As a former midwifery leader (now retired), I have been reflecting on my leadership career and how I got there.

Many moons ago, when I was a student nurse and midwife, I had no idea how important leadership was to me. We were not taught about leadership as part of our course, but I do remember many of my role models and leaders who helped me to aspire, to dream and achieve my full potential.

In today’s world, students are fortunate in that they learn about leadership as part of the contemporary education system in Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s). They have opportunities to join and become involved in local societies and project groups preparing them for future leadership roles.

Good leadership education is key in today’s complex world.

As an addition to leadership learning in HEI’s, students and new graduates can also access professional coaching which will enhance their leadership skills and support opportunities to develop into strong leaders of the future.

As I reflect, I think I must have had natural leadership skills, but I do wish that I could have had access to coaching ‘back in the day’. Who knows what else I could have achieved?

I believe that students and graduates with natural leadership skills can go on to become great leaders. However, by engaging with a strong coach, they can then go on to become even better and stronger leaders.

Let’s be honest, we so need strong leaders in today’s troubled world.

Jacque Gerrard

Jacque is an experienced midwife and the former Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for England from 2008-2018. She has over 40 years’ experience as a clinician, manager, head of midwifery and national midwifery leader. She is currently a Covid volunteer vaccinator with Affinity Care.
Although retired as a midwife Jacque is involved in the following charities:

• Mummy’s Star as a Patron. A unique Cancer in pregnancy charity
• Beyond Bea baby loss charity as Patron
• An ambassador for Saying Goodbye, a baby loss charity
• The Active Pregnancy Foundation Scientific Advisory Board member
• A former trustee and Chair of the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust