Rebranding Safety with Peter Jenkins – Q4 Episode 1
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Overview
Have you ever wondered what people really think of you and why it even matters? In this blog from Risk Fluent’s quarterly co-host series, host James McPherson teams up with Peter Jenkins to explore something many overlook in safety (and life) – your personal brand.
Whether you’re in health and safety or simply navigating life, Peter and James break it down in a relaxed, open way that’s fun to follow. You’ll learn what your personal brand is, why it matters, how to find it, to how it connects.
Meet Peter Jenkins
Peter is a Group Health and Safety Manager at a company that makes seasonings, sauces, and spice blends. He’s not your average safety bloke – he’s thoughtful, reflective, and all about noticing the little things that make life better. He’s also been on telly in a giant costume – more on that later!
This is the first part of a three-episode journey. In this one, we’re talking about:
- Who you are vs. how others see you
- Why personal branding matters (and isn’t just for job interviews)
- How being true to yourself affects your career, confidence, and wellbeing
- Real-life stories from Peter and James that show the highs and lows of staying authentic
- Practical tips to discover and improve your own personal brand
Rebranding Safety with Peter Jenkins – Q4 Episode 1
Your personal brand is the way people think and feel about you. Not just your job title, not your clothes, but the overall vibe you give off. It’s shaped by:
- What you say
- How you act
- What you stand for
- How do you make people feel
Peter says it’s like being a soft drink on the shelf. Some people pick Coke. Others pick Pepsi. A few even pick cherryade (yes, really!). The point is, you want to be picked for being you, not for pretending to be someone else.
The Power of Being Yourself (Even When It’s Hard)
James shared how starting his podcast, Rebranding Safety almost cost him job opportunities. Recruiters told him to stop swearing, wear a shirt, and take the podcast down. He refused.
He stayed true to his values, and it was hard. Nevertheless, he made it through. And now? He runs Risk Fluent and works with people who respect him for being real.
Lesson: It’s okay to bend sometimes when life is tough, but don’t break who you really are.
Tips to Discover Your Personal Brand
Do you feel stuck? Here are some easy steps Peter and James recommend:
1. Ask Others
Ask 4-5 people you trust to describe you in a few words. You may be surprised how kind people really see you!
James did this and was shocked by the nice words people used. He even framed the list.
2. Try a Values Assessment
Peter used this in therapy – a worksheet that helps you rate what matters most in your life (like family, career, fun). It helps you see what really drives you.
3. Start a Brag List
Yes, brag a little! Write down every win, big or small. Did you finish a project? Wrote a killer report? Helped a mate at work? Write it down.
4. Talk to a Mentor
Find someone you admire and ask them for a chat every now and then. Peter swears by IOSH mentoring and reaching out to people on LinkedIn.
Why This Matters for Health and Safety
In safety, we talk about culture, but what about your personal culture?
- Your personal brand affects how people see the profession.
- If you’re thoughtful, passionate, or rebellious, that shapes the future of safety, too.
- Being YOU brings diversity to safety. We don’t need clones!
Peter and James both agree: the safety profession needs more authenticity. That means showing your full self, not simply the “shirt and tie” version.
Final Thoughts
Life’s hard. In safety, it can feel even harder to stand out or speak up, but your brand matters. You matter. You don’t need to be perfect. Just be real.
- Reflect on who you are
- Celebrate your wins
- Talk to people who lift you up
- Be kind to yourself
If you’re ever feeling like you’ve had enough, remember what James said:
“Sometimes, you need to hear it from someone else – that you’re doing just fine.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifications do I need to start in health and safety?
Start with a Level 3 qualification like the NEBOSH General Certificate or an NVQ.
Can I transition to health and safety from another career?
Yes, many professionals transition from roles like operations management or the armed forces.
Is health and safety a stressful job?
It can be challenging, but the rewards often outweigh the stress.
How much can I earn in a health and safety role?
Entry-level salaries begin at around £25,000, with senior roles reaching £70,000 or more.
What industries offer the best opportunities in health and safety?
Construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors often have the most demand for health and safety professionals.
Ready to talk?
Let’s get together on a call to see where we can support you and add value to your business with structured health & safety consulting.
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Has over 12 years of experience in safety and fire across various industries like healthcare, housing, and manufacturing. As the Managing Director at Risk Fluent and host of the “Rebranding Safety” podcast and YouTube channel, he is committed to making safety discussions engaging. James’s innovative approach and dedication to rebranding safety have made him a respected figure in the field.