Forks in the Road: A podcast exploring dilemmas in everyday leadership

Flyntrok
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Forks make you fitter - exploring dilemmas in everyday leadership “Forks in the Road”, is hosted by, Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland. In our inaugural series, we delve into the healthcare sector, interviewing seasoned leaders from around the globe who have faced pivotal decision points that shaped their careers and lives. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate life’s trickiest intersections, this podcast is your GPS! flyntrok.substack.com

  1. 6D AGO

    Eps 42 “Leading from the Middle: Finding Your Voice in a Room of Experts” with Cassie Rauert

    Today we are joined by Dr Cassie Rauert, a Senior Research Fellow specialising in microplastics exposure at the University of Queensland, Australia. Cassie is an Environmental Analytical Chemist who completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the University of Sydney in 2007, followed by a PhD at the University of Birmingham in 2014, where she investigated human exposure to flame retardants in indoor environments. In 2014, Cassie moved to Canada, working with Environment and Climate Change Canada on major national and international environmental monitoring programs. She returned to Australia in 2019. Her current research focuses on understanding human exposure to emerging pollutants such as microplastics, as well as developing new approaches to monitor chemicals of concern that affect both people and urban environments. In our conversation we find out about how Cassie made her decisions to leave a country town in Australia, to study in Sydney, then move to the UK to study and then to Canada and back to Australia. A round the world adventure, building a strong network along the way. We dive into the importance of strategic relationship building, the courage required to advocate for others, and practical frameworks for managing professional overwhelm. Let’s dive in. Key moments in the podcast: 02:41 Rapid-Fire Warmup: Queensland Life, Crafts & Zombie Skills 04:58 What Cassie Does Now: Microplastics, Exposure Pathways & Health Risks 07:32 Why the Work Matters: Puzzles, Mentoring PhDs & the Global Plastics Treaty 09:38 Origins of a Scientist: Family Puzzles, Teachers & Early Mentors 13:50 Fork in the Road: Leaving a Small Town for Sydney (and Bigger Horizons) 16:06 Taking the Leap: Landing a UK PhD + Coping with Loneliness Abroad 18:53 Finding Your People: Building Community Overseas—and the COVID Curveball Back Home 20:25 Finding Your People: Community as a Career Anchor 21:06 Small-Town Roots to Sydney: Where the Science Nerds Gather 22:18 Why Canada? Strategically Expanding Your Research Network 24:44 Coming Home to Australia: Warm Networking & Timing the Move 27:04 Mentoring Early-Career Researchers: Conferences, Confidence & Saying Yes 29:00 Women in Science: Being Overlooked and Learning to Call It Out 32:42 Speaking Up on the Panel: A Real-Time Lesson on Gender Equality 37:08 Golden Nuggets for Forks in the Road: Sleep on It, Stretch, Break It Down 41:34 Wrap-Up, Next Episode Teaser & Credits Here is what stays with us from this conversation: Strategy is Built on the Strength of Your Connections Success isn’t just about what you know, but how intentionally you cultivate the “warm” networks around you. * Moving Beyond the “Cold” Outreach: Using social settings and mutual acquaintances to turn professional opportunities from cold emails into warm introductions. * The Global Perspective: Why expanding your geographic horizons—even when it feels risky—diversifies your professional relationships. * Mentorship as a Shared Path: The role of leaders in “opening the door” for others by providing the same enthusiasm and time that once helped them grow. Leadership Demands the Courage to Challenge the Status Quo True leadership often requires speaking up when the room is silent, ensuring that every voice is seen and heard. * The Myth of Equality: Addressing why leaders must look beyond “not seeing gender” to recognize the different playing fields individuals start from. * Advocacy in Real-Time: The impact of calling out bias in professional settings, not through aggression, but through firm, visible support for those being overlooked. * Empowering the Next Generation: How senior leaders can use their influence to give courage to emerging talent by modeling advocacy. Mastering the Professional “Circuit Breaker” Longevity in any industry depends on your ability to step back, recalibrate, and approach complex problems with a cool head. * The Power of the Pause: Why “sleeping on it” is a vital leadership tool for resolving conflict and providing thoughtful responses rather than reactive ones. * Managing the Overwhelm: Using the “one small thing” framework to deconstruct massive, complex challenges into manageable, visible progress. * The Strategic “Yes”: Learning to lean into opportunities that make you nervous (growth) while maintaining boundaries on those that compromise your ethics. Connect with Cassie Rauert Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

