Case Studies

Did you always know you wanted to build your career in this profession, and how did you make it a reality?

I began my career in civil engineering, but a workplace accident involving a close friend changed the entire course of my professional life. Witnessing the pain and lasting consequences of that incident on him and others transformed my outlook and career. What began as a deeply painful experience, became a passion to ensure others would not face similar fates. From that moment, I committed myself to health and safety.

Over the past 22 years, I have built a career dedicated to protecting people and improving workplace cultures, supported by creative initiatives designed to engage employees and improve performance.

What qualities do you believe a health and safety professional needs to be successful?

Integrity and resilience are essential attributes that all health and safety professionals should possess. Strong communication skills are also important to ensure safety is accessible to colleagues. Complex processes often need to be simplified and creatively presented to get the message across in an engaging way.

Being a good networker is vital for learning and influence, and having a good knowledge of technology is also becoming increasingly important for health and safety professionals.

What advice would you give to others who aspire to secure a HSE role with a global remit?

Global roles demand adaptability and the ability to inspire diverse teams. To achieve this, you need to build a strong technical foundation, be culturally aware, and develop leadership and networking skills. It is vital to respect local practices, empower others and to always listen before acting.

Processes should be simplified wherever possible, as this helps to make them more accessible and supports engagement and trust.

It is also important to embrace technology. AI and digital platforms are reshaping safety, and early adopters of these technologies will be better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities and efficiencies they offer. In 2017, I built my first mobile safety app for Bombardier Trackside, when app‑based safety solutions were still uncommon. Using user‑centred design and mobile workflows, the app delivered real‑time, accessible safety information to frontline teams. Its success confirmed for me how powerful well‑designed digital tools can be in embedding safety into everyday work.

Why did you choose the NEBOSH International Diploma in 2025, and what benefits did you gain?

I chose it because it is globally recognised and provides a comprehensive framework for managing health and safety across borders. The benefits have been immense: it sharpened my strategic thinking, strengthened my credibility, and gave me the tools to drive improvement at scale. It also reinforced the importance of applying knowledge with creativity and clarity to make a real difference.

In one sentence, what has been the best thing you have learned through your NEBOSH studies?

That effective health and safety leadership is about embedding a culture of care and simplifying complexity.

Can you tell us about CBRE Global Workplace Solutions and its health and safety ethos?

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions is a world leader in real estate and workplace management. Its health and safety ethos is centred on “Safety First”, ensuring that every employee, client, and contractor goes home safe every day. What I admire most is the consistency of this ethos. Safety is not about recognition, but about protecting lives every day.

As a Global Senior Director: QHSE, what are your main responsibilities?

I set strategic direction, drive compliance, lead cultural change initiatives, and ensure our global operations meet the highest quality, health, safety, and environment standards.

A big part of my role is about creating processes and tools that actually make sense for people and are easy to use. I really enjoy exploring technology, including AI, to find better, smarter ways to improve outcomes, but always with the focus on keeping things practical and engaging. I like bringing creativity into what I do so teams feel involved rather than overwhelmed. One example is the Safety World Cup campaign, which I have introduced at organisations like Bombardier, Alstom, and now CBRE. It’s a fun, interactive way to energise teams and help embed a strong safety culture, while still delivering meaningful impact.

Do you have any tips to help others manage change well?

Listen first, understand local contexts, and co-create solutions with stakeholders rather than imposing them. Change is most successful when leaders invite others to shape the journey. Simplify the path forward, use creativity to inspire engagement, and leverage networks to build momentum.

When you look back on your career so far, what achievement are you most proud of?

I am proud of the teams I have had the opportunity to work alongside and support, and of what we have achieved together in improving safety, engagement, and organisational maturity. I am also really grateful for the chance to coach and mentor others along the way. Seeing more than 30 colleagues grow, gain confidence, and go on to succeed in their own careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

What do you enjoy about being a health and safety professional?

I am motivated by knowing that my work directly protects lives and creates better workplaces. It is rewarding to see safety evolve from being viewed as compliance to being embraced as a core value. I particularly enjoy designing initiatives that make safety engaging and meaningful for people.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of their health and safety career?

Be curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the importance of building relationships.

Try to simplify processes so people can engage easily, use creativity to keep colleagues motivated, and build networks to expand your influence. Embrace technology, especially AI, to prepare for the future.

It is important to remember that the best safety leaders are those who serve others and inspire change.