The Business of Healthcare Podcast with Tara Humphrey

Tara Humphrey

Tara Humphrey looks behind the scenes at the business side of healthcare by talking to NHS and private healthcare leaders. Throughout this podcast, she also shares her own leadership insights. Tara has an MBA in Healthcare Leadership and Management and is the Founder and CEO of THC Primary Care, a leading healthcare consultancy.

  1. 1d ago

    #388 How to Work With an Executive Assistant: 6 Years of Lessons With Valentina Suma

    Hiring an executive assistant is supposed to give you more time, so why does it often take time to make the relationship work?   In this episode of The Business of Healthcare, Tara is joined by Valentina, her executive assistant of almost six years, for an honest conversation about what makes a successful working relationship.   Having started as a virtual assistant during the COVID pandemic, Valentina moved into the executive assistant role without previous experience in the position. Together, she and Tara reflect on how their working relationship developed, the mistakes they made along the way and what they have learned about building trust, communicating effectively and working as a team.   In this episode, they discuss: Getting the relationship right: Why hiring an assistant is just the beginning, and why both sides need to invest time in making it work. Beyond the task list: How understanding the business, its vision and the person you support helps an assistant become more proactive and independent. Communication and trust: Finding the right balance between giving clear instructions, allowing autonomy and knowing when to ask for help. Learning from mistakes: What a passport cancellation taught them about acting quickly, managing expectations and changing how they work together. Strengths and overdone strengths: How good intentions can sometimes lead to problems, and how understanding each other can help. Speaking up and giving feedback: Why a successful partnership needs more than someone who simply says yes. Systems that make a difference: How tools such as Asana, clear processes and regular one-to-ones support effective working. Transferable skills and growth: Why you don't need to have done the exact job before to develop into an exceptional assistant.   Whether you're an executive assistant looking to develop your role, an administrator taking on new responsibilities or a business owner considering hiring support, this conversation offers practical lessons from both sides of the working relationship.

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Adam Grant: How to Feel Less Lonely and Build Deeper Connections from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! Vibe: The Secrets of Strong Connections in a Lonely World  https://link.amazon/B0cQd5ZWG Adam Grant, bestselling author and organizational psychologist joins the Podcast to talk about his new book Vibe: The Secrets of Strong Connections in a Lonely World. Adam Grant explains the science behind human connection and the surprising secrets about what it means to create a “vibe” with another person. He shares why some people instantly click, while others struggle to connect. Oprah and Adam talk to NASA astronaut Cady Coleman who explains how she learned to vibe and ultimately trust members of her crew before a near shuttle disaster in outer space. NBA Legend Joe Dumars explains how he creates a vibe on his professional basketball team, even though he’s known for seeking out the most difficult and volatile players. Adam Grant talks about the “snap judgements” we all make in our lives, including one he made with vulnerability researcher Brené Brown that caused a four year rift between them. From marriage, family and friendship Adam Grant offers some surprising discoveries for anyone looking for deeper connections, stronger bonds and healthy ways to Vibe. 00:00:00 - Welcome Adam Grant, author of “Vibe” 00:05:00 - Human connection is missing 00:06:00 - Pebbling definition 00:08:38 - Rapid high-quality connection  00:10:20 - Welcome Astronaut Cady Coleman 00:15:45 - Connection saves their lives in space?  00:17:47 - Vibing with coworkers 00:20:00 - Welcome NBA legend Joe Dumars  00:22:30 - Joe on working with difficult players  00:25:20 - Friction can be good  00:27:30 - Finding genuine friendship 00:30:45 - Happier with friends than family 00:31:30 - Judgements can block connection 00:32:30 - Adam Grant and Brene Brown  00:34:50 - Adam’s marriage  Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

  3. Oct 21

    #387 First Contact Physiotherapy: Evidence for Outcome-Based Commissioning With Phin Robinson, Ben Bradford & Adam Davies from Pure Unity Health

