Leadership isn’t about controlling everything; it’s about focusing on what matters. In this episode, I’m talking about how choosing your attitude and attending to the ‘boring magic’ can transform both your day and your team’s culture. With practical examples, it’s how pausing to check in, practising self-compassion, and noticing small wins help you step out of firefighting mode and into a more sustainable leadership state. Links and Resources 5 qualities of high-impact healthcare leadersI don’t want to keep fire-fighting; I want to stop them from starting. Get to know your own circles of controlUnravelling the circlesYour meeting check-in
-------- Â
17:43
--------
17:43
Joining the Dots: Using Your Career Timeline to Shape What Comes Next
Summary In this episode of The Leadership Lounge, I discuss navigating new job opportunities and career changes for healthcare leaders. I’ve got three steps that come up in all the conversations I have: first, reassessing your core values and strengths to clarify what matters most and what unique skills you bring; second, envisioning your future self and career goals to set a meaningful direction; and third, reflecting on your career history by creating a timeline to identify key leaps, what was left behind, gained, and how these shaped your current self. Understanding these elements helps in making confident, aligned career decisions. I’m starting to bring in insights from the book "10x is easier than 2x" about setting ambitious goals. While the book is still challenging my thinking in some respects, I’m pulling the wisdom that is super relevant here. This episode is all about encouraging self-reflection and offers practical prompts and resources to support you in your career transitions.Links and Resources Uncovering your personal valuesUnderstanding and using your strengthsDaria Williamson: Strengths DeckSWOT and SOAR in practicePlaying Big by Tara Mohr10x is Easier than 2x5 qualities of high-impact healthcare leaders
-------- Â
17:21
--------
17:21
#67 Small Steps vs Big Leaps: Which Does Your Leadership Need?
Summary As healthcare leaders, you know the value of consistency, the daily showing up, the small steps, the 1% progress that adds up over time. But what if there are moments when those steady steps aren’t enough? This week I’m thinking about the tension between incremental growth and bold, transformative leaps. I’m listening to 10X is Easier than 2X and having my thinking challenged. Which is a good thingI start with ideas on managing the all-too-familiar feeling of overwhelm, while also exploring how to challenge your own thinking, test long-held beliefs, and rethink your leadership identity. The key is learning to hold contradictions: coping and challenging, comfort and courage, progress and transformation.This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and ask: Does your leadership right now need small steps, a big leap, or is it both?Links and Resources Help me, I’m overwhelmed5 things to help you focus, make progress and avoid overwhelm10x is Easier than 2xThe beginner’s guide to vertical developmentFrom Good to Great5 qualities of high-impact healthcare leaders
-------- Â
11:22
--------
11:22
Space to Think: How SWOT and SOAR Create Clarity in Leadership
In the whirlwind of healthcare leadership, it can feel impossible to pause long enough to see the bigger picture. That’s where tools like SWOT and SOAR come in. In this episode of Katie’s Leadership Lounge, I’m looking at this classic framework, uncovering history, and showing how they can help leaders challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and move from firefighting to focused action.Whether you’re stepping into a new role, leading a team through change, or simply craving clarity, SWOT and SOAR offer simple but powerful ways to reflect, plan, and set direction.Links and Resources Get your SWOT and SOAR free templatesWhat is a SWOT analysis videoPersonal SWOT analysisWhat is a SWOT analysis, and why do you need oneThe origins of the SWOT analysis5 qualities of high-impact healthcare leaders
-------- Â
23:33
--------
23:33
#65 The Triple Impact of Bring Present
Leading in healthcare isn’t a sprint with a clear endpoint, and there are moments when you can’t do everything and be everywhere, so you get to choose. These moments are about what really matters. Being clear on what that is for you is essential if you want to lead well. In this reflective episode, I’m sharing what pausing, noticing, and being truly present can do for your leadership. You create a triple impact: supporting your wellbeing, building stronger relationships, and improving your work. I’m sharing practical tips on how you can create moments to ground and refocus yourself, all of which you can use in less than 30 seconds. This episode is your reminder that presence is a leadership strength.Links and Resources 5 qualities of high-impact healthcare leadersSaving your mindOne thing at a timeDo you know what matters most?What game are you playing as a healthcare leader?Habits that shape you
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