🍔 Middle management is one of the toughest jobs in nursing... but it can also be the most influential.

Middle managers are often described as the "meat in the sandwich"—caught between the expectations of senior leaders and the realities of frontline staff. In this engaging episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, I sit down with leadership expert Sally Foley-Lewis to explore why this often-overlooked group has the greatest potential to influence workplace culture and create meaningful change.

Drawing on her experience working alongside healthcare professionals and coaching leaders across multiple industries, Sally shares practical insights for Clinical Nurse Consultants, Nurse Unit Managers, educators, and aspiring nurse leaders. We discuss the unique pressures of leading from the middle, the importance of self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and how trusted relationships become the foundation for influencing change both up and down an organisation.

Sally also introduces her memorable "burger" leadership framework—a practical and entertaining metaphor that makes complex leadership concepts easy to understand and apply. Whether you're already in a leadership role or hoping to step into one, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can use immediately.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a colleague who may benefit. If you know a nurse with a story to tell, introduce us wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

Connect with Sally Foley-Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyfoleylewis/

In this special solo episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, I take you back to where it all began by reading the introduction and first chapter of my first book, MidLife Mojo: You're 50, Cut the Crap. Inspired by my own journey as a nurse, my family's experiences with illness, and my personal transformation from obesity to wellbeing, this episode explores the powerful moments that can change the direction of our lives.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by work, family responsibilities, or the constant pressure of putting everyone else first, this conversation is for you. Together we'll explore why understanding your personal motivations is the key to lasting change, how fear often keeps us stuck, and why small, consistent steps are far more powerful than chasing perfection. This isn't about fad diets or quick fixes—it's about creating a healthier, happier future by making practical choices that fit real life.

Whether you're in midlife or simply looking for renewed purpose and direction, I hope these chapters encourage you to reflect on where you are today and where you'd like to be in the years ahead.

📖 Purchase your copy here: https://bit.ly/MidLifeMojoBook

If you know a nurse with a story to tell, introduce us: wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses workplace bullying, psychological injury, suicide, mental health, patient safety, whistleblowing and systemic challenges within healthcare.

In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Alicia Hyland continues sharing the deeply personal impact that followed her decision to speak up about patient safety and workplace culture.

Alicia reflects on the emotional, professional and personal consequences she experienced, describing the long road through investigations, legal processes, declining mental health and the lasting effects of workplace conflict. She also shares how these experiences led her to rethink her purpose, inspiring a vision for more compassionate models of care and renewed advocacy for healthcare reform.

Throughout the conversation, Alicia discusses the importance of psychological safety, authentic leadership, documentation, seeking support, and maintaining integrity—even when the path becomes incredibly difficult. She offers practical advice for nurses and midwives navigating challenging workplace cultures, encouraging listeners to protect themselves, remain true to their values, and continue advocating for safe patient care.

Whether or not you agree with every perspective shared, this episode raises important questions about organisational culture, leadership, accountability and the human cost when healthcare professionals feel unable to speak openly.

This is a confronting, thought-provoking conversation that many nurses and midwives may find both challenging and validating.

If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe to Your Nurse Voice Matters so you never miss a future conversation.

If you know a nurse with a story to tell, I'd love to hear from you. Contact Wendy at wendy@healthoptionsnow.org.