Continuing the Conversation with Sadie

Continuing the Conversation with Sadie

Continuing the Care Conversation explores the emotional, human side of care — from boundaries and resilience to the realities behind caring roles. Hosted by Sadie Ravening, founder of Continuing Care With Sadie, the podcast blends compassionate leadership with practical thinking to support carers, families, and organisations. 💛 Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ContinuingtheConversationwithSadie 🌐 Learn more and explore support options: www.continuingcarewithsadie.co.uk/pricing-plans/list

  1. Jul 5

    Continuing the Conversation with Sadie and Nadra Ahmed: Leadership, Workforce, System Reform & the Realities of Care

    In this conversation, Sadie and Nadra Ahmed discuss the evolution of leadership in the care sector, focusing on the systemic changes needed to improve care delivery. Nadirah shares her journey into the care sector, highlighting the importance of recognising the skills of the workforce and the need for a fundamentally different approach to care. They explore the challenges faced by the workforce, the significance of valuing their contributions, and the necessity of involving those affected by care systems in decision-making processes. In this conversation, Nadra Ahmed CBE DL discusses the critical aspects of leadership in social care, emphasising the importance of consultation, understanding business pressures, and the human cost of underfunding. She highlights the ripple effect of care on communities and the significant role of unpaid carers. Nadra advocates for a vision of dignity and equity in care, urging leaders to navigate change collaboratively and value their workforce. The discussion also touches on personal experiences and the emotional challenges faced in the sector. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Care 02:51 Nadra's Journey into Care 09:29 Recognizing Systemic Needs for Change 16:58 The Role of Workforce in Care 20:20 Valuing the Care Workforce 25:58 The Importance of Consultation in Care Systems 27:12 The Importance of Consultation in Leadership 29:38 Understanding Business Pressures in Care Services 31:35 The Human Cost of Underfunding 32:46 The Ripple Effect of Care 35:45 The Role of Unpaid Carers 37:33 The Value of Care and Its Impact on Society 38:12 The Human Side of Leadership 44:28 Lessons Learned from Difficult Decisions 46:20 Navigating Change in Social Care 48:00 A Vision for Dignity and Equity in Care

    Continuing the Conversation with Sadie and Nadra Ahmed: Leadership, Workforce, System Reform & the Realities of Care
  2. Jun 28

    Continuing the Conversation with Sadie and John Seddon: Systems Thinking, Flow, and the Human Cost of Command‑and‑Control

    In this conversation, Sadie and John Seddon explore the principles of systems thinking and its application in leadership and organisational design. John shares his journey into systems thinking, emphasising the need to challenge traditional management practices that prioritise targets and control over human-centred approaches. He critiques the command and control model, advocating for economies of flow that focus on understanding demand and improving service delivery. The discussion highlights the importance of empowering frontline workers and designing systems that work with people, not against them. In this conversation, Sadie and John Seddon explore the complexities of systems thinking in public services, particularly in care and health sectors. They discuss the importance of flexibility over rigidity, the detrimental effects of standardisation, and the emotional toll on frontline workers. Seddon emphasizes the need for reform in leadership and regulation, advocating for a shift from command and control to a more human-centered approach. The discussion highlights the potential for positive change through systems thinking, despite the challenges faced by leaders and workers in the current system. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Systems Thinking and Leadership 02:08 Origins of Systems Thinking and Challenging Orthodoxy 11:48 Targets, Flow, and the Human Impact of Bad Systems 17:35 Flexibility in Systems Thinking 18:12 Understanding Economies of Scale 19:18 Human-Centered Work vs. Efficiency 20:36 Frontline Workers' Struggles 21:49 The Whitehall Effect on Public Services 22:39 Reforming Public Sector Leadership 24:19 Shifting from Command and Control 26:22 Overcoming Change Fatigue 30:06 Finding Opportunities in Systems 31:32 Hope for Systems Thinking 34:54 The Future of Social Care

    Continuing the Conversation with Sadie and John Seddon: Systems Thinking, Flow, and the Human Cost of Command‑and‑Control

About

Continuing the Care Conversation explores the emotional, human side of care — from boundaries and resilience to the realities behind caring roles. Hosted by Sadie Ravening, founder of Continuing Care With Sadie, the podcast blends compassionate leadership with practical thinking to support carers, families, and organisations. 💛 Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ContinuingtheConversationwithSadie 🌐 Learn more and explore support options: www.continuingcarewithsadie.co.uk/pricing-plans/list