    43 min
  2. Eps 41 “The Invisible Hands That Carry Us ” with Luckson Dullie

    FEB 3

    Eps 41 “The Invisible Hands That Carry Us ” with Luckson Dullie

    Today we’re joined by Dr. Luckson Dullie—a Global Health expert and the Global Chief Leadership Development and Engagement Officer at Partners In Health. Prior to his current role, Luckson spent nearly ten years as Executive Director of Partners In Health–Malawi, where he played a transformative role in improving care delivery and expanding community-based health services. He is also the founder of the Department of Family Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Malawi. Luckson earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine, University of Malawi; a Master’s in Family Medicine from the University of the Free State in South Africa; and a PhD from the University of Bergen in Norway. He lectures at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi and the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. Luckson has transformed a childhood of scarcity into a lifetime of service. From learning under a mango tree to establishing a national medical department and leading global leadership development, his story is a masterclass in gratitude, identity, and the “generosity of humanity”. Luckson is a visionary leader, educator, and champion of equitable health systems worldwide. Key moments in the podcast: 00:00 From Lack to Luck: A Name’s Journey 02:32 Rapid Fire Questions with Dr. Luckson Dullie 03:02 Influence of Family and Culture 04:50 Describing Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa 06:12 Parenting and Leadership 07:42 Educational Journey and Opportunities 13:11 Choosing Medicine: A Path of Discovery 16:10 Realizing Privilege and Overcoming Challenges 21:46 Unexpected Generosity 23:00 The Generosity of Humanity 24:58 From Lack to Love 25:36 Journey to Family Medicine 30:40 Challenges in Establishing Family Medicine 36:47 Pursuing a PhD in Primary Healthcare 41:02 Leadership Development 44:57 Final Reflections and Advice Here’s what stays with us from this conversation: 1. Own Your Narrative: The Power to Redefine Your Identity Luckson reflects on how a simple change in the spelling of his name—from “Lack” to “Luck”—became a lifelong metaphor for shifting focus from what is missing to the opportunities ahead. * Clarity of Self: Understanding your values and identity allows you to navigate complex choices with a steady hand. * Emotional Awareness: Reflecting on your reactions and internal drivers is the first step toward meaningful growth. * Lived Experience as a Compass: Using your personal history to inform how you lead others and build systems. 2. The Generosity of Humanity: Success is a Shared Endeavor Throughout his journey, Luckson was “carried” by the selfless acts of others, from an aunt who raised him as her own to an anonymous donor who funded his elite education. * A Legacy of Support: Acknowledging the “extraordinary” people who fill the gaps left by loss and poverty. * The Responsibility of Privilege: Once you internalize the privileges you’ve been given, they become a tool to uplift others. * The Village Concept: Embracing a culture where extending care to family and strangers alike is natural and expected. 3. Evolution Through Action: Bridging Theory and Reality True leadership is not just about academic credentials; it is the ability to adapt, ask questions, and prove that a vision can work in the real world. * Lifelong Curiosity: Constantly asking “Is this real?” and “Can this work?” to ensure systems serve the people they are meant for. * Leadership is Learnable: Moving beyond technical expertise to master people management, visioning, and decision-making. * Strategic Boldness: Having the courage to establish a unique identity for your work, even when it means navigating challenging institutional politics. Episode Highlights * The Mango Tree Classroom: A look back at the humble origins of a primary school education in rural Malawi. * The Turning Point: How a change in government funding nearly ended his education, and the “wow moment” that saved it. * The First Family Physician: The journey of bringing a new medical discipline to a nation and training the next generation of healers. * Pops and the Next Generation: How being a father influences a leadership style based on autonomy and “having their back”. Connect with Luckson Dullie Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

    49 min

  3. JAN 21

    Eps 40 “If Not You, Then Who? Finding the Courage to Disrupt” with Lisa Toi.

