In this episode, Donna interviews Merrisha Gordon, a leadership coach with a rich background in the NHS. Merrisha shares her inspiring journey from growing up in inner-city Birmingham to navigating her way through a challenging career in healthcare management. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her, including her experiences with workplace bullying, the pressures of leadership, and her eventual transition into coaching.

www.merrishagordoncoaching.com

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The journey from aspiring doctor to a successful leadership coach highlights the importance of adaptability and the willingness to pursue new paths, even when initial plans do not materialise.

• Building strong relationships and seeking mentorship can significantly impact career progression, as demonstrated by the early support received from a manager that led to rapid advancement in the NHS.

• Experiencing workplace bullying underscored the need for a supportive and respectful work environment. Confronting toxic behaviour and advocating for oneself can lead to empowerment and positive change.

• The transition to motherhood and the challenges of managing a demanding career during the pandemic emphasised the importance of self-care and the need to reassess priorities in life.

• The shift from a secure job in the NHS to a coaching business illustrates the significance of following one's passion and the fulfilment that comes from helping others, reinforcing the idea that it’s never too late to change direction and seek joy in work.

BEST MOMENTS

"I knew that I wanted more. I wasn't sure what more looked like, but I knew that I absolutely wanted more."

"I was working ridiculous hours. I had a lot to prove because there were lots of people around me that didn't think I could do the job."

"I confronted them individually. It was incredibly empowering, because actually speaking to them one-on-one, I didn't have this collective of consultants."

"There are a proportion of individuals in their public service roles who are stuck, looking for something different."

"I want to just remind people it doesn't have to be this way. We can have a life of joy, regardless of where you have started."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/