Leaving Your Comfort Zone and Self-Belief

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by Emm Thomas, Student Occupational Therapist

Not thinking of myself as a leader, and wanting to explore this skill more, I decided to apply to join the Student Leadership Academy’s (SLA) Leadership Programme 2024. Finding out that I had been accepted filled me with both excitement and apprehension. I instantly didn’t think I was up to the task. Little did I realise it, but my leadership journey had already begun, and I would inevitably feel comfortable calling myself a leader.

I attended a two-day conference where I met and networked with amazing peers and heard thought-provoking talks on Compassionate Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Compassion. Past SLA alumni, potential coaches and invited delegates all provided talks about their leadership journeys. A wealth of important information was presented that I could already apply to my future practice. It was a stimulating start to the programme.

I had the opportunity to complete three coaching sessions to explore my leadership journey. This left a lasting impression on me and was a defining moment. Little did I know what a powerful impact it would have on me. As part of the SLA Programme, I was partnered with Christine Fairfax, a Lead occupational therapist for adult mental health, and a professional from my new field of work. To undertake my degree in Occupational Therapy, I ended a nearly 20-year career in the NHS, and having worked in mental health, my passion and interest remained in this field. Therefore, I was keen to learn more about Christine’s experience as a mental health occupational therapist.

Our initial discussion centred aroundwhat I’d learned from the SLA programme, how I may have demonstrated leadership through my various roles and how my leadership skills would continue developing as my career progressed and through networking with other professionals. Christine shared her leadership experiences with me, and we also spoke about using intuition and a strengths-based approach linked to my lived experience as a neurodivergent individual.I formed a great relationship with Christine, where we discussed examples of good/bad leadership that we had both observed in practice, and we focused on well-being, and how I manage my own to remain resilient and ready for what the workplace may throw at me!

As coaching progressed, I found it facilitated a more spiritual journey of self-discovery and self-development. I gained confidence, found increased calm and stillness, and greater self-awareness that would help me as a compassionate leader. Through coaching, I learned that I already possessed leadership qualities and performed them daily in my work and personal life, without realising it!

A key element of these discussions was exploring strategies I could utilise to ensure moments of mindfulness and self-care that would allow me time to process and assimilate information. My brain is often chock-full of great information that I need to download! Therefore, I collated a ‘toolkit’ of self-care tasks facilitating processing (download) time. I now use this ever-growing ‘toolkit’ to help me maintain work/life balance and remain productive. From a different perspective, I had essentially experienced the power of occupational therapy in real time and observed an effective, compassionate leader at work.

This new awareness will allow me to build compassionate therapeutic relationships with people I support in the future, where I can build on the principles of compassionate leadership through empathy, compassion, understanding, and emotional intelligence.

Overall, I found the coaching I received to be a powerful, positive and profound experience. Christine’s skills and knowledge brought out so much potential in me. She is a fantastic person and a remarkable occupational therapist. Christine empowered me to believe in myself, and I will forever hold her in high esteem. Spending time with Christine within a mental health setting helped me generate confidence for my future psychosocial practice placement, since I’d worried about whether I would still enjoy the setting through the lens of an occupational therapy student. (I just wanted to note that I loved every minute of the placement and have finally found my niche.)

Our discussions led me to explore compassionate leadership more deeply since the ability to manage and promote my well-being and that of others is a key principle of compassionate care and leadership. This aspect is also fundamental to Sections 3 and 4 of the professional standards of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (2021).

I later attended the ‘5th Annual Collaboration for Compassion in Healthcare Education (C4CHEd) Conference’. Dr Sarah Tobin introduced attendees to Schwartz Care Rounds, where information and experiences can be shared in a safe space. She highlighted howour experiences can be essential to learning from each other. I was proud to see a fellow SLA peer on the Schwartz Rounds panel discussing a challenging experience and answering questions confidently. Although I was attending online, I used the group chat to send a message of support, which was read out.

Professor Michael West provided an insightful talk on ‘Compassionate Healthcare’, which he linked to compassionate leadership principles and the Gwella HEIW Leadership Portal, where Wales leads the way with its national vision of leadership. His talk struck a note in my mind since I will soon be an emerging practitioner in workplaces where compassionate leadership is a key attribute.

Participating in the Student Leadership Programme 2024 taught me much about myself. Most importantly, this journey helped me recognise my achievements, enabling me to believe in my abilities and gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone. I now feel a new sense of confidence, and I am empowered to continue using my intuition and strengths and keep developing my professional identity to forge my way forward as an emerging occupational therapist and compassionate leader.

I will continue my journey with a favourite quote of all time in mind and a philosophy I intend to live by:

References

Bowie, D. [IDEA GENERATION]. (n.d.). David Bowie on Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone and Trying New Things Creatively [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed70yZf5Usk

Health Education and Improvement Wales. (n.d.). Leadership at all levels. https://nhswalesleadershipportal.heiw.wales/

Royal College of Occupational Therapists. (2021). Professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics.

West, M. A. (2021). Compassionate leadership: sustaining wisdom, humanity and presence in health and social care. The Swirling Leaf Press.

From Hesitation to Confidence by Emily Lloyd

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Starting My Leadership Journey
If you had asked me ten years ago whether I saw myself as a leader, my answer would have been a firm no. I began my first career journey as a shy, reserved individual with low self-confidence. But as I left school, I made a promise to myself: I would actively seek out uncomfortable, nerve-racking situations in order to grow. I wanted to gain practical experience and gradually build a more confident version of myself, one who isn’t afraid to aim high and work hard to succeed.

That journey is still ongoing, and taking part in the Student Leadership Academy (SLA) was yet another important stepping stone.


Why I Applied
I applied to the SLA to build confidence in my leadership abilities and in myself. Despite previous experience in leadership roles, I often questioned whether I truly belonged in those positions, especially in a professional healthcare context. The SLA offered a structured, supportive environment where I could challenge these doubts, gain feedback, and grow alongside like-minded peers.

