I had the pleasure of speaking with Josh about his journey into leadership. Our conversation highlighted several key themes that I believe are valuable for anyone navigating their own leadership path.
Recognising and grabbing opportunities
Josh’s story began with a simple but powerful moment—he took an opportunity that came his way. That decision opened doors and led him into the leadership space. It’s a reminder to all of us: leadership often starts with recognising the right opportunity and having the courage to take it.
These opportunities might be small or significant, but they’re always worth noticing. Whether it’s a new role, a project or a chance to contribute to a team, ask yourself—is this the right step for me?
Learning through practice and reflection
Josh also shared his experience attending a pilot leadership course. What stood out was the balance of theory, practice, reflection and mentorship. While that specific course may no longer run, the model it offered is something we can all learn from.
Leadership development doesn’t have to be formal. There are many resources available to help us build knowledge, apply it in real-world settings and reflect on our growth. Finding mentors and carving out time for reflection can be just as impactful as structured training.
Making a difference beyond the day-to-day
Another powerful theme was the idea of creating change beyond our routine responsibilities. I often encourage residents to ask themselves: What can I improve in this unit? What problem can I help solve?
Even small changes—streamlining a process, improving communication, or enhancing patient care—can have a big impact. These moments teach us valuable skills in problem-solving and leadership, while also benefiting the teams and patients we serve.
Volunteering as a path to leadership
Josh’s involvement in national committees, including RCPCH and FMLM, reflects the value of volunteering. These roles offer fresh perspectives, collaborative problem-solving, and the chance to contribute to meaningful change.
From my own experience, volunteering with the College has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a way to connect with colleagues across the country and work together on issues that matter. I encourage you to explore opportunities to volunteer—whether through RCPCH or other organisations.
Resources to support your journey
Josh and I also discussed several helpful resources for leadership development:
- RCPCH Leadership Hub – A great starting point for paediatric leadership, and on our RCPCH Learning website
- NHS Leadership Academy – Offers free bitesize learning modules.
- FMLM – Provides a wealth of materials, including insightful podcasts.
These tools can help you take the first steps or deepen your existing leadership journey. Start small—try one or two resources and see where they lead.
Final thoughts
It was a pleasure speaking with Josh and exploring his leadership journey. I hope this reflection encourages you to seek out opportunities, embrace learning, and make a difference in your own unique way.
Thanks for joining us, and I look forward to continuing the conversation in future episodes.
Listen to this episode below, or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
The RCPCH Learning page for 'Leading the way' hosts all episodes, along with the transcript and more leadership resources.