The other day, I drove past Watford FC and captured a photo of the impressive mural of Graham Taylor, proudly displayed on the gable end of a home opposite the stadium.

This Graham Taylor mural serves as a powerful reminder of the different footprints we can leave behind.

Taylor’s legacy at Watford is celebrated as a golden era, having taken the team from the 4th division to the 1st  division in a time defined by passion, loyalty, and inspirational leadership. His impact on the club shaped Watford’s identity and set standards that transformed  a team from a small club into a competitive force with a lasting and positive footprint.

Yet, his time as England manager tells a very different story of heartbreak, poor results, long ball tactical decisions and struggles and controversies with the media. Sadly, his footprint was defined when the national team slumped out of Euro ‘92 after losing to Sweden  in a defeat which prompted the headline Swedes 2 Turnips 1.

It’s an awful reminder that legacy footprints are complex, shaped not only by our successes but also by how we handle challenges and setbacks.

Coincidentally, a few days later, a customer asked me about why I chose my business name, Safety Footprint, and the company strapline: “You are what you leave behind”.

The phrase first struck me during an evening of aimless scrolling whilst watching Chelsea struggle to leave their own positive footprint on a match under Poch when I stumbled upon an interview with Sylvester Stallone. He spoke about his faith and how it intertwined with the themes of his Rocky movies. Stallone suggested that our actions, choices, and contributions define how we are remembered, it’s all about the mark, or indeed the footprint, we leave behind.

That notion resounded deeply with me, and from it, Safety Footprint was born. It became my commitment to making a difference, shaping better and safer environments and leaving a positive impact within the health and safety profession.

At Safety Footprint, the footprint I strive to leave behind is simple:

To Add value in every interaction.

Stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy.

Be fair, practical, and solution focused.

Approach the, sometimes, chaotic world of health and safety with clarity, positivity, and a sensible outlook.

Leave every business I consult with in a better position than when I arrived.

And perhaps, in doing so, I’ll inspire someone else to follow that path and raise the standard even higher.