In this episode, Ben shares the deeply personal story that reshaped his life and set him on a path from aspiring Army Air Corps pilot to one of the UK’s leading mental health campaigners. After losing his younger brother Sam to suicide at just 15, Ben channelled his grief into action, interrogating the systems around education, healthcare and policy to understand what went wrong and how it can be prevented for others. What emerges is not just a story of loss, but one of determination, courage and a refusal to accept surface-level solutions.

Together, Mark and Ben explore why awareness alone is not enough, the critical importance of strengthening foundations like teacher training, and how real systems change happens behind the scenes in government and the NHS. This conversation unpacks leadership, responsibility and the small “boring” changes that can ultimately save lives. Honest, thoughtful and solutions-focused, this episode challenges us all to rethink what meaningful mental health reform really looks like.

When a hydrochloric acid pipe ruptured early in her career, Sarah Ischer’s life changed forever. What followed was not just a workplace investigation, but a personal reckoning that reshaped her entire professional path. In this episode, Sarah shares how being questioned instead of supported sparked her determination to ensure no worker ever feels unsafe, unheard, or unseen again. From late night Googling industrial hygiene programs after a 12 hour shift to becoming a nationally respected leader in workplace health and safety, her journey is a story of purpose forged through experience.

Now Senior Director of Expertise at the What Works Institute, Sarah brings a human centred lens to safety leadership. She challenges the myth that safety is common sense, argues that safety is not to people but with people, and explains why workers are not resisting safety but resisting systems that exclude them. This conversation explores trust, inclusion, advocacy, metrics, AI, and the future of health and safety through one clear message these are not data points they are people.

In this episode, Mark is joined by leadership strategist, keynote speaker and author Jodi Vandenberg-Daves to explore what it truly means to lead with courage in complex and uncertain times. Drawing on more than 25 years in higher education, social justice scholarship and leadership development, Jodi shares the personal influences that shaped her path and the values that continue to guide her work today. From the power of history and social imagination to the importance of relationships and responsibility, this conversation uncovers how leadership can be practiced from anywhere, not just from positions of authority.

Together, Mark and Jodi dive into the realities of modern leadership, discussing emotional intelligence, inclusive workplaces, caregiving, gender equity and the evolving role of men in building more compassionate and psychologically safe environments. With honesty, warmth and deep insight, Jodi reflects on resilience, connection and the courage it takes to bring your values into your career. This episode offers an inspiring and thought-provoking look at leadership that centres humanity, hope and the belief that we are all connected.