On 10 October, we launched our first session in our Leadership Lens series, a dynamic series of thought-provoking discussions designed exclusively for senior leaders who are committed to growth, transformation, and impact.
Reclaiming the Soul of Leadership in Health and Care invited leaders across health and care to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the human essence of leadership – beyond metrics, targets, and systems.
During the session, participants were encouraged to:
The session was designed, not just to inform, but to inspire. Attendees described it as “unusual and thought-provoking”, with one participant noting: “the invitation to sit and reflect quietly was so powerful, and not to converse, but to genuinely reflect was refreshing and welcomed.”
Reflections from our speakers
Sue Holden, shared a deeply personal reflection on the tension between delivering on externally imposed priorities and staying true to what feels important. She spoke of the emotional resonance of a parable shared during the session, highlighting the fierce determination of a mother navigating complex systems to find care for her child.
“That determination and persistence is so needed at present as the NHS has so many layers to navigate. It can be quickly disempowering for those seeking help, which contradicts the rhetoric of choice and agency in care.”
Sue reminded us of the importance of listening – not just to what is said, but to what is felt and left unsaid. Her work in maternity services reinforces that there are no quick fixed, only opportunities to work through complexity with compassion and presence.
Dr Susy Cook reflected on the emotional weight carried by leaders in health and care:
“Many of you spoke about the emotional impact of working in systems where personalised care can feel lost amidst targets and pressures. Words like sadness, disappointment, and frustration came through—but so did hope, values, and a desire to lead with heart.”
She likened leadership to the human body – constantly seeking balance: “perhaps leadership, like the body, needs equilibrium: performance with compassion, data with humanity, process with purpose.”
Mike Chitty offered a powerful reflection on the role of parable in leadership development. He described a growing weariness among NHS leaders with rational instruments of improvement: logic models, theories of change, and frameworks that often narrow attention and exclude the emotional, moral, and spiritual dimensions of leadership.
“The Parable of the Silver Path was born out of a desire to reawaken a deeper mode of understanding – one that speaks in image, rhythm, and metaphor. It invites leaders to encounter their experience not as a problem to be solved, but as a mystery to be lived.”
Mike described how parables open space for moral imagination and attunement, allowing leaders to move from control to accompaniment – walking the silver path with others, uncertain yet faithful to the next right step.
Looking Ahead
This session marks the beginning of a journey. We are committed to continuing this exploration of leadership that is inclusive, responsive, and generative. If you found value in this session, we invite you to stay connected and join us for Session 2, launching soon.
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Leadership Lens: Reclaiming the Soul of Leadership in Health and Care