Developing into an effective, compassionate leader has always been a key goal—before university, during my time as a student, and now as a soon to be qualified occupational therapist. Throughout university, I’ve sought opportunities to build foundational leadership skills: I am a course representative, a student ambassador, and now a member of the 2023/24 SLA cohort. All of these roles align with Level 5.8 of the Leadership Pillar in the RCOT Career Development Framework (RCOT, 2022a). They involved advocating for peers, liaising with staff, and leading with purpose—all while honing key skills in communication, peer engagement, and reflective practice.

This proactive approach also mirrors the Welsh Government’s A Healthier Wales: Our Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care (2020), particularly strategy theme 6, which emphasises compassionate leadership. These roles weren’t just about ticking boxes, they were about becoming someone others could turn to, leading with empathy, and building a supportive academic environment.


The SLA Experience: Learning and Connecting
The two-day SLA conference was a highlight. Working alongside students from a range of healthcare professions was inspiring. We explored our roles, engaged in team-based challenges, and began to see ourselves as future leaders. It was a great experience to get to know each other and learn our roles within healthcare but also to formulate roles during our group work activities.

One memorable activity was creating a poster on emotional intelligence. We added a creative twist using art techniques to make it unique and best visualize our ideals, as I’m passionate about bringing creativity into problem-solving. This creativity is something I regularly incorporate into my occupational therapy practice and leadership style.

Figure 1: SLA team and our emotional intelligence poster

Coaching with Dai Davies: Confidence in Action
One of the most valuable aspects of the SLA was the personalised coaching. I was fortunate to be paired with Dai Davies, Welsh Policy Lead for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). His mentorship helped me identify a key development area: confidence in communicating with other healthcare professionals in high-stakes or unfamiliar settings.

To address this, we explored techniques such as cognitive reframing, a proven method to reduce anxiety and shift self-limiting beliefs (Karamoy et al., 2018). We also began building a short-term soft systems methodology (SSM) tailored to help me manage the pressures I felt in professional communication. Dai encouraged me to incorporate creativity into this process through mind mapping and rich pictures. This not only played to my strengths as a visual learner but also allowed me to reflect deeply on my leadership style.

Figure 2: Rich picture mind map of my leadership strengths and development areas

Putting Growth into Practice: The RCOT Conference
The real turning point came when Dai encouraged me to attend a 60-year celebration RCOT conference—a professional event I had initially hesitated to join. In the past, I might have declined out of fear that I couldn’t hold my own in such an environment. But with newly developed coping strategies and a more grounded mindset, I challenged myself to attend.

At the conference, I networked with practitioners, lecturers, and students from other institutions. Not only did I manage to hold meaningful conversations, but I also found myself enjoying the experience. The support and encouragement I received validated my place within the professional community and reinforced my growth I also supported and listened to my lecturer’s present research that I’d been had the pleasure of being a part of the trial year group, an incredibly validating moment. Watching Dai present was especially inspiring, his engaging, conversational style brought our coaching discussions to life.

Applying Growth to Placement
Following the SLA, I had the confidence to apply for a diverse, role-emerging setting for my final OT placement. This involved working independently for 12 weeks in a setting with no in-house occupational therapist or daily supervisor. I was excited—but also nervous. The role required constant networking and professional communication, which had previously been a challenge for me.

Thanks to my experience with the SLA, I felt prepared. I had tools to manage my anxiety, a stronger belief in my abilities, and the resilience to push through discomfort. That placement became a transformative period of my training, significantly advancing my confidence and clinical skills.


Creativity and Leadership: A Powerful Blend
Another key takeaway from my leadership journey is the value of creativity. As someone with an artistic background, I’ve found that creativity enhances problem-solving, communication, and team engagement, especially in healthcare, where innovation and empathy are essential. I aim to continue integrating creative thinking into future leadership roles, using it as a tool to connect, inspire, and innovate.


Final Reflections

Figure 5: Group photo from the RCOT CPD Conference, 19/06/2024

Taking part in the SLA during the summer of my second year was the perfect stepping stone. It helped me push beyond my comfort zone and gain the confidence to take on greater challenges. I’m incredibly grateful that I did, it shaped not only my leadership skills but also my professional identity.

This experience has reshaped how I view leadership. It’s not reserved for those in high-ranking positions. It exists in everyday actions—in how we support colleagues, communicate across disciplines, and take initiative in our own development.

These insights reflect the values in the Allied Health Professionals Framework (Welsh Government, 2020), particularly core value 4: strong identity and presence, and core value 5: visible and transformational leadership. Leadership is both internal and external—it’s about self-awareness and active contribution to collaborative, compassionate care.

References
Driscoll, J. (Ed.). (2006). Practicing Clinical Supervision: A Reflective Approach for Healthcare Professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences.


Karamoy, Y. K., Wibowo, M. E., & Jafar, M. (2018). The Implementation of Self-Instruction and Reframing Group Counselling Techniques to Improve Students’ Self-Confidence [Articles]. https://doi.org/https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/jubk/article/view/21124


RCOT. (2022a). Career Development Framework: Guiding principles for occupational therapy (Second ed.). Royal College of Occupational Therapy.


Social Care Wales. (2020). A Healthier Wales: Our Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care. NHS Wales. https://socialcare.wales/cms-assets/documents/Workforce-strategy-ENG-March-2021.pdf


Welsh Government. (2020). Allied Health Professions (AHP) Framework. Welsh Allied Health Professions (AHP) Committee. https://www.gov.wales/allied-health-professions-ahp-framework

From the Rugby Pitch to Personal Growth: My Journey Through Adversity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence By Rhys Evans

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Rugby from a young age was the biggest part of my life. From around the age of 10 I found a passion for the sport. Week in week out I developed my skills with an old ball, a pair of boots and some friends. As I aged, my ability started to develop, and I was getting noticed. At 16 I was asked to play for college, where I lifted 2 trophies. I entered my senior year with Cardiff and started to edge my career into the U20 development squad. You’d think that playing rugby for 10 years I’d be confident, resilient, and full of belief. However, these were constant struggles within my career. Always holding me back. The final nail to my career was a spine injury which abruptly ended my career and left 10 years of hard work completely over.  

