The Next GenCast

Nish Manek
  • 4.4 (29)
  • BUSINESS
  • MONTHLY

The NextGen Cast is a podcast from Next Generation GP, a free national leadership programme for GPs at the start of their careers. In this podcast, we go backstage with some of our favourite speakers..and get to know the real people behind the titles. You'll hear candid interviews with some amazing leaders from the NHS and beyond, as they share their stories of leading through challenges, the lessons they've learnt, and their top pieces of advice as you embark on your own leadership journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Episode 52: Backstage with Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer

    5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 52: Backstage with Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer

    From sleeping rough at 15 to becoming one of the UK’s youngest female Chief Fire Officers, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton’s story is extraordinary- but this episode goes far beyond inspiration. This is a masterclass in high-stakes leadership, cognitive bias, psychological safety, and refusing to let your childhood define your ceiling. We explore what it really means to lead when decisions carry life-or-death consequences - and why the most powerful leadership lessons often come from outside healthcare. If you care about resilience, systems thinking, and building braver organisations, this conversation is unmissable. ⏱ What we cover 04:00 – Growing up, early trauma, and becoming homeless at 15 09:00 – Survival mode: what rough sleeping really does to your mindset 14:00 – “Homelessness is an experience, not your identity” 20:00 – Joining the fire service and choosing a different future 27:00 – Decision-making under extreme pressure 33:00 – Cognitive bias in high-stakes environments 41:00 – Psychological safety: why it’s built in relationships, not policy 49:00 – Failure, imposter syndrome, and redesigning systems instead of blaming people 🌍 Connect with Sabrina Cohen-Hatton on social media to follow her work and leadership journey. 🔔 Follow Next GenGP on LinkedIn for leadership insights and episode updates. 📩 Subscribe to our monthly bulletin for exclusive leadership resources and updates on programmes to come Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  2. Episode 51: Backstage with Paul Corrigan, strategic adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care.

    19 JAN

    Episode 51: Backstage with Paul Corrigan, strategic adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care.

    In this episode of Next Gen Cast, Dr Nish Manek speaks with Paul Corrigan, one of the most influential figures in modern UK health policy. From advising Tony Blair inside No.10 to shaping the NHS 10-Year Plan today, Paul brings rare institutional memory and sharp insight into leadership, reform, and why meaningful change in healthcare is so hard to deliver. Together, we explore what leaders get wrong, why policy alone never works, how clinicians can step into system leadership, and why neighbourhoods, patient agency, and proactive care are central to the NHS’s future. A candid, wide-ranging conversation for clinicians who want to understand - and shape - what comes next. ✨ Episode Show Notes 00:00 – From academia to No.10 05:00 – Inside Downing Street 08:30 – Do leaders understand the NHS? 12:00 – Clinicians as leaders 17:00 – Risk and standing still 22:30 – What makes a good Secretary of State 27:30 – Returning to DHSC at 75 32:30 – Why reform keeps failing 36:30 – Technology and patient agency 40:30 – “No money” myth 45:30 – Neighbourhood healthcare explained 52:00 – Advice to early-career clinicians ✨ Links/resources: Paul's book- Shakespeare on Management ✨ Stay in touch with Next Gen GP: LinkedInXMonthly bulletin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
  3. Episode 50: Backstage with Hannah Miller (author and coach)

    26/11/2025

    Episode 50: Backstage with Hannah Miller (author and coach)

    In this episode, we welcome back Hannah Miller — the only guest I’ve ever invited for a second conversation so far. Hannah Miller is the Founding Director of Sidekick, a coaching and training company that helps individuals and leaders understand and use their strengths. She’s a certified CliftonStrengths coach, and the creator of The Purpose Pursuit, a programme designed to help people gain clarity and live with more intention. Hannah consistently receives some of the highest feedback scores in the entire Next Gen programme. Participants repeatedly describe her sessions as practical, energising, and transformative, often remembering and applying her insights years later. Hannah’s first episode (28) remains one of our most downloaded to date. Together, we dive into the practical wisdom behind her brand new book The Purpose Pursuit, which is about to be published. We explore how we reconnect with purpose, navigate life’s seasons, handle comparison and imposter feelings, and make small, everyday course-corrections that bring more meaning into our lives. This is a grounding, hopeful, and deeply useful conversation for anyone feeling a bit off-track, stretched thin, or ready for more intention in their day-to-day. ⏱️ Timestamps 01:00 — Hannah’s background and coaching journey03:00 — Moving from strengths to purpose06:00 — What people consistently underestimate about themselves09:00 — Purpose in high-pressure, purpose-driven roles11:00 — Why we drift off-course14:00 — Everyday course-corrections18:00 — Seasons of life explained30:00 — Comparison and how to handle it34:00 — Social media + scarcity patterns40:00 — Imposter feelings and the four types48:00 — The Four-Point Pursuit54:00 — Hannah’s advice to her younger self Links/resources: Hannah's first episode with usHannah's new book- The Purpose PursuitHer website and podcast 🎉 Giveaway! 🎉 Pre-order Hannah’s new book and you could win a one-hour coaching conversation with Hannah, valued at £150! Here’s how to enter: Pre-order or order the book.Send your receipt to laura@hellosidekick.coYou’ll be entered into a competition draw. ✨ The winning coaching session can be taken anytime until March 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  4. Episode 49: Backstage with Prof Sir Jonathan Van-Tam