    Today we’re joined by Lisa Toi, a leading voice in New Zealand in social impact and innovation in healthcare services. As an Associate Partner with Synergia, Lisa has spent more than two decades helping organisations and communities navigate complexity, design better systems, for measurable change. Her work combines strategy, data, and human-centred thinking, and works with leaders across health, social services, and government. Her career journey is a non-linear one - from starting out in sales, working across diverse businesses, and eventually moving into healthcare and social impact work. Above all, Lisa opens doors, to broader perspectives, braver choices, and more human ways of leading. She models what it means to move through life with courage, an open heart, and strong, healthy relationships along the way. Lisa begins our conversation with a traditional Maori introduction about herself, in Maori language and then translates this for us. So, let’s dive in! Key moments in the podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Early Career 02:37 Lisa’s Traditional Maori Introduction 05:25 Rapid Fire Questions 09:48 Lisa’s Current Work and Projects 13:48 Journey into Healthcare 27:18 Influential Mentors and Relationships 33:09 Courage and Overcoming Challenges 39:44 Closing Thoughts and Advice 42:44 Next Episode Preview 43:36 Credits and Outro Here is what stays with us from this conversation: 1. Lead Through Connection * The Power of Whanaungatanga (Connection): Start by finding points of connection with others rather than leading with individual identity. * Built in the Micro-Moments: True relationships and trust are built during small, everyday interactions. * Relational Validation: Influence by validating the opinions of others and harnessing diverse perspectives to reach a shared goal. 2. The “If Not You, Then Who?” Mindset * The Fuel for Courage: Use your personal “why” and a sense of social justice as the drive to challenge the status quo. * Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: When feeling like an outsider, ground yourself in the mission of making things better for the community. * The Responsibility of Voice: As you grow in your career, use your confidence to represent and speak for populations that may not have a voice. 3. Mastering the Art of Strategic Perspective * Joining the Dots: Success often comes from sitting across a broad view to see where silos need to be bridged. * Consistent Questions, Evolving Answers: Strategic thinking is a transferable skill where the fundamental questions remain the same, even as industries change. * The “Creative Inventor” Approach: Approach problems with a constant tension between creative curiosity and practical application. 4. Honoring the “Mana” of Every Individual * Service-Oriented Leadership: View leadership as being born to serve and using your skills to improve the lives of others. * The Importance of Presence: Follow the example of leaders who “light up a room” with warmth and safety. * He Tangata (It is the People): Remember that the most important thing in the world is always the people. Connect with Lisa Toi Nuk System of Care - South Central Foundation, Alaska April Kyle: Episode 40 Tsion Firew: Episode 35 Jarrard O’Brien: Episode 28 Helen Angus: Episode 15 Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

    44 min

  4. JAN 6

    Eps 39 “Prepare, Wait, and Leap: A Three-Step Guide to Your Next Big Decision” with Dr. Joshua Hartzell