I dropped out of university and spent a whole year spinning my thumbs. This time showed me how complex emotions are and how vulnerable I was at the time,  

After this time, of ups and downs I found myself applying for a job as a HCSW in an operating department. Nervous was an understatement. I wasn’t confident at all, I never thought I’d even make it passed the interview stage. Fortunately, I was accepted, and my NHS career started.  

“Rhys, I think you’d be a brilliant ODP, hurry up and do your training”  

Looking back at my insecurities for years, these were words I’d never thought would be told to me in such an environment. The compliments to my determination to learn, my work ethic, my compassion to patients, my energy for the role, my ability to remain calm and collected in stressful situations. After 4 years in the operating department, I decided to move down a different path. I used the skills I’d learned, and the confidence I’d gained to step into the entrepreneurial world.  

It didn’t get off to the best start, leaving a stable job to fall into a lockdown due to covid wasn’t my idea of trying to financially support a relocation with no income and no business experience, but I did manage to sustain this for around 6 months. As business picked up and I invested heavily into a business mentorship. Little did I know it was time for my second life 360. I was diagnosed with Bowel Disease. After unknowingly suffering for months, the truth finally hit after a colonoscopy. I felt like all I’d worked to get over, to move forward with my career and fill the void of my rugby career. This diagnosis regressed my person to my previous self and more. Thousands of pounds down the drain, no business, no health. I moved back home to my parents and entered this cycle again. 

 

(Crohn’s & Colitis UK, n.d.) 

After another long period trying to manage my condition, after years of fighting to sustain a business and manage my disease. I made the decision to step away from personal training and revisit my career into healthcare. After another year in theatre, I decided to apply for Operating Department Practice to be a student here in Swansea which, thankfully I was successful.  

Life has a way of putting the right opportunities in front of us when we’re ready to receive them. For me, that opportunity was the Student Leadership Academy. It was there that I was introduced to the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) — and it changed everything. The Penny dropped that throughout the years of struggle, setbacks and very large hurdles.  I was unknowingly working on a lot of the traits of EI. Learning about emotional intelligence opened a new world for me. I realised that true strength wasn’t about bottling up emotions or pushing through pain silently. True strength was about self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and managing emotions. What I had been building in the background for what felt like years had finally made sense. The lessons in leadership and emotional intelligence didn’t just help me personally — they transformed my business, my relationships, and my outlook on life.  

Following this into my 2nd year as an ODP student, I had the privilege to present the EI workshop alongside a colleague of mine within the Student Leadership Academy at Swansea. Which was something I’d never had thought of I’d be capable of doing prior to the experience gained from this conference. Not only did the opportunities previously help me manage my emotions, but it also solidified my beliefs that despite all the setbacks, deep down I had the potential within me to truly feel success.  

IBD is still a part of my life, but it no longer defines me. Anxiety still shows up from time to time, but now I have the tools to manage it. Confidence isn’t about the absence of fear; it’s about moving forward even when fear is present. 

Today, I’m proud to say I live with more authenticity and courage than I ever thought possible. My journey — from rugby player to ODP, business owner, emotional intelligence advocate and EI Leadership taught me that every chapter, even the painful ones, builds the foundation for the next. 

Rhys Evans – 2nd Year ODP Student  

References 

Crohn’s & Colitis UK. (n.d.). Www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk. https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk 

 

Hard work and luck. By Felly Mistweave

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I have always been drawn to people. Their energy, their charisma and their stories. From a young age, I have always been creative. I followed my dreams and studied art and later worked with people of all ages in lots of different ways. I am now in my second year, studying occupational therapy, which means I will be able to continue working with people in a way that supports them to engage in their meaningful occupations.

As a mature student, I decided that I would take every opportunity that came my way, whilst studying, with such amazing potential opportunities in front of me. I knew as soon as Beryl Mansel came to give us a lecture on compassionate leadership and mentioned leadership academy, that this was something that I would love to be involved with. I was drawn to Beryls charisma and energy and her ways of thinking which honestly inspired me with ideas around compassionate leadership.

I was then of course extremely happy to have been accepted on to the student leadership academy, which involved a two-day conference with guest speakers and the opportunity for mentorship.  Now, reflecting on these two days almost a year later, there are three main things that stand out to me from this time- the people, the learning and how I felt.

The people

I was instantly in awe of the guest speakers that came to speak during this time, alluding such confidence and experience is a difficult position to imagine yourself in, when still studying the profession, you hope to one day be a part of.

Dr. Vivian Osuchukwu was a guest speaker that really stood out to me. She shared her story, the journey that had brought her to us. She shared where she had come from and how it is possible to make your way through the world- to develop your career not by being loud and assertive but by showing your capabilities. I loved the way she shared the potential of soft power. This quote from her, will probably stay with me forever “Hard work, will put you where good luck can find you”. This to me was the perfect way I would describe my approach to life- to work hard and embrace the luck.

I was also in admiration of the occupational therapy guest lecturer and what I loved about this talk- was the authenticity. Sharing their story of coming from a working-class family to now being the occupational therapy professional practice lead for Wales; influencing policies and stakeholders. It was my first glimpse of how occupational therapists can work in diverse ways, highlighting the importance of their role as advocates for social justice and gave me a glimpse into the potential within a career of occupational therapy.

How I felt

Whilst I took so much from the inspirational talks, I found myself feeling extremely daunted and overwhelmed after the first day. How could I possibly live up to this? I also felt the overwhelming pressure of this idea of being the “perfect person” and “perfect professional”. Is it possible to be so good and to do right all the time? These feelings resumed throughout the conference and when it came to presenting a well-being project at the end, I felt so overwhelmed I was unable to talk.