    What does it take to demonstrate the real impact of first contact physiotherapy and other multidisciplinary roles in primary care? And how can research help shape the future of outcome-based commissioning?   In this episode, Tara is joined by Phin Robinson, Ben Bradford & Adam Davies from Pure Unity Health to explore how research, validated outcome measures and patient feedback can strengthen services and inform commissioning decisions.   The conversation explores how large-scale research can help PCNs, ICBs and commissioners understand what works, where services can improve and which outcomes should be measured. With outcome-based commissioning gaining importance, the guests discuss the challenges of establishing consistent measures, securing research funding and bringing health, care and community partners together to design services around local needs.   In this episode, you can expect to hear about: Why research is essential to building the evidence base for first contact physiotherapy and other multidisciplinary roles in primary care. The importance of standardised patient feedback, including the Roadmap to Practice requirements for first contact practitioners. What outcome-based commissioning could mean for PCNs and healthcare providers, and why commissioners need reliable evidence to define meaningful outcomes. Why neighbourhood working and collaboration across primary care, hospitals, social care and wellbeing services are vital to delivering more joined-up, patient-centred care. The challenges of funding large-scale research and why healthcare organisations need to take an active role in developing the evidence that will shape future policy.   What does the evidence actually tell us about the impact of first contact physiotherapy? And are we measuring the right things to shape the future of commissioning? Tune in for big questions, real-world research and fresh thinking on how we prove what works in primary care.   Visit the Pure Unity Health Website here.

  4. Oct 7

    #386 Rethinking NHS Dental Care: Prevention, Access, and Collaboration with Dr Neil Modha & Dr Raja Akhtar

    What happens when a GP practice stops waiting for patients to find a dentist, and starts looking for the patients who need one?   In this episode, Tara is joined by returning guest Dr Neil Modha, GP Partner at Thistlemoor Medical Centre, and Dr Raja Akhtar, Principal Dentist, Oadby Dental Clinic & Joint Founder, Thistlemoor Smiles Centre, to discuss their new approach to NHS dental care at Thistlemoor Medical Centre.   Eight months into the project, Neil and Raja share what they have learned so far, what has been challenging and what this approach could mean for neighbourhood working.   In this episode, they discuss: Why dentistry and general practice need to work more closely together. Using patient data to identify cohorts who may need dental support. Whether activity-based models work for high-need communities. A different approach to NHS dental service design and delivery. The importance of relationships between practices, dentists and commissioners. Thinking beyond the 18 month pilot and planning for the future.   The conversation looks at what can happen when dental care becomes part of the wider neighbourhood conversation, and when teams use data, relationships and population health management to identify where support is needed.     Connect with Dr Neil Modha here.

  5. Sep 24

    #385 Making Neighbourhoods Work with Dr Niruban Ratnarajah

    In this episode of The Business of Healthcare, Tara is joined by Niruban Ratnarajah, a GP Partner at Stonehill Medical Centre and Chair of NHS Bolton Foundation Trust.   With experience across general practice, neighbourhood working and the wider NHS system, Niruban offers a unique perspective on some of the challenges facing healthcare leaders, and what it takes to move beyond organisational boundaries and focus on what matters to patients and communities.   Throughout his career, Niruban has sought to bring the voice of patients and underserved communities from the consultation room into the boardroom. He uses data to understand what works and adapt quickly when change is not delivering benefits for patients or staff, while focusing on transformation and financial sustainability without losing sight of clinical quality or colleague wellbeing.   In this conversation, Tara and Niruban explore: GP access and demand - and why the data may tell a very different story from the assumptions made about why patients attend A&E. Relationships and trust - how long-term relationships, honesty and accountability can help organisations work through difficult conversations. Data-driven improvement - why relationships alone aren't enough, and how using data can help practices understand where they are performing and where change is needed. Neighbourhood working - what neighbourhoods could actually mean for patients, from prevention and screening to bringing services closer to where people live. Form vs function - why the focus should be on what needs to be delivered for patients, rather than getting caught up too early in which organisation holds the contract. Getting your own house in order - how practices can optimise their workforce, skill mix and systems before taking on wider neighbourhood responsibilities. PCN relationships - how four practices in Bolton have worked through differences, created equal voices and developed ways of sharing work and resources. Learning from PCNs - why relationships matter, but also why data, evidence, patient need and effective management structures are essential to making collaboration work.   One of the key themes running throughout the conversation is the importance of putting patient need at the centre of neighbourhood working, and using relationships, data and practical action to turn that ambition into something that works on the ground.   If you work in primary care, neighbourhoods, the NHS or healthcare leadership, there is plenty to take from this conversation.   Find Niruban on LinkedIn here.

