In a recent episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Safiya Virji, a medical leader whose work spans multiple roles in healthcare, from GP training and undergraduate medical education to advancing health equity. Safiya’s portfolio career offers inspiring insights for those of us committed to impactful, purpose-driven leadership in health. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation that I believe can empower medical and public health leaders to thrive across their roles.
Building a Portfolio Career in Healthcare
A portfolio career—one that involves holding multiple, complementary roles—can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires clear intention and strategic planning. For Safiya, this path allowed her to work as a GP, an educator, and a leader in health equity, all in service of her overarching goal of improving patient care and inclusivity.
For those considering a portfolio approach, it’s essential to identify roles that resonate with your personal values and long-term vision. A portfolio career can be a powerful way to amplify your impact, giving you avenues to create change from multiple vantage points in health and healthcare.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Safiya’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose. She has continuously aligned her professional roles with her commitment to inclusion and equitable healthcare. This purpose serves as her ‘North Star’, guiding her decisions and strengthening her resolve in every role she undertakes.
For health leaders, a clear sense of purpose can be a tremendous source of resilience and focus. By staying connected to the values that drive you, you can navigate complex challenges and make choices that feel authentic and meaningful.
Listen to the Podcast Here
Mastering Flexibility and Organisation
Balancing multiple roles requires flexibility, and as Safiya shared, organisation is essential. She emphasises the need to adapt, as crises in healthcare often don’t adhere to a schedule. Her approach includes maintaining structured time for each role but remaining prepared to handle issues as they arise across any of her responsibilities.
As leaders, we can adopt similar strategies to manage our various commitments effectively. Building structured routines, while allowing for flexibility, is key to maintaining balance without compromising our effectiveness or well-being.
Inclusive Leadership in Practice
One of the most compelling aspects of Safiya’s leadership style is her commitment to inclusivity. For her, inclusion means creating a space where everyone feels they belong, and where diverse perspectives are genuinely valued. This includes being non-judgmental, compassionate, and actively fostering a safe environment for open dialogue.
Inclusive leadership isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential for any leader who wants to create a truly collaborative and innovative environment. By practicing empathy and open-mindedness, we can build stronger, more cohesive teams that are better equipped to meet the complex demands of healthcare.
Global Health and the Value of Reciprocal Learning
Safiya’s experience in global health reminds us of the value of reciprocal learning, where we not only serve communities but also learn from them. She leads clinics in the Middle East, serving children affected by conflict. Her approach emphasises a mindset of mutual respect and appreciation, urging her teams to learn from the communities they serve.
For those of us leading within our own communities, reciprocal learning can be a powerful tool. Embracing the perspectives and experiences of others can enrich our own understanding and improve our leadership, fostering a culture of respect and shared learning.
Looking to the Future: Building a Legacy of Inclusion and Empowerment
As Safiya shared, a significant aspect of her work is laying the groundwork for future leaders. She has made it a priority to support those around her in growing their skills and confidence, creating pathways for others to step up as leaders in healthcare. This “pay it forward” mentality is crucial for any of us who want to create lasting impact in our fields.
Each of us has an opportunity to leave a legacy that empowers future leaders. By fostering inclusivity, modelling compassionate leadership, and actively supporting the development of others, we can create an enduring foundation for the next generation to build upon.
Final Thoughts
A portfolio career is not without its challenges, but it offers a unique and rewarding path for those ready to embrace the complexities of healthcare leadership. By staying anchored to purpose, remaining flexible, and leading inclusively, we can find not only professional fulfillment but also make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
If you’re interested in exploring more strategies for transformational leadership, I invite you to join my newsletter. Let’s continue building the future of health leadership, one purposeful, compassionate step at a time.
Listen to the Podcast Here
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?
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. Get 3 hours of FREE CPD with Fiona’s Health Career Success Programme here. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here. Subscribe and listen to her Podcast ‘Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders’ here.