The information

Despite this, our team did win the well-being project as an idea and so since this time, we have been slowly and quite unsurely working on our project called the “Resourced student”. The reason I say unsurely, is that we have had many challenges since its inception, to bring our ideas into reality.

However, what the leadership academy did teach me is the importance of learning from mistakes and openly learning from them, it also taught me the strength in upholding beliefs and values and so- despite a slow start to the project- we are still working to bring our ideas into fruition. This is our logo-

And we currently have an Instagram page. We are currently working to share well-being resources that will be beneficial to healthcare students at Swansea University.

Whilst my journey since leadership academy has included working on the Resourced Student Project, I have also had the opportunity for mentorship, which has allowed me to work on my confidence, emotional intelligence and presenting skills. I have since become a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) mentor and I am currently taking part in peer assisted study session (PASS) to become a PASS leader.

Alongside this, I have had the opportunity to connect with my passion which is art and people, through a volunteering module. I have been doing this with the Glynn Vivian art Gallery in Swansea. Which has given me opportunity to utlise Golemans (1995) concepts of emotional intelligence in working with adults over 55`s in the community. These concepts such as understanding other peoples feelings and stories has been possible through art making and also understanding my own responses and behaviour through reflections and feedback.

*Images taken with consent from participants during Glynn Vivian Outreach project.

At the start of the two-day conference, we were asked to write down who I am? Where am I now? And where do I need to be in 3 years time?

Of which I wrote- I am a creative, inquisitive, overthinker and perfectionist, who has lost her confidence. In three years time I would like to improve my listening, have more confidence presenting and talking in groups.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to explore this journey, to be inspired by such interesting people and their stories. I think that the leadership academy was just what I needed at the right time. An opportunity to rekindle my confidence, to explore new opportunities and to build upon myself. I hope that I can take all that I have learnt so far and continue learning and to share this during my journey and career as an occupational therapist.

References

Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.

Lighting the Way: A Student Nurse’s Journey into Compassionate Leadership by Danielle Bastier

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Attending a student leadership workshop over two weekends was a transformative experience for me as a student nurse. The opportunity to step away from the fast pace of clinical placements and immerse myself in learning about leadership offered both personal and professional growth. The workshop was more than just a series of lectures; it was an exploration into what it means to lead with empathy, authenticity, and resilience. Through engaging sessions, group activities, and talks from inspirational speakers, I came away feeling empowered, deeply inspired, and more confident in my role as a future nurse leader.

Inspiring new thinking

One of the core themes of the workshop was leading with emotional intelligence. Before attending, I associated leadership with authority and decision-making. However, this workshop reframed my understanding, highlighting that leadership begins with self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. I was encouraged to reflect on how my emotions affect my interactions with patients and colleagues. Role-play activities showed how emotionally intelligent leaders create a supportive environment, respond calmly under pressure, and empower others rather than dictate. This really resonated with me. I saw how developing emotional intelligence isn’t just helpful for managing others but is crucial in delivering compassionate care and building trust with patients and teams.

Leading the self

Closely linked to emotional intelligence was the concept of self-compassion, which was introduced in a session that left a lasting impression on me. Nursing students often carry a strong internal critic, especially when we feel we’ve made a mistake or not met expectations. We explored how self-compassion doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility but instead treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer a friend. This shift in perspective felt liberating. I realised that being kind to myself allows me to bounce back from setbacks more effectively, maintain my well-being, and show up more fully for others. We practiced guided reflections and mindfulness exercises that I’ve since continued in my daily routine. Self-compassion, I learned, is a strength that enables sustainability in a demanding profession.

Leading with compassion

Another powerful aspect of the workshop was the emphasis on compassionate leadership. As future nurses, we are often in positions of informal leadership, guiding patients, influencing care, and supporting our peers. Compassionate leadership, as we discussed, is about creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and motivated. It’s not about controlling others but about empowering them. We listened to guest speakers who shared experiences of where compassionate leadership had transformed team culture and improved patient outcomes. What stood out to me was the idea that compassion needs to start from the top. Leaders who are visibly caring, inclusive, and authentic foster teams that are more cohesive and effective. During a small group discussion, I shared an experience where a nurse mentor had shown me compassion during a tough shift, which had an enormous impact on my confidence. That conversation helped me realise that leadership isn’t always about titles—it’s about actions.

Being inspired by others

The most inspiring moments of the workshop came from the visiting speakers, who shared their leadership journeys in honest and often emotional ways. Each speaker brought a unique perspective—from those who had started in clinical practice and moved into senior roles, to others who had faced personal challenges but continued to advocate for excellence in nursing. One speaker’s journey particularly touched me. She spoke with such clarity and sincerity about the importance of believing in yourself, even when faced with doubt or barriers. Her message, “be the light for others,” stayed with me long after the session ended. This talk made me reflect on the role of nurses not just in delivering care but in leading by example. Her story of overcoming adversity and pushing through challenges to reach her full potential reminded me that leadership isn’t a linear path. It takes courage, vision, and a strong sense of purpose. She spoke about how her own mentors had empowered her, and how she now sees it as her responsibility to do the same for the next generation. That idea—that we all have the capacity to be a light for others—was deeply moving. I left that session with a stronger belief in my own potential and a commitment to support and uplift others wherever I can.

Final thoughts

The student leadership workshop was a powerful experience that reshaped how I view leadership within nursing. I learned that leading with emotional intelligence fosters stronger teams and safer care; that self-compassion is essential for resilience; and that compassionate leadership can change lives. Most importantly, I left inspired to lead not with ego, but with heart. The stories of those who have walked the path before me, remind me that I, too, have a light—and a responsibility—to carry forward. This journey is only just beginning.

