In this podcast episode, Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, provides a comprehensive overview of the many aspects of her role and how she uses her expertise and experience to lead and influence policy at a national strategic level. In sharing her professional journey, Rachel provides an insight into how her experiences, role models and personal determination led her to become the influential leader she is today.

She speaks of her vision for nursing and midwifery in Ireland and how the Expert Review Body Report recommendations have shaped and will continue to shape both professions for the benefit of patients, nurses, and midwives in the future.

Throughout the podcast, Rachel shares valuable lessons she has learned from her career, for the benefit of junior colleagues seeking support with their nursing or midwifery career choices.

In this episode, Ms Mary Brosnan, Director of Midwifery and Nursing, The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, reflects on some of the leadership successes and challenges from her career as a nurse and midwife.

Mary reflects on the influences that inspired her to become a midwife and how, as a Director, she led through some of the challenges she faced as policy, society and workforce changes prompted her to adapt and flex her leadership style to optimise care delivery and team cohesion.

Mary shares her hopes and aspirations for the future of the midwifery profession and for the women, mothers and babies who access care in the maternity services of Ireland.

On this episode of Leading with Hearts and Minds, Vandana Iqbal shares her inspiring journey from her upbringing in India, where the influence of her parents and grandparents instilled core values of respect, compassion, and humanity. Vandana discusses her nursing education, her courageous decision to move to Ireland, and how her diverse experiences have shaped her into the compassionate leader she is today.

Vandana offers valuable advice and support to internationally educated nurses and midwives considering Ireland as their new home, as well as those who have recently arrived.

Throughout this conversation, Vandana reveals how she incorporates her deeply held values into her leadership approach, enabling her to authentically support her team and colleagues and ultimately, deliver exceptional care to her patients.