  6. Sep 9

    #384 Lifestyle Medicine: Simple Changes, Better Health with Dan Bunstone

    In this episode of The Business of Healthcare, Tara is joined by Dr Dan Bunstone, Chief Medical Officer, Doctor and Health Consultant with a passion for health tech and proactive care, focusing on enhancing healthspan, not just lifespan. Tara and Dan discuss how small, realistic changes can have a meaningful impact on our health and wellbeing. Tara and Dan also discuss their Every Move Counts initiative, which aims to get want to get 1 million health and care professionals moving more across the entire system, feeling better, and doing it together. From walking the dog to running an ultramarathon, the message is simple: find something you enjoy, make it part of your routine and run your own race. In this episode, they discuss: What lifestyle medicine means and why simple changes can make a big difference Why consistency is more important than trying to be perfect Making exercise part of your routine and protecting time for it Practical approaches to improving sleep, movement and diet The difference between lifespan and healthspan Why mobility, strength and cardiovascular fitness matter as we get older How Every Move Counts is encouraging health and care professionals to move more The importance of finding activities you enjoy and, as Dan puts it, 'run your own race'. Visit Dan's website here or email Dan here. Find out more about the Every Move Counts initiative here.

  7. Aug 26

    #383 Social Care: The Forgotten Part of the Health and Care System? with Dudley Sawyerr

    What is social care, and why is it still so often overlooked when we talk about the wider health and care system?   In this episode of The Business of Healthcare, Tara is joined by Dudley Sawyerr, Chair for the London Mayor Talent Board for Health and Social Care to explore the role of social care, how it connects with the NHS, and why it deserves a much stronger voice within the wider system.   Dudley also shares his own journey into social care and discusses how we can attract, develop and retain the next generation of the workforce by changing the way we talk about careers in the sector.   In this episode, they discuss: What social care actually encompasses The relationship between social care and the NHS Why social care can feel like the "forgotten cousin" The importance of better information sharing across health and care The wide range of careers available within social care How we can attract more young people into the sector Why retention, progression and workplace culture matter The importance of upskilling and transferable skills How employers can better support and value their workforce   A thought-provoking conversation about changing perceptions of social care and recognising the vital role it plays across the health and care system.   Find Dudley on LinkedIn here, or email Dudley directly here.

  8. Aug 12

    #382 The Mesh Scandal with Dr Wael Agur

    One of our most popular episodes is back.   This conversation continues to resonate with listeners and remains one of our favourite episodes of The Business of Healthcare Podcast.   In this episode, Tara is joined by Dr Wael Agur, Consultant Gynaecologist and Urogynaecology Subspecialist, to explore the rise and fall of transvaginal mesh.   Together, they discuss how mesh became widely adopted, the devastating impact on many women, and the lessons healthcare must learn about patient safety, informed consent and the introduction of new medical technologies.   In this episode, Tara and Wael discuss: How transvaginal mesh became widely used across healthcare. Why patient consent and shared decision-making are so important. The impact the mesh scandal has had on patients, clinicians and public trust. The role of manufacturers, regulation and clinical evidence. The ethical challenges surrounding innovation in healthcare. What the NHS and wider healthcare system can learn from the mesh scandal. How healthcare leaders can balance innovation with patient safety.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with Lexacom. Lexacom has been supporting healthcare professionals for over 25 years with NHS-compliant clinical documentation solutions, including speech recognition, ambient AI consultation notes and workflow tools used across primary care. To learn more about Lexacom, contact their Sales Team here, call 01295 236910, or email Andrew directly here.

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Tara Humphrey looks behind the scenes at the business side of healthcare by talking to NHS and private healthcare leaders. Throughout this podcast, she also shares her own leadership insights. Tara has an MBA in Healthcare Leadership and Management and is the Founder and CEO of THC Primary Care, a leading healthcare consultancy.

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