From Self-doubt to Self-belief: My journey into leadership by Cerys Jones

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From Self-doubt to Self-belief: My journey into leadership

I completed my A-levels in the summer of 2023, I remember going to pick up my results with my mum and dad, hoping I had done enough to secure a spot on the course I so desperately wanted to begin. Later that day I received an email from Swansea University saying that I had secured a place to study Children’s nursing. I remember feeling overwhelmed with happiness and excitement to embark on my new adventure. Despite the excitement of starting this new chapter, feelings of impostor syndrome crept in. 

What if I am too inexperienced to handle the responsibility? What if I don’t fit into the healthcare environment? What if I don’t ‘make a difference’ like I’m supposed to? Self-doubt undermined my confidence; however, I knew this was the path I was meant to take. My mum and dad are huge role models of mine and my biggest supporters. My Mum qualified as a mental health nurse in 2024, while my Dad currently works as an EPRR manager for Swansea Bay Health Board, having spent most of his career as a paramedic in the Welsh Ambulance Service. Watching their hard work and dedication growing up has profoundly influenced me and shaped me into the compassionate and ambitious person I am today. Surely this is what I am meant to do? 

My new adventure began on the 18th of September 2023, my 19th birthday. Shortly after starting the course, I was introduced to Beryl Mansel, who presented a lecture on the Student Leadership Academy. I was immediately captivated by her approach to leadership, which emphasised that it is not necessarily about being in a position of authority, but rather about guiding others, serving as a role model, and demonstrating kindness. But what did I know about leadership? Beryl spoke a lot about compassionate leadership, explaining that compassionate leaders lead with respect for their colleagues, empathy, and are active listeners. Beryl spoke about compassionate leaders having emotional intelligence. I began to reflect on whether my past experiences, like being head girl at comprehensive school, or my continued dedication to netball since childhood, could be considered examples of leadership. Perhaps I already had the qualities of a leader all along, without even realising? 

A few months later, to my surprise and excitement, I received an email notifying me that I had been selected as a successful applicant and had secured a place on the student leadership academy. The conference was held on the 9th and 10th of March, 2024. There were students from various health professions, and it was insightful to talk to other students studying for different courses, all with a shared interest in leadership. The conference welcomed guest speakers who spoke about their personal leadership journeys. I found these people to be truly inspiring, and I loved listening to their unique paths that led them into leadership. I was particularly captivated by Dr Sarah Tobin’s talk on the importance of compassionate leadership. She emphasised that compassion should be a priority in every aspect of our work as nurses, which felt particularly important to me. She emphasised the importance of kindness, not only with patients but also with our team to create a supportive environment. I left the conference feeling motivated by such inspiring people, hoping to become a leader in the future. 

At the conference, Beryl encouraged us to apply for the Council of Deans of Health’s National leadership programme, named #150 leaders. This programme was an incredible opportunity that offered leadership development through role-modelling, networking, reflection and coaching. I considered applying for some time, but felt hesitant as I had less to offer compared to more experienced applicants. Nevertheless, I applied with what I did have- ambition, courage and a strong desire to grow and better myself. 

A few months later, I received an email to say I had secured a place on the national leadership programme. I could not believe they had selected me to take part in such a prestigious programme. I was over the moon and felt so lucky to be given this opportunity. The event took place in Manchester on September 19th. Embracing this newfound independence and the idea of spending two days away from home, surrounded by unfamiliar faces felt daunting. However, the moment I walked in, I felt totally relaxed and welcomed by everyone. The conference was held over two days, the structure of the programme was very similar to the leadership academy I had attended at University. Guest speakers from many different professions came to speak to us about their leadership journey, while encouraging us to see ourselves as future leaders too. We also worked together in groups to pitch an idea for a new project, which really challenged me to think creatively. The #150 leaders programme was an immensely valuable experience that encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone and had a profound impact on my confidence. From the many experiences I have gained throughout my leadership journey so far, the most consistent message I remind myself of is to embrace every opportunity and just go for it!

When I began my nursing journey at Swansea University, I made a promise to myself that I would take every opportunity that came my way. I will soon be reaching the end of my second year as a student paediatric nurse, and I have kept that promise to myself. Swansea University has offered me a range of incredible experiences that have truly enriched my student experience and provided me with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Last summer, I took part in a summer abroad programme, where I spent two weeks volunteering at a marine and wildlife programme in Sri Lanka. This was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had, and I have memories that will last a lifetime. This year, I plan to take part in the programme again and visit Nepal on a community development programme. If someone had told me in the summer of 2023 that I would put myself forward for all these opportunities, I would have found it hard to believe. I have gained so much confidence during my time as a student, but I would have never discovered what I was truly capable of if I hadn’t taken the first step and tried. 

Throughout my leadership journey, I have been fortunate to be guided by coaches who have provided support in shaping my personal development as a leader. As part of the Council of Deans #150 leaders programme, we were encouraged to set up an individual project to support our peers or future students in our field of practice. This experience has provided me with the opportunity to lead a project of my own, where I will deliver a presentation to younger students at my former comprehensive school. I aim to share my experience as a student paediatric nurse and hopefully spark some interest, while addressing any questions or concerns they may have. I hope to inspire these younger students in the same way I have been inspired by the remarkable leaders I have encountered, and show them that they can achieve anything by embracing opportunities. 

As I move forward into my career as a paediatric nurse, I want to continue my leadership journey and develop skills by taking every opportunity. Upon reflection, I have come to realise that the most challenging part of self-growth is making the initial decision to try and just go for it! I am excited to see where my leadership journey will take me. 

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Beryl and the Student Leadership Team at Swansea University. I would like to thank Felix and all the team at the Council of Deans of Health’s Student Leadership Programme for their continued support and encouragement. I would also like to thank every student who took part in the Student Leadership Programme.

