17 - Laurie Tomlinson

Transformational Thinking For Health Leaders - from Fiona Day Consulting

Today, I'm speaking with Professor Laurie Tomlinson, NIHR Research Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and former consultant nephrologist. Laurie shares her unconventional career journey - from early uncertainty in clinical training, to taking bold risks that led her into epidemiology and ground-breaking research.

Laurie reflects on the lessons learned from navigating setbacks, finding the courage to follow her real interests, and ultimately shaping policy through real-world evidence, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic with the OpenSafely collaboration.

Together, we explore what it means to challenge the status quo, lead with confidence even when feeling like an outsider, and use data to improve health outcomes at scale. Laurie also offers candid insights into women’s leadership in medicine, the value of disruptive thinking, and the future potential of real-time evidence to address inequalities in healthcare.

A powerful conversation for anyone seeking inspiration to take brave career decisions, trust their instincts, and lead change in complex systems.

Laurie's 2019 interview in BMJ.

Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn.

Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

1. Where in your career have you chosen safety over authenticity — and what would it look like to reverse that?
2. How do you respond when your findings or views challenge accepted norms?
3. What small steps could you take today to move closer to the work that excites you most?
4. Who are the “outsiders” in your team or field — and how could you empower them to contribute?
5. How can you use your influence to promote evidence-based, equitable healthcare?

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.
Dr Fiona Day is able to help you thrive like no one else. She is the only Coaching Psychologist in the world with a background in medicine and public health. Her coaching practice is grounded in evidence. Over ten systematic reviews demonstrate the benefits of workplace coaching. Coaching psychology, the science of potential, performance, and wellbeing, has an even greater impact. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.