What is it about men?

Who has been your greatest male role model in your career? 

Richard Bate

Three-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart is unequivocally my role model and hero. Death stalked F1 racing in Stewart’s day, and that the sport is relatively safe now owes a considerable debt to Sir Jackie.

Prompted by an accident at the Spa Belgian Grand Prix, in 1966, that left him for 25 minutes upside down in his car, soaked in fuel, Stewart campaigned robustly to improve safety. For run-off areas, better barriers, advanced medical facilities, fire and rescue provision and proper marshalling, he led boycotts of races at Spa and the Nürburgring. His brave work to force change was not welcomed but was ultimately successful.

Sir Jackie inspired me to combine my passion for occupational safety and health and motorsports and to pursue a career in events safety. That much of my career has been in motorsports is a testament to how my hero fundamentally inspired my career trajectory.

Dr Gary Latta

I would say Steve Jobs. I watched his address to Stanford University, and it was so honest and raw that I found it very impactful. He even made fun of himself getting fired from his own company and that shows how down to earth he was. His effectiveness is in no doubt as Apple brought him back as an adviser after that and then he became the CEO.

Michelle Stonley

My greatest male role model in my career would be a former colleague, Denny Beacham, who worked with me at Wirral Council. He put me on the path of learning about health and safety, supporting me with my NEBOSH certificate, back in 2004. He stood by me when others didn’t believe I could do it. Without his steer, I wouldn’t be where I am now, so I owe him my thanks.

Has anyone told you you’ve been a great role model to them? If so, what reasons did they give for this?

Richard Bate

I wouldn’t want to pick a single person since I’ve been a passionate IOSH mentor for more than 10 years. I have many emails from mentees who’ve achieved Chartership or Fellowship – I cherish all of these. Reading their kind words keeps me motivated and reminds me to be humble and grateful for their irreplaceable trust and friendship.

Dr Gary Latta

Not in so many words. I’ve been told that I’ve reinstated people’s belief in leadership in a role; this was for empowering the team to make decisions, allowing them to develop by doing so.

I think that when you show confidence in a team or person(s) they will grow and then pass this on as they move through their own career. That, I strongly believe, helps create the next generation of leaders.