    Today we’re joined by Dr. Joshua Hartzell. Dr. Hartzell is a retired US Army Colonel who spent 25 years in military medicine. His training and practice in medicine is as an Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Physician. He has a real passion for the role of leadership and leading well, so much so, that he has written a book about leadership in healthcare, ‘A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership: Building a Culture of Compassion and Excellence.” He has held leadership positions at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is currently Deputy Chair and Professor with the Department of Health Professions Education at the Uniformed Services University. Dr Hartzell is also faculty at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions where he teaches courses in leadership development. This episode explores the profound intersection of service, professional expertise, and the human element of leadership. Our guest shares insights from a dual career in high-stakes environments, illustrating how the core challenges of our communities and organizations are, at their heart, leadership issues. Key moments in the podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 01:02 Meet Dr. Joshua Hartzell 03:22 Growing Up in a Small Community 04:55 Family Life and Staying Grounded 06:40 Military Education and Leadership Lessons 10:30 Choosing Medicine and Military Career 19:03 The Influence of Internal Medicine 23:14 Mentorship and Empowerment 24:48 Lessons in Humility and Empowerment 25:27 Advocacy and Sponsorship in Leadership 29:09 Transitioning from Physician to Leader 32:14 The Significance of Military Rituals 34:06 Deciding to Leave the Military 36:44 Writing a Book: A Journey of Reflection 43:21 Three Nuggets of Wisdom for Leaders Here is what stays with us from this conversation: Navigate Transitions with Intention Life’s “forks in the road” require a balance of rigorous preparation and the courage to take a leap. * The Power of Preparation: Constant learning and studying ensures that when an opportunity eventually opens, you are ready to step into it. * Practice Strategic Patience: Periods of waiting are often instrumental in building the skills and perspective needed for the next big role. * Choose Respect over Popularity: Leadership often requires making difficult decisions that may not be liked in the moment but are necessary for the long-term health of the team. Lead with a Heart for Service True leadership is defined by leading through service towards others: * Prioritize the needs of the team: Effective leaders ensure their people are cared for and supported before attending to their own needs. * Embrace humility: Coming from modest beginnings or small communities can instill a lasting sense of service and the desire to help others make the most of their lives. * See the human, not just the task: Whether in a hospital or an office, every person is someone’s relative; treating them with that level of meaning changes the quality of care and leadership. Master the Art of the “Block and Push” A leader’s primary role is to act as both a shield and a catalyst for their team’s success. * Shield the team from distractions: Great leaders “block” unhelpful pressures from above so the team can focus on their core mission. * Advocate upward: Leaders must have the courage to “push up” against the system to secure necessary resources or changes for those they lead. * Empower through ownership: When a team identifies a problem, a humble leader provides the resources for them to fix it rather than becoming defensive. Cultivate Growth Through Sponsorship and Feedback Success is a collective journey, propelled by the intentional elevation of others and the courage to speak the truth. * Shine the light on others: Move from seeking personal recognition to providing opportunities for emerging leaders. * View feedback as a tool for excellence: High standards are maintained through clear, direct feedback; it is the only way for individuals and organizations to improve. * Offer “gifts” of opportunity: Sponsoring a junior colleague for a presentation or a publication can serve as a powerful catalyst for their entire career. Connect with Josh Hartzell ‘A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership: Building a Culture of Compassion and Excellence’ by Josh Hartzell Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

    49 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Eps 38 “Beyond Authority: Cultivating Ownership for Widespread Reform” with Brian Dolan

    In this episode of the ‘Forks in the Road’ podcast, hosts Steven Berkeley and Anne Boland engage with Professor Brian Dolan, a transformative leader in global healthcare with over 30 years of experience. Brian shares his journey from nursing to leading major healthcare transformations and discussing his social movements like ‘End PJ Paralysis’ and ‘Last 1000 Days’. He emphasizes the importance of valuing patients’ time, maintaining a positive outlook, and learning from setbacks to foster impactful leadership. The episode highlights the significance of making thoughtful choices and the power of storytelling in healthcare. Key moments in the podcast: 00:00 Hope and Optimism: A Choice 00:45 Introduction to Forks in the Road Podcast 01:21 Meet Professor Brian Dolan 03:02 Rapid Fire Questions with Brian Dolan 04:08 The Power of Storytelling 10:25 Brian Dolan’s Daily Motivation 16:05 Pivotal Moments and Lessons Learned 20:37 Global Healthcare Insights 23:57 Choosing Nursing: A Serendipitous Journey 26:17 Early Influences and Career-Shaping Experiences 29:06 Discovering a Passion for Writing 32:21 The Joy of Teaching and Public Speaking 34:16 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges 41:04 The Last Thousand Days Project 45:02 Top Three Pieces of Advice for Navigating Life’s Forks 47:16 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Here is what stays with us from this conversation: Hope and Optimism are Acts of Rebellion, Rooted in Realism * We have the choice to deal with life with positivity, as 80% of life is how we choose to handle what happens to us. * It’s crucial to be hopeful and optimistic, giving others support without offering false hope. * Something is always worth fighting for. Time is the Most Important and Sacred Currency in Healthcare * The biggest waste of all in healthcare is waiting. * Treat older people as if they are in a real hurry, because every day spent longer than necessary is stealing their time. * Our patients’ time is sacred, even though our time in healthcare is busy and important. True Social Movements Are Built on Actionable Ideas, Not Ego * A powerful idea is extensible, allowing people to take it and run with it on their own terms without needing your permission. * Take your ego out of the way so that everyone can own the movement. * The way to get things happening is to give your idea to the world. On Career and Purpose * You Don’t Need to Know What You Want; Just Keep Working at What You Love * Find a way for what you love to do to work for others as well. * You start out in life wanting to make a difference, not necessarily wanting to be a leader. * The job that truly brings you joy never feels like labor; it feels almost like an act of love. * Never Stop Testing the Boundaries of Your Competence * Don’t be tied by your job title; be driven by your competence and confidence to do the right thing for the patient. * Focus on amplifying your strengths rather than constantly trying to work on your deficits. * Being right is never enough; what matters is how you are right and how you bring people with you. On Leadership and Culture * Everyone’s Contribution Matters, Regardless of Their Position * If you metaphorically touch the hands of those who touch the hands of patients, your contribution really matters. * Everyone is responsible for patient safety—even the finance director has a role. * Avoid the language of a “frontline,” as it infers a “backline” that doesn’t matter. * Nurture Your Skeptics, Quarantine the Cynics * Skeptics are people who’ve had their fingers burned and speak from a place of anxiety and worry. * Cynics are poisonous; they want things to fail so they can say “I told you so”. * Find people who care enough to tell you the things you need to hear, even if they’re not what you want to hear. On Personal Growth * Listen to Your Gut and Trust Yourself—It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint * Trust yourself and listen to that little voice inside. * Don’t be flattered into a position that isn’t the right fit for you. * Allow yourself to feel the sorrow and pain in order to heal, but don’t wallow in it so much that you lose yourself. Connect with Brian Dolan More on EndPJParalysis Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

