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On this episode
It’s easy to think leadership is for someone with a title, or that it’s not our responsibility. But if people look to us for answers, if we’re influencing decisions or guiding others in any way, we’re already leading. Ignoring this reality can lead to poor team dynamics.
But leadership doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with small mindset shifts and a few key skills, with listening as the foundation.
Leadership means making time for reflection and growth, even when we’re busy. Listening to podcasts, reading books, taking a course – it all helps.
If we practice false humility – even with the best of intent – we make life harder for those that rely on us or who are watching us for cues. Teams suffer when leadership is unclear or inconsistent; patients and colleagues lose trust when we don’t step up, even informally.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being open, intentional, and ready to grow. This discussion with Dr Paul O’Dwyer will put you on the right path to identifying how to show up, and what next steps to take.
Show links
More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
- How to Listen to Your Intuition – Episode 264, with Cathy Dimarchos
- Are You an Accidental Toxic Leader? – Episode 228
- How to Be Kind Instead of Nice (and Why it Matters) – Episode 260, with Graham Allcott
About the guests
Paul is a dental surgeon, and National Group Clinical Advisor with Portman Dentex Ireland. He works clinically with the Resident Oral Surgeon at Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick (Bon Secours), and is completing his PhD at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, where he lectures on clinical leadership as Adjunct Faculty.
He is an acknowledged contributor to national oral health policy in Ireland and is a Trustee of the Dental Health Foundation. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, and is also the European Trustee of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Follow Dr Paul O’Dwyer
Reasons to listen
- To learn why leadership is a vital skill for every healthcare professional, regardless of title or role
- For practical strategies to improve listening, emotional intelligence, and communication skills for better team dynamics and patient outcomes
- To understand how embracing leadership can reduce frustration, prevent burnout, and create a more cohesive and effective workplace
Episode highlights
Why we need to talk about leadership
The cost of not acknowledging your role
Why you don’t need a big head to be a leader
Leading with emotional intelligence
Will this make the boat go faster?
The three skills everyone needs
The art of influence
How to find the time
Episode transcript
[00:00:00] Rachel: You might not think of yourself as a leader. You might even say, I’m just here to do my job. But in the world of healthcare, leadership isn’t a title you earn. It’s a role you step into, whether you realize it or not, in this episode of You Are Not a Frog. I’m joined by Dr. Paul O’Dwyer. He’s a dental surgeon and leadership expert. And we’re asking a deceptively simple question, are you really not a leader? [00:00:24] Rachel: Because here’s the thing, if people look to you for answers, if you influence how your team…
