When it comes to understanding risk, few people have lived through experiences as extraordinary as Richard Field. Born in Africa and driven by a lifelong passion for wildlife, Richard has spent almost three decades working as a professional safari guide across southern and East Africa, helping people safely experience some of the world's most dangerous and awe-inspiring environments.
But Richard's story is about much more than African safaris. At just 25 years old, while guiding guests in northern Botswana, he survived a near-fatal lion attack that would ultimately change the course of his life and career. What emerged from that experience was a powerful insight: often the greatest danger is not the hazard itself, but the decisions we make around it. That lesson has become the foundation of Richard's work as a workplace health and safety speaker, helping organisations understand how awareness, accountability, fatigue, distraction and complacency can influence safety outcomes.
Today, Richard combines captivating storytelling with practical safety lessons through his keynote presentation, The Lion in the Workplace. Drawing on decades spent operating in high-risk environments, he challenges audiences to think differently about risk, personal responsibility and workplace culture. His message resonates particularly strongly with organisations committed to creating safer, more connected workplaces where people actively look out for one another.
As National Safe Work Month approaches, the team at Active Directions sat down with Richard to discuss his remarkable journey, his perspective on risk and decision-making, and how businesses can build stronger workplace safety cultures.
Read on for our conversation with Richard.
Q1. Tell us about yourself Richard.
"I’ve been working as a safari guide in Africa for almost 30 years, mainly in southern and East Africa, but I’ve also led polar bear safaris in the Canadian Arctic.
I was born in Africa and fell in love with the African bush as a young kid, particularly lions. I was 7 when I realised I wanted to be a safari guide, because that way I could spend my days watching lions. Even though my family moved to Australia I held onto the dream.
At the age of 25 I was living and working in a remote and very wild corner of Southern Africa when I was attacked and very nearly killed by a lion. I was incredibly lucky to survive but it looked like the dream was over.
It was only once I truly understood that I was responsible for what happened, that I realised I could go back to guiding safaris again and do it safely, so long as I made better decisions.
The lion attack was something I struggled to really accept and I avoided talking about it for a very long time. It’s only really been in the last 12 years that I’ve truly embraced it as part of my life and as part of that journey I started talking about it professionally.
I still guide safaris back to Africa, but I have come to understand I have a lot to give in the WHS space to help people understand that they can keep themselves and the people they love safe through a combination of responsibility, awareness and good decision making.
I live on the mid north coast of NSW near Bellingen with my wife, two daughters and a few animals."
Q2. With your background, how do you view risk in life and in the workplace?
"As a safari guide I'm paid to balance risk and reward to provide my guests the best possible wildlife experiences whilst also keeping them safe.
From a personal point of view I have to strike a similar balance with risk. I know how important it is to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone, because that is where I can grow; but doing that can expose me to some physical risk and always some emotional risk. At the same time I know that staying inside my comfort zone is an even greater risk, because I might die without knowing what I really have to give.
But it also doesn’t mean you should go and track a female lion with small cubs on foot.
In everything I do, whether it’s work or at home, I feel a constant need to keep pushing the edges. But these days I’m better at communicating my intent and asking for feedback before I run off and do something that might leave my wife and kids without a husband or a father."
Q3. October is National Work Safe month - Why do you think it is important, and what should privately owned businesses consider to help manage safety in the workplace?
"Aside from the fact that employers have a responsibility to keep their staff safe, accidents at work also have a huge impact on morale and culture. National Work Safe Month is a massive opportunity to show your staff that there is a level of care for them and their welfare. Investing in something engaging, entertaining and memorable, and which also has nuggets of gold for every person to think about and use on a daily basis is a statement of intent that your staff matter. It will boost morale and you can start building a culture where people are looking out for each other, not just for themselves, which is critical for a safe workplace."
Q4. Tell us how you can help Active Direction's clients?
"My keynote presentation “The Lion in the Workplace” is 50 minutes in length and a powerful, engaging and memorable lesson that the biggest danger in the workplace is often not the hazards of the immediate environment, but in our own awareness and decision making.
I’m happy to add on an extra 30 minutes of facilitated discussion at no extra cost for Active Direct clients to really make sure that people are able to walk away with something meaningful. Reach out to me at richard@richardfield.com.au if you’d like to know more."
If you're planning a National Safe Work Month event or looking for a unique and impactful speaker for your business, we'd love to help.
Get in touch with the Active Directions team today or contact richard@richardfield.com.au to learn more about bringing The Lion in the Workplace to your organisation.