Navigating Allyship and Leadership: Insights from Professor Partha Kar

In this episode, Mariam & Melany reflect on an insightful interview with Professor Partha Kar, focusing on key themes such as allyship, leadership, and well-being within the healthcare system. They discuss the importance of allyship in driving change, particularly for marginalised groups, and the systemic issues of racism and sexism that persist in the medical field. Mariam & Melany emphasise the significance of fostering a sense of belonging among colleagues and the necessity of taking time for self-care, including the importance of using annual leave to recharge.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The discussion emphasises the significance of allyship in driving change, particularly for marginalised groups. Building relationships and connections with those who have privilege can help challenge injustices and create a more equitable society.

• There is a call for a shift towards compassionate leadership in healthcare, which involves not only good intentions but also actionable behaviours that prioritise the well-being of staff and patients.

• Many individuals in healthcare experience a toxic work environment where they fear reporting harassment or discrimination. This fear can lead to silence and perpetuate injustices.

• Building a sense of belonging among staff is crucial for retention. Initiatives such as social events for new employees and team-building activities can foster connections and improve workplace morale.

• The conversation stresses the importance of taking annual leave and allowing oneself to rest without guilt. Engaging in activities that provide relaxation, even if they seem trivial.

 

BEST MOMENTS

"If you've got power, if you've got privilege, use it as a positive to speak up and to speak out against injustices and biases."

"There are certain injustices that one inevitably experiences as you go about life and work in society."

"The NHS probably won't change until there's kind of new leaders emerging with younger staff coming through."

"Compassionate leadership involves behavior change. And that's not an easy thing to do."

"For a long time, there's been this notion... that NHS work is a vocation and that we can all burn ourselves at the altar to do the work."

 

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

 

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.