Changing “I can’t do this” to “I will try”, my SLA journey

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by Jessica Davies

I have never considered myself a leader, nor thought I had the skills to become one. Does this sound familiar?. I know many people, including myself, to have thoughts like this during university, no matter what healthcare profession or degree they complete! That’s because being a leader can seem daunting and scary, but it doesn’t have to be! The Student Leadership programme helped me to realise that anyone can become a leader with the right help, and here is how I did it.

I have wanted to be a nurse from a very young age, and I have had the privilege of being surrounded by all things medical, with my father being a paramedic. At the tender age of five, he encouraged me to join St John Cymru, where I would spend the next eleven years of my life learning first aid, competing internationally in South Africa, representing Wales as a team lead for the international cadet competition (ICC) and even met a famous lady…. some would even say royal. During this time, I also experienced the loss of my grandad in 2012 due to cancer and witnessed my niece be admitted to hospital with septic arthritis at the age of two. Although these times in my life were difficult, observing the care provided by the nurses on the wards inspired me to become like them – compassionate, caring and, as I would later find out, confident. With these experiences and passion in my stride, I applied to study adult nursing in 2022. I was accepted to Swansea University, kickstarting my way into nursing…and my way to becoming a leader.

My sister and I after winning the national first aid competition

Myself giving ‘handover’ to the designated paramedic for the scenario in the ICC in South Africa

Myself meeting Princess Anne

During my first year at university, I was informed of the Student Leadership programme during a lecture. Although I didn’t know what to expect, I decided to try my luck and apply, not expecting to be accepted. However, a short while later, I received an email congratulating me on my acceptance into the programme, and I couldn’t have been happier , whilst also being a little scared!

The first part of the programme took place on the 9th and 10th of March, and the moment I stepped into the room, I felt calm and comfortable, as if all my nerves had disappeared. I was surprised to see that there were not only child, adult, and mental health nurses but also paramedics, neurophysiologists, occupational therapists, and midwifery students in attendance. I found this helpful during the programme as it allowed us to bond and understand each other’s profession and how leadership can benefit us all! I also found we could help each other by working together and encouraging one another due to how challenging our courses can be – a level of understanding helped each of us. After some introductions, we got onto the central part of the programme, where we gained a sense of what it means to be a leader, how this benefits us, our colleagues and patients alike and even had the opportunity to listen to some fantastic talks from previous SLA attendees and even senior members within healthcare such as the Chief Executive Officer for the Welsh Ambulance (NHS) trust.

Out of everything taught, in my opinion, Emotional Intelligence was the most exciting and surprising aspect of being a good leader. I knew emotions were important, but I never fully understood their impact on leadership and how simple changes to an attitude can change a situation immensely! Emotional intelligence allows people to understand feelings, goals, intentions, responses, and behaviours while understanding others and their feelings. My favourite way to see this is through changes in attitudes and beliefs. We were given a booklet with simple changes in thoughts that can change someone’s attitude and even a situation, and, as someone who struggles with this, the booklet has been so helpful!

Ten habits of emotionally intelligent people from our workbook

Another aspect of the SLA was the coaching scheme, where we were paired with senior members of healthcare, who guided us through learning about leadership and shared their experiences to guide us further. I was paired with a lovely woman, the Chief Nursing Officer for the Welsh Government. We first met over Zoom, and I was pleased to see how kind, pleasant and friendly she was; it made me know I was in good hands for the next few months of our journey together. Although we didn’t meet often, she helped me further expand my understanding of leadership and how I had been doing it for a long time! I was a leader at St John Cymru, especially when competing. I had been emotionally intelligent for a while as I had become very aware of how I verbalised my thoughts and considered other people’s feelings and opinions. Realising this made me feel so much more confident, knowing I could do things like this, no matter what I had previously thought.

Being a part of the SLA has honestly been one of the best things I could have done at university. I never thought of myself as a leader, nor did I think I could become one. The SLA taught me that with some help, being a leader doesn’t have to be complicated or daunting; it can be fun. Applying what I have learned to placement has also been beneficial, as I now have more confidence in my ability to work the best I can and provide the best care I can for my patients.

In a few months, I will be in my final year of nursing, and if I’ve learned anything, don’t be afraid to try. Try to learn new things, participate in new things, and take part in the SLA if you have the opportunity. I promise you will never regret that choice.

Leadership, Compassion and Adaptation: How Compassion Drives Growth

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by Immie Beswick

In 2023, the Student Leadership Academy (SLA) at Swansea University hosted a wide range of speakers, from various professions, to share their knowledge and experience of applying leadership skills in their careers. While the topics were varied and the advice covered broad areas, a strong theme of compassion underlay the discussion of the day.

Compassion in Leadership. Self-compassion. Compassion in the workplace.

With a flow of so much information and so many passionate speakers over just two short days, the question remained: How can I use this in my studies and in my career?

Dr Sarah Tobin, one of the guest speakers at the SLA, spoke about “Compassion and Compassionate Leadership” early in the conference. Her presentation struck me particularly, as it moved beyond theory to quantify the benefits of compassion in the workplace. She spoke of research demonstrating the need for compassion between staff to facilitate compassion between nurses and patients, as is covered in articles in the Nursing Times (Sharpe & Hart, 2024) and the BMJ Leader (Papadopoulos et al., 2022). For me, this translated into a need for understanding between every member of the team, especially during times of stress or when mistakes are made. I took this idea and thought of it often, over the next year, throughout my experiences as an Adult Nursing BSc student.

Compassion for patients has been at the centre of nursing for a long time and is one of the ‘6 Cs of Nursing’ launched by Chief Nursing Officer Jane Cummings in 2012 (Nursing Notes, 2022). The drive for compassionate leadership to create an environment where this is possible is a noble one. However, a second notion of compassionate leadership came to mind, when thinking about how to facilitate more compassionate interactions in my own communication with other staff on the wards.

