Stars show us new ways of thinking

HSJ Rising Stars is an initiative I am personally very passionate about and I’m proud that Celesio UK is supporting the programme.

• Rising Stars seminar: Change Directions
• Download the supplement as a PDF for free

Leaders who have the vision and courage to drive change are essential for the future success of any organisation, especially the NHS, so we must celebrate and support them in their mission, and by doing so inspire others to realise their own capabilities.

A question many of us ask is: what makes a good leader? What qualities do you need? In bringing together the Rising Stars at this seminar event, some common attributes became clear. They shared a strong moral code, a passion to do the right thing, determination to achieve their goals - even when there were obstacles in the way - and, of course, courage.

‘It wasn’t easy, but we encouraged people to start thinking differently and to take a fresh approach’

We are all well aware of the challenges the NHS faces and that new solutions need to be found.

In my organisation we also needed to change and we asked ourselves how we would embrace the future and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our patients and customers.

It wasn’t easy, but we encouraged people to start thinking differently, to question our ways of working and to take a fresh approach.

As Keith McNeil reminded us in his keynote speech, Einstein said: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

I also believe we should embrace advances in technology to help us drive change and better meet the needs of the future. It is a wonderful enabler to deliver new, compelling solutions.

As Rising Star Sebastian Yuen said in his presentation, we need to keep people well but the healthcare sector has been slow to make the most of apps and devices.

‘The healthcare sector has been slow to make the most of apps and devices’

Dr Yuen also talked about his personal experience of wearable technology and how it’s helped him improve and maintain his wellbeing.

Technology can also help us develop meaningful relationships with our patients.

Rising Star Amir Hannan talked about his practice being one of the first in the country to offer its patients access to their full GP electronic health records, and in doing so transforming the relationship into a partnership of trust.

The HSJ Rising Stars seminar gave a platform to these brave and visionary leaders to tell their stories and inspire others.

At a time when the NHS faces so many challenges and it can be difficult to see the solutions, hearing these stories of positive change is invaluable.

Cormac Tobin is managing director of Celesio UK