Kinder Conversations hosted by A Kind Life

Episode 1 - Daniel Elkeles

We're thrilled to launch the first episode of Kinder Conversations, the brand-new podcast hosted by Tim Keogh, Co-founder of A Kind Life. This inspiring episode features Daniel Elkeles, CEO of the London Ambulance Service (LAS).
In the 2022 NHS staff survey, LAS was rated the second lowest in the ambulance league table. After working with A Kind Life on their culture and EDI programmes, they saw a dramatic shift in staff satisfaction. Their recent NHS Staff Survey results show the most significant improvement LAS has ever seen, with positive changes across every element of the NHS People Promise. They’ve now risen to the second highest in the ambulance league table, and in 2023, they were nominated for “Trust of the Year” in the Health Service Journal awards.
Here, Daniel talks to Tim about his leadership journey, and the importance of making time for kindness in the NHS, especially in stressful times. He also describes the three key themes - caring, teamwork, and respect – that have helped transform LAS into a better, kinder place to work.

Episode 2 - Amie Crews

Join two experts in kindness, A Kind Life’s Amie Crews and Tim Keogh, as they share their personal tips for practicing a kinder life.
 
Together, Tim and Amie explore:
🤝 the impact of genuine connection
🌼 the importance of pausing and noticing the good in people and situations
🙏 the ABC of appreciation
🗨️ and the impact of positive feedback on workplace performance.
 
Amie and Tim also discuss finding the balance between optimism and acknowledging difficult emotions, and learning how to navigate life's challenges by setting boundaries with compassion and empathy.
 
Discover the simple steps you can take to cultivate kindness in your life and create a more positive and supportive environment for the people around you.

Episode 3 - Andy Cope

What's the secret to boosting happiness and wellbeing? 🥰 (Spoiler alert – it's simpler than you might expect)  
This episode features Dr. Andy Cope - author, speaker and renowned happiness specialist. 
Andy joins Tim Keogh for a lively and insightful conversation, exploring practical ways we can improve our happiness and wellbeing, as well as the happiness of those around us. 
Tune in to discover: 
💚 The power of presence: Discover how simply being present with others strengthens relationships and fuels happiness. 
💙 The ripple effect of kindness: Learn how your positive energy can uplift those around you, creating a chain reaction of wellbeing. 
💚 Self-care as kindness: Understand why taking care of yourself is a crucial first step towards greater kindness and happiness. 
💙 How to raise kind children: If you’re a parent, gain insights on how to role model kindness and raise compassionate individuals. 
💚 The "to-be" list: Shift your focus from endless tasks to cultivating the kind of person you want to become.

Episode 4 - Laura Skaife-Knight

Tim is joined by Laura Skaife-Knight, who has over 20 years of experience as a leader in the NHS culminating in her current position as Chief Executive of NHS Orkney, to discuss all things kindness.
 

Episode 5 - Tanya Carter

Tanya Carter, HPMA’s HR Director of 2022, has done fantastic work over the course of her career. Exemplifying people-first leadership and championing change, compassion and inclusivity in our NHS.
As the Chief People Officer of the East London NHS Foundation Trust, Tanya helps provide healthcare to 1.8 million people across East London, Luton and Bedfordshire.
Tim Keogh had the opportunity to speak to Tanya about how we can inject compassion into our policies, what led to their Trust’s high NHS Staff Survey involvement scores and the first step all leaders can take to foster a more inclusive workplace.
This episode is packed with insights from start to finish. There is so much we can all learn from Tanya’s experience and knowledge around diversity and inclusion, staff wellbeing and compassionate leadership.

Episode 6 - Dan Winter-Bates

In our latest episode of the Kinder Conversations podcast Tim Keogh had the opportunity to speak to Dan Winter-Bates, Head of Inclusion and Sustainability with NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, about vulnerability and mental health. This may just be our most open, raw conversation on the podcast so far..
 
Tune in to hear:
🔵 A great analogy about mindfulness and holding on to behaviour that does not serve us well
🟣 Where vulnerability and kindness coincide
🔵 The importance of stepping outside your echo chamber
🟣 Dan’s lived experience with suppressing emotions and masking
🔵 The importance of the journey and not seeking an end destination
🟣 How vulnerability can be an opportunity for healthcare leaders
🔵 What Dan has done to make his world kinder and how he balances working full-time in the NHS and touring worldwide in a metal band

Episode 7 - Julie Rogers

How can you become a compassionate leader? 
Well, we think taking a leaf out of HPMA’s Chief Executive Officer Julie Rogers’s book is a great place to start.
In our latest episode of the Kinder Conversations podcast, Tim Keogh had the opportunity to speak to Julie about the unkind behaviours we see in the public sector, HMPA’s fantastic Avoiding Harm Movement and how being honest is sometimes the kindest we can be. 
 
Tune in to discover: 
🔵 The importance of connecting with those you work with, especially as a member of leadership 
🟣 A discussion around the harm employee investigations can cause 
🔵 How to respond, not react, to situations 
🟣 Why we need to give honest feedback to staff 
🔵 The hidden harms of agile and hybrid working 
🟣 The importance of holding a mirror up to yourself and your own behaviours  
🔵 How Julie continues to show up for her staff and lead with kindness 

Episode 8 - Paul Johnson

What if a single question could change how you connect with others?
In our latest episode of the Kinder Conversations podcast, Paul Johnson reveals how curiosity can transform our interactions by helping us navigate difficult conversations, challenge preconceived notions and embrace perspectives different from our own.
Tim Keogh had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul, our wonderful Senior Facilitator at A Kind Life. Paul has over 30 years of experience in the NHS as Associate Director of Education and Organisational Development Lead. He is a member of the CIPD, a registered mental health nurse and a qualified group analytic psychotherapist.