Self-compassion. An often-overlooked aspect of compassion, self-compassion was a theme discussed both directly and indirectly by many of the speakers at the SLA conference. Some speakers mentioned overcoming self-doubt and insecurity, others spoke of avoiding ‘compassion burnout’ by being mindful of their own emotions and stresses. For me, this is an important part of nursing and something that I recognise in the nurses that have really inspired and supported me during my training so far. In my experience, the best mentors will encourage you to recognise your needs and to include rest and decompression in your practice. As the speakers at the conference shared, this is not just for your personal benefit, but enables better communication, more compassion for others and time for reflection. All of these are key qualities to lead, and a way of leading by example. With nurses reportedly feeling “burnt-out” and “unhappy” in the UK (Mitchell, 2022), self-compassion is more important than ever. Acknowledging personal stresses with kindness can foster the natural inclination to do the same for others (Saleh, Ahmed & Eldahshan, 2022), as well as helping to reduce stress levels.

My Leadership Academy journey included working together with an assigned ‘Leadership Coach’, which was an excellent opportunity to try and use those forms of compassion in planning and working towards my goals. Through discussion of the challenges that might impact my progression and the areas I wanted to work on, my coach both demonstrated excellent compassion herself and encouraged self-compassion in how I chose and pursued those aims. One clear point is that realistic goals cannot be achieved without self-compassion and that it is a necessary component of the resilience required to succeed.

Leadership is a term that can be defined as “the person in charge” (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.), but in the context of the SLA, it becomes much more. The Cambridge Dictionary actually extends this definition to include “the qualities of a good leader”, and this was demonstrated by the participants of the conference. What I mean, is that even those who were not in positions of leadership, such as student attendants of previous SLA conferences at Swansea University, used their engagement skills, their curiosity, and their enthusiasm to cultivate a better environment for personal growth. This role truly demonstrated the value of leadership qualities within cohesive teamwork and not just in those who are leading the group.

Moving forward from my experiences with the SLA and these reflections, the challenge becomes: how to remain mindful of these key points and implement them as my studies and career develop. The title “Leadership, Compassion and Adaptation” encompasses that challenge.

Leadership, as an internal, rather than external role. Leading by demonstrating empathy for others, listening and supporting them. Leading through the courage to be innovative and to speak up.

Compassion, in difficult conversations. Compassion in the workplace. Compassion for yourself and for those you find most difficult. Compassion in conflict is one of the hardest tools to use, but can foster mutual respect and appreciation.

Adaptation, to the environment and the people around you. Awareness of differences in individuals and of situationally appropriate responses allow for changes in how those leadership skills are demonstrated. Adapting to new circumstances means continuing to grow and develop communication skills with the understanding that every person is unique in their expectations and their responses.

In short, the Student Leadership Academy enabled an amazing opportunity to hear from leaders from all over the UK and find links in their experiences and their strengths. The points they covered will stay with me, and have already given me insight to improve my work, both clinically and theoretically. By reflecting on their validity, I am surprised and pleased by how much the topics continue to be beneficial.

I’d like to extend my thanks to Beryl and the team at the SLA and all those who attended last year’s conference as speakers.

References

Cambridge Dictionary. (n. d.). The meaning of ‘leadership’ in English. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/leadership

Mitchell, G., (2022, March 30). NHS Staff Survey: Nurses burnt out and unhappy with pay and staffing. The Nursing Times. https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/workforce/nhs-staff-survey-nurses-burnt-out-and-unhappy-with-pay-and-staffing-30-03-2022/

Nursing Notes. (2022, June 17). The 6Cs of Nursing: Professional Values Explained. https://nursingnotes.co.uk/resources/the-6cs-of-nursing/

Papadopoulos, I., Wright, S., Lazzarino, R.,Koulouglioti, C., Aagard, M., Akman, O., Alpers, L-M., Apostolara, P., Araneda, J., Biglete-Pangilinan, S., Eldar-Regev, O., González-Gil, M. T., Kouta, C., Krepinska, R., Lesińska-Sawicka, M., Liskova, M., Lopez-Diaz, L., Malliarou, M., Martín-García, A., Muñoz-Salinas, M., Nagórska, M., Ngunyulu, R. N., Nissim, S., Nortvedt, L., Oconer-Rubiano, F., Oter-Quintana, C., Öztürk, C., Papp, K., Piratoba-Hernandez, B., Rousou, E., Tolentino-Diaz, M. Y., Tothova, V., & Zorba, A. (2022). Enactment of compassionate leadership by nursing and midwifery managers: results from an international online survey.

BMJ Leader, 6, 186-191. https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2020-000385

Saleh, H. M. M., Ahmed, M. Z., & Eldahshan, M. E. A. (2022). Self-Compassion in Nursing Practice. Menoufia Journal of Nursing, 7(1), 55-62. https://menj.journals.ekb.eg/article_223842_d920d77f0ad111f65353031d646e8699.pdf Sharpe, J., & Hart, T. (2024, March 18). Applying compassionate leadership to enhance the effectiveness of the PNA. The Nursing Times. https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/clinical-supervision/applying-compassionate-leadership-to-enhance-the-effectiveness-of-the-pna-18-03-2024/

Leadership Blog

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by Tara Jane Storey

My journey started in somewhat of a backwards way, my leaders were not good examples and therefore drove me to want to get to a position where I could make a difference, a change, make better decisions, improve conditions, most importantly for patients but also the staff teams. Far from my idea of what leadership actually means, most of the reality of what a true leader is has been learnt since returning to university to undertake my master’s and being lucky enough to have joined the SLA. This has opened my eyes and I have gained a real insight into what being a leader means.

