Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Leadership and Culture First

What does leadership really look like when everything feels uncertain?

In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, Sharon Black is joined by Professor Paul Gill, Dean and Head of School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham, to explore the reality of leading through change, uncertainty, and pressure.

From managing organisational change and difficult decisions to supporting teams while protecting your own wellbeing, Paul shares honest reflections on the hidden weight of leadership. Together, they discuss the emotional impact of leadership, the importance of psychological safety, compassionate communication, and why great leaders do not always need to have all the answers.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about perfection, but presence, reflection, and creating trust when people need it most.

Topics covered:
• Leading teams through uncertainty and organisational change
• The emotional toll leadership can take behind the scenes
• Why psychological safety matters in workplace culture
• Balancing authenticity with confidence as a leader
• Supporting and developing the next generation of leaders
• Knowing which battles to fight and when to step back

If you are navigating pressure at work, leading change, or supporting others through uncertainty, this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation.

Leadership has never felt more complex.

You’re expected to deliver results, manage people, adapt to constant change and somehow have all the answers… all at the same time. But what happens when you don’t?

In this episode, we’re joined by Eileen Wilson, business coach and former founder, who brings real-world insight from building, scaling and exiting a company. Together, we explore why leadership feels harder than ever and what’s actually going on beneath the surface.

We dive into:

• Why leaders feel overwhelmed and under pressure
• The tension between data, performance and people
• What the future of leadership really looks like
• Why you don’t need to have all the answers
• How to build confident, collaborative teams

This is an honest conversation about the reality of leadership today. The uncertainty, the responsibility and the quiet moments where even experienced leaders question themselves.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, stretched or unsure in your role as a leader, this episode is for you.

What if the problem isn’t you… but the environment you’re in?

In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, Sharon Black and Dr Nichola Ashby are joined by Katie Gooblar and Rebecca “Bex” Herbert from Rebel Hive for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture and finding where you truly fit.

Together, they explore what it really means to lead through complexity, challenge outdated systems and build environments where people can thrive, not just survive.

From navigating senior leadership as women, to understanding the impact of values, purpose and organisational culture, this episode dives into the realities that many leaders experience but rarely talk about openly.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

• Why “not fitting” isn’t failure, it’s awareness
• The role of values in leadership and decision-making
• How to lead through ambiguity, change and AI-driven transformation
• The importance of finding your tribe in challenging environments
• Why younger generations are reshaping leadership for the better
• How culture, not strategy, often determines success

Katie and Bex also share honest reflections on resilience, leadership identity and the courage it takes to step away from environments that no longer serve you.

🎯 Key question to reflect on:
With the benefit of hindsight, what would you have stood your ground on harder?

🔗 Connect with Rebel Hive:
Website: https://rebelhive.co.uk
Email: hello@rebelhive.co.uk
LinkedIn: Search “Rebel Hive”, “Katie Gooblar” or “Rebecca Herbert”

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe and share to support the podcast.

#Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganisationalCulture #WomenInLeadership #RebelHive

In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, host Dr Sharon Black is joined by Michelle Knight, executive coach, inclusive leadership expert and founder of Transforming Her Work.

Michelle shares her journey from a 20 year career in international law to becoming a leadership coach focused on helping organisations build inclusive, high performing cultures. As a former law firm director and EDI board member, she brings firsthand experience of navigating senior leadership in environments where inclusion is not always guaranteed.

The conversation explores the realities behind leadership progression and organisational culture. Michelle explains how many of the systems that shape career advancement are often invisible, yet highly influential. She discusses why performance alone is rarely enough to progress, and how understanding the underlying dynamics of an organisation can unlock opportunities for growth.

A key theme throughout the episode is the shift away from traditional, tick box approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion. Michelle shares why meaningful cultural change requires behavioural change from leaders, and how inclusive leadership can become a measurable driver of performance, retention and organisational success.

