Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson

EPISODE 9: Rebecca Clarke – From Emergency Nursing to Systems Change Agent: Recalibrating Through Challenge, Data, and Community EPISODE DESCRIPTION:What does it take to recalibrate—again and again—through crisis, loss, and shifting career landscapes in healthcare?In this compelling episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee Johnson is joined by Rebecca Clarke: emergency nurse, public health leader, and now Head of Transformation and Community at Beamtree and Health Roundtable. Rebecca Clarke shares her journey from busy emergency departments and remote Aboriginal communities, to navigating profound personal loss, driving change that focuses on staff wellbeing, and leveraging “big data” for system-wide improvement.A powerful conversation about courage, vulnerability, the importance of community, and finding agency and hope—even when life throws its toughest curveballs. SHOW NOTES: "There is beauty in all things, whether it presents a challenge or it's a little bit bad." — Rebecca Clarke Key Takeaways: Recalibration is ongoing—your career and self will shift over time; listening to your body and values matters. Personal loss and adversity can catalyze deep questioning and meaningful systems change. Finding trusted allies and building supportive communities amplifies your impact and resilience. Data, when paired with story, becomes a powerful tool for driving positive change in healthcare. Leadership, vulnerability, and honesty are essential—both in clinical care and management. Role models, mindfulness, and connection to land/grounding practices nurture wellbeing. Resources Mentioned: Health Roundtable: A trans-Tasman nonprofit focused on healthcare data analytics and innovative service improvement. Schwartz Rounds: Facilitated forums for multidisciplinary staff to reflect on the emotional aspects of healthcare work.  Book: Why Warriors Lie Down and Die by Richard Trudgen – reflections on colonization and connection in Aboriginal communities. Wellbeing Index: A tool for measuring staff wellbeing across healthcare organizations. Vipassana Meditation: An intensive self-awareness practice influential in Rebecca Clarke’s personal and professional life. Adventure Racing: Rebecca Clarke shares how this extreme sport fostered resilience and leveraged her clinical skills outside traditional settings. Our theme music is “Caribbean” by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any entity they work with or for. Connect and Subscribe:Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends seeking inspiration for recalibrating and growing in healthcare. Stay tuned for more transformative stories and insights on Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson!

EPISODE 8: Dr. Lynn Scoles – Agency, Energy, and Courage, Coaching Beyond the Clinic   EPISODE DESCRIPTION: How does a doctor recalibrate when life throws curveballs—at work, at home, and within?In this episode, Sharee sits down with Dr. Lynn Scoles, General Practitioner, Executive Coach, educator, and creator, for a rich conversation spanning 33 years in medicine, the courage to step beyond tradition, and the importance of honoring your own agency.From finding balance and breaking the mould in dual careers, family, and personal creativity, Lynn shares candid insights about adaptation, growth, and self-worth.This is a story of moving forward—sometimes bravely, sometimes uncertainly, and always with a commitment to making a difference, not at your own expense. SHOW NOTES: “Is the life you’re living worth what you’re giving up to have it?” — Lynn Scoles Key Takeaways: Recalibration is ongoing. Lynn demonstrates how big and small pivots—in career, relationships, and self-identity—can bring new energy and meaning. Agency is powerful. Notice serendipitous opportunities and make conscious, values-aligned choices. Support systems matter. Trusted friends, honest feedback, and reflective spaces are crucial—inside and outside medicine. Leadership needs breadth. Diverse experiences, including coaching and business, strengthen clinicians as system influencers. Creativity nourishes resilience. Artistic pursuits offer mindfulness, restoration, and a sense of accomplishment outside work. Self-care isn’t selfish. “Not at my expense”—honor your limits as you care for others and yourself. Resources & Topics Mentioned: Book Recommendations: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz (Lynn Scoles’s forthcoming book Renewable draws inspiration from this resource) Making of a Corporate Athlete — Harvard Business Review article by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz Themes: The role of coaching in medicine and beyond Lynn discusses entering coaching, the challenge of being among the first doctors to do so, and how coaching with non-medical clients expanded her professional perspective at 16:35 — 24:22. Sharee and Lynn explore how moving between medical culture and the business world offered new insights and leadership skills at 23:16 — 26:04. Lynn reflects on the need for more doctors in leadership and how her work in executive education and coaching relates to that vision at 25:12 — 26:04. Navigating loss, divorce, and transitions Lynn describes the personal stressors and pivotal events (patient death, marital difficulties) that led her to recalibrate her life and professional identity at 16:38 — 21:25. The journey and reflection on the end of her marriage and how she learned to advocate for herself and her children is discussed at 29:04 — 31:04. The transition from her family home, what prompted it, the emotional work of letting go, and the unexpected sense of liberation are recounted from 36:29 — 39:31. The importance of creativity Lynn describes her lifelong love of crafting, how art and painting became more central to her well-being, and why creative practice matters for presence and problem-solving at 39:59 — 42:35. The discussion on how crafting serves as a mindfulness practice and aids in relaxation and creativity occurs at 41:41 — 42:16.   Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for. Connect and Subscribe: Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends or colleagues exploring growth and recalibration.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the healthcare frontline and beyond.