Unfortunately, most of the early years of my career were negative, consisting of poor management, untrained staff teams making it up as they went along and working in poor conditions for meagre wages. I started work at age 17 in an elderly care home, immediately I began picking up on things that I just knew were not right, this I now know to be intuition and is far away from the evidence-based model that I have learned to utilise over the last 16 years through study and work. Intuition is however proven to be a valuable skill in nursing which I have grown and developed alongside the scientific reasoning to help me along my journey towards being the best nurse I can be. I fell in love with the job, the field of older adults, however there was a lot left to be desired. I soon realised that I had a key interest in dementia, how it affects people, how interesting and yet heart wrenchingly cruel at the same time it was. So, I returned to college, studied health and social care, and chased my desire to learn how to care for people living with dementia properly, to learn about the disease, the symptoms, and the management of those symptoms. I wanted to know all I could to equip me to be able to make the biggest, positive impact for those people I cared for. I soon became a senior and began my personal leadership pathway. I enjoyed encouraging others, leading by example of practicing to a high standard, going that extra mile, being person centred, seeing the person behind the disease first, educating my team on behaviours, presentations, symptoms, and reasons why people with dementia do certain things. I loved it. I felt that this really was my WHY.

In amongst having 2 babies, I returned to study and completed a BSc in Care studies and well-being. Nursing was always my end goal however having a young family did not allow for placements at that time and I knew when I did get the opportunity for my nurse training that I wanted to be able to commit to it 100%. I did however mange to graduate with a first-class honour’s degree. My assignments were written whilst cradling my daughter in the Welsh shawl and occupying my busy toddler son. It was worth every minute as soon after I gained myself my ideal job, a band 4 post in the NHS with a brand-new dementia service. I was delighted.

My job involved teaching dementia friends training, raising awareness and information for families of a loved one living with dementia, undertaking cognitive assessments with patients, and supporting them throughout their journey with dementia, it was amazing, and I was there for 7 years. This role added to my aspirations of being a good role model and a leader in the world of dementia care. I met Teepa Snow – an American dementia guru famous worldwide for being a dementia specialist. I also worked with Nick Johnson who is the dementia lead trainer for Swansea Bay where I had12 weeks intensive training with him – he is just amazing and taught me so much. I learnt about the gem states – a model devised to view abilities not disabilities.  I went to dementia conferences, to speak and to listen, once again my appetite grew to gain all the knowledge possible in what I had begun to class as ‘my area’ of expertise.

Fast forward to 2022, my then babies were now 10 & 12, it was finally my time to do what I had always wanted to, so I applied for the 2 year pre-registration masters in mental health nursing at Swansea university and that’s where I met Beryl Mansel, (Programme Director of the Swansea Leadership Academy). I learned of her amazing work and the opportunities which could be gained by applying, instantly I was intrigued and knew I needed to step up if I was to learn how to become the best version of myself in a professional capacity. Despite my background in leading teams etc. I was really nervous, and the horrors of imposter syndrome nearly prevented me, but I thought just do it! And I am so glad I did, what an experience it has been.

The most valuable thing I have learned is to progress, you must step out of your comfort zone. A comfort zone is defined as ‘a settled method of working that requires little effort and yields only barely acceptable results’, this is not where leaders a born and no one ever achieves great things by staying comfortable. I have met some inspirational people who, like me have grown and succeeded by knowing their why. It is not about status, position, or hierarchy, it is about your why. Having the ability to be out of your comfort zone and advocating for your patients’ best interests regardless of how vulnerable you feel. The SLA recommends creating a professional twitter and offers a mentor for your leadership journey. This opportunity has been incredible to enhance my opportunity for networking with others. The people and services I have learned about and have been able to make contact with, get to know and learn from have been beyond my wildest dreams.

I had the lovely Hazel Powell, (Deputy Executive Director of Nursing), assigned to me as my mentor, I was enthralled but also anxious as I knew of Hazels’s amazing work and success, I thought how am I going to begin a conversation with such a prominent figure in our health board? ME? Tara? Talking to Hazel Powell about me? It terrified me but Hazel instantly put me at ease like a true leader, she was so down to earth and inspiring in a naturally leading manner, it was a wonderful experience that most certainly took me out of my comfort zone, however it was 100% one of the best experiences I have had to date. Hazel taught me so much about leadership but also about myself. I learned of skills which I possess that are transferable and elements of my life which can be utilised in many different settings. Hazel supported me to focus on my why, what is important to me, and it really brought it home to me what that was. My why is all those times I didn’t have the courage to speak up for those without a voice, all the times I saw things and challenged them but was dismissed by people in higher positions, for all the millions of people worldwide living with dementia and having inadequate skilled support. My why hopes for a world where people with dementia have a voice and dementia care is commended for its excellence, not condemned for short fallings. I am passionate and driven to be a leader in dementia care, I am determined and prepared to delve into the reasons behind why dementia care is perceived so negatively, why people’s experiences are so poor and contribute towards a revolutionary switch. Why abuse in the general patient population is around 6% but in patients with dementia is over 4 times higher at 25%, this is not acceptable, and I want to be part of this changing.

Since joining the wonderful SLA, I have been to London to the Florence Nightingale memorial service where I won a place by writing about why I am a leader, most of what I’ve written here was in my application as my why. I have been given the opportunity to present at one of the SLA days, again catapulting me out of that comfort zone, I worried, pondered, and stressed beforehand but I did it and I loved it. I am now due to go to Manchester in a few weeks as I am officially a 150 leaders’ member, to attend the annual 2-day residential event which will consist of seminars, networking, workshops, and some unimaginable opportunities which will set me up for a prosperous career in nursing, I cannot wait. The 150 leaders programme is run by the Council of Deans and supported by the Burdett trust. It’s aim is to promote and develop leadership skills among future nurses and allied health professionals to equip us with the skills we need to become leaders in our field and recognise our own personal style of leadership.  They have a significant application process every year from universities nationwide. It was a nail biting 3 months waiting from application to selection, but I got the email, I had been chosen. I was ecstatic, once again a tad more of my feelings of being an imposter had been lifted. I won my place, again from writing about my why. All these experiences are building my confidence and self-belief that I am not an imposter; I am a leader.