Success is Never Accidental

Success Is Never Accidental EP 80 Patricia Lewsley-Mooney

This week I am delighted to share a very special milestone — the 80th episode of Success Is Never Accidental.   Reaching this point feels significant, and I want to sincerely thank every guest who has so generously shared their wisdom, experiences and leadership insights over the years, as well as all of you who continue to listen, watch, support and encourage the podcast journey. Your engagement and feedback mean a great deal.   In Episode 80, I am joined by Patricia Lewsley-Mooney CBE, whose lifelong commitment to public service, children’s rights, inclusion and social justice has left an extraordinary impact across Northern Ireland and beyond. Patricia’s leadership combines conviction, practicality and persistence in a way that is both inspiring and deeply grounded. Some of the key themes from our conversation include: • The importance of bringing positive energy and focus as a leader  • Why practical action matters just as much as vision  • Building collaboration across differences to create meaningful change  • Leading with values, fairness and inclusion at the centre  • Understanding that sustainable change happens step by step  • Remaining open-minded, resilient and persistent even when facing resistance   One particularly powerful reflection from Patricia reminds us that dignity and inclusion are often found in the simple everyday experiences many people take for granted.   As always, I hope the conversation encourages reflection on your own leadership journey and the difference each of us can make through persistence, compassion and collaboration.   Thank you again for being part of the Success Is Never Accidental community.

Success Is Never Accidental EP 79 - Raul Mercer

I am pleased to share the latest episode of Success Is Never Accidental featuring Dr. Raul Mercer — an internationally respected leader in children’s health, public health policy, and children’s rights. Dr. Mercer’s work spans clinical practice, global policy, and academic leadership, with collaborations involving WHO, UNICEF, the Lancet Commission, University College London, and major international child development initiatives. In this conversation, we explore: * The importance of collective leadership and global collaboration * Why effective leaders must think systemically across sectors * The role of respect and partnership in driving meaningful change * Creating environments that enable wellbeing and innovation * Why children’s rights must move beyond policy statements into everyday practice   This episode offers practical leadership reflections for anyone working in health, education, social care, public policy, or organisational leadership.   One particularly powerful challenge from Raul:  Where are children’s voices currently absent in decision-making — and what can we do to change that?   I hope you find the discussion thought-provoking and valuable.

Success is Never Accidental EP 78

I wanted to share the latest episode of Success Is Never Accidental, which was a particularly meaningful one for me.   Recently I had the opportunity to host a very distinguished ambassador for children’s rights in our studio in Newry, Northern Ireland.    Dr Ali Shaar is an expert in child health and public health in Palestine and a founder member of the International Network on Peacebuilding among Young Children.  His work focuses on shaping national and international policy, actively promoting children’s rights and creating more stable societies.   Our conversation explores the importance of international collaboration, the need for countries to learn from one another, and the critical role of children as active participants in building peace. It is a thoughtful and, at times, challenging discussion, with clear relevance across leadership, policy, and community settings.   As always, I would value your reflections.

EP 77 Constructive Feedback, Difficult Conversations Done Well

I’m introducing a new format to Success Is Never Accidental—short, focused conversations with experts on key leadership topics.  To begin, I spoke with my husband, Rodney Payton, a highly respected figure in medical education, about one of leadership’s toughest challenges: handling difficult conversations. Act Early Delaying conversations only makes matters worse. Address issues early, while they are still manageable, before they become more complex and emotionally charged. Be Clear and Specific Avoid vague feedback. Be precise about: * What has happened * Why it matters * What needs to change This is about accountability, not criticism. Use a Coaching Approach Encourage reflection rather than directing: * What happened? * What was the impact? * What would you do differently? Insight builds ownership—and ownership drives change. Follow Through If commitments are made, revisit them.  Consistency is what maintains standards and credibility. Consider the Team Impact Unresolved issues affect the whole team. When leaders don’t act, others notice—and confidence in leadership declines. Balance Support with Accountability Most people will respond positively—but if change doesn’t happen, it must be addressed clearly and consistently.   Leadership Challenge Think of one conversation you’ve been avoiding. Have it this week.  Be clear, constructive, and follow through. That’s where leadership credibility is built.

EP 76 Orlaith McGibbon

I’m pleased to share the latest episode of Success Is Never Accidental.  In this conversation I speak with Orlaith McGibbon, an internationally recognised social work and safeguarding leader whose career spans frontline practice, national leadership and global consultancy. Orlaith’s experience ranges from residential childcare and youth justice in Northern Ireland to senior leadership roles influencing national policy. Internationally, she has worked in family violence services in New Zealand and advised child protection and juvenile justice ministries across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Alongside this remarkable career, she is also a breast cancer survivor who now volunteers in awareness and fundraising initiatives.   Our discussion explores what courageous, values-led leadership really looks like in complex and politically sensitive systems. Orlaith shares powerful insights on legacy, collaboration, cultural intelligence, persistence in the face of resistance, and the responsibility leaders have to model self-care.   If you lead teams, influence systems, or work in challenging environments where values matter, I believe you will find this episode both thoughtful and practical. You can read the key insights in the article attached.    If the themes resonate with you, I would encourage you to share the episode with a colleague or leader in your network.  Conversations like these help strengthen leadership across our professions.