The leadership lounge is those who lead and work in healthcare. A place to pause, think and reset. Providing you with a fresh take on your work as a healthcare ...
Intelligent Kindness in Healthcare: A Radical Approach to the System We Need
What if kindness wasn’t just a personal trait but a powerful force for transforming healthcare? I dive into Intelligent Kindness, a concept that shifts kindness from being seen as ‘soft’ to a strategic approach for stronger teams, better patient care, and a healthier system. From tackling self-doubt to building trust and therapeutic alliances, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why kindness—when applied intelligently—is anything but soft.Links and Resources 5 qualities of high-impact healthcare leadersReforming the culture of healthcare: the case for intelligent kindnessIntelligent kindness in practiceCulture, kinship and intelligent kindnessAn introduction into intelligent kindnessThe Francis Inquiry Report What’s a topic you want the lounge to explore, let me know here.
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22:55
Small Steps means Big Progress: 4 Steps for Smart Leaders
Tackling a challenge can feel overwhelming, but the key is to start right and stay the course. In this short episode, I share a simple yet powerful four-step framework: (1) Understand the issue, (2) Ask questions, (3) Start small, and (4) Keep going. It’s about clarity, curiosity, and the grit to see things through. A short and practical listen for leaders in the thick of it!Links and Resources5 Qualities of High Impact Healthcare Leaders Does healthcare need great managers or great leaders?Your first two moves when you feel stuckHumble EnquiryGetting StartedGrit, Purpose and HopeKeep going, you’re doing great
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14:31
Psychological Safety in Healthcare: How It Transforms Your Team and Your Work
What happens when staff are afraid to speak up? Healthcare teams struggle with stress, turnover, and burnout—but when psychological safety is strong, collaboration, learning, and performance thrive. In this episode, we break down what psychological safety is, the stories of where it started and the impacts when you have it, and what happens when you don’t. We look at why hierarchy and fear hold teams back and how the four key domains—willingness to help, inclusion, risk attitude, and open conversations create actionable focus areas for you and your team.Links and ResourcesWhat is Psychological SafetyPsychological Safety as an Enduring Resource Amid ConstraintsThe Fearless Organisation ScanAmy EdmondsonBetter Leadership & Learning: A Guide to Psychological SafetyLiz and Mollie Psychological Safety AssessmentThe 4 stages of psychological safety Radical CandorAn introduction to the SCARF modelSay Kia ora on LinkedInJoin the hundreds of healthcare leaders who get the regular dose of inspiration and encouragement.
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27:16
Leadership Under Pressure: Prioritising What Matters
Healthcare leaders are being asked to do the impossible. So, how do we make the work achievable? In this episode, we talk about the courage it takes to prioritise, the role of risk conversations in setting boundaries, and how tools like FMEA and Cal Newport’s ideas in Slow Productivity can help us work differently. I also revisit the ‘big rocks’ allegory and why health—our own and our teams’—must be in the jar first. This is about making working and leading in healthcare sustainable.Links and ResourcesSlow Productivity Cal NewportBe clear on what mattersRocks, pebbles and sand analogy Stephen Covey’s Big Rocks video FMEA from the IHIYour meetings from a perspective of courageNick Petrie on burnout
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26:11
The Power of Place: How Your Work Environment Shapes Your Leadership
Your environment influences more than just your workflow—it affects how you feel, how you lead, and even how others perceive you. Rabbit holes aside, an organised and decluttered workspace helps your focus and reduces frustration. Taking some of the hard work of what is often hard work.In short, your workspace isn’t just where you work—it’s how you work. In this episode, I’m sharing ideas and stories to give you a fresh perspective on how you can support your energy, and effectiveness by looking at the physical environment you are in.Plus, a challenge: take a fresh look at your space and make changes that set you up for success.Links and ResourcesGet started, get organised and simplify your work lifeJoy at Work by Marie Kondo and Scott SonensheinWork Smarter, Live Better by Cyril PeupionBuilding a Second Brain by Tiago FortePARA by Tiago ForteThe 15 Step Challenge
The leadership lounge is those who lead and work in healthcare. A place to pause, think and reset. Providing you with a fresh take on your work as a healthcare leader, leaving you feeling refreshed, inspired and able to keep going.
New Zealand