Catherine is Digital Transformation and Clinical Improvement Business Partner at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB and is on the current cohort of the Minerva Programme. We spoke with Catherine halfway through the eight-month women in leadership programme to find out what she has discovered about herself, so far.
Why did you decide to enrol on the programme?
I knew that I wanted to improve my confidence and see what the options were for my progression, but generally courses need a big commitment. With Minerva, it is one day per month, for eight months. As a mother with a busy job in NHS commissioning, this was perfect for me.
What have been your biggest learnings so far?
The ‘Women in Power’ session has really stayed with me and taught me how I can challenge perceptions of power. Looking at the psychology of power and what you can and can’t control, along with how to approach things.
But, actually, being a part of a group of women, all with their own insecurities and ambitions, has been enlightening. I have met other women working in tech from all parts of the NHS. It has been amazing to connect with them and see each other’s growth as the weeks go on. Some people who started out very bold, then start to be vulnerable, and others who were shy, start to be confident. It is wonderful to understand your insecurities are shared by others and help each other along.
How have you found the programme as a way of learning?
The way that the course is designed around you being best placed to identify your strengths and weaknesses and decide what you want to work on, really works for me. It has helped me to think about who I am and what I need. This is an opportunity to build up my toolkit so I can deal with any situation. Over the next few years, I see that this will help me take on challenges, give me reassurances, and approach things differently.
Have you taken forward any of the lessons into your role?
It has given me the confidence to know that you don’t need to put letters after your name to command authority. I have an expert view on certain subjects based on my years of experience, and I want to share them with people. It has helped me to understand where we are not hitting the impact we should be. I can now put across my point better about this, and take in the perspective of others, so we can make changes as a team
What is your key take-away so far?
Be your authentic self. You don’t have to change who you fundamentally are to be a leader. The session with Ben, an actor and personal branding coach, really helped with our self-esteem and how we see ourselves and others see you. It was all about the authority, presence, and impact model – using what you know from your past experiences (authority), to being in the moment and relating to others (presence), to looking to the future and understanding the shift you want to provoke (impact). I now know I have the authority and presence, and the impact will follow from that. But all of this is still possible while being my true self.
Would you recommend the course to others?
This is honestly such a fantastic opportunity. You get to carve out some time to think about what you need to progress and chat with peers who are having the same problems as you. I would recommend it to anyone in tech that is thinking about how they want to develop for the future.
Get in touch
Minerva is a leadership development programme for women who aspire to lead, hosted by Dr Amanda Thornton from Ethical Healthcare and Zoe Nicholl from McMillan Associates and HR.
Find out about the Minerva programme and email minerva@ethicalhealthcare.org.uk with any questions or feedback.