From Frontline GP to Global Health Leader: Dr. Reza Jarral on Digital Health and Equity

In this episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I sit down with Dr. Reza Jarral, an NHS-trained GP and digital health leader, currently based in New Zealand. Reza has led multi-million-dollar healthcare initiatives, developed equity-focused telehealth services, and is about to embark on a Harkness Fellowship at the Commonwealth Fund in New York.

We explore:
 ✔️ How Reza transitioned from frontline GP to global health leader
 ✔️ The power of Ikigai in shaping career direction
 ✔️ His work in digital health, telemedicine, and health equity
 ✔️ Lessons in leadership, confidence, and stepping into new spaces

Reza’s journey is a masterclass in ethical innovation and impactful leadership. Tune in now for an inspiring conversation!

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

1. What personal challenges have shaped your leadership journey?
2. How can you ensure that digital innovations in your field promote equity?
3. What barriers (internal or external) have held you back from stepping into leadership roles?
4. What legacy do you want to leave through your work?
5. What’s one bold step you could take today toward your next leadership goal?

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

In this episode, I speak with Professor Diane Ashiru-Oredope, a credentialed consultant pharmacist and a leading voice in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and pharmaceutical public health. Diane shares her fascinating career journey - from frontline clinical pharmacy to national and international leadership roles shaping AMR policy and advancing pharmaceutical public health.

We explore:

 ✅ The evolution of pharmaceutical public health and its growing impact on population health

 ✅ Leadership lessons from tackling AMR at a national and global level

 ✅ The power of research, collaboration, and mentorship in shaping public health careers

 ✅ Overcoming self-doubt and stepping into leadership opportunities

Diane’s insights are invaluable for any health leader looking to navigate complex systems, influence policy, and drive meaningful change.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you reflect on the insights from Diane’s career journey, consider these questions to help guide your own leadership growth:

1. How can you expand your current role to have a greater population health impact?
2. Have you ever hesitated to apply for a leadership opportunity? What held you back?
3. How do you actively seek out mentorship or coaching, and how could you support others in return?
4. Are you fully recognizing the impact of your work, both nationally and globally?
5. What learning opportunities—formal or informal—could help you develop new leadership skills?

Contact Diane

 X - DrDianeAshiru 

BlueSky - dianeashiru.bsky.social

LinkedIn Diane Ashiru PhD

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

Jamie is a pharmacist and director in NHS Wales and an Honorary Professor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, School of Sport and Health Sciences. 

A clinical pharmacist by background, Jamie has a thirty-year career in healthcare leadership, medical education and behavioural change. He served as an elected board member for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for six years, from 2016 to 2022, and was awarded Fellowship in 2021. 

In 2017, Jamie founded JMH Collaborations Ltd, a coaching, leadership and performance consultancy and has coached individuals and teams from start-ups to blue chips. Jamie is one of the executive coaches at Cardiff Business School, coaching and supporting their learners. 

He is also co-host of The Aural Apothecary Podcast, A podcast about medicines, people and stories which is downloaded in over 60 countries across the world and frequently features in the Apple Top Ten for Medical Podcasts. 

Contact jamie  

www.jamiehayes.co.uk  

The Aural Apothecary Podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms as well as www.theauralapothecary.com 

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

1. How do you currently approach lifelong learning in your role?
   Are you intentional about the sources of information and networks that influence your thinking and leadership decisions?
2. How effectively do you listen to your team, patients, or peers?
   What strategies could you adopt to improve deep, active listening and create more opportunities for others to feel heard?
3. How are you balancing the demands of doing your job with improving your job?
   Are you dedicating time and resources to develop both your own performance and the systems around you?
4. What steps are you taking to promote shared decision-making in your organisation?
   How can you better empower patients and staff to co-create solutions that align with their values and needs?
5. How can you apply lessons from other sectors to enhance leadership and innovation in healthcare?
   Are there specific practices, such as future-focused performance planning or team-building strategies, that could benefit your leadership approach?

Reflecting on these questions regularly can help you stay grounded in your purpose while continually evolving as a leader.

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

In this episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I speak with Meherunissa Hamid, a dedicated public health professional from Pakistan currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Meherunissa shares her insights on bridging the gap between policy and real-world health and social care interventions, drawing from her extensive experience in public health leadership, research, and advocacy. We discuss the evolving landscape of global public health, the challenges of implementing effective interventions in diverse communities, and how health leaders can create meaningful change through evidence-based strategies.

Key Takeaways for Health Leaders:

🔹 The importance of policy translation in making real-world impact
🔹 How to navigate the complexities of public health leadership
🔹 The role of global collaboration in tackling health challenges

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of public health leadership and innovation.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to guide your leadership development:

1. How do you currently ensure that your policies or interventions reflect the lived 
experiences of those impacted by them?

2. What opportunities do you have to strengthen trust with the communities or 
teams you work with?

3. How do you balance top-down evidence with bottom-up insights when 
addressing complex challenges?

4. What skills have you developed over the past few years that have made you more adaptable in your leadership?

5. Who has influenced your leadership journey, and how can you provide mentorship to others in your field?

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

Professor Andrew Furber is the Regional Director of Public Health for the North West of England. 

In this episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, Andrew shares his fascinating journey - from working as a GP with no fixed career plan to leading at the highest levels of public health across the UK and internationally.

We explore:
🔹 How to embrace career transitions and unexpected opportunities
🔹 The importance of mentors and peer learning in leadership growth
🔹 Building personal and team resilience to navigate challenges
🔹 The evolving public health workforce and the role of AI

Whether you're an established leader or just starting in public health, Andrew’s insights will inspire you to trust your journey, embrace adaptability, and lead with purpose.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders
As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this podcast, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

1. How has your career path evolved so far?
o Are there opportunities you’ve followed based on passion or intuition that 
have shaped your leadership journey?

2. What are your key priorities for personal resilience?
o How do you currently manage your well-being, and are there boundaries or 
habits you could strengthen to avoid burnout?

3. Who has been a mentor or role model in your career, and how have they
influenced your leadership style?
o Are there opportunities for you to either seek new mentorship or become a 
mentor to others?

4. What steps are you taking to create a supportive and inclusive culture for your
team?
o How do you ensure your team feels a sense of purpose, recognition, 
fulfillment, and belonging?

5. How prepared are you to embrace emerging trends and technologies, such as AI, in your field?
o What skills or knowledge might you need to develop to stay ahead of changes 
in public health and leadership practices?

Use these reflections to guide your growth as a leader and strengthen your impact on both your teams and the communities you serve.

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

Dr Safiya Virji is a GP, an NHS Appraiser for GPs, and a Training Programme Director for NHS England leading the educational provision for GPs in training. 

She is also an Associate Dean of General Practice leading on health equity training, and a senior clinical lecturer for primary care for undergraduate medical students at Queen Marys University of London. 

Safiya has particular interests in strategic leadership and inclusion. 

Tune in to discover Safiya’s insights on:

• Balancing multiple roles with flexibility and organization.
• The power of inclusivity in leadership and building cohesive teams.
• How reciprocal learning in global health enriches both leaders and the communities they serve.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

1. Purpose Alignment
   • How aligned are your current roles with your core values and long-term vision? Are there adjustments or new opportunities you could pursue to deepen this alignment?
2. Balancing Structure with Flexibility
   • In what ways do you organise your multiple responsibilities, and how might you incorporate more flexibility to adapt to unexpected challenges? What changes could improve your balance and reduce stress?
3. Building Inclusivity
   • How do you actively create a sense of belonging and inclusivity within your team or organisation? Are there specific actions you can take to foster a more inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives?
4. Reciprocal Learning
   • In your leadership practice, how open are you to learning from those you lead or serve? What steps can you take to foster reciprocal learning with your team, patients, or community?
5. Future Legacy and Succession
   • What legacy do you hope to leave within your organisation or field? Are you investing in the development of future leaders who can carry forward your vision and values?
6. Evolving Your Leadership
   • As you envision the next five years of your career, what skills or experiences do you feel would help you grow? How can you cultivate relationships with mentors or peers who can support you on this path?

