Transformational Thinking For Health Leaders - from Fiona Day Consulting

25 - The Future of Health Leadership: People, AI and the Power of Listening with Jim Campbell

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0100

What does the future of health leadership look like in a world of workforce pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly developing artificial intelligence?

In this episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I'm joined by Professor Jim Campbell, Professor of Practice in Health Workforce at King's College London and a globally recognised leader in health workforce and health policy.

Jim spent 12 years at the World Health Organisation, including as Director of Health Workforce and Executive Director of the Global Health Workforce Alliance. His earlier public health career took him into conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings across Africa, Asia and Europe.

Together, we explore what these experiences have taught him about leadership and why he believes global health needs fewer "saviours" and more stewards who listen, engage, build partnerships and empower others.

We also discuss the emerging field of workforce science, the changing relationship between humans and technology, and how AI could augment rather than simply replace human capability in healthcare.

What does this mean for health leaders? How do we retain accountability, recognise bias and maintain the critical reasoning needed to question AI-generated answers?

Jim also shares his own leadership lessons from a remarkable international career: keep listening and learning, remain open to challenge, employ good people, delegate and create the conditions for others to contribute.

Three reflective questions for health leaders arising from this conversation:

1. Jim describes the shift from wanting a "saviour" leader to needing a "steward" who listens, convenes and builds partnerships. Where in your own leadership are you still being asked (or asking yourself) to be the saviour, and what would it look like to lead instead as a steward?

2. Jim talks about how seniority can create distance from others, and the deliberate effort needed to keep engaging with people once relationships and decisions become more contentious. Where might distance be building in your own leadership, and how are you actively working to close it?

3. Jim argues that using AI responsibly means becoming more grounded in your own discipline, not less, so that you can question rather than simply accept its answers. How confident are you that you, and your teams, have the critical reasoning and discipline-specific expertise needed to challenge AI-generated outputs rather than defer to them?

A fascinating conversation about global health, leadership, workforce, AI and the distinctly human capabilities we'll need for the future.

If you’re ready to navigate complex system challenges with clarity and confidence, visit fionadayconsulting.co.uk to explore a wealth of resources tailored exclusively to medical and public health professionals. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter here to claim your 3 hours of free CPD and access specialised tools to support your career journey.

As the world’s only Registered, Chartered Coaching Psychologist with a senior Medical and Public Health leadership background, I provide a peer-led Partnership that completely eliminates the need for 'translation'. My practice is grounded in rigorous psychological science and is empirically proven to deliver a 17.4% average increase in validated wellbeing scores -with results peer-review published in BMJ Leader.

You don't have to lead in isolation. Book a free, confidential Consultation with me here to co-create a time-effective partnership that protects your wellbeing while driving system-level impact.

24 - From Pandemic to Purpose: Prof Yvonne Doyle on Public Health Leadership

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0100

My guest on this episode of 'Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders' is Professor Yvonne Doyle CB FMedSci, one of the UK’s most experienced public health leaders, whose career has spanned the NHS, government, academia, the independent sector and international health.

Yvonne provided leadership for health protection in England during the COVID-19 pandemic, served as Medical Director for Public Health at NHS England and was Statutory Adviser to consecutive Mayors of London. She now works as a Senior Adviser to WHO Europe on healthy ageing and chairs the Health Services Committee at the UK Faculty of Public Health.

In our conversation, Yvonne reflects candidly on what it was like to lead through the extraordinary uncertainty of the pandemic, including making decisions when there were no easy answers and supporting people through immense pressure.

We explore why knowing yourself matters as a health leader, why leadership happens “with and through people”, and what more than four decades in medicine and public health have taught Yvonne about leading complex systems.

We also discuss her recent work examining the place of professional public health expertise within the NHS, why this expertise matters for the future of population health, and the importance of strengthening public health leadership within our health systems.

Finally, we talk about Yvonne’s “supposed retirement” and her thoughts on purpose, curiosity, relationships and remaining engaged throughout every stage of life.

A fascinating and deeply reflective conversation for medical, public health and global health leaders about leadership, resilience, public service and what it means to continue making a difference.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

Yvonne describes unusual early career experiences which shaped her future, did you follow a traditional or unusual route? How has this shaped the course of your own career?
How does Yvonne's experience of leading through Covid-19 resonate with your own? Are there similarities or differences? What does this mean for the next time you have to lead through a crisis?
What does Yvonne's recent report into healthcare public health in England mean for your area of practice, wherever you are in the world and whatever area of health you are leading in? How are you assured that the services you are commissioning or delivering meet the needs of the population you are serving? What more do you need to do to assure yourself of the robustness of your modelling and how population demographics are changing?

