As senior leaders in public health and healthcare, we pour years of dedication into challenging and rewarding careers. But what happens when it’s time to step back or move into the next chapter? Transitioning from a primary career—especially in high-stakes fields like public health—can feel both exciting and uncertain. Whether you’re considering retirement, shifting to part-time roles, or looking for a fresh start, taking steps to reflect, prepare, and redefine your future can make the journey much smoother.
In this post, I’ll share insights from a recent conversation with Allison Streetly OBE, former head of the National Public Health team at NHS England. Allison’s story is a testament to the value of legacy, self-reflection, and clarity as we navigate professional transitions. Here’s what I learned from her about making this time purposeful and fulfilling.
Reflecting on Your Legacy: Defining What You Leave Behind
For many senior leaders, legacy is an evolving idea, shaped by years of service, relationships, and the impact on both colleagues and communities. Allison’s journey reflects this well; her contributions to public health, from rolling out national screening programmes to leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted countless lives.
Tips for Defining Your Legacy:
- Document Key Achievements: Take time to write down your accomplishments, not just for your own reflection, but to inspire future leaders in the field.
- Consider Your Impact Beyond Results: Think about the ways you supported team members, mentored others, and contributed to a positive workplace culture.
- Share Your Knowledge: Allison’s continued work in teaching public health and mentoring rising professionals demonstrates how legacy extends beyond one’s day-to-day role.
Preparing for the Transition: Emotional and Practical Steps
Stepping back from a primary role is a significant change, and Allison found that early preparation made her shift smoother. Often, discussing these plans with a mentor or appraiser can provide both emotional support and clarity on what’s next.
Steps to Make the Transition Easier:
- Start Early: Have open conversations about your career’s next stage with trusted colleagues, supervisors, or mentors.
- Embrace Self-Reflection: Take time to understand what you want out of your transition—whether that’s more flexibility, reduced hours, or opportunities in different areas of public health.
- Acknowledge the Emotions: Feeling bittersweet, uncertain, or even a bit fearful is normal. Knowing this can help you navigate the change with greater acceptance.
Recovering from the Covid Pandemic: Time to Recharge
For many public health leaders, especially those who served through the pandemic, burnout has become all too familiar. After leading the national response to Long COVID, Allison recognised her own need for a period of decompression and recovery. Taking time to step back, process, and recharge before diving into new commitments can be invaluable.
Tips for Managing Burnout and Recharging:
- Take Time for Yourself: If possible, carve out a few weeks (or even months) to recharge. Recovery time now can lead to greater energy and perspective for what’s next.
- Seek Out Professional Support: Burnout recovery often benefits from talking with a coach or mental health professional, giving you space to reflect on the demands of your career.
- Don’t Rush into New Roles: Allow yourself the flexibility to rest without immediately committing to the next project. This time can give clarity on what you want from the next phase.
Staying Engaged with Purpose and Balance
Allison has found fulfilling ways to stay connected to public health without the demands of a full-time role. As an honorary senior lecturer, she remains involved in teaching and research, which allows her to contribute in a meaningful way, at a pace that suits her needs. Engaging in projects that align with your values and interests can make the transition feel rewarding.
Suggestions for Staying Engaged without Full-Time Demands:
- Explore Part-Time or Advisory Roles: Consulting, teaching, or becoming a board member can be ideal roles for sharing your expertise while maintaining flexibility.
- Stay Connected with the Community: Continued involvement, whether through mentorship or professional networks, helps keep your skills relevant and builds on your legacy.
- Focus on Personal Projects: Allison’s involvement in a local charity has offered her new experiences and connections outside her previous NHS role.
Redefining Success for a New Career Stage
As you transition, it’s crucial to redefine what success looks like. Allison’s story reminds us that success in this phase is about balancing ambition with personal well-being. The desire to continue contributing meaningfully doesn’t have to mean overextending yourself. Taking stock of what truly brings you satisfaction and choosing projects accordingly can lead to a deeply fulfilling next chapter.
Practical Tips for Setting New Goals:
- Be Selective with Commitments: It’s tempting to say “yes” to multiple opportunities, but be mindful of your energy and focus on what aligns with your strengths and values.
- Reflect on What Matters Most: Whether it’s spending more time with family, engaging in specific public health projects, or developing new hobbies, let these priorities guide you.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Knowing your limits will help you enjoy your work without feeling stretched too thin, which is essential for sustaining enthusiasm and energy.
Embracing a Fresh Start: A Final Reflection
Transitioning from a primary career is both a culmination and a new beginning. It’s an opportunity to bring wisdom, self-knowledge, and purpose to fresh pursuits. Allison’s story shows how a carefully planned, purpose-driven transition can lead to a fulfilling and balanced life after a full-time role in public health. This is about more than stepping away—it’s about stepping into a phase where you define your own path on your own terms.
In Conclusion
If you’re contemplating a career transition, remember that it’s perfectly okay to take your time, reflect, and enjoy the journey. Whether through mentoring, community work, or simply taking a well-deserved pause, every public health leader has the opportunity to shape a legacy that extends well beyond their primary career. Embrace this next chapter as a chance to make an impact that feels truly authentic and aligned with your values.
For more resources on leadership transitions, coaching, and career development, sign up for my newsletter, where you’ll receive three hours of free CPD training, the Health Career Success Programme, and regular tips tailored for health and public health leaders.
Find more at Fiona Day Consulting.
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 would you define your professional legacy, and what steps can you take now to ensure your contributions are sustained and celebrated as you transition to new roles or responsibilities?
- In reflecting on your current role, what adjustments could you make to balance personal well-being with ongoing career demands, especially in light of burnout or post-pandemic challenges?
- What are the specific strengths, values, or experiences that you most want to bring forward into the next chapter of your career, and how can you intentionally cultivate opportunities that align with these priorities?
Reflecting on these questions can bring clarity to your path ahead and help you transition with a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction.
I really hope you enjoyed the first two podcast episodes which are available on all the usual podcast providers, including Spotify, Apple and YouTube.
Apple Top 100 Podcasts
I was delighted to hear that we were briefly in the Apple Top 100 Business Podcasts!
Follow, like and share
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please do follow and like it, and share with others in your network. Here is the link!
Next episode
I’ll be releasing the next episode in a fortnight. My guest is Andrew Lee, 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 UKHSA.
Would you like to be a Guest?
Thank you to everyone who has already agreed to be a guest on the podcast! For those whose episodes have already been recorded, your podcast will be released in the next couple of months.
I’ll be recording more episodes later in the year – please get in touch with me if you’d like to be a guest! You’ll have full editorial control. Thank you in advance – please just message me at fiona@fionadayconsulting.co.uk
Podcast link here
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.
