Show notes
In this landmark episode of the Next GenCast, Dr. Nish Manek sits down with Professor Sir Steve Powis, just weeks before he steps down as National Medical Director of the NHS in England after more than seven years in the role.This is not just an interview — it's an unfiltered, powerful reflection on leadership under pressure, told by the man who stood at the helm of the NHS during one of its most turbulent chapters: the COVID-19 pandemic.In a conversation recorded live at NHS Confed Expo in June 2025, Sir Steve opens up in a way few senior leaders ever do.He talks honestly about the terror of those early pandemic days, what it really felt like to stand at the podium during Downing Street press conferences, and the emotional toll of knowing the NHS could collapse under his watch.But this episode is about far more than crisis leadership. It’s a deeply personal insight into what makes a great leader — from the power of relationships and kindness to handling imposter syndrome at the very top. Sir Steve also shares the most important lessons he’s learned, what he hopes for the next generation of clinical leaders, and how he wants to be remembered.**Highlights03:00 – "I didn’t set out to be a leader"06:00 – “I caught the bug” – enjoying policy and strategy08:00 – Early mentors, first impressions, and learning to manage a unit11:00 – Becoming a Medical Director and then National Medical Director14:00 – The Simon Stevens sofa interview16:00 – Imposter syndrome, confidence, and doubt21:00 – Pandemic prep and the moment it became real26:00 – Behind the scenes at Downing Street press briefings30:00 – Media gaffe: “I didn’t hear the question…”32:00 – Communicating in a crisis: “You’re never speaking to just one audience”37:00 – The emotional toll and the moment that broke him43:00 – Watching The Repair Shop in tears48:00 – Working with politicians: “See the world through their eyes”52:00 – Legacy and pride: Royal Free, North Middlesex, and the NHS model59:00 – Quickfire round: cartography, Springsteen, and shoemaking1:03:00 – Final leadership advice: “Kindness. Patience. Relationship**Links and resources:Learn more about the Next Generation GP programmeSIgn up to our monthly bulletin to hear about more programmes, podcasts, events and opportunitiesFollow Nish on Twitter/X and LinkedInShare this episode with someone stepping into leadershipSubscribe and leave us a review — it really helps others find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
