The Next GenCast

In this episode, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, shares his remarkable journey from a market town in Lincolnshire to the national stage during the COVID-19 pandemic.Known for his honesty, clarity, and trademark analogies, JVT reflects on his family’s extraordinary story, the challenges of breaking into medicine, and the pivotal choices that shaped his career in public health.He talks candidly about stepping into leadership “by accident,” managing the pressure of being thrust into the spotlight, and navigating the uneasy intersection of science and politics. Along the way, he opens up about imposter syndrome, the personal costs of public service, and the lessons he hopes will inspire the next generation of leaders.🕰️ Highlights02:00 – Early Life & Family Influence04:00 – Getting Into Medicine06:00 – Path to Public Health & Pharma12:00 – Becoming Deputy CMO17:00 – Thrust Into the Spotlight25:00 – Imposter Syndrome32:00 – Science, Politics & Pressure39:00 – The Power of Communication49:00 – Work-Life Balance & Personal Cost58:00 – Reflections & Legacy57:00 – Quickfire Round🔗 Links and resourcesSign up to our monthly bulletin to hear about more programmes, podcasts, events and opportunitiesFollow Nish on Twitter/X and LinkedIn

🎧 Re-releaseAs many of us take a well-earned pause over the summer, we’re revisiting one of our most popular and inspiring episodes: our conversation with the legendary Don Berwick. Whether you’re listening for the first time or returning to it with fresh ears, this episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, purpose, and finding joy in work.For the past 30 years, Donald Berwick has been one of the leading authorities and innovators of quality and improvement both in the U.S. healthcare system and in the NHS. A paediatrician by background, Don was for 19 years the founding CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).In 2010, he was appointed by President Barack Obama as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He has served on the faculties of the Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, has written over 160 articles and 6 books, and has provided trailblazing leadership to improve the ways health care providers and institutions care📝 Highlights:His leadership story to date (3 mins)Mentors (12 mins)Balancing clinical work with leadership and academia (16 mins)What it was like working for President Obama (19 mins)The job of a leader (24 mins)Coping with failure (27 mins)Handling criticism (33 mins)The future of the NHS (36 mins)Morale in primary care (41 mins)Finding joy in work (45 mins)Quick fire: including favourite books, his proudest moments, advice to his younger self, and top tips for new leaders (52 mins)📚 Resources:A Promise to Learn, A Commitment to Act – Berwick Review (2013)IHI Framework for Improving Joy in WorkBook: Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson📱 Social Media:Follow @donberwick and @nishmanek📬 Stay in the loop!🔗 bit.ly/NGGPbulletin🌐 nextgenerationgp.co.uk

Jason Leitch on Leadership, Public Trust & Fixing the HooverIn this powerful and personal episode, Professor Jason Leitch – former National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government – joins Dr. Nish Manek for an honest, insightful conversation on what it truly means to lead through crisis.From storytelling and the imposter syndrome to the pressure of daily COVID briefings, Jason reflects on his remarkable career and the lessons that still resonate today.Whether you're a healthcare leader, or simply curious about the human side of leadership – this one’s for you.🕰️ Timestamps & Highlights04:30 – Growing up in a working-class household: family, faith & humble roots08:00 – The early influences that shaped Jason’s values and work ethic09:30 – Being headhunted into government – and why he left surgery10:30 – The fellowship at Harvard & IHI that changed everything13:45 – Systems thinking, safety, and why fixing one jaw wasn’t enough17:00 – Creating the Scottish Patient Safety Programme – and saving lives20:00 – “Where are the clever people?” – the moment Jason realised he was in the room23:00 – What most people misunderstand about civil servants and politicians27:30 – Imposter syndrome in senior roles — and how to work with it30:00 – From dentist to national spokesperson: leading communication during COVID32:00 – Behind the scenes of daily press briefings with Nicola Sturgeon36:00 – The Grinch moment: “I cancelled Christmas in October”38:00 – Social media abuse, threats — and how he stayed grounded42:00 – Running, audiobooks, and the daily 5K: mental health strategies46:00 – Why being wrong publicly was part of the job48:00 – The monkey and the golf ball: Jason’s dad and the story that stuck51:00 – Full circle: why “fixing the Hoover” might be all the leadership advice you need53:00 – Biggest career mistake? Waiting too long to step beyond dentistry54:00 – Final reflections: don’t over-design your career. Build relationships. Fix the Hoover.🔗 Links and resourcesCatch up with Episode 25 with Don Berwick, Jason's role model and mentorSign up to our monthly bulletin to hear about more programmes, podcasts, events and opportunitiesFollow Nish on Twitter/X and LinkedIn

