Navigating Non-Linear Career Paths in Public Health: Lessons from Prof. Andrew Furber

The world of health is shifting. Career paths are no longer neatly linear - today’s leaders are forging dynamic, evolving journeys shaped by passion, opportunity, and resilience.

In my latest episode of Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders, I had the privilege of speaking with Professor Andrew Furber OBE , a highly respected public health leader whose career has taken him from general practice to global health, public health leadership, and workforce development at a national level.

Andrew’s journey is anything but conventional. From seven years working in Nepal to becoming Regional Director of Public Health for the North West of England, his career is a testament to adaptability, lifelong learning, and the power of saying "yes" to new opportunities.

Practical Takeaways for Health Leaders

• Public health careers are increasingly dynamic—there’s no single “right” path to leadership. Focus on continuous learning and taking on roles that align with your values and interests. Each experience, even setbacks, contributes to long-term growth.
• Sustaining impact in public health requires personal and team resilience. Andrew highlights the importance of: ? Prioritising well-being and setting work-life boundaries. ? Recognising and celebrating small wins. ? Creating a psychologically safe and inclusive team culture.
• The landscape of public health is evolving, with AI, interdisciplinary collaboration, and prevention-focused strategies playing a bigger role. Leaders must: ? Stay adaptable and open to new technologies. ? Develop transdisciplinary thinking by working across sectors. ? Foster innovation in how services are designed and delivered.

Enjoy this week’s podcast through the links below!

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Next episode

I’ll be releasing the next episode of ‘Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders’ in a fortnight. My next guest will be Meherunissa H. .

Would you like to be a Guest and talk about your health leadership career?

Thank you to everyone who has already agreed to be a guest on the podcast! For those whose episodes have already been recorded, your podcast will be released in the next couple of months.

Please get in touch with me if you’d like to be a guest specifically to talk about your health leadership career! You’ll have full editorial control. Thank you in advance - please just message me at [email protected]