influence: Why facts don’t stick but stories do
• Operations first: Aligning with the people doing the work
• AI in safety: From reactive to predictive, and what’s coming next
• Writing a book: Why everyone has a story worth sharing

 

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ 
• Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-harris-energy/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/