Adam speaks candidly about growing up autistic in Ireland in the 1990s, navigating a system that had little awareness of autism, and the isolation he felt as a teenager before finding his voice as a writer and advocate. From that starting point, he built one of Ireland's most respected disability organisations — one that places autistic people at the centre of everything it does.

In this episode, Adam and Marie discuss:

• What it means to move beyond awareness towards genuine acceptance of autistic people
• Why autism should be understood as an accessibility issue, not a deficit
• The barriers autistic people face when accessing healthcare — and how relatively simple changes can make a significant difference
• The policy landscape shaping autism support in Ireland includes the Autism Innovation Strategy and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.
• The Same Chance Report — As I Am's annual state of the community report on autistic life in Ireland

Contact As I Am

https://asiam.ie

17-21 Temple Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 DN40

If you would prefer to contact As I Am by phone to discuss your query, please call (01) 445 3203

Leading with Hearts and Minds is a podcast from the National Clinical Leadership Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.

Finn Gallagher's career began in a locked ward in Letterkenny in 1953. He retired as Chief Nursing Officer, having helped reshape mental health services in Ireland from the ground up. His son Paul followed in his footsteps into nursing and is currently the Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery — a role he will leave later this year.

In this episode, Marie Kilduff sits down with both of them — together, for the first time on the podcast.

What emerges is rarer than a career retrospective. It's a conversation about the decisions that define a life — recorded while Paul is still in post, and Finn can still remember what it felt like to be where his son is now. A young nurse choosing a ward over the Gardaí, guided by a single question from an older man he had rarely met. A father stepping back from his son's first day so the son could find his own footing. A wife's four words that settled a move that felt like emigrating.

Paul returns to Leading with Hearts and Minds, having previously shared his own story. This time, Finn is in the room — and what passes between them says as much as anything either man puts into words.

For anyone in nursing or healthcare leadership, this episode carries something quietly useful: what influence looks like when it's patient, what mentorship looks like when it asks rather than tells, and what it means to hand something on.

In this episode:

• Why Finn nearly joined the Gardaí — and what stopped him
• Paul's memory of his father at work, and what it planted in him
• The decision to move from Donegal to Limerick — and the conversation that made it possible
• What both men would say to the next generation of nursing leaders

Subscribe to Leading with Hearts and Minds wherever you get your podcasts.

What is the difference between organisational diversity and social diversity, and why does that distinction matter in the workplace?

In this episode of Leading with Hearts and Minds, Margaret Williams speaks with inclusive leadership expert and author Síle Walsh about inclusion as a leadership responsibility rather than a checklist or initiative.

The conversation begins by distinguishing between organisational diversity and social diversity, before exploring inclusive leadership as a core leadership capability that supports performance, psychological safety, and better outcomes for people and organisations.

Drawing on research, professional practice, and lived experience, Síle discusses purpose, co-creation, reasonable accommodation, and why focusing on needs rather than labels leads to more effective workplaces, particularly in complex healthcare environments.

Drawing on decades of research, Professor West explains how leadership behaviour shapes organisational culture, staff wellbeing, and patient outcomes. He challenges the idea that compassion is soft or optional, arguing instead that it requires courage, accountability, and a willingness to address difficult issues such as chronic workload, toxic behaviours, and system pressures.

The conversation explores the ABC conditions for compassion: human needs, autonomy, belonging, and competence, and how creating the right conditions for staff leads to innovation, psychological safety, and better care. Professor West also reflects on self-compassion, presence, teamwork, and the simple leadership question that can transform cultures: How can I help?

This episode offers practical insight for clinicians, managers, and system leaders seeking to build compassionate cultures that support staff and improve patient care.

Professor Michael West CBE  

Professor of Organisational Psychology, Lancaster University Management School

Senior Visiting Fellow, The King’s Fund 

 Book: West, M. A. (2021). Compassionate Leadership: Sustaining Wisdom, Humanity and Presence in Health and Social Care, published by Swirling Leaf Press.

