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.

In this episode of Leading with Hearts & Minds, we sit down with Kellie O’Farrell, a Senior Occupational Therapist with the HSE, to explore her leadership, resilience, and empowerment journey. Kellie shares her lived experience of navigating visible and hidden disabilities and how she has harnessed her strength and determination to lead confidently in her personal and professional life.

Through advocacy, empowerment, and communication, Kellie has overcome challenges and thrived—demonstrating leadership that inspires change and inclusion. Tune in for a robust conversation on resilience, self-leadership, and the power of owning your story.

In this episode, Mr James Glover, National Lead for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, HSE, shares his experience of how he began his career in Scotland and moved into the area of DEI before migrating to Ireland, where he has led the way in transforming inclusion in the healthcare workforce in the HSE.

Throughout the podcast, James clearly explains his understanding of DEI and his belief in supporting people to demonstrate it personally and professionally.

In this episode, we explore the journey of Sharon Slattery, a distinguished healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in an acute academic teaching hospital. With 15 years in senior leadership roles and multiple promotions within St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Sharon brings a wealth of insight into clinical leadership, patient care, and the evolving role of nursing in modern healthcare. In 2018, she was appointed Director of Nursing, where she continues to shape nursing practice and leadership.

Dr Aoife Lane from the National Clinical Leadership Centre for Nurses and Midwives is joining Sharon in this conversation.

Together, they discuss Sharon’s career path, the challenges and rewards of leadership in a complex healthcare environment, and the lessons she’s learned.

Mr Paul Gallagher, Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, HSE Dublin and the South East, shares the experiences, insights, and lessons he has learned throughout his life that have shaped him into the leader he is today. Paul offers an honest account of the influences, opportunities, and challenges that impacted his career choice and professional journey and led him to his current role.

Throughout this podcast, Paul reflects on and shares some resources he uses when leading a complex and uncertain system.

Whether you are starting your career or coming close to retirement, Paul’s story supports the listener in considering the joys, disappointments, connections, and successes of a professional who is proud to be the nurse leader he is today.

Leading with Hearts & Minds"

Discover the untold stories behind the leaders shaping the future of healthcare. In "Leading with Hearts & Minds, "We bring you intimate, one-to-one conversations with healthcare professionals who have navigated extraordinary challenges and triumphs.

Each episode reveals the personal journeys, hard-earned lessons, and human moments that define leadership in one of the world's most demanding fields.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a leader, or simply curious about the heart and mind behind outstanding leadership, this podcast offers inspiration and insight with every story.