Listen to this episode below, or on , or wherever you listen to your podcasts. The hosts all episodes, along with the transcript and more leadership resources.
In our latest episode of the 国产自拍 Leading the Way podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emma about her leadership journey. As we wrapped up the recording, I found myself reflecting on some key themes that emerged from our conversation - insights that I believe resonate deeply with anyone navigating leadership in healthcare.
Starting where you are
Emma鈥檚 journey began not with a grand plan, but with a simple desire to improve something that mattered. She stepped into the role of ePortfolio representative on the Trainee Committee - not because it was glamorous, but because it was important.
She saw a system that wasn鈥檛 working as well as it could and chose to be part of the solution. That first step led to others, eventually culminating in her role as Chair of the Trainee Committee.
This reminds us that leadership often starts with noticing what could be better and choosing to act. It鈥檚 about finding that 鈥減atch鈥 where we can make a difference and stepping forward.
The power of encouragement
Emma didn鈥檛 initially see herself as a future Chair. It was others who recognised her potential and encouraged her to apply. That nudge made all the difference. It鈥檚 a powerful reminder that part of our role as leaders - regardless of where we are in our careers - is to spot potential in others and help them see it too.
Sometimes, people just need someone to say, 鈥淵ou鈥檇 be great at this.鈥
Imposter syndrome: a shared experience
Emma spoke candidly about imposter syndrome, something many of us experience. That inner voice that questions whether we鈥檙e really up to the task. But as she wisely pointed out, being chosen for a role means others believe in us. We don鈥檛 need to live up to some mythical ideal of leadership鈥攚e just need to show up as ourselves and do our best.
Balancing leadership and life
Emma鈥檚 story also highlighted the reality of balancing leadership with life鈥檚 other demands鈥攖raining, family, and everything in between. It鈥檚 not always easy, but it鈥檚 possible. And the rewards are real: new perspectives, meaningful connections, and the satisfaction of making a difference.
Leadership as facilitation
One of the most powerful insights Emma shared was that leadership isn鈥檛 about being the centre of attention鈥攊t鈥檚 about creating the conditions for others to thrive. That aligns with something Bob Klaber once said: leadership is about shaping an environment where people can do their best work.
Emma embodies that ethos, and it鈥檚 something we can all strive for.
Final thoughts
Leadership doesn鈥檛 always mean taking centre stage. Sometimes, it means stepping out of your comfort zone, trying something new, and making a difference in your corner of the world. Whether it鈥檚 improving a system, supporting a colleague, or simply showing up with integrity鈥攖hese are the acts that shape our leadership journeys.
Thanks for tuning in. I hope Emma鈥檚 story inspires you as much as it inspired me.