Read Yvonne's Report on Healthcare Public Health

Here is the link to The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) joint report, Healthcare Public Health in England, which makes the case for input from accredited public health specialists to be urgently and significantly bolstered across the NHS in England.

Listen to Yvonne's music here

Yvonne kindly recorded these two pieces for us on a very hot July day. You can listen to them here, and they are also used in the intro and outro of her Podcast.

The harp piece is by the 18th century Irish composer and collector Cornelius Lyons. It is called Miss Hamilton.

The piano piece is by the Irish 18th composer Turloch Carolan. He wrote pieces for commission so they are called after the person who it was written for. In this case Mrs Maxwell.

Contact Yvonne

yvonnedoyle29@gmail.com

yvonne@ygdhealth.com

www.ygdhealth.com

23 - Welcome to Season 3 - A Decade of Transforming Health Leadership

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Series 3 of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders.

This year marks a very special milestone: the 10th anniversary of Fiona Day Consulting.

In this opening episode, I look back at how my coaching psychology practice began in 2016, when I was working as an NHS Associate Medical Director and board-level public health leader, and how it has evolved over the past decade.

Nearly 4,000 hours of one-to-one coaching later, I have now supported more than 500 senior medical and public health leaders across five continents.

I share the psychological science that underpins my approach, including my peer-reviewed research published in BMJ Leader, which demonstrated a statistically significant 17.4% increase in validated wellbeing scores following my coaching programmes.

I also explore the six key areas that have emerged through my work with health leaders: strategic impact and system leadership, career transitions, burnout and moral injury, work-life and family balance, portfolio and later-life careers, and neuro-affirmative coaching.

Most importantly, I explain why my work has always been about more than career progression. It is about helping medical and public health leaders find greater clarity, confidence and wellbeing while continuing to make an impact in increasingly complex health systems.

Over the coming episodes, I'll be joined by emerging and established health leaders for open and honest conversations about their careers, leadership challenges, the twists and turns along the way, and how they sustain themselves while doing demanding and important work.

Here's to another 10 years of transforming health leadership together.

22 - Alwyn Abraham

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Today, I’m joined by Mr Alwyn Abraham, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at University Hospitals of Leicester, medical educationalist, healthcare leader, and Chair-Elect of World Orthopaedic Concern.

Alwyn reflects on nearly four decades in medicine, from his early training at Edinburgh Medical School to leading large multidisciplinary teams under extreme pressure. He shares candid insights into what he wishes he had learned earlier about managing himself, relationships, and the human side of leadership.

Our conversation explores what it truly means to lead under sustained stress, including Alwyn’s experience of leading over 90 clinicians through the COVID-19 pandemic. He speaks powerfully about leading by example, moral courage, availability, and why you cannot force people to change — but you can influence how they think.

We also discuss collaborative working across disciplines, the importance of psychological safety and feedback in training environments, and how Alwyn’s global health work in Ethiopia reshaped his perspective on leadership, service, and values-based practice.

Finally, Alwyn reflects on adult development, self-authorship, and the shift from external validation to internal conviction - moving from being a “spark” to becoming a “flame” in one’s professional life.

This is a rich and reflective conversation about compassionate leadership, humility, and sustaining purpose in complex healthcare systems.

🎧 Listen if you’re interested in:
• Leading teams under pressure
• Clinical leadership beyond technical expertise
• Psychological safety and feedback cultures
• Global health perspectives on leadership
• Developing conviction and values as a senior clinician

Reflective Practice Questions

How do you currently lead when your team is under sustained pressure?
Where might increased self-awareness strengthen your leadership relationships?
How do you use your position or authority to empower others?
What values guide your decisions when resources are limited?
What would “leading from conviction” look like in your next career chapter?

21 - Dr. Ahsana Nazish

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I speak with Dr Ahsana Nazish, a public health leader whose work bridges hospital management, health systems, and policy. She leads a network of primary care filter clinics across Punjab, delivering screening and treatment for liver and kidney diseases while pursuing her Doctorate in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Ahsana shares her remarkable journey from being the first woman in her family to study medicine to leading large-scale healthcare programmes in Pakistan. She reflects on the challenges of digital transformation in rural healthcare, building trust through partnerships, and navigating leadership as a woman in complex cultural and professional settings.

We explore how vision, resilience, and mentorship can transform systems and how data, innovation, and collaboration can strengthen global health for the future.

