All nurses can be leaders, no matter your band or level of seniority.

But everyone’s leadership journey will look different, depending on your personality, preferences and cultural influences – there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to leadership.

Nichole McIntosh has worked as a nurse in the NHS for 24 years and held many leadership roles. But as an introvert, she says leadership is not something that comes naturally to her.

In the latest episode of the Nursing Standard podcast, Ms McIntosh describes her leadership journey - from nursing student to her current role as NHS England head of nursing and midwifery in workforce, training and education for the London region.

She explains how to embrace the leadership challenge even if you are reluctant, the importance of emotional intelligence and reflection in leadership, and why it is so important to always bring your authentic self to the table.

In a seminar delivered at the RCNi Nursing Careers and Jobs Fair in London in September 2024, Ms McIntosh described how leadership is about respecting, empowering and enabling your team, which is why she always sticks to her values of kindness, compassion and empathy.

Your leadership journey is also about taking risks, she says, and sometimes taking a step sideways or down can be beneficial to your career. Having the courage to step outside of your comfort zone can also inspire others.

This podcast is from a seminar at the RCNi Nursing Careers and Jobs Fair in London held on 6 September 2024

For more episodes of the Nursing Standard podcast, visit rcni.com/podcast

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