In the landscape of women CEOs in the United Kingdom, a powerful cohort is emerging, steering industries with resilience and vision. Among them, Jeanette stands as a trailblazing figure in healthcare leadership. She has helmed Flexicare for the past three decades, contributing to the evolution of social care in the UK.

Jeanette's strategic prowess extends beyond corporate boundaries, as she actively collaborates with the NHS, embodying a hybrid model that addresses the challenges posed by an aging population and comorbidities. Her commitment to innovation, policy development, and health creation makes her a beacon among women CEOs, symbolizing transformative leadership in the ever-evolving healthcare sector.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with The Global Woman Leader magazine, Jeanette shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing leaders in The United Kingdom. Let’s delve into it.

What are some of the key areas of expertise that you have developed as a leader in hospitals and healthcare sector?

My journey as a leader in the healthcare sector has been a diverse tapestry, woven with practical experiences and continuous learning. I became an Orthopaedic trained nurse by the age of 19 and then went on to complete my SRN (known as RGN now). Transitioning into the business realm, I founded Flexicare 30 years ago with a clear vision of revolutionizing social care in the UK. As the CEO, my responsibilities extend beyond the company's daily operations to policy development, vision setting, and collaboration with the public sector.

In my voluntary leadership role, I've championed health creation, delving into research, AI, and engaging with regulatory bodies like the CQC and the Department of Health. My expertise lies not only in steering Flexicare's growth but also in fostering collaborative, user-friendly, and personalized approaches to social care in partnership with the public sector.

Tell us about Flexicare. What are the various responsibilities that you shoulder as the company’s CEO?

At Flexicare, our mission is deeply rooted in providing compassionate and personalized care that revolves around the unique needs of individuals, especially considering the challenges posed by the aging population and comorbidities. Our offerings range from tailored Home Care to specialized care areas and compassionate Palliative Care.

As the CEO, my responsibilities extend beyond traditional corporate boundaries, transcending into policy development, updates, and shaping the overall vision and direction of our services. Personally, I dedicate equal time to driving system change in both the private and public sectors, fostering collaborations with the NHS and social care.

What are some of the major challenges that you encounter in your current role? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

Navigating my role as a business leader in the healthcare sector is a daily dance with challenges. Crafting meticulous plans for the day, I embrace the fact that change is gradual, especially in an industry entrenched in decades of policy inertia. Amidst financial constraints due to an aging population and escalating comorbidities, the shift of social care responsibility exacerbates funding issues.

My leadership philosophy centers on propelling progress, eschewing circular activities, and maintaining a positive trajectory. The roadblocks are multifaceted, from financial strains to ingrained resistance to change. However, with a dedicated team and innovative thinking, I approach each challenge with optimism.

"The dedication of my daughters anna & jenna, & the whole flexicare family team whilst working with our colleagues in the nhs & social care are the driving forces behind our collaborative success"

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey? What has been your success mantra over the years?

The most significant win in my professional journey emerged when I took that initial, somewhat daunting step to start my own company. It was a defining moment that propelled me forward into the unknown. Beyond the business milestone of establishing ourselves in the home care market, our ongoing collaboration with the Department of Health adds a dimension as we work towards creating meaningful, person-centric impacts on the individuals we care for. My success mantra has always centered around embracing each day positively and fostering a connection between thinking and doing.

How do you foresee UK’s healthcare landscape evolving in the future? Which industry trends will create the most significant impact?

Anticipating the future trajectory of the UK's healthcare landscape, I believe the most impactful trends will be rooted in the advancements of AI and robotics. To harness their potential, I've offered our platform as a test site, recognizing the need to adapt and utilize these technologies effectively. Additionally, we're currently in the early stages of beta testing a health and wellbeing app, envisioning a future where individuals actively participate in their own health management. As we embrace these evolving trends, the future of UK healthcare appears poised for a more personalized, proactive, and technology-driven approach.

A business leader you admire and why:

I hold admiration for various business leaders, each resonating with me for distinct reasons, such as valuing positivity, resilience, pragmatism, and nurturing qualities.

Message for aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs: Leadership, to me, revolves around embracing the law of attraction and the power of belief. My advice to future leaders is to be facilitators of belief, nurturing both self-confidence and the potential of those around them.

Jeanette Phillips, Founder & CEO, Flexicare

Jeanette Phillips, a seasoned Chief Executive Officer in the healthcare sector, boasts a rich history in clinical research, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. Beginning her career as a nurse, she transitioned to orthopedic nursing, showcasing early commitment and hands-on skills. Jeanette attended Birmingham University in 2011 for a Post Graduate Certificate Course in Public Sector Commissioning. Since university, she has been working as a volunteer in the public sector to re-imagine Social Care by connecting 'Thinking to Doing'. The visionary Founder and CEO of Flexicare, Jeanette's 30-year journey has been dedicated to transforming social care in the UK. Her expertise extends from the operating theatre to the boardroom, where she spearheads policy development and collaboration with the NHS.