EPISODE 6: Dr. Brian Lee – Social Support, Systemic Change, and Family Wellbeing in Healthcare EPISODE DESCRIPTION:What happens when personal lived experience, qualitative research, and systemic insight converge in one conversation?In this episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee Johnson is joined by research fellow Dr Brian Lee, whose work at Deakin University's Lifespan Institute explores the psychosocial impacts of frontline healthcare work, workforce retention, and the ripple effects of COVID-19.Dr Brian Lee shares his journey—balancing parenthood, an ADHD diagnosis, and juggling demands at home and work. Together, they delve into the power and pitfalls of social support, the nuanced needs of healthcare teams, and the crucial role of families in sustaining wellbeing.A candid, thoughtful conversation about vulnerability, adaptation, and the small shifts that make big changes in healthcare and in life. SHOW NOTES: “Small shifts for big changes.” — Dr Brian Lee 01:02:20 Key Takeaways: Social support in healthcare is vital, yet often misunderstood. Having colleagues who “get it” and spaces for open conversation directly improves wellbeing and retention. COVID-19 exposed systemic challenges: workforce fragmentation, loss of mentorship, and the need for coordinated national strategies to support healthcare workers. The emotional tone of organizational responses is generally positive and aspirational, but the “how” remains a challenge. Evidence-based, locally tailored interventions are essential. Qualitative research and co-design with real healthcare workers amplify lived experience—patterns of empathy, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and the importance of team cohesion emerge across roles and units. Family wellbeing has a ripple effect: when families are supported, healthcare workers perform better and sustain their energy. Balance isn’t about boundaries but adapting and integrating roles and identities. ADHD diagnosis and therapy highlight the process of recalibration: acceptance, experimentation, resilience, and awareness underpin ongoing growth and adaptation. Trying again matters. Highlights: “Healthcare workers rely on colleagues for social support, problem-solving, and emotional regulation—it’s organic, but hard to recreate with formal interventions.” Dr Brian Lee 15:21 “Families’ capacity to support depends on their wellbeing, and is shaped by the healthcare worker’s work—managing the work–family interface creates positive ripple effects.” Dr Brian Lee 52:25 “Even if strategies don’t work at first, trying again, adapting, and giving yourself permission to experiment is part of the recalibration process.” Dr Brian Lee 32:17 Resources Mentioned: MRFF-funded intervention for healthcare families: An online, co-designed wellbeing program to support healthcare workers and their families. Sign up for updates and participation via Deakin Lifespan Institute’s webpage. Gallup Research on workplace friendship: Referenced by Sharee Johnson as evidence for the importance of social support 10:55. Work from Tate Shanafelt and colleagues on unit-specific needs and federally funded attempts to create coordinated strategies in Australia 11:07. Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. __Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for. __Connect and Subscribe:Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:  How do we recalibrate when life, career, and identity shift unexpectedly? In this episode, Sharee Johnson sits down with Dr. Cheryl Martin—emergency physician, trail runner, yoga practitioner, and host of The Mindful Medic podcast. Cheryl shares her journey from Scotland to Australia, the lessons learned through setbacks and relocation, and how running, yoga, and lifelong learning have helped her navigate burnout, injury, and her ever evolving purpose in medicine. Join us for a deep, joyful conversation about adaptability, intentional change, agency, and the vital role of support and reflection for thriving.    SHOW NOTES:  “Find community, find people... I also found a group, quite interestingly, who were quite open, particularly not just running for physical health, but about their mental health.” — Dr. Cheryl Martin  Key Takeaways:  Recalibrating is a lifelong practice—embrace discomfort, learning zones, and growth through adversity.  