In this landmark episode of the Next GenCast, Dr. Nish Manek sits down with Professor Sir Steve Powis, just weeks before he steps down as National Medical Director of the NHS in England after more than seven years in the role.This is not just an interview — it's an unfiltered, powerful reflection on leadership under pressure, told by the man who stood at the helm of the NHS during one of its most turbulent chapters: the COVID-19 pandemic.In a conversation recorded live at NHS Confed Expo in June 2025, Sir Steve opens up in a way few senior leaders ever do.He talks honestly about the terror of those early pandemic days, what it really felt like to stand at the podium during Downing Street press conferences, and the emotional toll of knowing the NHS could collapse under his watch.But this episode is about far more than crisis leadership. It’s a deeply personal insight into what makes a great leader — from the power of relationships and kindness to handling imposter syndrome at the very top. Sir Steve also shares the most important lessons he’s learned, what he hopes for the next generation of clinical leaders, and how he wants to be remembered.**Highlights03:00 – "I didn’t set out to be a leader"06:00 – “I caught the bug” – enjoying policy and strategy08:00 – Early mentors, first impressions, and learning to manage a unit11:00 – Becoming a Medical Director and then National Medical Director14:00 – The Simon Stevens sofa interview16:00 – Imposter syndrome, confidence, and doubt21:00 – Pandemic prep and the moment it became real26:00 – Behind the scenes at Downing Street press briefings30:00 – Media gaffe: “I didn’t hear the question…”32:00 – Communicating in a crisis: “You’re never speaking to just one audience”37:00 – The emotional toll and the moment that broke him43:00 – Watching The Repair Shop in tears48:00 – Working with politicians: “See the world through their eyes”52:00 – Legacy and pride: Royal Free, North Middlesex, and the NHS model59:00 – Quickfire round: cartography, Springsteen, and shoemaking1:03:00 – Final leadership advice: “Kindness. Patience. Relationship**Links and resources:Learn more about the Next Generation GP programmeSIgn up to our monthly bulletin to hear about more programmes, podcasts, events and opportunitiesFollow Nish on Twitter/X and LinkedInShare this episode with someone stepping into leadershipSubscribe and leave us a review — it really helps others find the show

For this episode, I’m absolutely honoured to be joined by someone I've wanted to interview for a long time: Prof Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England.Ever wondered about the man behind the podium—the calm, steady voice that guided the nation through one of its toughest times? Well, today, you get to hear his story.There’s so much more to him than what you’ve seen on screen. What drives someone to take on such an immense responsibility? What keeps them up at night when millions are watching their every move?In this conversation, we dive into his leadership journey— starting from his early days tackling public health issues broad, to facing unimaginable challenges on a global stage.We talk about the moments that shaped him, the lessons he learned from global health, and what it really takes to lead under pressure. There are a few surprising revelations, some moments of unexpected humour, and leadership insights you won’t want to miss.Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an aspiring one, or just curious about what it’s like to make decisions that impact millions, this episode is for you...*Highlights:2 mins - From Humble Beginnings: Early Career and Defining Moments8 mins - Lessons from Around the World: Global Health Insights15 mins - Leadership and Science: Navigating Complex Decisions22 mins - Crisis Management Up Close: Behind the Scenes29 mins - The Toughest Calls: Decisive Moments35 mins - Handling Public Pressure: Staying Steady42 mins - Owning Mistakes: Reflections and Learnings49 mins - Wisdom for Future Leaders*LinksFollow the CMO on Twitter

On today’s episode, I’m absolutely honoured to be joined by my dear friend, Dr Becks Fisher. Becks is a GP and the Director of Research and Policy at the Nuffield Trust—a hugely respected voice in UK health policy.Becks helped to co-found Next Gen GP nearly eight years ago, and she’s been a close friend and someone I’ve deeply admired ever since.In this conversation, Becks shares her journey from being a clinical fellow to becoming a national leader in healthcare policy. We talk about her passion for health equity, her reflections on the future of general practice, and the pivotal moments that have shaped her career.We also explore the role of mentorship, the challenges of balancing work and life, and some brilliant advice for GPs earlier in their careers.She’s not only an inspiring leader—but truly, just a thoroughly brilliant human being. I’m so proud to call her a friend, and I can’t wait for you to hear this episode...*Highlights:01:00 – Becks's Role at Nuffield Trust02:00 – Journey into the Think Tank World05:00 – Influence and Impact of Think Tanks08:00 – Challenges in Health Equity15:00 – Personal Leadership Journey19:00 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders23:00 – The Value of Fellowships26:00 – Building Networks and Mentorship35:00 – The Role of Media in Healthcare40:00 – Balancing Work and Life46:00 – The Future of General Practice*LinksFollow Becks on TwitterHarkness FellowshipBeck's recent Nuffield Trust paper on the Future of the Partnership Model*Recommendations:Book: Four Thousand WeeksBook: Dare to LeadPodcast episode: The Next GenCast Episode with Oliver Burkeman

