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The Next GenCastBackstage with... Author: Nish Manek
The NextGen Cast is a podcast from Next Generation GP, a free national leadership programme for GPs at the start of their careers. In this podcast, we go backstage with some of our favourite speakers..and get to know the real people behind the titles. You'll hear candid interviews with some amazing leaders from the NHS and beyond, as they share their stories of leading through challenges, the lessons they've learnt, and their top pieces of advice as you embark on your own leadership journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Business, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 55: Backstage with Dame Caroline Clarke
Monday, 10 August, 2026
It was an absolute pleasure to record this conversation live at NHS Confed Expo 2026 with one of the NHS's most respected leaders.In this special live episode of Next GenCast, I sat down with Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for NHS England in London, to explore the leadership journey that took her from NHS finance trainee to leading health services for almost 10 million Londoners.What followed was one of the most open and honest conversations I've had about leadership, resilience and staying true to your values.We talked about:Her unexpected route into NHS leadership and why she never had a grand career planLeading one of the UK's largest health systems through enormous changeImposter syndrome - and why it never completely disappearsLiving with multiple sclerosis while managing one of the NHS's biggest leadership rolesMindfulness, exercise and protecting your energy in demanding jobsRaising an adopted daughter alongside a national leadership career…and so much more.Whether you're an aspiring leader, an experienced clinician, or simply interested in what leadership really looks like behind the scenes at the highest levels of the NHS, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation.⏱️ What to expect03:30 Early influences and entering the NHS06:30 The finance perspective in healthcare09:30 From finance trainee to CEO13:30 Royal Free, technology and transformation15:30 Imposter syndrome and finding your voice20:30 Listening as a senior leader22:00 What it's really like at the top of the NHS26:00 Health, family and managing stress30:00 Mindfulness, teams and work-life balance33:00 Authenticity, inclusion and leadership36:00 Failure, mistakes and learning38:00 Career highlights and proudest moments39:30 Neighbourhood health and primary care41:30 Quick-fire leadership questions42:00 Advice for the next generation💡 Follow Next Gen GP:Sign up to the monthly newsletter to learn how to join one of our funded GP leadership programmes coming soonLinkedInTwitter/X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
