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In this episode of Leading the Way, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr Jonathan Darling, Consultant Paediatrician, Associate Professor in Paediatric & Child Health at Leeds, and Vice President for Education and Professional Development at the RCPCH.
From our first interaction, Jonathan’s thoughtful, humble, and kind nature was evident. He brought a quiet confidence and warmth to our conversation, making me feel instantly at ease—qualities that speak volumes about his leadership style and experience.
Leadership in the everyday
Jonathan’s leadership journey began in an unexpected place: the Doctors’ Mess. As a Senior House Officer (SHO), he took on the task of improving the space for his colleagues. Though he didn’t recognise it as leadership at the time, the experience was deeply rewarding and marked the beginning of his path. It was a reminder that leadership often starts with small, meaningful actions that improve the lives of others.
Reflecting on this, Jonathan shared that leadership is fundamentally about working with people—being connected and creating opportunities for others to connect. Whether it’s a coffee break during a ward round or a strategic meeting at the RCPCH, these moments of connection are where leadership truly happens.
Helping others thrive
A powerful theme that emerged during our conversation was the idea that good leaders help others thrive. Jonathan spoke about the importance of leaders being able to hold and contain their teams—not just in terms of responsibilities, but emotionally and psychologically. This means creating a space where people feel safe to share their hopes, anxieties, aspirations, and doubts.
It’s this emotional containment that allows individuals to flourish—not just professionally, but personally. Jonathan exemplifies this beautifully. His ability to listen, support, and encourage was something I experienced firsthand during our podcast session.
Final thoughts
Jonathan’s reflections offered a profound reminder: leadership isn’t about hierarchy or titles. It’s about presence, empathy, and the ability to create environments where others can grow. His journey shows that leadership can begin anywhere—and that the best leaders are those who lift others up and help them thrive.
I’m grateful to Jonathan for sharing his story with such openness and insight. His approach to leadership is one we can all learn from.