The Best of The Next Gen Cast: Celebrating Eight Years of Next Gen programmesIn this special episode of The Next GenCast, we celebrate the Next Gen's 8-year anniversary by revisiting the highlights from the five most downloaded podcast episodes.Get ready to hear from truly inspiring leaders on a range of topics, from the conversations which have resonated the most with our listeners over the years:4 mins- Oliver Burkeman on Time Management15 mins- Don Berwick on Joy in Work24 mins- Sarah Jane Marsh on Work-Life Balance31 mins- Jeremy Hunt on Leadership and Politics38 mins- Laura Neilsen on Tackling Health Inequalities*Links to the full episodes:Oliver BurkemanDon BerwickSarah Jane MarshJeremy HuntLaura NeilsonThank you to everyone who has listened, subscribed and shared the podcast, as well as giving us your thoughts on what resonates - it has been wonderful to hear how much you’re enjoying it.

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Dr Ben Maruthappu, a young leader who has transformed from being a junior doctor to globally recognised entrepreneur.Ben is the co-founder and CEO of Cera, the UK's largest health tech company, which supports over two million patients a month with innovative, home-based care solutions. His work has led to many accolades already, including being named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30, an MBE, and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2024.In this episode, Ben shares his remarkable story—from personal experiences that sparked his idea to transform the social care sector, to the lessons he’s learned scaling a business in an extraordinarily short space of time. He also dives into what it takes to persevere when you have an idea, lessons he learnt from working alongside Simon Stevens for a year, and offers some fascinating insights into the future of AI in transforming healthcare. Get ready to be inspired by the story of a visionary leader who has reshaped the landscape of healthcare, and is definitely one to watch in the healthcare technology space. *Highlights:00:01:44 - Ben Maruthapu's Journey from Junior Doctor to Entrepreneur00:06:02 - The Importance of Mentorship and Relationships00:08:40 - Early Signs of Entrepreneurial Spirit00:15:29 - Becoming Simon Stevens Fellow00:17:13 - Insights on Policy and Politics in NHS England00:26:18 - Introduction to Cera and Its Mission00:38:03 - Key Learnings from the Early Days of Cera00:42:09 - Best and Worst Aspects of Being a CEO00:45:49 - Balancing Work and Family Life00:46:37 - The Future of Technology in Healthcare00:48:02 - The Transformative Potential of AI in Healthcare*Social mediaBen on LinkedInFollow Ben on TwitterCera

I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of our podcast with you. This time, I had the honour of sitting down with Dr Raj Patel MBE.I worked with Raj when he was Interim National Medical Director of Primary Care for NHS England. Before that he was Medical Director for the North-West, and has held numerous senior clinical leadership positions in his career.But it was after reaching what he thought was the pinnacle of his career, that things took a turn for the worst.Imagine working across the road from a doctor, being asked to counter-sign his cremation forms for years - and one day realising that there were just too many forms for this to be normal. We’re talking about none other than Dr Harold Shipman, one of the most prolific serial killers in modern history. Not only did Raj experience the chilling reality of this discovery, but in this episode he reveals the personal and professional battles he encountered as he helped uncover the truth.From humble beginnings in Leicester to becoming a trailblazer in medical leadership, with stints as a TV doctor, advisor to the Department of Health, and stand up comedian along the way, Raj’s journey is nothing short of fascinating. *Highlights:Early Life and Influences (4 mins)Challenges and Triumphs in Medical School (8 mins)The Grueling Early Years as a Junior Doctor (9 mins)Transforming General Practice (11 mins)The Unveiling of Dr. Harold Shipman (22 mins)The Tribunal and Its Aftermath (29 mins) Personal and Professional Impact (31 mins) A Shift Towards Patient Safety (35 mins) Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth (37 mins)NHS England and Greater Manchester (40 mins)Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic (44 mins) Reflections and Future Roles (45 mins) Quick Fire Questions (47 mins) *Social mediaRaj on LinkedInFollow Raj on Twitter