Tracy Bullock
Chief Executive Officer
- Why did you choose the career you have?
As a very young child I was bought a children’s nurses outfit and first aid kit. I used the plastic scissors extensively on my Dad’s hairy legs and from then on the only job I ever wanted was to be a nurse.
- What challenges have you faced getting to where you are now?
I was brought up in a family where qualifications and having a profession were not the norm. Fortunately the desire to be a nurse gave me the drive to work hard at school and gain the qualifications I needed to enter nursing.
I was very shy when I was younger and was always fearful of putting myself forward in case I failed. The fear of failure has driven me hard throughout my career. I never view myself as successful or having succeeded in anything, simply as needing to do something more worthy next time.
- How does what you do make a difference to other people?
I hope I am viewed as someone who works to make a difference to the quality of care for our patients and I would like to think staff view my leadership positively and that they can see I strive for the best for our patients and staff.
I would like to think my story and leadership help staff feel engaged, supported and encouraged in what they do, that they feel listened to and that I take their concerns seriously and I hope staff would say that I have inspired them to believe they can achieve.
- What would you say to other women aspiring to be in a similar field of healthcare and who may have doubts about their ability to achieve their goals?
Don’t hesitate, go for it. Believe in yourself and don’t worry so much.
Seek a good mentor or coach and preferably a successful female; you may learn a lot about their lack of confidence!
Be courageous and persistent, don’t give up.
The key to success is relationships and conversations, so make them good ones and people will listen and follow.
Think about the legacy you want to leave behind and then always behave in a way that will deliver your legacy.
Be compassionate and kind in all you do.
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, chase your dream. Don’t let you lack of confidence hold you back.