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.

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. 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

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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 c

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

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.

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

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

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

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.

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.