Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson

By Sharee JohnsonMedicine Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement

Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson episodes

July 06 EPISODE 18: Dr. Anei Ochan-Thou – Visibility, Belonging & Agency: Elevating African Australian Voices in Medicine
EPISODE 18: Dr. Anei Ochan-Thou – Visibility, Belonging & Agency: Elevating African Australian Voices in Medicine
EPISODE DESCRIPTION: How do you build belonging where you’ve rarely seen yourself reflected? In this truly inspiring episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Dr Anei Ochan-Thou—anaesthetist registrar, founder of Sudo-Australian, MD, and advocate for personal agency in healthcare—shares his journey as an African Australian doctor, navigating medicine’s hierarchy, confronting invisibility and micro aggressions, and actively creating pathways for others. Sharee and Dr Ochan-Thou dive into stories of resilience, servant leadership, the power of representation, and how collective inclusion benefits both practitioners and patients. Discover practical wisdom on self-care, mentorship, and why broadening diversity strengthens the profession—and the lives it touches.
SHOW NOTES: “Even though we look different and come from different backgrounds, we just want to belong. To feel like we’re in a space that accepts our individuality and all that comes with us.” — Anei Ochan-Thou 27:11
Key Takeaways:
Representation matters: Feeling both invisible and hyper-visible impacts wellbeing and professional identity.
Agency & servant leadership: Dr Ochan-Thou exemplifies using personal experience to open doors for others, fostering inclusion and opportunity.
Addressing micro aggressions: Meaningful allyship is built on intentional actions—pronouncing names correctly, affirming belonging, and supporting diversity in selection panels.
Mentorship & community: Building supportive networks is transformative—success is collective, not individual.
Challenges of medical training: Loneliness, hidden costs, and frequent transitions reinforce the importance of empathy and robust support systems.
Self-care is multidimensional: Nurture your other identities and relationships outside medicine; creativity, relationships, and presence are vital for sustainability.
Resources Mentioned:
Pseudo Australian MD: Platform championing African Australian medical students and doctors through storytelling, mentorship, and bursaries for the GAMSAT exam.
No BS GAMSAT: Accessible GAMSAT study resources, prioritizing support for disadvantaged students.
Recalibrate: A Mindfulness Guide for Medical Practitioners” by Sharee Johnson: Widely shared with interns for building resilience and holistic wellbeing.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: Model for “servant leadership.”
Medical Training Survey (2025): Is a confidential, national (Australian), profession wide survey seeking to understand the quality of medical training. The MTS invites doctors in training in Australia to share their experience. The MTS highlights ongoing experiences of discrimination and the need for continued progress in the profession. The 2026 survey will open in August until October.
Insights:
“It’s important to leave that door ajar for other people to walk through as well.” 34:40
Small acts, like standing up for a student’s name, powerfully communicate allyship 48:19.
“Success isn’t just attributable to one person. It’s linked to the people around you.” 37:45
Taking care of yourself means honoring all your roles—doctor, partner, friend, community member. 50:53

Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. ________________________________________
Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.
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Connect and Subscribe: Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
55 min
June 29EPISODE 17:A/Prof. Jeremy Grummet — Vulnerability, Empathy, and Changing the Landscape of Prostate Cancer
EPISODE 17: A/Prof. Jeremy Grummet — Vulnerability, Empathy, and Changing the Landscape of Prostate Cancer
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this powerful episode Sharee sits down with A/Prof. Jeremy Grummet, urologist, researcher, and Director of Urology at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Together, they unpack the winding path from junior doctor to department head, the invisible burdens clinicians carry, the nuances of sharing personal struggle, and the revolution underway in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. With honesty and warmth, Jeremy opens up about supporting family through mental illness, seeking help for his own anxiety, and the critical importance of balance, mentorship, humour, and systemic change in medicine.
Essential listening for clinicians, patients, and anyone striving to humanise healthcare.
SHOW NOTES: “Empathy is really the greatest human strength. It’s how you use it that’s important… vulnerability is not weakness. To demonstrate your vulnerability—within context, in a trusted environment with the right people—is strength.” — A/Prof. Jeremy Grummet
Key Takeaways:
Leadership and Longevity: Seniority comes not just with time, but with lived experience shared with others, building trust and shifting the culture of medicine.
Nuance of Vulnerability: Sharing personal struggles can open doors for others and create cultural change, but choosing the right time and safe context is vital.
Seeking Help Is Strength: Clinicians and carers need care. Building a network of support—including outside medicine—can be life-changing.
Empathy Reimagined: Cognitive empathy helps clinicians connect while maintaining their well-being; balancing compassionate action with emotional boundaries helps prevent burnout.
Revolution in Prostate Cancer: Advances such as MRI-based screening and focal therapy are transforming diagnosis and care, aiming to reduce overtreatment and support equity in men’s health.
Humour and Human Connection: Amid life-and-death work, laughter and lightness are essential values for resilience and sustainability.
Further Inspiration:
On Prioritizing Mental Health: Proactive check-ins with psychologists/coaches can build resilience for when (not if) life gets tough.
On Mentorship: Look for positive and “inverse” mentors; learning from less healthy examples can also be formative.
On Systemic Change: New PSA guidelines and national screening efforts seek both to minimize harm and reduce inequity in prostate cancer care.
Resources Mentioned:
Small Giants Academy: Personal exploration and leadership development program
BJUI Compass: Latest research on focal therapy for prostate cancer by A/Pro. Jeremy Grummet and colleagues
Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals.
This podcast represents the views of the hosts and guests and does not necessarily reflect those of any entity we work with or for.
Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who value honest, human stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for more wise guides and change-makers on Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson.
1 hr 13 min
June 22EPISODE 16: Dr. Sabine Fonderson – Self-Leadership, Burnout, and the Art of Human-Centred Medicine
EPISODE 16: Dr. Sabine Fonderson – Self-Leadership, Burnout, and the Craft of Human-Centred Medicine
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What if true recalibration means daring to say, “Non-negotiable. I’m out” so you can embrace all the facets of your life?
In this episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee is joined by Dr. Sabine Fonderson—GP, healthcare entrepreneur, global citizen, and innovator—for a candid conversation about navigating burnout, building boundaries, creative entrepreneurship, raising a daughter, and bridging healthcare systems across continents.
Sabine shares insights on honouring your energy and desires, experimenting with AI and technology in general practice, and finding leadership not just in systems—but within yourself. A powerful exploration of what it takes to sustain, adapt, and bring your whole self to medicine and life.
SHOW NOTES:
“Your body is telling you every day what’s wrong and what’s right. As doctors, please remember that you are humans first.” — Dr. Sabine Fonderson
Key Takeaways:
Self-leadership starts with listening to your body and acting on early signals of burnout or overwhelm.
Boundaries are essential: declare what is non-negotiable in your work, parenting, and personal wellness.
Recalibration is continuous—sometimes it’s returning to exercise, other times it’s pausing to reset your entire approach to work.
Vulnerability and openness about struggles invite realignment, support, and innovation.
Different systems have unique pressures. Adaptation is a skill.
Embracing technology and AI can create efficiency and bring joy back into clinical care, but must be balanced with responsibility and human connection.
Diverse interests and entrepreneurial pursuits in medicine are not only possible, but vital for sustainable fulfilment.
Resources & Highlights Mentioned:
TED Talk by Dr. Sabine Fonderson
Dr. Fonderson explores the “art of medicine” as a craft grounded in attentive listening and patient empowerment.
Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Inspired Sabine’s small, consistent habit changes during a period of major upheaval.
Expat Health Clinic
Sabine’s practice focuses on supporting expatriate patients to navigate the Dutch healthcare system, making it more accessible, personalized care and innovative digital tools.
Experimentation with AI-powered documentation and workflow tools
Learn how technology is helping reduce overload and improve patient care, with real examples from Sabine’s practice.
Music Credit:
Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.
Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
1 hr 14 min
June 15EPISODE 15: Sharee Johnson – Why Doctor Wellbeing Changes Everything
EPISODE 14: Sharee Johnson – Why Doctor Wellbeing Changes Everything
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What if the path to sustainable healthcare starts with supporting the people at its core?
In this solo episode, Sharee Johnson—psychologist, coach, and creator of the Recalibrate program—unpacks over a decade of experience working intimately with doctors across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
From the unique pressures faced by medical professionals to the transformative power of coaching, Sharee explores how investing in doctor wellbeing leads to better care for patients, healthier teams, and a system where everyone can thrive.
A thoughtful reflection about courage, culture shifts, and the role of empathy, skills development, and genuine connection in medicine and beyond.
SHOW NOTES:
“If you know that investing in your own wellbeing is going to give you a longer career, happier career, more satisfying career… then why wouldn’t you make that investment?” — Sharee Johnson
Key Takeaways:
Doctors face immense pressures—career-long time constraints, perfectionism, and high expectations both at work and home.
Medicine’s culture often discourages vulnerability, making it hard for doctors to seek help or admit struggles.
Coaching provides a forward-focused, skill-building space for doctors, distinct from counselling or therapy, to develop clarity, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
Change is happening: younger doctors are more willing to seek support, and cultural attitudes about help-seeking and reflective practice are shifting for the better.
Investing in doctor wellbeing produces a 'virtuous circle'—enhanced satisfaction leads to improved patient care, which in turn feeds professional joy and system sustainability.
Skills like empathy and trust don’t happen automatically—they require safe, or as doctors suggest, “brave” spaces for learning and practice.
Reflective practice and ongoing community support are key to long-term growth and fulfilment in healthcare roles.
Resources Mentioned:
Recalibrate Program for Doctors: An immersive developmental experience designed to support medical professionals in recalibrating their mindset, skills, and approach to work and life.
Coaching for Doctors: hub for Sharee's individual and group coaching, retreats, events and resources for doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Related Topics:
Emotional intelligence in healthcare
The impact of medical culture on wellbeing, and wellbeing on medical culture
Building skills for difficult conversations
Reflective practice as a core competency

Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.
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Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.
__
Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
22 min
June 08EPISODE 14: Dr. Vijay Roach – Kindness, Capacity, and the Courage to Change
EPISODE 14: Dr. Vijay Roach – Kindness, Capacity, and the Courage to Change EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What happens when a life dedicated to medicine, leadership, and family demands constant recalibration?

In this episode Sharee sits down with Dr. Vijay Roach – obstetrician, gynaecologist, college president, and perinatal mental health advocate – for an honest conversation about compassion, humility, and the lifelong art of adapting to change.

From confronting personal and professional imperfections to building cultures of kindness in medicine and home, this episode explores the necessity of accepting our humanity—and the courage to reset, again and again.
SHOW NOTES:
“What I learned was that I was so consumed and busy and beyond capacity with all of the work stuff, that I hadn’t paid attention to this, which was my family and my friends and the people who I love…” — Dr. Vijay Roach Key Takeaways:
Everyone recalibrates. Whether you’re a young doctor saying “yes” to opportunity or a leader reshaping legacy, change is not only inevitable but essential.
Kindness matters—systemically and personally. The culture of medicine thrives when we become more human and less transactional, showing care to colleagues and ourselves.
Perinatal mental health is for everyone. Dr. Vijay Roach shares the personal journey behind his advocacy with the Gidget Foundation and why open conversations save lives.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness. When senior doctors share their struggles, it normalizes challenges like imposter syndrome and fosters psychological safety for all.
Capacity is a real limit. Balancing career, family, and self-care demands honest reflection about what to say yes—and no—to at different life stages.
Service and leadership evolve. Servant leadership, humility, empathy, and the willingness to step aside when it’s time, empower both individuals and institutions.
It’s okay to change your story. Permission to question, recalibrate, rest, and pursue new interests is vital at every stage, even (or especially) for leaders who set the tone.
Resources Mentioned:
Gidget Foundation: Championing awareness, support, and systemic change in perinatal mental health.
RANZCOG: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – leadership, advocacy, and support for women’s healthcare.
On “Hi, my name is…” Campaign: Founded by Dr Kate Granger in Normalizing human introductions in healthcare, inspired by a movement for greater connection and compassion.
Servant Leadership – Robert Greenleaf: A formative concept in Dr. Roach’s leadership journey.
Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. __
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.
__
Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
1 hr 32 min
June 01EPISODE 13: Dr. Eric Levi – Purpose, Humanity, and Recalibrating Your Role in Medicine
EPISODE 2: Dr. Eric Levi – Purpose, Humanity, and Recalibrating Your Role in Medicine
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What sustains you when the demands of medicine seem relentless—and how do you keep realigning with meaning through seasons of change?
In this inspiring conversation, Sharee Johnson welcomes Dr. Eric Levi—academic otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, educator, leader, and advocate for wellbeing in medicine. Together, they explore recalibrating identity, working with uncertainty, the hidden costs and rewards of a life in surgery, and why finding joy in medicine is often a side effect of purposeful work and community.
If you've ever wondered how senior clinicians reckon with regrets, tough transitions, work-life tensions, and the ongoing human journey behind the mask of expertise—this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your “why.”
SHOW NOTES: “Joy is the secondary side effect of purpose…What I’m looking for is not—I don’t necessarily come to work wanting to be happy. I want to be useful. And when I feel that I’m being useful, that’s when I get the joy.” — Dr. Eric Levi 32:26 Key Takeaways:
Purpose anchors resilience: Recalibrating involves clarifying your sense of purpose, especially through transitions, setbacks, or routine pressures (32:26).
Identity evolves: Expect—and welcome—detours in training, specialty, or personal life. Let your ‘why’ guide recalibration, not just external demands (06:33, 16:32).
Wellbeing is relational: Seek out mentorship, build community, and remember you’re not alone in the challenges or emotional toll of clinical life (09:01, 41:45).
The art of leadership is everyday kindness: Small moments of connection (like offering coffee or asking a colleague about their day) foster trust, psychological safety, and teamwork in high-pressure settings (33:15).
Work-life regrets are real: Even seasoned consultants contend with sacrifices and shifting priorities. Honest conversations about regret open space for authenticity and healing (27:03).
Educational and systemic curiosity matter: Pursuing broad learning—including administration, public health, and understanding systems—can empower clinicians to bridge gaps and foster change (10:35).
Meaning and “soul” still matter in medicine: Joy, sustainability, and impact are grounded in community, narrative, and connection with something greater than the daily grind (50:42, 53:07).
Resources Mentioned:
Operating with Respect – The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ program to address workplace culture and hierarchy (62:42)
Book Recommendation: Barack Obama’s memoir (referred to for leadership and the myth of control 24:53)
Social Media for Clinicians: Dr. Eric Levi reflects on responsible, purpose-driven physician education online, including practical tips for professional boundaries (43:01)
Wellbeing Advocacy and Talks: Dr. Eric Levi speaks and writes on the wellbeing of surgeons and clinicians; follow him for practical insights on the human side of medical work.
Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.
Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
1 hr 14 min
May 25EPISODE 12: Dr. Kieran Allen – Beyond the Binary: Mental Health, Vulnerability, and Systems Change
EPISODE 12 Dr. Kieran Allen – Beyond the Binary: Mental Health, Vulnerability, and Systems Change EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What if the real strength in medicine lies in our openness—not just to healing others, but to revealing our own struggles?
Dr. Kieran Allen—doctor, psychiatry trainee, advocate, and storyteller who shares his lived experience of navigating mental illness while working as a clinician, in this thoughtful conversation. Together, Kieran and Sharee challenge the myth that doctors must be invulnerable and unpack how embracing vulnerability, disrupting stigma, and reimagining professional identity can transform systems of care for clinicians and patients alike.
This episode is a compelling look at the complexity of recovery, support networks, and reframing the "hero's journey" in healthcare. Dr. Kieran Allen’s honesty will inspire reflection on what it means to be seen, valued, healing and human.
SHOW NOTES: “These binaries are harmful, I think, and to get away from those is critical.” — Dr. Kieran Allen Key Takeaways:
The myth of the doctor-patient binary: Mental illness affects everyone, including doctors.
Recovery is not linear; healing journeys are unique, complex, and deserve systemic support—not just individual resilience.
Deep trust and ongoing support networks (personal and professional) are critical to wellbeing and recalibration.
Vulnerability is not weakness; sharing our stories can rehumanize medicine and create cultures where suffering is acknowledged, not hidden.
Stigma is often unconscious—acknowledging and addressing it is a responsibility for all healthcare providers.
Supervision, mentoring, and reflective practice are vital at every training and career stage, not just in crisis.
True compassion—in medicine and leadership—requires presence, empathy, and the courage to advocate for systemic change.
Individual and system recalibration go hand-in-hand; both are needed to prevent burnout and moral injury.
Resources Mentioned:
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Therapy model referenced by Dr. Kieran Allen for understanding identity, self-compassion, and recalibration. See No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz.
Stories & Advocacy:
Geoff Toogood and Crazy Socks for Docs—on clinician suicide awareness and lived experience.
Steve Robson—AMA past president’s writings on suicidality.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Dr. Ben Bravery—author of The Patient Doctor, sharing insights from dual lived experience as cancer survivor and doctor.
Recalibrate Doctor Care Program: Ongoing support for wellbeing and recalibration in medical practice.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development: Longitudinal study highlighting the crucial role of close, trusting relationships in wellbeing.
Book Recommendation: No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.
Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
1 hr 18 min
May 18EPISODE 11: Victoria Lister - Speaking Up, Silencing, and Navigating the Medical Profession
EPISODE 12: Victoria Lister – Speaking Up, Silencing, and Navigating the Medical Profession
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What happens when the structure meant to protect and elevate you ends up holding you back?
In this episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee Johnson is joined by Victoria Lister—researcher, workplace coach, academic, and entrepreneur—to discuss the culture of silence among junior doctors, the hidden “rules” of elite professions, and the toll these unspoken expectations take on wellbeing and voice.
A candid, insightful exploration of hierarchy, adaptability, recalibration, and why creating spaces for truth-telling matters for both carers and the cared-for in healthcare.
SHOW NOTES:
“Speak up, don’t speak up, because the clear message is you’re not to speak up about your own working conditions.” — Victoria Lister
Key Takeaways:
The path to becoming a doctor is often tightly prescribed and hierarchical, but successful, fulfilling careers can follow nonlinear, adaptive routes.
Silence about working conditions is even more pervasive and entrenched than silence about patient safety for junior doctors.
Powerful occupational forces—hierarchy, competition, implicit rules—shape who feels safe to speak and when.
Senior doctors and leaders hold the key to shifting culture and creating “pockets of enlightened leadership” where voice is possible.
Cost–benefit calculations, fear of repercussions, and the myth of self-sacrifice drive much of the ongoing silence.
Awareness, psychological safety, and career adaptability are tools for recalibrating both workplace and personal wellbeing.
Medicine, like many professions, is shaped over centuries—meaning change is slow, but possible, with collective attention and courage.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Research on employee voice and silence in healthcare (to be published by Victoria Lister)
Modern Hippocratic Oath and practitioner wellbeing: Modern “Hippocratic oath” and physician wellbeing. The World Medical Association Declaration of Geneva 2017 specifically includes a commitment from the doctor to actively take care of their own well being, in recognition of it having a direct impact on patient care. The statement is part of a longer statement that can be found at the link below. “...I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;..." https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-declaration-of-geneva/
Recommended reading: Generational perspectives on medicine and working conditions
Hummingbird Pie – Victoria Lister’s side hustle in activewear: Hummingbird Pie
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272191403_Contested_professional_role_boundaries_in_health_care_A_systematic_review_of_the_literature
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323433366_Failing_to_retain_a_new_generation_of_doctors_Qualitative_insights_from_a_high-income_country
Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. __
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for. __
Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
1 hr 11 min
May 11EPISODE 10: Rebecca Clarke – From Emergency Nursing to Systems Change Agent: Recalibrating Through Challenge, Data, and Community
EPISODE 9: Rebecca Clarke – From Emergency Nursing to Systems Change Agent: Recalibrating Through Challenge, Data, and Community
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What does it take to recalibrate—again and again—through crisis, loss, and shifting career landscapes in healthcare?
In this compelling episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee Johnson is joined by Rebecca Clarke: emergency nurse, public health leader, and now Head of Transformation and Community at Beamtree and Health Roundtable. Rebecca Clarke shares her journey from busy emergency departments and remote Aboriginal communities, to navigating profound personal loss, driving change that focuses on staff wellbeing, and leveraging “big data” for system-wide improvement.
A powerful conversation about courage, vulnerability, the importance of community, and finding agency and hope—even when life throws its toughest curveballs.
SHOW NOTES: "There is beauty in all things, whether it presents a challenge or it's a little bit bad." — Rebecca Clarke
Key Takeaways:
Recalibration is ongoing—your career and self will shift over time; listening to your body and values matters.
Personal loss and adversity can catalyze deep questioning and meaningful systems change.
Finding trusted allies and building supportive communities amplifies your impact and resilience.
Data, when paired with story, becomes a powerful tool for driving positive change in healthcare.
Leadership, vulnerability, and honesty are essential—both in clinical care and management.
Role models, mindfulness, and connection to land/grounding practices nurture wellbeing.
Resources Mentioned:
Health Roundtable: A trans-Tasman nonprofit focused on healthcare data analytics and innovative service improvement.
Schwartz Rounds: Facilitated forums for multidisciplinary staff to reflect on the emotional aspects of healthcare work.
Book: Why Warriors Lie Down and Die by Richard Trudgen – reflections on colonization and connection in Aboriginal communities.
Wellbeing Index: A tool for measuring staff wellbeing across healthcare organizations.
Vipassana Meditation: An intensive self-awareness practice influential in Rebecca Clarke’s personal and professional life.
Adventure Racing: Rebecca Clarke shares how this extreme sport fostered resilience and leveraged her clinical skills outside traditional settings.
Our theme music is “Caribbean” by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any entity they work with or for. Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation?
Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends seeking inspiration for recalibrating and growing in healthcare. Stay tuned for more transformative stories and insights on Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson!
1 hr 16 min
May 04EPISODE 9: Duncan Brown – Grief, Systems, and the Power of Recalibration
EPISODE 9: Duncan Brown – Grief, Systems, and the Power of Recalibration
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

What happens when personal tragedy and systemic failures intersect—and inspire a deeper search for meaning and change?
In this moving and thought-provoking episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee is joined by Duncan Brown: researcher, organizational culture expert, and bereaved parent. Duncan shares his extraordinary journey through migration, shifting careers, devastating loss, and his quest to improve patient safety and care environments in healthcare.
Together, they discuss the profound impact of cultural and systemic conditions on wellbeing—both for patients and healthcare workers. Duncan explores the balance between satisfaction and frustration at work, why kindness and resilience alone are not enough, and how real change requires attention to both individual and systemic needs. This conversation is a powerful call for compassion, systemic listening, and recalibrating what really matters in healthcare and beyond.
SHOW NOTES:
“I'm a fundamentally different person to what I was before Kuan. And I think I’m a better person because I can connect with people at a much deeper level. There is no human emotion that frightens me anymore.” — Duncan Brown Key Takeaways:
Humans can hold both deep satisfaction and profound frustration at work—these emotions can coexist and drive different behaviours.
Systemic change in healthcare needs more than individual resilience; it requires collective and environmental shifts.
Grief can be transformed into advocacy, purpose, and legacy—real change honors lived experience.
Support systems—at work and at home—are essential to navigating life’s biggest recalibrations.
Psychological safety, trust, and “prosocial” frameworks help teams confront and adapt to complex challenges.
Raising sepsis awareness and patient advocacy are urgent for improving safety and outcomes.
Resources Mentioned:
ProSocial World and the work of Paul Atkins—on conscious cultural evolution and group collaboration.
Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan)—on autonomy, competence, and relatedness in human motivation.
Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed—on learning from failure in healthcare versus aviation.
Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety and “intelligent failure.”
Global Sepsis Alliance and Sepsis Australia—for support and information on sepsis advocacy.
Further Reflection:
How can you recalibrate when facing both personal and systemic adversity?
What psychological needs of your team are being met—and which are being frustrated?
How can compassion, learning, and collective action lead to safer, more humane healthcare?
Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.

Connect and Subscribe:
Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!
1 hr 22 min

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