If you are a health leader passionate about equity, impact, and system change, this episode will leave you inspired by what is possible when courage meets compassion.

Contact Ahsana

ahsananazish80@gmail.com

Reflective Practice Questions

How does your personal leadership journey influence the systems you choose to change?
What barriers — cultural, organisational, or internal — have shaped your leadership, and how have you navigated them?
Where could deeper partnership working strengthen the impact of your current projects?
How might evidence and data support your next leadership decision?
What does courage look like in your context at this moment in your career?

20 - Dr Imran Ahmad

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Today, I’m joined by Dr Imran Ahmad, a GP board partner for a large primary care organisation in London, GP training programme director, and clinical lead in transformation projects.

We talk about his journey from traditional general practice into strategic and system-level leadership, and how he has learned to balance clinical care with board responsibilities, mentoring, and integrated care work.

Imran shares powerful reflections on leadership growth, from letting go of comfort zones and developing emotional intelligence, to fostering psychologically safe teams and cultivating future leaders.

Together, we explore how values, reflection, and self-awareness shape authentic leadership in complex healthcare systems, and why it is never too late to reinvent your career with purpose and curiosity.

If you are a health leader navigating change, this conversation offers grounded wisdom, humanity, and inspiration for your own leadership journey.

Reflective Practice Questions

1. When was the last time you paused to re-evaluate your professional direction, and what insights emerged?

2. How comfortable are you with delegating responsibility — and what beliefs might make it challenging to let go?

3. What does adaptive leadership mean to you in your current context?

4. How do you model emotional intelligence and psychological safety within your teams?

5. Which of your personal values guide you most strongly in times of uncertainty or change?

Contact details i.ahmad@doctors.org.uk

19 - Prof Eva-Maria Graf

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Today, I talk with Associate Professor Eva-Maria Graf, a leading expert in coaching linguistics and founder of the international QUESCO research project on questioning practices in coaching.

We explore what really happens in coaching conversations, how questions shape insight and change, and what makes coaching distinct from therapy or friendly support. Eva shares the story behind QUESCO, a three-country research project that revealed how 83% of a coaching conversation is made up of questioning sequences, and we discuss what this means for coaches, supervisors, and educators.

We also talk about the new 5P Model, which helps practitioners understand and refine the micro-skills behind powerful coaching dialogue. Eva reflects on the challenges and rewards of leading a large interdisciplinary project and what she has learned about herself as a leader along the way.

This is a fascinating and practical conversation for anyone interested in how language, coaching, and evidence come together to support transformational change.

Reflective Practice Questions

1. How consciously do you use questioning techniques in your coaching or leadership conversations?

2. What patterns do you notice in how you respond after someone answers your question — do you probe, affirm, or move on too quickly?

3. In what ways could greater linguistic awareness improve the quality of dialogue in your team or organisation?

4. How might you use evidence-based research, like the QUESCO findings, to strengthen your own coaching or leadership practice?

5. When you reflect on a recent conversation that felt transformative, what was it about the sequence of questions that made the difference?

More information/ contact

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eva-Maria Graf eva-maria.graf@aau.at

https://questions-in-coaching.aau.at/en/

https://fionadayconsulting.co.uk/quesco-project/

18 - Dr Phil Sherrard

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Today, I'm joined by Dr Phil Sherrard, consultant anaesthetist, educator, digital instructional designer, and actor. Phil shares his unique career journey - from becoming one of the UK’s youngest consultant anaesthetists to building a portfolio career that blends medicine, teaching, creativity, and performance.

He opens up about overcoming anxiety, rediscovering his love of acting and music, and how creativity has fuelled his resilience and problem-solving as a clinician. Phil also reflects on negotiating a flexible career that honours both his professional expertise and his artistic passions, offering valuable insights for health leaders seeking balance, fulfilment, and sustainable ways of working.

Together, we explore the intersections between medicine and the arts, digital innovation in medical education, and the power of values-based leadership. This is a conversation for anyone navigating career complexity, looking to bring more of their whole self into their work, and daring to design a life that feels both meaningful and joyful.

Connect with Phil on Instagram @philsherrard3, and on LinkedIn. His MOOC course is here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/perioperative-medicine
HealthProMatch: https://healthpromatch.com/

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

What creative outlets help you maintain balance and perspective in your work?
Which parts of yourself have you put aside for your career — and what would it take to reclaim them?
How might you use your values to guide decisions and conversations about your next career step?
In what ways can creativity and compassion improve your team’s approach to complex problems?
What’s one small “next right step” you can take towards a more fulfilling, authentic professional life?