    49 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    Eps 37 “Navigating Change: Global Stories and Lessons Learned”

    In this reflective episode of Forks in the Road, hosts Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland take a deep dive into the insights, dilemmas, and universal truths shared by the last five extraordinary guests from diverse geographical and professional backgrounds. Featuring insights from: * Eps 32 Dr. Jailyn Avil “Navigating Structure, Spontaneity, and Self-Discovery” * Eps 33 Dr. Gautam Nayak “Scaling up Leadership and Innovation” * Eps 34 April Kyle “Building Trust: A Generational Journey of Institutional Change” * Eps 35 Dr. Tsion Firew “Finding Purpose in Chaos” * Eps 36 Simone Alexander “Removing Roadblocks: Enabling Others to Flourish” Serving as a powerful synthesis of global leadership wisdom, this discussion focuses on how the challenges of complex organisational change and transformation transcend geography. From North America to Rwanda to Australia, we explore that the quest for effective, compassionate leadership is a common human experience. The discussion highlights commonalities in leadership amid complex organisational changes. Stories of personal and professional integrity, collaborative successes in healthcare, the importance of kindness and compassion, and the power of storytelling illustrate how meaningful, lasting change transcends boundaries. The episode also discusses the value of sport and teamwork in fostering resilience and innovation. Join us as we distil the essential lessons needed to lead meaningful and lasting change in any organization. Key moments in the podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:38 Global Perspectives on Leadership and Change 02:11 April Kyle’s Transformative Leadership 03:21 Dr. Tsion Firew: Courage in Crisis 04:08 Dr. Gautam Nayak: Entrepreneurial Spirit in Medicine 04:50 Dr. Jaylin Avil: Embracing Change Through Learning 05:34 Simone Alexander: The Rebel Leader 06:18 Central Themes and Reflections 06:58 April Kyle on Relationship-Centric Healthcare 24:06 Tsion Firew on True Collaboration 30:42 Simone Alexander on Leading with Kindness 37:21 The Power of Sport and Storytelling 41:07 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes Here is what stays with us from this conversation: The Universality of Transformation 🌍 The central finding is that complex organisational change is a universal experience. * Geographic Transcendence: The fundamental issues, dilemmas, and challenges associated with the journey through complex change are common across all cultures and continents. * Commonality vs. Perspective: While different global settings offer unique perspectives, the core mechanics of initiating, managing, and sustaining transformation share a profound commonality. The Core of Empowered Leadership ✨ Effective leadership is presented not merely as a title, but as an active, empowering component essential for successful change. * Initiative Over Position: Leadership is shown to be born in moments of initiative and ownership. There is a leader in the making whenever an individual identifies a problem and makes a commitment to understand it by leading the necessary action. * Intentional Change: Leaders have a fundamental role in driving meaningful and lasting change and transformation within an organisation. It is a skill that has to be honed and developed. Integrity and Compassionate Action ❤️ While leading effectively requires strategy, it must be balanced with a strong human-centred focus. * Integrity as the Foundation: Effective leadership rests on a bedrock of personal and professional integrity. * The Power of Kindness: Demonstrating kindness and compassion is not a sign of weakness, but a critical element for gaining trust, achieving positive outcomes, and enabling teams to flourish. The Power of Stories 📖 Shared stories are highlighted as a tool for translating complex changes into human understanding. * Medium of Understanding: The importance of story is paramount, as it is the fundamental medium through which understanding and meaning are transferred to teams and stakeholders. * Translating Vision: Effective leaders utilise narrative to convey the rationale, vision, and emotional impact of transformation, ensuring alignment and minimising resistance. Growth Through Dilemma 💪 The act of confronting difficult choices and leading through uncertainty is seen as a key driver of professional development. * The Path to Strength: Exploring the dilemmas in everyday leadership—the “forks in the road”—is what ultimately makes leaders and organisations fitter and stronger. * Resilience and Agility: The experiences reviewed underscore the necessity of agility, innovation, and resilience when managing stressful, high-stakes situations. Connect with FLYNTROK * Learn more about organisational change and transformation: * FLYNTROK Website * Flyntrok LinkedIn * Connect with the hosts on how we can help you with your Change Initiatives: * Stephen Berkeley * Anne Boland Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social media, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

