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I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Daljit Hothi, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital about leadership in paediatrics, and I’d like to share some reflections from our conversation—insights that I believe are relevant to all of us, regardless of where we are in our leadership journey.
Accidental leadership: a familiar path
Dal began by describing her experience of “accidental leadership”—a concept that struck a chord with me. Many of us find ourselves in leadership roles without ever having planned for them. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t reserved for those with formal titles; it’s something we all engage in, often without realising it.
The key takeaway? At some point, we need to move from accidental to intentional leadership. That shift—choosing to lead with purpose—can make all the difference in how we support our teams and deliver care.
Authenticity and vulnerability: the heart of leadership
A central theme in our discussion was authentic leadership. Dal highlighted the importance of being self-aware, reflective, and grounded in our values. Authenticity means showing up as our true selves, building trust through honesty, and valuing the relationships we form.
But authenticity also requires vulnerability—a willingness to admit when we don’t have all the answers, to apologise when needed, and to let go of the “armour” we often wear in professional settings. It’s not easy, but it’s powerful. Vulnerability fosters connection, resilience, and growth.
Leading in complexity: thinking beyond the linear
Dal also spoke about the challenges of leading in today’s complex, non-linear world. She used a brilliant analogy: while horizontal development is like adding apps to a smartphone, vertical development is like upgrading the operating system itself.
To lead effectively in complexity, we need to evolve how we think. That means embracing new experiences, stepping into unfamiliar roles, and—crucially—making time to reflect. Even a short stint in a college role can offer a fresh perspective and help us grow in unexpected ways.
The power of reflection and space
One of the most valuable leadership tools we have is reflection. Yet, in the rush of back-to-back meetings and clinical responsibilities, it’s often the first thing we sacrifice.
Dal encouraged us to “step onto the balcony”—to pause, look at the bigger picture, and ask ourselves meaningful questions: How did that go? What’s the deeper purpose here? Creating space for this kind of thinking isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for effective leadership.
Wellbeing: leading ourselves first
As we wrapped up our conversation, we touched on wellbeing, a topic that’s more important than ever. Caring for ourselves is not separate from our professional responsibilities; it’s foundational to them. If we don’t prioritise our own health, we can’t sustainably care for others.
Dal mentioned several helpful resources, including the Thrive Paediatrics Resource Hub and the Leadership Hub, which offer tools and support for both personal and professional development.
Final thoughts
Talking with Dal was a rich and inspiring experience. Her reflections challenge us to lead with intention, embrace authenticity and navigate complexity with courage and clarity. Whether you’re new to leadership or have been in it for years, I hope this episode encourages you to pause, reflect, and take your next step forward—deliberately and authentically.
Thanks for listening, and for continuing to lead the way.