17 - Laurie Tomlinson

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0100

Today, I'm speaking with Professor Laurie Tomlinson, NIHR Research Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and former consultant nephrologist. Laurie shares her unconventional career journey - from early uncertainty in clinical training, to taking bold risks that led her into epidemiology and ground-breaking research.

Laurie reflects on the lessons learned from navigating setbacks, finding the courage to follow her real interests, and ultimately shaping policy through real-world evidence, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic with the OpenSafely collaboration.

Together, we explore what it means to challenge the status quo, lead with confidence even when feeling like an outsider, and use data to improve health outcomes at scale. Laurie also offers candid insights into women’s leadership in medicine, the value of disruptive thinking, and the future potential of real-time evidence to address inequalities in healthcare.

A powerful conversation for anyone seeking inspiration to take brave career decisions, trust their instincts, and lead change in complex systems.

Laurie's 2019 interview in BMJ.

Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

Where in your career have you chosen safety over authenticity — and what would it look like to reverse that?
How do you respond when your findings or views challenge accepted norms?
What small steps could you take today to move closer to the work that excites you most?
Who are the “outsiders” in your team or field — and how could you empower them to contribute?
How can you use your influence to promote evidence-based, equitable healthcare?

16 - What Really Works in Health Leadership Development

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Season 2 of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders

In this opening episode, Dr Fiona Day takes a closer look into the latest evidence on what really works in health leadership development.

With the NHS England 10-Year Plan (2025–2035) setting bold ambitions for outstanding leadership across healthcare, and a major new umbrella review published in BMJ Leader, Fiona critiques current approaches and shares why evidence-based, psychologically sound methods are essential for developing world-class leaders.

She explores:

Why competency frameworks alone aren’t enough to shift leadership behaviours
The role of coaching psychology, mentoring, and experiential learning in achieving lasting impact
How evidence-based coaching can enhance self-awareness, decision-making, emotional regulation, and organisational outcomes
Why bespoke, one-to-one coaching is critical to unlocking leaders’ full potential

📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:

If you’re committed to improving health outcomes while thriving in your leadership role, you won’t want to miss this.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

What has been your experience of leadership development so far?
How confident do you feel that your health leadership practice is grounded in theory and evidence?
How do you develop leadership skills in those around you?
How could you help your organisation to be more evidence-based in its approach to developing health leaders?
How will you use the systematic umbrella review to best effect?

15 - Season 2 of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders is Coming

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0100

In this short introduction, Dr Fiona Day reflects on the journey so far - over 1,300 downloads, a brief spot in the Apple Top 10 Health Podcasts, and 14 inspiring conversations in Series 1.

Fiona also shares her gratitude for the feedback and support, invites new listeners to explore the Series 1 archive, and opens the door for medical and public health leaders who might like to be future guests.

🎧 Tune in to hear what’s ahead in Season 2 and join the ongoing conversation about transformational leadership in health.

14 - Dr. Reza Jarral

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0100

From Frontline GP to Global Health Leader: Dr. Reza Jarral on Digital Health and Equity

In this episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I sit down with Dr. Reza Jarral, an NHS-trained GP and digital health leader, currently based in New Zealand. Reza has led multi-million-dollar healthcare initiatives, developed equity-focused telehealth services, and is about to embark on a Harkness Fellowship at the Commonwealth Fund in New York.

We explore:
✔️ How Reza transitioned from frontline GP to global health leader
✔️ The power of Ikigai in shaping career direction
✔️ His work in digital health, telemedicine, and health equity
✔️ Lessons in leadership, confidence, and stepping into new spaces

Reza’s journey is a masterclass in ethical innovation and impactful leadership. Tune in now for an inspiring conversation!

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

What personal challenges have shaped your leadership journey?
How can you ensure that digital innovations in your field promote equity?
What barriers (internal or external) have held you back from stepping into leadership roles?
What legacy do you want to leave through your work?
What’s one bold step you could take today toward your next leadership goal?

13 - Diane Ashiru-Oredope

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I speak with Professor Diane Ashiru-Oredope, a credentialed consultant pharmacist and a leading voice in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and pharmaceutical public health. Diane shares her fascinating career journey - from frontline clinical pharmacy to national and international leadership roles shaping AMR policy and advancing pharmaceutical public health.

We explore:

✅ The evolution of pharmaceutical public health and its growing impact on population health

✅ Leadership lessons from tackling AMR at a national and global level

✅ The power of research, collaboration, and mentorship in shaping public health careers

✅ Overcoming self-doubt and stepping into leadership opportunities

Diane’s insights are invaluable for any health leader looking to navigate complex systems, influence policy, and drive meaningful change.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you reflect on the insights from Diane’s career journey, consider these questions to help guide your own leadership growth:

How can you expand your current role to have a greater population health impact?
Have you ever hesitated to apply for a leadership opportunity? What held you back?
How do you actively seek out mentorship or coaching, and how could you support others in return?
Are you fully recognizing the impact of your work, both nationally and globally?
What learning opportunities—formal or informal—could help you develop new leadership skills?

Contact Diane

X - DrDianeAshiru

BlueSky - dianeashiru.bsky.social

LinkedIn Diane Ashiru PhD

12 - Jamie Hayes

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Jamie is a pharmacist and director in NHS Wales and an Honorary Professor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, School of Sport and Health Sciences.

A clinical pharmacist by background, Jamie has a thirty-year career in healthcare leadership, medical education and behavioural change. He served as an elected board member for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for six years, from 2016 to 2022, and was awarded Fellowship in 2021.

In 2017, Jamie founded JMH Collaborations Ltd, a coaching, leadership and performance consultancy and has coached individuals and teams from start-ups to blue chips. Jamie is one of the executive coaches at Cardiff Business School, coaching and supporting their learners.

He is also co-host of The Aural Apothecary Podcast, A podcast about medicines, people and stories which is downloaded in over 60 countries across the world and frequently features in the Apple Top Ten for Medical Podcasts.

Contact jamie

www.jamiehayes.co.uk

The Aural Apothecary Podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms as well as www.theauralapothecary.com

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

How do you currently approach lifelong learning in your role?
Are you intentional about the sources of information and networks that influence your thinking and leadership decisions?
How effectively do you listen to your team, patients, or peers?
What strategies could you adopt to improve deep, active listening and create more opportunities for others to feel heard?
How are you balancing the demands of doing your job with improving your job?
Are you dedicating time and resources to develop both your own performance and the systems around you?
What steps are you taking to promote shared decision-making in your organisation?
How can you better empower patients and staff to co-create solutions that align with their values and needs?
How can you apply lessons from other sectors to enhance leadership and innovation in healthcare?
Are there specific practices, such as future-focused performance planning or team-building strategies, that could benefit your leadership approach?

Reflecting on these questions regularly can help you stay grounded in your purpose while continually evolving as a leader.

11 - Meherunissa Hamid

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I speak with Meherunissa Hamid, a dedicated public health professional from Pakistan currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Meherunissa shares her insights on bridging the gap between policy and real-world health and social care interventions, drawing from her extensive experience in public health leadership, research, and advocacy. We discuss the evolving landscape of global public health, the challenges of implementing effective interventions in diverse communities, and how health leaders can create meaningful change through evidence-based strategies.

Key Takeaways for Health Leaders:

🔹 The importance of policy translation in making real-world impact
🔹 How to navigate the complexities of public health leadership
🔹 The role of global collaboration in tackling health challenges

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of public health leadership and innovation.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to guide your leadership development:

1. How do you currently ensure that your policies or interventions reflect the lived
experiences of those impacted by them?

2. What opportunities do you have to strengthen trust with the communities or
teams you work with?

3. How do you balance top-down evidence with bottom-up insights when
addressing complex challenges?

4. What skills have you developed over the past few years that have made you more adaptable in your leadership?

5. Who has influenced your leadership journey, and how can you provide mentorship to others in your field?

10 - Dr. Andrew Furber

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Professor Andrew Furber is the Regional Director of Public Health for the North West of England.

In this episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, Andrew shares his fascinating journey - from working as a GP with no fixed career plan to leading at the highest levels of public health across the UK and internationally.

We explore:
🔹 How to embrace career transitions and unexpected opportunities
🔹 The importance of mentors and peer learning in leadership growth
🔹 Building personal and team resilience to navigate challenges
🔹 The evolving public health workforce and the role of AI

Whether you're an established leader or just starting in public health, Andrew’s insights will inspire you to trust your journey, embrace adaptability, and lead with purpose.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders
As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this podcast, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

1. How has your career path evolved so far?
o Are there opportunities you’ve followed based on passion or intuition that
have shaped your leadership journey?

2. What are your key priorities for personal resilience?
o How do you currently manage your well-being, and are there boundaries or
habits you could strengthen to avoid burnout?

3. Who has been a mentor or role model in your career, and how have they
influenced your leadership style?
o Are there opportunities for you to either seek new mentorship or become a
mentor to others?

