Sally Deacon’s journey to becoming the Digital Transformation Lead for the Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Sally has navigated various challenges and opportunities, emerging as a powerful voice for female leadership in the healthcare sector.
A Multifaceted Career Trajectory
Sally’s career has been anything but linear, spanning diverse roles across the private and public sectors. She began her career at KPMG, where she spent a decade in various capacities, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and government advisory.
The NHS eventually beckoned, and Sally took on leadership roles in significant programmes, such as Shared Decision-Making, patient safety, and the NHS Safety Thermometer. Her tenure at Bupa UK Insurance and a stint in Australia further broadened her horizons before she joined the Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MLCSU) three years ago.
Embracing Challenges and Opportunities
Sally’s transition into the digital realm was an unexpected yet welcome opportunity. “I only really came into digital four years ago. Before that, my skill set and capabilities were all in the change management and quality improvement space. I’ve picked up digital because the technical solutions and the requisite change management [to the way we deliver] is the only way we as a national service (health & care) are going to scale and adapt to meet the needs of our population,” she explains.
Recognising the transformative power of technology in healthcare, Sally embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, drawing upon her wealth of experience in change management and process and quality improvement.
The Value of Resilience and Self-Belief
Sally’s journey has not been without its fair share of bumps along the way, including being made redundant from an NHS organisation. However, she views these setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
“I had to have the confidence to give myself a bit of time to recuperate from this bump,” she recalls, emphasising the importance of resilience and self-care in overcoming obstacles, “after some reflection I took this as an opportunity to scratch an itch I had, had, in returning to the private sector for a short stint – there is always opportunity from adversity”.
Impostor Syndrome: A Shared Experience
Even with her impressive track record, Sally candidly acknowledges the persistent presence of impostor syndrome. “All the time, in fact,” she confesses.
Her approach to combatting this common phenomenon is refreshingly authentic: “I’ll just say it how it is. I’m really nervous to be here or something like that. Just to acknowledge my own feelings. And at that point, it just sets me off on the positive.”
Advocates and Mentors: Building a Support Network
Sally recognises the importance of cultivating a supportive network, both within and outside the workplace. While she doesn’t rely on formal mentors or advocates, she has found immense value in surrounding herself with exceptional individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement.
“I’ve got a bunch of female friends who have either historically been in amazing roles and positions or currently are – they’re all exceptional in their own right,” she shares, highlighting the significance of these connections.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For those aspiring to lead in the digital transformation space within the NHS, Sally’s advice is rooted in self-confidence, excellence, and a willingness to seize opportunities.
“Confidence in yourself. Deliver excellence. Just do an exceptional job in the world that you find yourself in. Hunt out opportunities to do more. And back yourself as well,” she counsels, emphasising the importance of resilience and emotional intelligence.
Additionally, Sally stresses the value of assuming the best in others and maintaining a positive mindset. “Assume the best of everybody. Assume they are there for the right reasons because the majority of people really are.”
Sally Deacon’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Her willingness to embrace new challenges, learn from setbacks, and build a supportive network has propelled her to the forefront of digital transformation within the NHS.
