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.
Dr Yincent Tse is a paediatric nephrologist in Newcastle. He served as our Area Officer for North England, later co-chaired our joint Medicines Committee and lead on our Grand Rounds webinar series. In May 2025, Yincent started his post as Vice President for Education and Workforce at the College.
Take opportunities
Throughout his career, Yincent adopted a simple philosophy: say yes to opportunities that come your way. Looking back, he reflected that he had rarely regretted doing so. This mindset encouraged growth and enabled experiences that may otherwise have been missed. For leaders and aspiring leaders alike, it is a powerful reminder that personal and professional development often begins with a willingness to step into the unknown.
Know when to move on
However, I noted that this approach is balanced by an equally important lesson: knowing when to let go. Leadership is not about holding onto responsibilities indefinitely. Yincent agreed, emphasising the value of passing things on and creating opportunities for others to contribute and grow.
Effective leaders recognise that their role is not only to achieve results themselves but also to develop those around them. By sharing responsibility and enabling others to take ownership, organisations become stronger, more resilient and better equipped for future success.
Whether you're head of department, whether you're clinical director, whether you're head of governance...you go "what can I achieve in the next three to five years?" And go when you need to leave on a high and hand it over in a better shape and hopefully have grown your role and importantly to grow the people that you're working with.
Stay positive and solution-oriented
I was struck by Yincent’s consistently positive and solution-focused approach, which appears to stem from Yincent’s background in quality improvement (QI). Rather than dwelling on challenges, Yincent focuses on identifying practical solutions that improve outcomes for patients and colleagues.
This mentality was particularly evident in our discussion of KidzMed, which began with the simple intention of solving a problem for children and families. Through collaboration, innovation and persistence, an idea born from a practical need grew into something with significant impact.
Adopt a ‘QI mindset’
Our conversation reinforced the value of quality improvement as more than just a methodology. For Yincent, QI provides a framework for thinking, leading and approaching challenges. It encourages curiosity, continuous learning and a commitment to making things better. I noted that these principles are relevant far beyond formal improvement projects. Leaders at every level can benefit from adopting a QI mindset by asking questions, testing ideas, learning from experience and maintaining a focus on outcomes that matter.
Use your challenges as fuel
Perhaps the most personal reflection from the discussion related to Yincent’s early experience of living with a stammer. Rather than allowing this challenge to define or limit him, he used it as motivation to make his voice count. This experience contributed to Yincent’s determination to create positive environments for both colleagues and patients. It serves as a powerful reminder that our challenges can become sources of strength, helping us develop resilience, empathy and a deeper sense of purpose in how we lead.
Stay committed to improvement
From embracing opportunities and empowering others, to applying quality improvement principles and drawing strength from personal experiences, Yincent’s reflections provide practical lessons for anyone seeking to lead through improvement.
Ultimately, the discussion demonstrates that meaningful leadership is not simply about solving problems; it is about:
- creating the conditions for positive change
- supporting others to succeed
- continually striving to make things better.
The key message from this episode is clear: by approaching challenges with curiosity, positivity and a commitment to improvement, leaders can create lasting impact for their teams, organisations and the people they serve.