4. What steps are you taking to create a supportive and inclusive culture for your
team?
o How do you ensure your team feels a sense of purpose, recognition,
fulfillment, and belonging?

5. How prepared are you to embrace emerging trends and technologies, such as AI, in your field?
o What skills or knowledge might you need to develop to stay ahead of changes
in public health and leadership practices?

Use these reflections to guide your growth as a leader and strengthen your impact on both your teams and the communities you serve.

09 - Dr. Safiya Virji

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Dr Safiya Virji is a GP, an NHS Appraiser for GPs, and a Training Programme Director for NHS England leading the educational provision for GPs in training.

She is also an Associate Dean of General Practice leading on health equity training, and a senior clinical lecturer for primary care for undergraduate medical students at Queen Marys University of London.

Safiya has particular interests in strategic leadership and inclusion.

Tune in to discover Safiya’s insights on:

Balancing multiple roles with flexibility and organization.
The power of inclusivity in leadership and building cohesive teams.
How reciprocal learning in global health enriches both leaders and the communities they serve.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

Purpose Alignment
- How aligned are your current roles with your core values and long-term vision? Are there adjustments or new opportunities you could pursue to deepen this alignment?
Balancing Structure with Flexibility
- In what ways do you organise your multiple responsibilities, and how might you incorporate more flexibility to adapt to unexpected challenges? What changes could improve your balance and reduce stress?
Building Inclusivity
- How do you actively create a sense of belonging and inclusivity within your team or organisation? Are there specific actions you can take to foster a more inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives?
Reciprocal Learning
- In your leadership practice, how open are you to learning from those you lead or serve? What steps can you take to foster reciprocal learning with your team, patients, or community?
Future Legacy and Succession
- What legacy do you hope to leave within your organisation or field? Are you investing in the development of future leaders who can carry forward your vision and values?
Evolving Your Leadership
- As you envision the next five years of your career, what skills or experiences do you feel would help you grow? How can you cultivate relationships with mentors or peers who can support you on this path?

08 - Nick Shannon

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Nick Shannon is a business psychologist whose work helps organisations achieve better and more sustainable performance by improving the selection and development of their leaders and leadership teams.

Nick works as a coach, consultant, mentor and facilitator within a diverse range of organisations Nick is a Chartered Coaching Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Nick has a particular interest in the psychology of adult development and the cognitive and emotional transitions that managers must make in order to work successfully at higher levels of complexity and hierarchy.

He is the author of the book “Metathinking: The Art and Practice of Transformational Thinking” co-written with Dr. Bruno Frischherz which provides a guide for adults to develop more powerful thinking skills.

Nick is a member and treasurer of the European Society of Research into Adult Development (ESRAD) and regularly presents papers at their conferences.

Nick's links :

metathinking.org

LinkedIn

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

How comfortable am I with ambiguity and uncertainty in my decision-making, and how might embracing a dialectical mindset help me better navigate complex situations?
Reflect on recent challenges where you had to make decisions without clear answers. How did you handle these moments, and what might you do differently with a more dialectical approach?
What assumptions do I bring into my leadership role, and how often do I challenge or question these assumptions?
Consider whether there are beliefs you hold about your role, team, or patients that may be limiting. How could exploring opposing perspectives broaden your understanding?
How well do I incorporate diverse viewpoints within my team, and how might I further encourage open dialogue and collaborative thinking?
Think about the culture of dialogue in your team. Are there ways to make it more inclusive, allowing for more innovative, nuanced ideas to emerge?
When faced with a complex decision, do I tend to seek a straightforward solution, or am I open to seeing multiple layers and possibilities?
Reflect on whether your decision-making approach leans toward simplicity or complexity. What benefits could come from taking a step back and considering alternative frameworks?

07 - Dr. Girija Anand

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Dr Girija Anand, (informally known as Gij) has been a Consultant Clinical Oncologist for almost 15 years. She is now also an Associate Medical director at a North London NHS Trust where her responsibilities include clinical governance for doctors and professional affairs.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders
1. Have you ever been encouraged into a leadership role before you felt fully ready? What qualities did others see in you that you may not have recognised in yourself? Recognising potential early is a powerful reminder for healthcare leaders to trust the feedback of others and to look for leadership qualities in their own teams. When we encourage emerging leaders, we build stronger departments and set the stage for resilient healthcare organisations.

2. In your own journey, when have you felt the weight of imposter syndrome, and what steps did you take to overcome it? Remember, seeking out new skills, leaning on mentors, and embracing coaching can be transformative tools for every leader. They provide fresh perspectives and reinforce confidence, helping us feel equipped to lead.

