In this episode, Anna, Stuart, and guest Gareth Evans tackle a challenge that will resonate with anyone stepping into a big new role, especially those leading change:

“Dear Aunty Treacle, I’ve recently accepted a Health and Safety Director role in a new company, and I’m a mix of excited and terrified. The mission is to move health and safety from compliance to care. Any advice on what I should be focusing on to make a real difference?”

Gareth shares lessons from his own experience leading in global, fast-moving organisations, offering insight into what really matters in those first few months. Spoiler: it’s less about action and more about connection, curiosity, and courage.

Together, they explore how to lead with intention, manage the pressure to perform, and move from compliance to care in a way that’s meaningful and sustainable.  

Key Topics Covered:

• Why your first priority isn’t action, it’s listening
• “Connect before you direct”- how relationships build results
• The bathtub analogy – building stock with your allies before making withdrawals
• Mapping your stakeholders: power, influence, and the unexpected allies
• The myth of the perfect plan – why failure is part of learning
• Adding less, subtracting more – cutting the clutter to focus your energy
• Becoming the conductor – making the shift from doer to strategic leader
• Trust, adaptation, and building a team that can run without you
• Reconnecting with your why – care and compassion at the heart of leadership

  🔗 Resources to Explore:

• Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows – essential reading on complexity and change
• The “Nando’s Scale” – a relatable model to gauge and warm up stakeholder relationships
• Stakeholder mapping frameworks to identify influence beyond job titles
• 4D Site Engagement Tool – Done, Different, Difficult, Dangerous
• Subtraction as a strategy – why doing less can achieve more
• Reflection questions for new leaders:
  • What am I assuming?
  • Who do I need to build trust with?
  • What does this business really need from me right now?

  💬 We’d Love Your Feedback!

Are you in a new role or planning a big step? What resonated with you from this episode?
Share your stories, reflections, or future questions at [email protected] or tag us on socials. We’d love to hear how you’re getting unstuck.  

Next Episode Teaser:
🌟 Is Safety Still For Me?

Join us and guest Steph Camm as we explore what it means to face a career crossroad. Whether you’re working in health and safety or questioning your broader professional path, this is a compassionate, clear-eyed look at how to move forward when purpose feels out of reach.