In this episode, Charlie speaks to Dame Sally Davies, the 40th - and first female - Master of Trinity College Cambridge and also the first female Chief Medical Officer for England and the UK's special envoy on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recorded in the Master's Lodge at Trinity College, Cambridge, the episode delves into Dame Sally's illustrious career and her lifelong dedication to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She describes her work as health diplomacy as she raises awareness of and attempts to influence policy on AMR, highlighting the critical need for global action against superbugs. The conversation also touches on her earlier work with sickle cell patients and her role in establishing the National Institute for Health Research. Dame Sally emphasises the challenges of changing institutional mindsets and creating sustainable health policies, sharing insights from her experiences in health diplomacy and international cooperation. She reflects on her role as Master of Trinity, saying her leadership style encourages the 192 Fellows to recognise and pursue innovation as a collective endeavour. Dame Sally highlights that her style of leadership is one of influence, not power, freedom, not constraint and evolution not revolution.

Chapters:

00:00:00-Introduction to Dame Sally’s life works

00:03:37-Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) explained

00:08:42-Challenges of shifting beliefs & policy change

00:13:30-Childhood, personal values & passion

00:15:46-Pathway to overcoming AMR

00:18:47-Diplomacy & global influence on AMR

00:27:25-Behavioural change is needed

00:32:19-Resilience & mindset

00:37:57-First woman Chief Medical Officer

00:42:12-Trinity College Fellowship

00:47:00-Leadership of 192 fellows

00:49:59-Dame Sally’s journey as a song