Dr Sharon Black and Michelle also discuss the challenges many senior leaders face when navigating conversations around inclusion. From fear of saying the wrong thing to managing complex team dynamics, the discussion highlights the importance of curiosity, humility and emotional intelligence in leadership.

The episode also touches on the changing nature of workplace culture following the pandemic. Michelle reflects on the realities of remote and hybrid working, explaining why leaders must rethink how culture is created and sustained when teams are no longer physically together.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into leadership influence, organisational systems and the role leaders play in shaping cultures where people can thrive.

In this episode, they explore:

• The hidden systems that influence leadership progression
• Moving beyond tick box EDI towards meaningful cultural change
• Why behavioural change is central to inclusive leadership
• The link between culture, retention and organisational performance
• Leading effectively in hybrid and remote working environments
• How emotional intelligence shapes leadership and culture

Michelle also leaves listeners with a powerful reflection on leadership and influence. True leadership is not only about rising yourself, but about using your position to create opportunities for others and helping the next generation of leaders move forward.

In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, hosts Sharon Black and Dr Nichola Ashby are joined by Professor Claire Pryor, the RCN Foundation Chair and Professor of Adult Social Care Nursing at the University of Salford. In a wide ranging and reflective conversation, Claire shares the journey that took her from intensive care nursing to leading research and education that is shaping the future of adult social care nursing across the UK and beyond.

Claire speaks candidly about the curiosity that has driven her career, describing how constantly asking questions in clinical practice led her into research, education and ultimately into a pioneering national role. Despite her achievements, she challenges the traditional idea of what leadership looks like, explaining why she prefers to see herself as part of a “gang” or collective where people lead through their individual strengths rather than hierarchy.

The discussion explores the cultural differences between the NHS and social care, and why social care can offer more freedom for innovation, collaboration and emerging leadership. Claire also highlights the often overlooked expertise of social care nurses, calling for greater recognition of the complex and highly skilled work they do every day across care homes, community services and specialist settings.

Throughout the conversation, the hosts reflect on the importance of self awareness, compassionate leadership and truly listening to colleagues. Claire introduces the powerful idea of “listening with fascination” and shares how small moments of support or dismissal can shape the leaders of the future.

The episode also examines the challenges of integrating health and social care, the need for stronger visibility of social care nursing within education and media, and why giving nurses the freedom to grow into leadership earlier in their careers could transform the profession.

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about curiosity, collaboration and redefining what leadership means in modern healthcare.

In this episode you will hear about:

• Why curiosity and questioning can shape a career in nursing
• Rethinking leadership beyond hierarchy and titles
• The value of collective leadership within teams
• The hidden expertise of social care nurses
• Bridging the cultural divide between health and social care
• Listening with fascination and the power of being heard
• How early opportunities can help nurses grow into leadership roles

A powerful conversation for anyone interested in leadership, culture and the future of nursing across health and social care.

In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, Sharon Black and Nichola Jane Ashby are joined by Professor Gemma Stacey, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Florence Nightingale Foundation and current Associate Dean for Practice at Nottingham Trent University.

Gemma shares her remarkable journey from lived experience of mental health services at a young age to becoming a national and international voice in nursing leadership, workforce development and system change.

Together, we explore:

• How values shape leadership identity
• The power and responsibility leaders hold within complex systems
• Why influence often matters more than title
• The realities of leading under scrutiny
• Mobilising networks to create lasting change
• Recognising blind spots and avoiding burnout

Gemma reflects on building the Florence Nightingale Foundation Academy, supporting thousands of nurses to develop political confidence and leadership voice, and the importance of relational leadership in volatile and uncertain environments.

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about courage, influence, resilience and what it truly means to lead in healthcare today.

If you are a healthcare professional, educator, system leader or someone passionate about values driven leadership, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Subscribe to Leadership and Culture First for weekly conversations that explore the complexities of leadership and culture and offer practical insight for aspiring and experienced leaders alike.