    29/09/2025

    Episode 49: Backstage with Prof Sir Jonathan Van-Tam

    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. 🕰️ Highlights 02:00 – Early Life & Family Influence 04:00 – Getting Into Medicine 06:00 – Path to Public Health & Pharma 12:00 – Becoming Deputy CMO 17:00 – Thrust Into the Spotlight 25:00 – Imposter Syndrome 32:00 – Science, Politics & Pressure 39:00 – The Power of Communication 49:00 – Work-Life Balance & Personal Cost 58:00 – Reflections & Legacy 57:00 – Quickfire Round 🔗 Links and resources Sign up to our monthly bulletin to hear about more programmes, podcasts, events and opportunitiesFollow Nish on Twitter/X and LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  5. RE-RELEASE- Episode with Don Berwick

    07/08/2025

    RE-RELEASE- Episode with Don Berwick

    🎧 Re-release As 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  6. Episode 48: Backstage with Prof Jason Leitch, former National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government

    15/07/2025

    Episode 48: Backstage with Prof Jason Leitch, former National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government

    Jason Leitch on Leadership, Public Trust & Fixing the Hoover In 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 & Highlights 04:30 – Growing up in a working-class household: family, faith & humble roots 08:00 – The early influences that shaped Jason’s values and work ethic 09:30 – Being headhunted into government – and why he left surgery 10:30 – The fellowship at Harvard & IHI that changed everything 13:45 – Systems thinking, safety, and why fixing one jaw wasn’t enough 17:00 – Creating the Scottish Patient Safety Programme – and saving lives 20:00 – “Where are the clever people?” – the moment Jason realised he was in the room 23:00 – What most people misunderstand about civil servants and politicians 27:30 – Imposter syndrome in senior roles — and how to work with it 30:00 – From dentist to national spokesperson: leading communication during COVID 32:00 – Behind the scenes of daily press briefings with Nicola Sturgeon 36:00 – The Grinch moment: “I cancelled Christmas in October” 38:00 – Social media abuse, threats — and how he stayed grounded 42:00 – Running, audiobooks, and the daily 5K: mental health strategies 46:00 – Why being wrong publicly was part of the job 48:00 – The monkey and the golf ball: Jason’s dad and the story that stuck 51:00 – Full circle: why “fixing the Hoover” might be all the leadership advice you need 53:00 – Biggest career mistake? Waiting too long to step beyond dentistry 54:00 – Final reflections: don’t over-design your career. Build relationships. Fix the Hoover. 🔗 Links and resources Catch 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  7. Episode 47: Backstage with Prof Sir Steve Powis, National Medical Director

    27/06/2025

    Episode 47: Backstage with Prof Sir Steve Powis, National Medical Director

    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. **Highlights 03:00 – "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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m
  8. Episode 46: Backstage with Prof Sir Chris Whitty

    22/05/2025

    Episode 46: Backstage with Prof Sir Chris Whitty

    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 *Links Follow the CMO on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
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4.4
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

The NextGen Cast is a podcast from Next Generation GP, a free national leadership programme for GPs at the start of their careers. In this podcast, we go backstage with some of our favourite speakers..and get to know the real people behind the titles. You'll hear candid interviews with some amazing leaders from the NHS and beyond, as they share their stories of leading through challenges, the lessons they've learnt, and their top pieces of advice as you embark on your own leadership journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Nish Manek
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nish Manek
  • Show Website
    The Next GenCast

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