Trailblazers: Rosa Waddingham

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we bring you ‘Trailblazers: Women Transforming the Public Sector’, a series dedicated to showcasing the achievements and insights of women in leadership roles across local government, health, housing and beyond. Throughout March, we’ll be featuring incredible women who are making a significant impact in their fields, sharing their stories, challenges, and advice for the next generation of female leaders.

Our first feature in the series is Rosa Waddingham, Chief Nurse at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board. With extensive experience in healthcare leadership, Rosa offers a powerful perspective on the value of women in leadership roles within the health sector, the challenges she's overcome, and the advice she has for those looking to follow in her footsteps.

What’s your proudest achievement in your leadership journey so far?
‘Almost all of the proudest moments in my leadership journey belong to other people - watching people achieve what they never thought they could because they have been given an opportunity, seeing people find and use their professional voice, watching my team being stretched and responding with incredible passion turning their hand to whatever was needed during Covid beyond  -  but all of those are other people's stories. But that is for me as a leader what motivates and drives me, I became a nurse because I wanted to make a difference and as a leader that is what still brings me the greatest joy making a difference for those I work for and with.

On a very personal note, getting an honorary professorship from Nottingham Trent University was a hugely proud moment, especially for my mum! ‘

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions?
‘Be yourself - it is the only person you can truly be. 

I am always inspired by the writings of Brenee Brown who points out that 'Who you are is how you lead' so for me - being compassionate, vulnerable, and human and leading aligned to my personal values is a must. But it’s not easy 'walking the walk' when we all lead in sectors focussed on delivery and targets, but authentic leadership is not only better for those we lead - it’s also more fulfilling for us.’

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits health and the communities served?
‘Firstly (bias declared) I think women are exceptional leaders - so if we don't have more women in leadership we are not using our people and resources appropriately,  Michelle Obama said, 'no country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half its citizens'  - the same for all organisations if we don't support women into leadership roles we are missing a trick. Also, in my experience for organisations to be effective people and communities need to see themselves reflected in the leaders that serve them, that includes women, but also all other characteristics.’

Rosa’s insights offer valuable inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of a leadership role in public service. We’re grateful to Rosa for sharing some of her story with us and look forward to celebrating more trailblazing women throughout Women’s History Month. Stay tuned for more inspiring features as we continue to highlight the incredible women shaping the future of public service.