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

Nick Shannon is a business psychologist whose work helps organisations achieve better and more sustainable performance by improving the selection and development of their leaders and leadership teams.

Nick works as a coach, consultant, mentor and facilitator within a diverse range of organisations Nick is a Chartered Coaching Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Nick has a particular interest in the psychology of adult development and the cognitive and emotional transitions that managers must make in order to work successfully at higher levels of complexity and hierarchy.

He is the author of the book “Metathinking: The Art and Practice of Transformational Thinking” co-written with Dr. Bruno Frischherz which provides a guide for adults to develop more powerful thinking skills.

Nick is a member and treasurer of the European Society of Research into Adult Development (ESRAD) and regularly presents papers at their conferences.

Nick's links :

metathinking.org

LinkedIn

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

1. How comfortable am I with ambiguity and uncertainty in my decision-making, and how might embracing a dialectical mindset help me better navigate complex situations?
   Reflect on recent challenges where you had to make decisions without clear answers. How did you handle these moments, and what might you do differently with a more dialectical approach?
2. What assumptions do I bring into my leadership role, and how often do I challenge or question these assumptions?
   Consider whether there are beliefs you hold about your role, team, or patients that may be limiting. How could exploring opposing perspectives broaden your understanding?
3. How well do I incorporate diverse viewpoints within my team, and how might I further encourage open dialogue and collaborative thinking?
   Think about the culture of dialogue in your team. Are there ways to make it more inclusive, allowing for more innovative, nuanced ideas to emerge?
4. When faced with a complex decision, do I tend to seek a straightforward solution, or am I open to seeing multiple layers and possibilities?
   Reflect on whether your decision-making approach leans toward simplicity or complexity. What benefits could come from taking a step back and considering alternative frameworks?

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

Dr Girija Anand, (informally known as Gij) has been a Consultant Clinical Oncologist for almost 15 years. She is now also an Associate Medical director at a North London NHS Trust where her responsibilities include clinical governance for doctors and professional affairs. 

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders
1. Have you ever been encouraged into a leadership role before you felt fully ready? What qualities did others see in you that you may not have recognised in yourself? Recognising potential early is a powerful reminder for healthcare leaders to trust the feedback of others and to look for leadership qualities in their own teams. When we encourage emerging leaders, we build stronger departments and set the stage for resilient healthcare organisations.

2. In your own journey, when have you felt the weight of imposter syndrome, and what steps did you take to overcome it? Remember, seeking out new skills, leaning on mentors, and embracing coaching can be transformative tools for every leader. They provide fresh perspectives and reinforce confidence, helping us feel equipped to lead.

3. Who is in your support network, and how can they help you manage leadership challenges more effectively? Are you able to ask for help when needed? Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a hallmark of strong leadership. It signals humility, confidence, and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for patients and teams.

4. How well do you balance clinical and leadership duties? What changes could you make to protect your personal time and prioritise self-care? Maintaining this balance isn’t easy, but by prioritising well-being and building trusted teams, leaders can sustain themselves for the long term and model resilience for those they lead.

5. What’s your approach to leading through organisational change? How do you ensure that all voices are heard and team morale stays high? Mergers and integration require deep trust and collaboration. By empowering leaders within each department, Gij is fostering a culture of trust that will be essential for the successful integration of services and improved patient outcomes.

6. What leadership styles do you naturally gravitate towards, and how could expanding your range of styles improve your effectiveness? Understanding our strengths and style as leaders can help us harness our unique qualities and lead authentically. As Gij shows, leadership is as much about self-discovery as it is about guiding others. 

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

Mat Daniel, MMEd MA(Coaching) PhD FRCSEd(ORL-HNS) has over 30 years’ experience in healthcare, and works as a Consultant Paediatric Otorhinolaryngologist.

He has / had leadership roles at local, regional and national level, including in medical associations, research, medical education, and guideline development.

Mat uses coaching as a leadership style, he trains others in coaching and leadership, and runs a variety of workshops designed to support doctors' career development. 

You can connect with Mat via his website, LinkedIn and X

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders 

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps: 

1. How authentically am I showing up in my leadership role?
   Reflect on whether you feel free to bring your full self to your work, and consider any aspects of your identity or values that you might be holding back. What changes could you make to lead in a way that aligns more closely with who you are?
2. In what ways could I introduce creativity into my leadership practices?
   Think about opportunities to foster psychological safety and open dialogue within your team. Are there small, creative adjustments you could make to encourage more honest, meaningful conversations?
3. How can I better support inclusivity and allyship within my team?
   Consider your own role in creating an inclusive environment. What specific actions can you take to be a visible ally for diverse team members or to support an open dialogue about diversity in your workplace?
4. What new learning or growth opportunities could reignite my passion for leadership?
   Reflect on areas that genuinely interest you, whether professionally or personally. How could pursuing new knowledge or skills outside of your usual focus enhance your effectiveness and satisfaction as a leader?

 
These questions are designed to deepen your self-awareness and help you make intentional choices that support both your development and the growth of those you lead.

Timestamps

1:03 Mat describes his earlier career and how its influenced his career choices  

6:23  Mat tells us about his undergraduate special study module in leadership and how he teaches coaching as a core leadership skill 

14:29  Mat describes how he uses creativity in his work 

20:34  Mat outlines how he has role modelled being a gay surgeon 

29:58  Mat talks about allyship 

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.

Juliette Alban-Metcalfe is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and CEO of Real World Group, and is an internationally respected expert in the field of leadership and teamworking behavioural assessment.

She has been working with Real World Group for the past 15 years, supporting leadership development with both individuals and groups up to Board level globally.

She has a particular passion for a focus on positive psychology and diversity & inclusion in leadership.

Contact details:
https://realworld-group.com/ 

[email protected] 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-world-group/

Key Takeaways for Health Leaders Considering 360 Feedback

If you’re a health leader or aspire to become one, here are a few points to consider when choosing a 360 feedback tool:

1. Look for Evidence-Based Tools
   Choose a tool that’s based on rigorous research, ideally one that’s been tested in healthcare settings. Evidence-based tools ensure that your feedback is relevant and aligned with the best practices that drive team success.
2. Focus on Behavioural Feedback
   Tools that emphasise behaviours over traits or personality preferences provide actionable insights. This approach enables you to adjust specific actions and interactions to better meet your team’s needs.
3. Embrace Both Positive and Negative Blind Spots
   Be open to discovering your strengths and areas for growth. Recognising both helps you lead with greater authenticity and confidence, benefiting both you and your team.
4. Use Feedback to Foster Psychological Safety
   Psychological safety is essential for high-functioning healthcare teams. Use 360 feedback as an opportunity to cultivate openness and trust, which are foundational to effective team collaboration and patient care.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

As you think about your own leadership journey and the themes explored in this blog, consider the following questions to help you reflect and take actionable steps:

1. What positive strengths might I be underestimating in my own leadership, and how can I bring these strengths forward to benefit my team more intentionally?
   Reflect on recent feedback you’ve received from others or moments where you felt particularly effective in your role.
2. In what ways am I fostering psychological safety within my team, and where could I make adjustments to ensure all team members feel comfortable sharing openly?
   Consider specific actions or behaviours that could

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.

Dr Fiona Day is the world’s only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help you and your teams to flourish. Fiona specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is a coach Supervisor, and an EQA Foundation Award Holder. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.