    45 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Eps 36 “Removing Roadblocks: Enabling Others to Flourish” with Simone Alexander

    Today we’re joined by Professor Simone Alexander, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Alfred Health’s services include 3 hospital campuses, a large network of community programs and 18 statewide services. A Registered Nurse by profession, Simone has extensive experience in perioperative nursing, and clinical leadership of many areas. The COVID pandemic was a significant leadership experience and Simone’s leadership style of agility, innovation and compassion shone through, demonstrating that even in command and control events, you can lead effectively with kindness. Simone holds Master’s Degrees in Health Management and Clinical Nursing, and is completing the Executive Leadership Certificate in Public Health at Harvard University. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at Monash University’s Central Clinical School. Let’s dive in to our conversation with Simone Alexander. Key moments in the podcast: 01:04 Welcome to Forks in the Road Podcast 01:40 Meet Professor Simone Alexander 03:44 Simone’s Career Journey and Choices 07:35 Leadership Influences and Styles 16:02 Navigating Career Forks in the Road 22:02 Perfect Leadership and Development 29:06 Emerging Leaders and Work-Life Balance 32:53 COVID-19: A Leadership Test 38:33 Closing Thoughts and Nuggets of Wisdom 40:49 Podcast Outro and Credits Here is what stays with us from this conversation: Authentic Leadership Flourishes in Crisis * Embrace Agility and Innovation: The ability to step out of a consultative style into a required command framework while maintaining leadership authenticity and integrity. * The Power of Compassionate Action: Demonstrating kindness is not a weakness; it is a way to gain more positive outcomes. * Trust Your Framework: Relying on a strong fundamental compass for managing difficult and stressful situations is essential for leading. * Building Enduring Relationships: Strong professional bonds formed during intense shared experiences are the key to getting through the hardest. Seek Growth Through Every Career Fork * Transform Failure into Drive: Rejection or failure to secure a role can become the motivation to try even harder and position oneself for future opportunities. * Value Opposing Leadership Styles: Learn just as much, if not more, from observing and challenging an undesirable leadership approach as from an aspirational one. * Prioritize Continuous Development: Intentional focus on postgraduate study and broad experiences, both within and outside the primary field, rounds out one’s skills. * Cultivate a ‘Safety Net’ Team: Surround yourself with colleagues who offer robust conversation and disagreements, but who are a united front once a decision is made. Enable Your Team’s Best Work * Lead by Example (The Golden Rule): Never ask a team member to do something you are not willing to do yourself, including working in the detail or the trenches. * Focus on Empowerment: The leader’s role is to remove roadblocks and break down barriers so that the team can operate fully and flourish. * Define Your Boundaries and Integrity: Hold firm to your personal and professional integrity and clearly articulate boundaries. Connect with Simone Alexander Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

    42 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Eps 35 “Finding Purpose in Chaos” with Tsion Firew, MD

    Today we are joined by Dr. Tsion Firew an emergency physician, a fierce advocate for global health equity, and a dedicated humanitarian whose work has taken her from the frontlines of emergency rooms in New York City to crisis zones around the world. Tsion is currently the Chair of Emergency Medicine at Africa Health Sciences University & King Faisal Hospital in Rwanda, a Senior Advisor overseeing Emergency Medical Services at the Ministry of Health in Rwanda and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at New York University. Tsion also served for 6 years as a Senior Advisor to Ethiopia’s Minister of Health. She has been recognized by Medscape as one of the “10 Women in Medicine You Need to Follow”. She is an inspiring advocate for high-quality global emergency medicine, universal health coverage, and women’s leadership in healthcare. Let’s dive in … Key moments in the podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 00:31 Welcome to the Forks in the Road Podcast 01:07 Meet Dr. Tsion Firew 02:46 Balancing Motherhood and Global Health Leadership 04:30 Cultural Influences: Ethiopia and New York 08:20 Lessons from Crisis Zones 10:38 COVID-19 and Public Health Advocacy 15:56 Educational Journey and Career Path 24:16 Facing the Marburg Virus Outbreak 33:54 Future Aspirations and Leadership 38:49 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview Here is what stays with us from this conversation: Humanity Unites Us Above All Differences. * Look beyond surface-level divisions to find common ground. * Recognize the universal desire for peace and belongingness. * Understand that we all bleed the same red blood. Balance Is Achieved by Finding Gratification in All Roles. * View different life roles (work, family) as an antidote to one another, offering recharge and refocus. * Seek out opportunities in work that are both gratifying and challenging to maintain momentum. * Sustain energy by moving between different work aspects: clinical work, research, and policy. A Leader’s Duty Is to Infiltrate the Information Space. * Recognize the necessity for clinicians and scientists to actively infiltrate media spaces to share reality. * Step up to be a voice for what is happening in hospitals. * Use public health training to teach the community. True Collaboration Thrives When Ego is Absent. * Focus on a common goal and put aside personal or institutional egos to achieve maximum impact. * Be ready to implement good ideas quickly when evidence supports them, such as bringing in experimental drugs during a crisis. * Witness the power of unified effort, as demonstrated during the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. Take Calculated Risks: * Nothing improves if you don’t step outside of your comfort zone. * Be thankful and grateful for the opportunities you have. Embrace Vulnerability: * Be vulnerable to show your humanity. * Make vulnerability an integral part of your decision-making. * Making decisions with your heart will help you push through. Leverage Mentorship Wisely: * Seek out multiple mentors for various aspects of your life. * Lean into mentors when faced with difficult decisions. * The best thing is learning from their mistakes so you don’t have to make them. Sustaining the Long Haul: * Rewarding yourself with a trip or achievement after major milestones to make the long journey tolerable and gratifying. Connect with Tsion Firew Further Reading: When Science and Courage Meet Crisis: Dr. Tsion Firew and the Battle Against Marburg Virus in Rwanda A bold doctor sent her kids away and helped beat one of the world’s deadliest viruses Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road. This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior. Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music. Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit flyntrok.substack.com

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Forks make you fitter - exploring dilemmas in everyday leadership “Forks in the Road”, is hosted by, Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland. In our inaugural series, we delve into the healthcare sector, interviewing seasoned leaders from around the globe who have faced pivotal decision points that shaped their careers and lives. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate life’s trickiest intersections, this podcast is your GPS! flyntrok.substack.com

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