As a Registered & Chartered Coaching Psychologist and Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor, I have dedicated my career to helping medical and public health leaders meet their most complex leadership challenges. I believe that true growth comes from transforming your perspectives, which is why I created my podcast, Transformational Thinking For Health Leaders. My goal is to facilitate thought-provoking and dialectical dialogues that help you become a more effective and creative leader, grounded in a deeper understanding of your own world of work.
In my work providing healthcare leadership coaching, I have found that that impactful insights often come from hearing the inspirational stories of others. Across the first two series of my podcast, I have invited both emerging and established health leaders to share their career stories: the journeys that led to their current positions, including the inevitable twists and turns and the difficult decisions made along the way.
Navigating Career Pivots and Portfolio Roles
One of the most frequent topics I address as a public health and medical career coach is how to manage a diverse professional identity. Many of the leaders I speak with provide excellent insights by sharing their lived experiences. In my conversation with Mr. Alwyn Abraham, a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon and health leader, we reflected on his nearly three-decade journey. His role as Chair-Elect of World Orthopaedic Concern is a perfect example of how leadership coaching for healthcare professionals can help clinicians expand their impact beyond the operating theatre into global health and medical education.
I spoke with Dr. Safiya Virji, a GP and Associate Dean whose career exemplifies the power of a well-organised portfolio career. Safiya’s interests in strategic leadership and inclusion are central to her work leading health equity training and educational provision for GPs. Our dialogue delved into how she balances these complex roles with flexibility, emphasising that leadership is about creating a sense of belonging and an environment where all voices are heard.
I also had a fascinating discussion with Dr. Phil Sherrard, who shared his unique path from being one of the UK’s youngest consultant anaesthetists to building a multi-faceted portfolio as an educator, digital instructional designer, and actor. For those considering alternative portfolios or careers, Phil’s story is a testament to the fact that our skills are highly transferable.
Leading Systems and Driving Transformation
A significant portion of my work involves executive coaching for healthcare leaders who are navigating systemic change. In my podcast, I dive into how medical and public health leaders balance these great responsibilities.
For those in primary care, my episode with Dr. Imran Ahmad is essential listening. We discussed his journey from a traditional general practice doctor to becoming a GP board partner and a clinical lead in transformation projects. This is the kind of leadership that highlights the shift from clinical practice to organisational strategy.
Similarly, my dialogue with Dr. Ahsana Nazish is particularly enlightening. Her work bridges hospital management and policy, leading a network of clinics across Punjab. Her reflections on health leadership and the insights and learning she has gathered over the years provide a global perspective on healthcare leadership.
In my conversation with Professor Andrew Lee, we explore his fascinating journey from paediatrics to international aid work in disaster zones and his current roles as a Professor of Public Health and Regional Deputy Director for Health Protection. Andrew shares profound real-world insights on leading through public health crises and his methods for balancing multiple senior roles, providing a masterclass in navigating the “twists and turns” of a modern health career.
Would you like to be a guest in 2026?
I am preparing to record my series for 2026. I have a number of great guests lined up and would love to hear from you if you would like to share your professional journey with your colleagues and peers. Just get in touch to let me know!
Why I Offer This Resource to You
Whether you are looking for support to help you navigate burnout, reflect on your career, or your health leadership, my podcast is designed to be a companion in your development. It offers real-world insights and a space for reflection: I invite you to listen and discover how you can do your own best work now and into the future.
You can find Transformational Thinking For Health Leaders on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast from. Join me as we explore the stories and strategies that define modern health leadership.
As the world’s only Chartered Coaching Psychologist with a medical and public health leadership background, I provide evidence-based coaching proven to increase senior leader wellbeing scores by an average of 17.4%. To transform your leadership, career, and wellbeing alongside a genuine peer who understands your reality, book a free Confidential Consultation.
