In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, Sharon Black and Nichola Jane Ashby are joined by Professor Gemma Stacey, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Florence Nightingale Foundation and current Associate Dean for Practice at Nottingham Trent University.

Gemma shares her remarkable journey from lived experience of mental health services at a young age to becoming a national and international voice in nursing leadership, workforce development and system change.

Together, we explore:

• How values shape leadership identity
• The power and responsibility leaders hold within complex systems
• Why influence often matters more than title
• The realities of leading under scrutiny
• Mobilising networks to create lasting change
• Recognising blind spots and avoiding burnout

Gemma reflects on building the Florence Nightingale Foundation Academy, supporting thousands of nurses to develop political confidence and leadership voice, and the importance of relational leadership in volatile and uncertain environments.

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about courage, influence, resilience and what it truly means to lead in healthcare today.

If you are a healthcare professional, educator, system leader or someone passionate about values driven leadership, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Subscribe to Leadership and Culture First for weekly conversations that explore the complexities of leadership and culture and offer practical insight for aspiring and experienced leaders alike.

In this episode of the Leadership and Culture First podcast, Sharon and Nichola are joined by transformational leader and social impact strategist Edyta Ozbek, whose work spans Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

Edyta shares her leadership journey from banking and finance into international healthcare recruitment, where she built and scaled teams across nine countries. She reflects openly on the realities of entrepreneurship, the weight of responsibility, leading through political change, and the emotional resilience required when difficult decisions affect people’s livelihoods.

The conversation explores what it truly means to shape culture as a leader. Edyta speaks about creating psychological safety, welcoming constructive disagreement, and building confidence through self awareness tools such as Myers Briggs and CliftonStrengths. She discusses the challenge of balancing passion with structure, especially when leading highly accomplished professionals, and how humility and integrity underpin sustainable leadership.

A central focus of the episode is Nou Zetwals Mauritius, a nonprofit movement founded by Edyta to recognise and celebrate health and social care professionals. Meaning “our stars” in Mauritian Creole, the initiative aims to raise morale, inspire national pride, and shine a light on the unseen dedication of nurses and care workers across the country.

This episode is a powerful reflection on:

• Leading with values across cultures
• Building remote teams while maintaining engagement
• The realities of starting and scaling a business
• Recognition as a tool for cultural change
• Resilience, peer support and emotional intelligence in leadership

Whether you are an established leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or working within health and social care, this conversation offers practical insight and honest reflection on leading with courage, compassion and purpose.

If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and share.

New episodes are released weekly.

This week, Janet Shreeve joins Dr Sharon Black and Dr Nichola Jane Ashby for an inspiring and grounded conversation about leadership, values and building a business in the care sector later in life.

Janet launched her business at 65, proving that experience, wisdom and purpose can be powerful foundations for entrepreneurship. This episode explores resilience, advocacy and why better communication is essential across care services.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Leading with values in the care sector
• Why advocacy empowers families and individuals
• Resilience through challenge and change
• The importance of networking at every stage of life
• Curiosity as a lifelong leadership strength

A few moments that stayed with us:
"It’s all about being true to yourself."
"Be curious and don’t be afraid."
"Every day is a school day."

Leadership is not defined by age. It is defined by courage, impact and authenticity.

In this reflective episode of the Leadership and Culture First podcast, Sharon Black and Nichola Jane Ashby look back on the themes, insights, and moments that have shaped recent conversations with guests.

They explore what leadership really looks like in practice, beyond job titles and frameworks. From courage in everyday conversations to the role of authenticity, trust, and communication, the discussion highlights how leadership shows up in many different forms.

The episode also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, the difference between management and leadership, and why coaching plays such a powerful role in personal and professional development. At its heart, this conversation is about creating cultures where people can grow, contribute, and lead in ways that are true to who they are.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Black and Dr. Nichola Ashby engage with Jules Crowther, an executive coach specializing in neurodiversity. They explore the complexities of leadership, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Jules shares her personal journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity and how it shapes her coaching practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity, understanding, and support for neurodiverse individuals in leadership roles, as well as practical strategies for organizations to foster a more inclusive environment.

Takeaways

• Coaching is about listening and creating a safe space.
• Isolation is a significant challenge for leaders.
• Perfectionism can lead to burnout, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
• Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for effective leadership.
• Psychological safety allows for open discussions about needs and challenges.
• Leaders should embrace their unique strengths and experiences.
• Flexibility in the workplace can enhance productivity for neurodivergent individuals.
• Communication should be clear and non-ambiguous to reduce anxiety.
• Personal experiences shape professional identity and coaching practices.
• Building peer support networks can combat feelings of isolation.

Keywords

leadership, neurodiversity, executive coaching, female leaders, psychological safety, authenticity, perfectionism, inclusion, coaching strategies, personal growth

Sound bites

"Perfectionism is not attainable."

"Authenticity is key in leadership."

"Burnout is not a badge of honor."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Neurodiversity

02:52 The Journey into Executive Coaching

05:57 Challenges in Leadership: Isolation and Perfectionism

08:43 Understanding Neurodiversity in Leadership

11:52 The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Identity

14:37 Creating Inclusive Work Environments

17:49 Practical Strategies for Supporting Neurodiversity

21:21 Pivotal Moments in Leadership

24:44 Navigating Barriers and Biases

27:34 Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders

29:19 The Future of Executive Coaching

32:33 Final Thoughts and Key Messages

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Black and Dr. Nichola Ashby explore leadership lessons derived from classic Christmas films. They discuss themes such as the importance of reflection, joy, inclusion, and values-driven leadership, drawing parallels between the narratives of these films and the challenges faced by leaders. Each film serves as a metaphor for various leadership qualities, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own leadership journeys and the impact they have on their teams.

Takeaways

Christmas movies are packed with values for leaders.

Reflection is crucial for understanding our impact.

Positive risk-taking is essential for leadership.

Joy and laughter can change a culture.

Inclusion is central to effective leadership.

It's okay not to be perfect as a leader.

Emotional courage is key to starting over.

Teamwork is vital for operational excellence.

Your network is one of your greatest resources.

Values-driven leadership builds trust.

Sound bites

"How often do we take time to reflect?"

"Joy and laughter can change a culture."

"Values-driven leadership builds trust."

Keywords

leadership, Christmas films, coaching, self-reflection, inclusion, joy, empathy, problem-solving, teamwork, values-driven leadership

In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Nichola Ashby and Dr. Sharon Black explore the complexities of leadership and culture with Professor Laura Serrant. They discuss the importance of inclusive leadership, the evolution of nursing, and the concept of the Lioness Effect, which emphasizes integrity and impact in leadership. Laura shares her personal journey, the significance of legacy, and the challenges leaders face in today's fast-paced world. The conversation highlights the need for reflection, the role of accidental leaders, and the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all.

Takeaways

• Leadership and culture are foundational for organizational success.
• Inclusion must be practiced, not just valued.
• Laura Serrant's journey is marked by intentionality and openness to opportunity.
• The nursing profession has evolved significantly since the 1980s.
• Leadership is about presence and intention, not just titles.
• Integrity and impact are essential for effective leadership.
• Legacy should be a consideration for aspiring leaders.
• Accidental leaders often emerge from a desire to address social injustices.
• Creating space for reflection is crucial in leadership.
• The Lioness Effect embodies the potential for impactful leadership.

Keywords

leadership, culture, inclusion, Lioness Effect, integrity, impact, legacy, nursing, social justice, healthcare

In this conversation, Dr. Sharon Black and Dr. Nichola Ashby explore the concept of respect, emphasizing that it should not be based on hierarchy but rather on mutual recognition of humanity. Dr. Black argues that respect is a fundamental human quality that should be extended to everyone, regardless of their position or role.

Takeaways:

-Respect isn't about hierarchy.

-It's about being a decent human being.

-Mutual respect is essential in professional relationships.

-Respect should be based on humanity, not roles.

-Hierarchy should not dictate respect.

-Everyone deserves respect regardless of their position.

-Understanding others' perspectives is crucial.

-Respect fosters better communication.

-Building relationships requires mutual recognition.

-Respect is a fundamental human quality.

Episode 1: Welcome to Leadership and Culture First

In this inaugural episode, hosts Dr Nicola Ashby and Dr Sharon Black introduce Leadership and Culture First, a podcast dedicated to exploring how leadership, culture, and people shape success across healthcare, education, business, and beyond.

This short introductory conversation sets the scene for what listeners can expect. Nicola and Sharon share the inspiration behind the podcast, the importance of thoughtful leadership and organisational culture, and their vision for building a learning space that supports growth, curiosity, and better ways of working.

Across future episodes, you will hear insights, real experiences, and meaningful conversations with leaders, educators, and innovators who are making a difference. Whether you are leading a team, developing future leaders, or passionate about creating positive workplace cultures, this podcast is designed to support and inspire you.

Subscribe and join us as we explore leadership and culture with honesty, reflection, and a commitment to making work better for everyone.

Leadership and Culture First is available on all major podcast platforms.