Joe Ryan on leadership, accountability, and building trust in the HSE

In this episode of Leading with Hearts and Minds, Joe Ryan, National Director of Public Involvement, Culture and Risk Management at the Health Service Executive, speaks with Marie Kilduff about leadership, organisational culture, and psychological safety in healthcare.

Episode Highlights

• Leadership and organisational culture in the HSE
• How healthcare culture has changed over time
• Compassionate leadership and accountability in practice
• Psychological safety, staff wellbeing, and patient safety
• The impact of workplace incivility on performance
• Informal leadership and culture change in healthcare teams
• Measuring culture through staff experience and patient feedback

Guest:

Joe Ryan, National Director of Public Involvement, Culture and Risk Management, Health Service Executive

Pádraic explains what positive health science entails, breaking it down into positive psychology, lifestyle medicine, and health psychology. He discusses why lasting change is challenging, why quick fixes rarely work, and why awareness, compassion, acceptance, and vulnerability are essential foundations for both personal and professional well-being.

This thoughtful conversation offers practical insight for anyone seeking to support their own well-being or that of their teams in a high-pressure healthcare environment.

Guest:

Dr Pádraic Dunne, Senior Lecturer, RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences

Host:

Marie Kilduff, National Clinical Leadership Centre for Nursing & Midwifery

She shares insights from her time as a Spark Innovation Fellow, including how design thinking, curiosity, and psychological safety can transform services and support teams.

The episode also explores Amy’s award-winning work on the MUMA Postnatal Hub, her approach to conflict and communication, and her advice for midwives who want to grow into leadership roles.

A concise, uplifting conversation about compassion, innovation, and leading with authenticity.

Despite decades of professional leadership in integrated care, Áine found herself navigating a fragmented system that left her feeling powerless as a daughter advocating for her mum. That experience intensified her long-standing commitment to person-centred, coordinated care and exposed the gaps that so many families still face.

Together, Marie Kilduff and Prof Carroll explore:

• What happens when care isn’t joined up, even for those who understand the system
• The barriers that continue to block progress, from siloed services to poor communication and digital limitations
• Why leadership in a complex adaptive system must evolve
• The role of data, partnership, and meaningful relationships in driving improvement
• How the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) supports global learning through the Nine Pillars
• Why hope, action, and collective responsibility are central to making real change.

Caroline reflects on more than three decades of experience in leadership development—charting how the focus in healthcare has shifted from hierarchical management to a more inclusive, collaborative, and compassionate approach that values communication, empathy, and systems thinking.

They discuss:

• How leadership in healthcare has evolved over the decades
• The impact of Caroline’s work with RCSI on leadership education
• Preparing emerging leaders for complexity and change
• Why compassion and clarity remain at the heart of effective leadership

Presented by Marie Kilduff.

Produced by the National Clinical Leadership Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.

Claire describes her unconventional path into leadership, from a second career in nursing to leading two of the most influential healthcare organisations in the United States. She reflects on the lessons learned along the way: the value of vulnerability, the importance of finding your “why,” and why leadership is as much about how we lead as what we achieve.

From addressing workplace incivility and burnout to inspiring the next generation of nurse leaders, Claire’s message is both practical and deeply human: nurses shouldn’t just have a seat at the table, they should set the table.

🎧 Listen for insights on:

• Redefining what leadership looks like in nursing
• Building confidence and authenticity as a leader
• Addressing bullying and incivility in healthcare
• Finding purpose and balance in demanding roles

Follow Leading with Hearts and Minds for more conversations with those shaping the future of compassionate, courageous healthcare leadership.

Chris shares how repeated experiences in governance made him realise that patient safety is not only about protocols and checklists, but also about how we treat each other. He explains how incivility hijacks the brain, reduces performance, and can ultimately put lives at risk.

From a small talk in Redditch to a TEDx talk viewed by over half a million people, Civility Saves Lives has evolved into a global movement. Chris discusses the science behind civility, the role of apology and humility in leadership, and practical ways to address uncivil behaviour with compassion rather than blame.

This is an important reminder that civility is not a nice-to-have in healthcare; it is essential for safe and effective teams.