3. Who is in your support network, and how can they help you manage leadership challenges more effectively? Are you able to ask for help when needed? Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a hallmark of strong leadership. It signals humility, confidence, and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for patients and teams.

4. How well do you balance clinical and leadership duties? What changes could you make to protect your personal time and prioritise self-care? Maintaining this balance isn’t easy, but by prioritising well-being and building trusted teams, leaders can sustain themselves for the long term and model resilience for those they lead.

5. What’s your approach to leading through organisational change? How do you ensure that all voices are heard and team morale stays high? Mergers and integration require deep trust and collaboration. By empowering leaders within each department, Gij is fostering a culture of trust that will be essential for the successful integration of services and improved patient outcomes.

6. What leadership styles do you naturally gravitate towards, and how could expanding your range of styles improve your effectiveness? Understanding our strengths and style as leaders can help us harness our unique qualities and lead authentically. As Gij shows, leadership is as much about self-discovery as it is about guiding others.

06 - Mat Daniel

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Mat Daniel, MMEd MA(Coaching) PhD FRCSEd(ORL-HNS) has over 30 years’ experience in healthcare, and works as a Consultant Paediatric Otorhinolaryngologist.

He has / had leadership roles at local, regional and national level, including in medical associations, research, medical education, and guideline development.

Mat uses coaching as a leadership style, he trains others in coaching and leadership, and runs a variety of workshops designed to support doctors' career development.

You can connect with Mat via his website, LinkedIn and X

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

How authentically am I showing up in my leadership role?
Reflect on whether you feel free to bring your full self to your work, and consider any aspects of your identity or values that you might be holding back. What changes could you make to lead in a way that aligns more closely with who you are?
In what ways could I introduce creativity into my leadership practices?
Think about opportunities to foster psychological safety and open dialogue within your team. Are there small, creative adjustments you could make to encourage more honest, meaningful conversations?
How can I better support inclusivity and allyship within my team?
Consider your own role in creating an inclusive environment. What specific actions can you take to be a visible ally for diverse team members or to support an open dialogue about diversity in your workplace?
What new learning or growth opportunities could reignite my passion for leadership?
Reflect on areas that genuinely interest you, whether professionally or personally. How could pursuing new knowledge or skills outside of your usual focus enhance your effectiveness and satisfaction as a leader?

These questions are designed to deepen your self-awareness and help you make intentional choices that support both your development and the growth of those you lead.

Timestamps

1:03 Mat describes his earlier career and how its influenced his career choices

6:23 Mat tells us about his undergraduate special study module in leadership and how he teaches coaching as a core leadership skill

14:29 Mat describes how he uses creativity in his work

20:34 Mat outlines how he has role modelled being a gay surgeon

29:58 Mat talks about allyship

05 - Juliette Alban-Metcalfe

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Juliette Alban-Metcalfe is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and CEO of Real World Group, and is an internationally respected expert in the field of leadership and teamworking behavioural assessment.

She has been working with Real World Group for the past 15 years, supporting leadership development with both individuals and groups up to Board level globally.

She has a particular passion for a focus on positive psychology and diversity & inclusion in leadership.

Contact details:
https://realworld-group.com/

hello@realworld-group.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-world-group/

Key Takeaways for Health Leaders Considering 360 Feedback

If you’re a health leader or aspire to become one, here are a few points to consider when choosing a 360 feedback tool:

Look for Evidence-Based Tools
Choose a tool that’s based on rigorous research, ideally one that’s been tested in healthcare settings. Evidence-based tools ensure that your feedback is relevant and aligned with the best practices that drive team success.
Focus on Behavioural Feedback
Tools that emphasise behaviours over traits or personality preferences provide actionable insights. This approach enables you to adjust specific actions and interactions to better meet your team’s needs.
Embrace Both Positive and Negative Blind Spots
Be open to discovering your strengths and areas for growth. Recognising both helps you lead with greater authenticity and confidence, benefiting both you and your team.
Use Feedback to Foster Psychological Safety
Psychological safety is essential for high-functioning healthcare teams. Use 360 feedback as an opportunity to cultivate openness and trust, which are foundational to effective team collaboration and patient care.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