In this episode of the Leadership and Culture First podcast, Sharon and Nichola are joined by transformational leader and social impact strategist Edyta Ozbek, whose work spans Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

Edyta shares her leadership journey from banking and finance into international healthcare recruitment, where she built and scaled teams across nine countries. She reflects openly on the realities of entrepreneurship, the weight of responsibility, leading through political change, and the emotional resilience required when difficult decisions affect people’s livelihoods.

The conversation explores what it truly means to shape culture as a leader. Edyta speaks about creating psychological safety, welcoming constructive disagreement, and building confidence through self awareness tools such as Myers Briggs and CliftonStrengths. She discusses the challenge of balancing passion with structure, especially when leading highly accomplished professionals, and how humility and integrity underpin sustainable leadership.

A central focus of the episode is Nou Zetwals Mauritius, a nonprofit movement founded by Edyta to recognise and celebrate health and social care professionals. Meaning “our stars” in Mauritian Creole, the initiative aims to raise morale, inspire national pride, and shine a light on the unseen dedication of nurses and care workers across the country.

This episode is a powerful reflection on:

• Leading with values across cultures
• Building remote teams while maintaining engagement
• The realities of starting and scaling a business
• Recognition as a tool for cultural change
• Resilience, peer support and emotional intelligence in leadership

Whether you are an established leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or working within health and social care, this conversation offers practical insight and honest reflection on leading with courage, compassion and purpose.

If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and share.

New episodes are released weekly.

This week, Janet Shreeve joins Dr Sharon Black and Dr Nichola Jane Ashby for an inspiring and grounded conversation about leadership, values and building a business in the care sector later in life.

Janet launched her business at 65, proving that experience, wisdom and purpose can be powerful foundations for entrepreneurship. This episode explores resilience, advocacy and why better communication is essential across care services.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Leading with values in the care sector
• Why advocacy empowers families and individuals
• Resilience through challenge and change
• The importance of networking at every stage of life
• Curiosity as a lifelong leadership strength

A few moments that stayed with us:
"It’s all about being true to yourself."
"Be curious and don’t be afraid."
"Every day is a school day."

Leadership is not defined by age. It is defined by courage, impact and authenticity.

In this reflective episode of the Leadership and Culture First podcast, Sharon Black and Nichola Jane Ashby look back on the themes, insights, and moments that have shaped recent conversations with guests.

They explore what leadership really looks like in practice, beyond job titles and frameworks. From courage in everyday conversations to the role of authenticity, trust, and communication, the discussion highlights how leadership shows up in many different forms.

The episode also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, the difference between management and leadership, and why coaching plays such a powerful role in personal and professional development. At its heart, this conversation is about creating cultures where people can grow, contribute, and lead in ways that are true to who they are.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Black and Dr. Nichola Ashby engage with Jules Crowther, an executive coach specializing in neurodiversity. They explore the complexities of leadership, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Jules shares her personal journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity and how it shapes her coaching practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity, understanding, and support for neurodiverse individuals in leadership roles, as well as practical strategies for organizations to foster a more inclusive environment.

Takeaways

• Coaching is about listening and creating a safe space.
• Isolation is a significant challenge for leaders.
• Perfectionism can lead to burnout, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
• Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for effective leadership.
• Psychological safety allows for open discussions about needs and challenges.
• Leaders should embrace their unique strengths and experiences.
• Flexibility in the workplace can enhance productivity for neurodivergent individuals.
• Communication should be clear and non-ambiguous to reduce anxiety.
• Personal experiences shape professional identity and coaching practices.
• Building peer support networks can combat feelings of isolation.

Keywords

leadership, neurodiversity, executive coaching, female leaders, psychological safety, authenticity, perfectionism, inclusion, coaching strategies, personal growth

Sound bites

"Perfectionism is not attainable."

"Authenticity is key in leadership."

