18 - Dr Phil Sherrard

Transformational Thinking For Health Leaders - from Fiona Day Consulting

Today, I'm joined by Dr Phil Sherrard, consultant anaesthetist, educator, digital instructional designer, and actor. Phil shares his unique career journey - from becoming one of the UK’s youngest consultant anaesthetists to building a portfolio career that blends medicine, teaching, creativity, and performance.

He opens up about overcoming anxiety, rediscovering his love of acting and music, and how creativity has fuelled his resilience and problem-solving as a clinician. Phil also reflects on negotiating a flexible career that honours both his professional expertise and his artistic passions, offering valuable insights for health leaders seeking balance, fulfilment, and sustainable ways of working.

Together, we explore the intersections between medicine and the arts, digital innovation in medical education, and the power of values-based leadership. This is a conversation for anyone navigating career complexity, looking to bring more of their whole self into their work, and daring to design a life that feels both meaningful and joyful.

Connect with Phil on Instagram @philsherrard3, and on LinkedIn. His MOOC course is here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/perioperative-medicine
HealthProMatch: https://healthpromatch.com/
Reflective Questions for Health Leaders

1. What creative outlets help you maintain balance and perspective in your work?
2. Which parts of yourself have you put aside for your career — and what would it take to reclaim them?
3. How might you use your values to guide decisions and conversations about your next career step?
4. In what ways can creativity and compassion improve your team’s approach to complex problems?
5. What’s one small “next right step” you can take towards a more fulfilling, authentic professional life?

If you’re interested in exploring coaching or learning more about leadership in healthcare, visit my website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to medical and public health professionals. Sign up for my newsletter to receive 3 hours of free CPD through the Health Career Success Programme and access a range of articles, tools, and guides to support your career journey.
Dr Fiona Day is able to help you thrive like no one else. She is the only Coaching Psychologist in the world with a background in medicine and public health. Her coaching practice is grounded in evidence. Over ten systematic reviews demonstrate the benefits of workplace coaching. Coaching psychology, the science of potential, performance, and wellbeing, has an even greater impact. Book a free confidential 30 minute Consultation with Fiona here.