Fifteen years into paediatric nursing, Tania Bacon is Deputy Ward Leader on Sherwood Forest’s Ward 25 and a driving force behind Great X — positive incident reporting that captures what goes right so teams can learn from it. Tania takes us inside a 34-bed children’s ward where nurses often care for parents as much as for resilient young patients, and where playful “pink fluffy care” helps reduce fear and build trust. She shares how one night with a septic baby became a turning point, prompting nurses to train in bloods and cannulation and proving that celebrating excellence can change practice. Through fellowships and “side quests” Tania has found her voice as a leader who chooses bedside influence over climbing the ladder. Warm, honest and energetic, this is leadership made human.

Brent Gillicker is a registered Operating Department Practitioner who once served as a Royal Navy submariner. He talks about bringing submarine-honed resourcefulness into theatres, expanding the ODP role as a surgical first assistant, and why details like a neat suture line matter to patients. Brent shares a simple idea that speeds change — his “iterative meeting” — and a leader-leader mindset inspired by Turn the Ship Around. We also explore the Armed Forces support network at Sherwood, mental health first aid, and the power of tenacity and apprenticeships to open NHS careers.

Irvine Makani’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and heart.

Trained in aerospace engineering and once dreaming of becoming a pilot, Irvine’s life took an unexpected turn following personal loss—and led him into nursing.

In this powerful conversation, he reflects on his journey from South Africa to Zimbabwe to the UK, shares what it’s really like working on the frontline of emergency care, and opens up about race, identity, and finding belonging in the NHS. With wisdom, honesty, and humility, Irvine speaks about the emotional toll of abuse in healthcare, the power of professional kindness, and what it means to lead by example—even when the job is tough.