"Burnout is not a badge of honor."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Neurodiversity

02:52 The Journey into Executive Coaching

05:57 Challenges in Leadership: Isolation and Perfectionism

08:43 Understanding Neurodiversity in Leadership

11:52 The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Identity

14:37 Creating Inclusive Work Environments

17:49 Practical Strategies for Supporting Neurodiversity

21:21 Pivotal Moments in Leadership

24:44 Navigating Barriers and Biases

27:34 Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders

29:19 The Future of Executive Coaching

32:33 Final Thoughts and Key Messages

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Black and Dr. Nichola Ashby explore leadership lessons derived from classic Christmas films. They discuss themes such as the importance of reflection, joy, inclusion, and values-driven leadership, drawing parallels between the narratives of these films and the challenges faced by leaders. Each film serves as a metaphor for various leadership qualities, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own leadership journeys and the impact they have on their teams.

Takeaways

Christmas movies are packed with values for leaders.

Reflection is crucial for understanding our impact.

Positive risk-taking is essential for leadership.

Joy and laughter can change a culture.

Inclusion is central to effective leadership.

It's okay not to be perfect as a leader.

Emotional courage is key to starting over.

Teamwork is vital for operational excellence.

Your network is one of your greatest resources.

Values-driven leadership builds trust.

Sound bites

"How often do we take time to reflect?"

"Joy and laughter can change a culture."

"Values-driven leadership builds trust."

Keywords

leadership, Christmas films, coaching, self-reflection, inclusion, joy, empathy, problem-solving, teamwork, values-driven leadership

In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Nichola Ashby and Dr. Sharon Black explore the complexities of leadership and culture with Professor Laura Serrant. They discuss the importance of inclusive leadership, the evolution of nursing, and the concept of the Lioness Effect, which emphasizes integrity and impact in leadership. Laura shares her personal journey, the significance of legacy, and the challenges leaders face in today's fast-paced world. The conversation highlights the need for reflection, the role of accidental leaders, and the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all.

Takeaways

• Leadership and culture are foundational for organizational success.
• Inclusion must be practiced, not just valued.
• Laura Serrant's journey is marked by intentionality and openness to opportunity.
• The nursing profession has evolved significantly since the 1980s.
• Leadership is about presence and intention, not just titles.
• Integrity and impact are essential for effective leadership.
• Legacy should be a consideration for aspiring leaders.
• Accidental leaders often emerge from a desire to address social injustices.
• Creating space for reflection is crucial in leadership.
• The Lioness Effect embodies the potential for impactful leadership.

Keywords

leadership, culture, inclusion, Lioness Effect, integrity, impact, legacy, nursing, social justice, healthcare

In this conversation, Dr. Sharon Black and Dr. Nichola Ashby explore the concept of respect, emphasizing that it should not be based on hierarchy but rather on mutual recognition of humanity. Dr. Black argues that respect is a fundamental human quality that should be extended to everyone, regardless of their position or role.

Takeaways:

-Respect isn't about hierarchy.

-It's about being a decent human being.

-Mutual respect is essential in professional relationships.

-Respect should be based on humanity, not roles.

-Hierarchy should not dictate respect.

-Everyone deserves respect regardless of their position.

-Understanding others' perspectives is crucial.

-Respect fosters better communication.

-Building relationships requires mutual recognition.

-Respect is a fundamental human quality.

Episode 1: Welcome to Leadership and Culture First

In this inaugural episode, hosts Dr Nicola Ashby and Dr Sharon Black introduce Leadership and Culture First, a podcast dedicated to exploring how leadership, culture, and people shape success across healthcare, education, business, and beyond.

This short introductory conversation sets the scene for what listeners can expect. Nicola and Sharon share the inspiration behind the podcast, the importance of thoughtful leadership and organisational culture, and their vision for building a learning space that supports growth, curiosity, and better ways of working.

Across future episodes, you will hear insights, real experiences, and meaningful conversations with leaders, educators, and innovators who are making a difference. Whether you are leading a team, developing future leaders, or passionate about creating positive workplace cultures, this podcast is designed to support and inspire you.

Subscribe and join us as we explore leadership and culture with honesty, reflection, and a commitment to making work better for everyone.

Leadership and Culture First is available on all major podcast platforms.