Support networks (mentors, peers, trail tribe) are essential as we navigate medicine and life.  Passion projects and interests outside of medicine—like running and podcasting—create fulfillment and resilience.  Surrender, awareness, and intentional reflection are critical when faced with setbacks, injury, or fatigue.  Diversity, connection, and broadening perspectives (like Cheryl’s MBA experience) fuel innovation, leadership, and personal development.  Progress is not linear; recalibrating means accepting change and evolving values at every stage.  Resources Mentioned:  The Mindful Medic Podcast: Cheryl’s project amplifying stories of wellbeing, medicine, and personal transformation. Recommended episodes include conversations with Amy Edmondson, Bob Chapman, Jonathan Fisher, and Dr. Colin West.  https://www.themindfullmedicpodcast.com/  The Thriving Doctor by Sharee Johnson: Referenced for its insights into agency, identity, and wellbeing in medical practice. https://learn.coachingfordoctors.net.au/thriving-doctor  Stanford Medicine Chief Wellness Officer Course & Melbourne Business School Global Senior Executive MBA Program: Cheryl’s further education in health leadership and organizational wellbeing.  https://med.stanford.edu/wellmd/knowledge-hub/courses-conferences/cwo-course.html  https://mbs.edu/degree-programs/full-time-mba  Amy Edmondson’s books: The Fearless Organization and Right Kind of Wrong—on intelligent failure and psychological safety in teams. https://amycedmondson.com/    Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.    Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.    Connect and Subscribe: Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests! 

What happens when the unexpected disrupts your path—and what skills help you navigate through? In this inspiring conversation, oncologist and clinical director Dr. Rob Blum joins Sharee Johnson to explore recalibrating through career pivots, family moves, physical injury, and the evolving demands of medicine. Dr. Blum shares stories of risk-taking, leadership, and resilience, reflecting on the importance of teamwork, music, health, and having options. Together, Rob Blum and Sharee Johnson dive deep into why self-awareness, flexibility, and connection are essential to sustain wellbeing, meaning, and a life beyond just work. Rich with practical takeaways and vulnerable wisdom, this episode encourages listeners to pause, realign, and actively create a life that’s not only robust—but antifragile. “Everything we do has a risk or an unknown component... but you can’t do great things if you don’t take risks.” — Rob Blum Key Takeaways: Recalibrating skills apply to every part of life—work, family, and self. Mindfulness creates a gap between experience and reaction; it isn’t just relaxation, it’s essential for wise decision-making. Prioritizing wellbeing isn’t optional: define what fills your bucket and honor it as non-negotiable. Leadership means letting go, empowering others, and embracing change in yourself. Have options—diverse interests make life richer and make you “antifragile” in the face of curveballs. Support networks and mentors are vital; find people to help you reflect and offer perspective. Embrace imperfection, especially when balancing demanding careers with passions, wellness, and family. Resources Mentioned: The Wellbeing Index (WBI): A tool for clinicians to assess and reflect on their own wellbeing. Delivered by Beamtree in Australia and New Zealand. Used globally, developed by Mayo Clinic. Recalibrate Community & Program: Personal growth that impacts professional capacity. Supporting doctors develop their intra and interpersonal skills for performance, wellbeing, and sustainable leadership. Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s book Antifragile. Things that gain from disorder. The Hush Foundation: Initiative bringing music and pianos into hospitals for patient and staff wellbeing. Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. __Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.__Connect and Subscribe:Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues or friends who could use inspiration and practical wisdom for recalibrating their lives. Stay tuned—there’s more coming on Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson!