In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, hosts Sharon Black and Dr Nichola Ashby are joined by Professor Claire Pryor, the RCN Foundation Chair and Professor of Adult Social Care Nursing at the University of Salford. In a wide ranging and reflective conversation, Claire shares the journey that took her from intensive care nursing to leading research and education that is shaping the future of adult social care nursing across the UK and beyond.

Claire speaks candidly about the curiosity that has driven her career, describing how constantly asking questions in clinical practice led her into research, education and ultimately into a pioneering national role. Despite her achievements, she challenges the traditional idea of what leadership looks like, explaining why she prefers to see herself as part of a “gang” or collective where people lead through their individual strengths rather than hierarchy.

The discussion explores the cultural differences between the NHS and social care, and why social care can offer more freedom for innovation, collaboration and emerging leadership. Claire also highlights the often overlooked expertise of social care nurses, calling for greater recognition of the complex and highly skilled work they do every day across care homes, community services and specialist settings.

Throughout the conversation, the hosts reflect on the importance of self awareness, compassionate leadership and truly listening to colleagues. Claire introduces the powerful idea of “listening with fascination” and shares how small moments of support or dismissal can shape the leaders of the future.

The episode also examines the challenges of integrating health and social care, the need for stronger visibility of social care nursing within education and media, and why giving nurses the freedom to grow into leadership earlier in their careers could transform the profession.

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about curiosity, collaboration and redefining what leadership means in modern healthcare.

In this episode you will hear about:

• Why curiosity and questioning can shape a career in nursing
• Rethinking leadership beyond hierarchy and titles
• The value of collective leadership within teams
• The hidden expertise of social care nurses
• Bridging the cultural divide between health and social care
• Listening with fascination and the power of being heard
• How early opportunities can help nurses grow into leadership roles

A powerful conversation for anyone interested in leadership, culture and the future of nursing across health and social care.