In this CPD-focused episode of The SOM Podcast, host Steve Randall is joined by Mandy Murphy, an experienced Occupational Health Specialist, senior leader, and professional coach, to explore how coaching skills can enhance occupational health practice and career development.
Drawing on her extensive NHS leadership background and current coaching work, Mandy explains how coaching supports career transitions, leadership development, return-to-work conversations, and professional identity shifts — both for employees and for occupational health professionals themselves.
This episode offers practical insights into listening deeply, contracting effectively, and balancing expertise with curiosity in occupational health consultations.
What You’ll Learn
- What coaching really is — and what it is not
- How coaching can support career progression and career pivots
- Why high achievers often seek coaching after “ticking all the boxes”
- Supporting identity shifts after maternity leave, illness, or role change
- The tension between being an expert clinician and an enabling coach
- How deep listening improves trust and outcomes in OH consultations
- Why “taming your advice monster” matters in health and work conversations
- How contracting sets expectations and unlocks better conversations
- Practical ways OH professionals can integrate coaching skills into everyday practice
Key Takeaways- Coaching is about helping people think for themselves, not telling them what to do
- Career uncertainty is normal — especially after success or life transitions
- Creating psychological safety is essential for meaningful conversations
- Coaching skills strengthen OH practice without undermining clinical credibility
- Ownership leads to better engagement and more sustainable outcomes
About the GuestMandy Murphy is an Occupational Health Specialist with a career spanning clinical practice, NHS leadership, education quality, and professional coaching. She has held senior roles at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the National School for Occupational Health, and now runs a coaching practice supporting professionals across industries. She specialises in:
- Career transitions and leadership development
- Return to work after absence or maternity leave
- Identity, confidence, and professional growth
- Health coaching skills for clinicians
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Website: https://kutacoach.com🔗
LinkedIn: Mandy Murphy
The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.
