Episode 09: The Power of Thinking Spaces in NHS Leadership with Dr. Matt Walsh cover art

Episode 09: The Power of Thinking Spaces in NHS Leadership with Dr. Matt Walsh

Episode 09: The Power of Thinking Spaces in NHS Leadership with Dr. Matt Walsh

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What does it actually take to lead well in the NHS? Not just to manage, but to truly lead, with humanity intact and purpose still burning, even when the pressure feels relentless? In this episode of London in Mind, host Dr. Estelle Moore sits down with Dr. Matt Walsh, whose remarkable career has taken him from GP to Chief Executive, for a conversation that is as honest as it is inspiring.Dr. Walsh is a leader who has thought deeply about what it means to attend to people and why the quality of our listening and the spaces we create for genuine thinking might matter just as much as any strategy or structure. He speaks with refreshing candour about his own journey, the moments that shaped him, and why vulnerability, far from being a weakness in leadership, is often where the most important work begins.This is a conversation full of practical wisdom too. Dr. Walsh and Dr. Moore explore what it looks like to build a coaching culture, to model the behaviours you want to see, to hold the balance between performance and compassion without losing either, and to find and protect genuine joy at work, even on the hardest days. Because joy, as this episode quietly insists, isn't a luxury or an afterthought. It's a sign that something is working.Whether you're leading a large organisation, a small team, or simply trying to bring a little more purpose and kindness to the work you do every day, this episode will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and ready to lead a little more like yourself. Key Resources and Further Reading:Institute for Healthcare Framework for Improving Joy in Work A practical white paper that outlines four steps leaders can take to improve joy in work and workforce wellbeing, alongside a framework of nine critical components for building a genuinely engaged workforce. About Dr. Matt Walsh:Dr. Matt Walsh is a GP, reflective practitioner, and executive coach whose career spans 25 years in general practice and GP training, senior NHS leadership roles across West Yorkshire, and seven years as Chief Executive of NHS Calderdale CCG. He now works as a coach and mentor as an associate with Oasis Human Relations, and supports aspiring clinical and managerial leaders through the Inspiring Leaders Network. His approach is a whole person approach, rooted in deep listening, and he is known for creating safe, supported, and gently challenging environments where real reflection becomes possible. He is also co-chair of the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance, bringing together the worlds of health and the arts to explore their shared potential. At the heart of everything he does is a simple but powerful belief: that most of the time, we already have the answers within us. We just need the time, space and support to find them.About the Psychological Professions NetworkThe Psychological Professions Network (PPN) is a multi-professional membership network commissioned by NHS England that brings together professionals, living experience advisors and partners from across provider trusts, integrated care systems, higher education and local communities, to champion workforce development and innovation to maximise the impact of psychologically informed approaches on public health and healthcare delivery. PPN London is focused on strategic initiatives and leadership to enhance mental and physical health outcomes and workforce resilience throughout the capital.About the HostDr Estelle Moore is a clinical and forensic psychologist with over 30 years’ experience in NHS forensic services. She currently serves as Director for Psychological Professions (Chief Psychological Professions Officer) at West London NHS Trust, Head of Psychological Services at Broadmoor Hospital, and Chair of PPN London. Her clinical and research interests include trauma-informed care, treatment of complex post-traumatic stress, restorative justice in forensic settings, and building workforce resilience across health and social care.Find out more: https://ppn.nhs.uk/ Produced by Winter Audio
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