You're working hard, doing excellent clinical work, and genuinely trying to make things better for your patients - so why does it feel like no one's listening? So many healthcare professionals hit a wall where their ideas get talked over, their proposals stall, and their careers plateau, even when their track record is strong.

In this episode, Rachel is joined by Sam Pearce and Sally Powell, co-founders of Impactful Women, to talk about political intelligence - what it actually is, why it feels uncomfortable at first, and how building the right relationships strategically (and with integrity) is the real skill that gets things done in the NHS and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Your career is your responsibility - waiting for someone to notice you or advocate for you is the most common career trap there is.
• Influence is relational, not hierarchical. The person who has been in the department 15 years with no senior title can have more sway than the clinical director.
• Decisions get made before the meeting. Building relationships and having conversations in advance isn't manipulation - it's how things actually work, and others are already doing it.

Resources Mentioned

• Diary of a CEO podcast
• Impactful Women website
• Impactful Women on LinkedIn
• Free resource: 10% Braver

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