It's been a little over a week since the captivating Best Practice Birmingham event, and as we excitedly delve into the Business of Healthcare Podcast, in partnership with Best Practice Series, we can't help but be enthralled by the fantastic episode featuring Dr. Farah Jameel. Our apologies for the slight delay in bringing you this review, but Best Practice's engaging activities from the previous week had us all absorbed.

Dr. Farah Jameel is not your run-of-the-mill healthcare professional. She is a mother of two, a General Practitioner, LMC Co-Chair, and a Non-Executive Director. Her incredible career journey serves as a shining example for primary care leaders and anyone navigating the intricate world of a portfolio career.

In a spirited and engaging conversation with Tara, Dr. Jameel shared her invaluable insights on various topics, from managing life in the spotlight to the intricacies of leadership and the ever-elusive work-life balance. Here's a sneak peek at the episode's highlights:

Embracing Challenges and Navigating Uncharted Territory:

During the discussion, Dr. Jameel sheds light on the concept of failure and its evolving nature as we grow older. She reminds us that life is a journey filled with ups and downs. Dr. Jameel gives an analogy that life is akin to a game of snakes and ladders, while sometimes we’re “five steps ahead”, other times we’re “10 steps behind” and the key is to focus on our trajectory and pick ourselves up when we stumble and focus on what the next steps are.

Crafting a Life That Supports Multiple Roles:

For those who, like Dr. Jameel, manage a multitude of roles, setting boundaries is paramount. She encourages others to steer clear of work outside their designated hours and to make exceptions only when it truly serves their needs. Asking for help, she emphasises, is the first step toward receiving it. She gives us this memorable quote “a busy diary could be the mark of an unproductive person”, reminding us that taking time to refresh and reflect is as important as workload.

Strategic Thinking and Planning for the Future:

Dr. Jameel underscores the importance of being purposeful about the future. She shares her personal pursuit of a fellowship with Leaders Plus, an initiative that supports parents of young children to achieving success in their careers. When asked about over all future planning she urges us to envision a 3–5-year plan, network strategically, and actively seek opportunities to bridge career gaps. Getting to where you want is all about breaking down the steps needed to take and taking it one thing at a time.

Addressing Issues of Racism and Diversity:

Tara poses a poignant question about the expectation of addressing racism and diversity, and Dr. Jameel provides reflective insights. She reassures Tara – and us – that “showing up” is about showing up for yourself too, taking time to be a mum and involvement in other things is just as important when it comes to giving yourself credit. Dr. Jameel encourages self-reflection on uncertainties, highlighting the value of thinking aloud, “you can’t get help if you don’t ask”.

Authentic Leadership:

Dr. Jameel believes that authentic leadership is grounded in a sense of safety. She recognises the shift towards less heroic and more vulnerable leadership and emphasises the importance of using one's platform to inspire and lead, particularly by engaging in uncomfortable conversations for those who may not have a voice. Ultimately, the aim shouldn’t be to curate teams that rely on you for assistance but “teams who are empowered to make choices and decisions for themselves”

This episode is a true treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. Dr. Farah Jameel's journey is a testament to resilience and a commitment to positive change, offering inspiration for all of us.

If this review has piqued your interest, don't hesitate to listen to the full episode. It's not just a podcast; it's a gateway to remarkable insights and inspiration that can elevate your understanding of healthcare, leadership, and personal growth.