Welcome to the eleventh instalment of our interview series, Leadership Insights: 3 questions with… where we ask the same three questions to each of the exceptional leaders we interview, revealing some very unique and insightful answers. Except this month, the questions and the work experience are a little different ….
This month we spoke to Theresa Kirkham who is now a senior NHS manager, having transitioned from a successful media career into healthcare operations. After holding commercial roles at the BBC, Haymarket, and Getty Images, she joined the NHS in 2014 in a part-time, junior role and has since progressed through a range of service management roles. She is currently General Manager at Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.
What prompted your change out of media?
I never really imagined leaving the world of media. Having spent all my 20’s and the majority of my 30’s working across a range of fantastic brands, I’d had the most amazing career and experienced things most people only dream of. However, as I settled into family life I started to see the impact of all the travel, late-night dinners and early starts.
14 years ago my life changed significantly when my sister, who had been more like a mum to me, passed away from bowel cancer. She was 41, with 2 young children and a husband. The conversations we had in the lead-up to her death were all about family and her devastation about a life she will miss out on. I promised her I would always prioritise family and live a life that would make her proud.
So, I decided to take a leap of faith and join the NHS taking up a role in the bowel cancer team at my local hospital.
What do you do now?
My NHS career progressed at speed and within 5 years I was working in a managerial role in my local accident and emergency department. I stayed here for 3 years overseeing the running of the department through COVID 19. From there I moved hospitals and gained further experience within surgical specialties. In February this year I joined Kingston and Richard Foundation Trust as General Manager across planned care, theatres and anaesthetics. It’s been quite a journey but I’ve loved every second of it.
What are your key lessons in leadership?
Making the leap from media into the NHS has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences. Whilst the sectors are worlds apart in many ways, both rely on people’s communication and resilience. Here are six of the key leadership lessons I’ve learnt along the way.
Purpose makes the difference; In media, the work is fast-paced and creative but in the NHS the impact is immediate and human. Leading with purpose is not optional, it’s at the heart of the care we provide.
People and patients first; The NHS is complex, hierarchical and under immense pressure. True leadership happens through listening, supporting and empowering our people on the frontline, to deliver the best care to our patients.
Communication is everything; My media background gave me strong communication skills but I’ve learnt how crucial clarity, honesty and calm are in healthcare. Especially when leading in times of uncertainty.
Pace is different but impact is possible; Coming from a high-impact fast turnaround world, you could say it was somewhat of a shock to navigate the layers of decision-making in the NHS. As I’ve matured I’ve learnt to work with the system and still managed to influence change.
Resilience is everything; The emotional toll in healthcare is real. The intensity of the work we do and the high-level decision-making should not be underestimated. It’s not just about driving performance but supportive leadership and creating a culture of psychological safety. This helps in preventing burnout.
Trust underpins the team; Unlike media where visibility often equals value, in the NHS it’s slow to earn the trust that matters. Being consistent, having integrity and being present are the foundations of any successful team no matter what industry you work in.