Learn more at www.civilitysaveslives.com

Marie Kilduff in Conversation with Michael Comyn

Season 2 of Leading with Hearts & Minds opens with a deeply personal and practical conversation. Marie Kilduff talks with host Michael Comyn about his approach to emotional intelligence, leadership, and philosophy – and how these three strands come together to shape the way leaders think and act in healthcare.

Michael shares stories from over three decades of coaching and facilitation, reflecting on why emotional intelligence matters more than ever, what happens when leaders ignore it, and how philosophy can provide a framework for better decision-making under pressure.

Whether you are a seasoned healthcare leader or just starting your journey, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the human side of leadership.

Bonnie (and her husband Mark) founded DAISY, having lost her stepson, Patrick, to Immune Thrombocytopenia in 1999. Bonnie, Mark and their family were so grateful for the holistic, compassionate nursing care Patrick received that they set up the foundation as a way of recognising nurses and midwives for all that they do.

Deb is the CEO of the foundation and shares how this initiative has spread from the United States to 44 countries internationally while also providing an overview of the impact of the DAISY awards on nurses and their organisations.

Having listened to our podcast, if you or your organisation would like to get involved with this initiative, please get in touch with alexandraschoen@DAISYfoundation.org

Rachel reflects on how she progressed through her Nursing career and used every opportunity for learning, growth and development. Rachel offers key messages for junior colleagues to help them overcome challenges they may meet.

By using the skills and knowledge she acquired and developed as an ID nurse, Blathnaid demonstrates how she provides effective person-centred care, which enables her to connect with those in her care and empower them to make their own decisions regarding their health.

Throughout this podcast, it is evident that Blathnaid O'Gorman is an authentic leader who embodies the values of nursing every day in her role by ensuring that every service user receives high-quality care with the respect and dignity they deserve.

She speaks of her vision for nursing and midwifery in Ireland and how the Expert Review Body Report recommendations have shaped and will continue to shape both professions for the benefit of patients, nurses, and midwives in the future. 

Throughout the podcast, Rachel shares valuable lessons she has learned from her career, for the benefit of junior colleagues seeking support with their nursing or midwifery career choices.

Mary reflects on the influences that inspired her to become a midwife and how, as a Director, she led through some of the challenges she faced as policy, society and workforce changes prompted her to adapt and flex her leadership style to optimise care delivery and team cohesion.  

Mary shares her hopes and aspirations for the future of the midwifery profession and for the women, mothers and babies who access care in the maternity services of Ireland.

Vandana offers valuable advice and support to internationally educated nurses and midwives considering Ireland as their new home, as well as those who have recently arrived.

Throughout this conversation, Vandana reveals how she incorporates her deeply held values into her leadership approach, enabling her to authentically support her team and colleagues and ultimately, deliver exceptional care to her patients.

Through advocacy, empowerment, and communication, Kellie has overcome challenges and thrived—demonstrating leadership that inspires change and inclusion. Tune in for a robust conversation on resilience, self-leadership, and the power of owning your story.

Throughout the podcast, James clearly explains his understanding of DEI and his belief in supporting people to demonstrate it personally and professionally. 

Dr Aoife Lane from the National Clinical Leadership Centre for Nurses and Midwives is joining Sharon in this conversation.

Together, they discuss Sharon’s career path, the challenges and rewards of leadership in a complex healthcare environment, and the lessons she’s learned.

Throughout this podcast, Paul reflects on and shares some resources he uses when leading a complex and uncertain system.

Whether you are starting your career or coming close to retirement, Paul’s story supports the listener in considering the joys, disappointments, connections, and successes of a professional who is proud to be the nurse leader he is today.

Discover the untold stories behind the leaders shaping the future of healthcare. In "Leading with Hearts & Minds, "We bring you intimate, one-to-one conversations with healthcare professionals who have navigated extraordinary challenges and triumphs.

Each episode reveals the personal journeys, hard-earned lessons, and human moments that define leadership in one of the world's most demanding fields.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a leader, or simply curious about the heart and mind behind outstanding leadership, this podcast offers inspiration and insight with every story.