What positive strengths might I be underestimating in my own leadership, and how can I bring these strengths forward to benefit my team more intentionally?
Reflect on recent feedback you’ve received from others or moments where you felt particularly effective in your role.
In what ways am I fostering psychological safety within my team, and where could I make adjustments to ensure all team members feel comfortable sharing openly?
Consider specific actions or behaviours that could build trust and openness, such as inviting feedback or demonstrating vulnerability.
How am I currently gathering feedback from my team, and is it aligned with evidence-based practices that focus on actionable behaviours rather than personality traits?
Think about whether your feedback process captures the full picture of your impact, both positive and areas for growth.
What steps could I take to uncover any negative blind spots that may be affecting my leadership, and how can I create a supportive environment for honest feedback?
Reflect on feedback systems in place and how they might be improved to foster a balanced understanding of your strengths and areas for development.
How can I make time to engage more deeply with my team, balancing my day-to-day responsibilities with the need to connect and support them as individuals?
Consider practical ways to integrate more team engagement into your routine, such as weekly check-ins, informal feedback sessions, or team-building opportunities.

These questions can guide meaningful self-reflection and help health l

04 - Andrew Lee

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Andrew Lee is a Professor of Public Health at the University of Sheffield, with academic interests in health protection and international health, and is also a Regional Deputy Director for Health Protection with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Andrew first started off medicine in paediatrics before working abroad with an aid agency in Afghanistan and disaster zones (Sri Lanka Asian Tsunami Disaster, cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines).

He subsequently specialised in general practice and public health, and has served various senior roles: he was formerly Director of Primary Care and Population Health for NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group and a Non-Executive Director with Gateway Primary Care which provided accessible and inclusive healthcare for Rotherham’s hard to reach and vulnerable groups.

1:36 Andrew talks about his career journey so far

5:11 Andrew talks about how he balances his multiple roles

10:44 Andrew talks about leading in public health crisis and disaster situations

20:36 Andrew discusses what he’s learned about himself as a leader

If you've enjoyed this podcast and would like to find out more, head over to www.fionadayconsulting.co.uk and you'll receive three hours of free CPD, the health career success program when you sign up to my newsletter, and there's loads of other resources to support you as a medical or public health leader on my website too. Thanks for listening.

Contact details: x: andrewleedr

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

Navigating Identity Shifts:
- Are there aspects of your professional identity that you’re deeply attached to? Could they be limiting your growth or preventing you from exploring new opportunities?
- If you’ve recently transitioned away from a long-held role, what steps are you taking to redefine your professional identity and find fulfilment in your current position?
Empowering Others During a Crisis:
- In times of crisis, do you find yourself centralising control, or are you able to delegate effectively? What prevents you from trusting others with greater responsibility?
- How can you empower your team to take ownership and lead during high-pressure situations? What strategies can you use to build a culture of trust?
Balancing Urgency with Strategic Thinking:
- When faced with urgent tasks, how do you ensure that you maintain a long-term strategic perspective? Are you creating enough space to step back and think clearly?
- What practices can you implement to adopt a "slow hurry" approach in your work, ensuring resilience for yourself and your team?

03 - Allison Streetly

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0100

Dr Allison Streetly OBE is a Consultant in Public Health who has recently retired from a full time role as Head of the National Public Health team in NHS England, and was formerly the Director of the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening programme responsible for its national roll out.

02 - James Dunbar

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0100

Professor James Dunbar spent 25 years as a GP in Dundee, also part time in Forensic Medicine and as an Academic. After two years as a Medical Director, he arrived in Australia in 2001 to set up the ‘Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health, Flinders and Deakin Universities’, which allowed him to work on both population health and quality improvement.

Prof Dunbar can be contacted at Profjadunbar@gmail.com

Belbin Team Types

https://www.belbin.com/about/belbin-team-roles/

Otway Basin seismic testing plans abandoned in blow to offshore gas exploration https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-27/otway-basin-seismic-blasting-gas-exploration-withdrawal/104401394?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

01 - Welcome To My Podcast

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0100

Welcome to my very first podcast series.

A podcast that will help you meet your most complex leadership challenges.

This podcast from Master Practitioner Coach and Chartered Coaching Psychologist Dr Fiona Day will transform your perspectives.

It will help you become a more effective and creative leader, with a deeper understanding of yourself and your own world of work. Fiona interviews other medical and public health leaders, generating thought-provoking, and dialectical dialogues.

You'll hear inspirational stories and real-world insights which will help you do your own best work now and into the future.

Expect open and honest discussions with both emerging and established health leaders and to hear their career stories, the journeys that led to their current positions – including the twists and turns and how they made decisions along the way.

You’ll also hear how medical and public health leaders balance multiple roles inside and outside of work, their reflections on health leadership, and their own insights and learning over the years.

This series will be released on a fortnightly basis, providing valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills and improve health outcomes.