Trailblazers: Salma Yasmeen

As part of our Trailblazer series, we sat down with Salma Yasmeen, Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, who shared her insights on leadership, the importance of diversity in senior roles, and the impact of mentorship. Through her experience, she highlights the challenges and rewards of leadership in healthcare and offers valuable advice for aspiring women leaders.

What’s your proudest achievement in your leadership journey so far? 
“My proudest achievement is breaking through my own internal ceilings and very real external ceilings to take up a public service leadership role, as a CEO in a Trust that was on an improvement journey leading a MH/LD Trust and nearly 3000 colleagues that make a difference every day to people's lives across Sheffield.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions? 
“One piece of advice I’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions is “Own your voice and your value.” It's easy to doubt yourself or minimize your accomplishments, but it's essential to recognize your worth and assert your ideas with confidence. Trust in your expertise, embrace your unique perspective, and don’t be afraid to speak up, even when the room feels intimidating. Leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about influence, vision, and inspiring others. When you believe in your own value and communicate it clearly, you'll empower others to believe in you too and respect your leadership.”

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits Health and the communities served? 
“Women often bring different perspectives and approaches to leadership, which can lead to more balanced, inclusive, and creative decision-making. In health leadership, diverse perspectives can lead to better problem-solving and the creation of policies and programs that serve a broader range of needs, particularly those of marginalized groups, such as women and children or those experiencing multiple disadvantage. It can also result in improved patient care and better outcomes. Having diverse women in senior leadership positions serves as inspiration for other women in the workforce, showing that they too can aspire to leadership roles. This creates a positive cycle of mentorship and empowerment, particularly in fields where women may have traditionally been underrepresented. Female leaders can support the development of emerging talent, leading to a more diverse and skilled workforce.

Women in senior leadership positions may be more attuned to health inequities, particularly those affecting women and children, such as maternal health or gender-based violence or abuse. Their leadership can help bring attention to these issues and push for policies and programs that address disparities in access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. Women leaders often emphasize sustainability in their leadership practices, thinking about long-term goals and the future of healthcare delivery. This includes advocating for initiatives that promote environmental health, mental health support, and sustainable practices within the healthcare system, ensuring that healthcare can meet the needs of future generations.

In sum, women in senior leadership positions bring a mix of innovation, empathy, and determination to drive systemic change and elevate both the health sector and the communities they serve. The more diversity and representation there is in leadership, the more inclusive and effective the healthcare system can become.”

What motivates you most about working in Health? And what more can the sector do to better support women in leadership roles? 
“What motivates me most about working in health is the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on people's lives. The health sector is at the core of well-being, and the ability to contribute to improving quality of life, whether through patient care, public health initiatives, or policy development, is incredibly rewarding. In health, every decision can affect individuals, families, and communities, which makes the work meaningful and purposeful.

Additionally, the constantly evolving nature of the field—whether through technological advances, research breakthroughs, or the development of new healthcare models—keeps things dynamic and inspiring. The drive to innovate and create solutions that lead to better health outcomes, aspiring for healthier thriving connected communities where everyone can reach their potential keeps me motivated to stay engaged and contribute.

The NHS has a workforce with nearly 80% women and while we have made progress in more women in leadership roles, the sector can do more to create a level playing field by addressing systemic barriers, offering meaningful support, and recognizing the value women bring to leadership roles. As more women are empowered in leadership, it benefits not only the healthcare sector but also the communities it serves.

Key to supporting women in leadership roles is to:

• Foster an Inclusive and Diverse Culture: Cultivating a culture of inclusion and diversity at all levels ensures that women feel valued, heard, and able to contribute fully. Creating safe spaces for women to voice their concerns and experiences is key to fostering leadership potential.
• Provide Equal Opportunities for Advancement: Ensure that women have the same access to leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and high-profile projects. This could help women build the skills and networks necessary to reach senior positions and more importantly, stay in tough senior leadership roles.
• Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is essential, especially for women who may be balancing leadership roles with family responsibilities. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, and parental leave policies can help retain talented women and support them in staying in leadership roles.
• Promote Women’s Health and Well-being in the Workplace: Healthcare organizations should offer initiatives that support the well-being of their female staff, including mental health resources, physical wellness programs, and creating a culture that promotes self-care and work-life harmony. This can prevent burnout and help women thrive in their careers.
• Encourage Female Leadership Mentorship: Creating networks and mentorship opportunities specifically for women can help them navigate challenges and develop personal insights and awareness to leading with confidence and impact.”
   

How has mentorship inspired you in your career – and why? 
“Mentorship has been both essential and incredibly inspiring in my career because it provides both guidance and support, helping me grow personally and professionally. Having mentors has allowed me to learn from their experiences, avoid common pitfalls, and gain valuable insights into navigating challenges. They’ve helped me see the bigger picture, especially when I felt stuck or uncertain about the next steps in my career. The inspiration comes from seeing how mentors have overcome obstacles and how they’ve remained resilient, often sharing their wisdom in a way that’s practical and actionable. Their belief in me, even during times when I doubted myself, gave me the confidence to push forward and take risks I might have avoided on my own. They have been great in holding up the mirror to see both the best of me and identify the areas I need to continue to work on to enhance my impact as a women leader.”

Salma Yasmeen’s leadership journey highlights the importance of resilience, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity in healthcare leadership. Her experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring women leaders and reinforce the need for systemic support to ensure that leadership opportunities are accessible, inclusive, and empowering. Thank you for sharing your insights with us Salma!