Across The Pond Talk

Leading with Confidence and Compassion

Great leaders are not just experts in their fields they are advocates for empowerment, equity and resilience. Leadership is about inspiring change and no one exemplifies this better than Dr. Priscilla J. Murphy. From her beginnings as a Registered Nurse to her impactful work as a Mental Health Counselor and Motivational Speaker, Dr. Murphy has committed her career to helping individuals break through barriers, particularly within under represented communities, while also prioritising their mental health.

In an era where workplace stress and mental health challenges are at an all-time high, Dr. Murphy’s perspective is more relevant than ever. Neuroscience research consistently shows that emotional regulation, the ability to manage stress and maintain mental clarity—is key to effective leadership. Leaders who prioritize mental well-being are more resilient, exhibit better decision-making skills, and build more engaged, motivated teams. Dr. Murphy’s work directly aligns with this scientific understanding, as she teaches professionals how to…

Breaking the Stigma: Dismantling Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace

The landscape of leadership has shifted dramatically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with leaders being forced to adapt quickly to an increasingly complex and uncertain world. Mental health has taken center stage, as the global crisis brought to light the importance of well-being both for leaders and their teams.

Yet, despite this, mental health stigma remains a barrier, particularly within the professional and leadership circles, where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness.

Dr. Priscilla J. Murphy, a Registered Nurse, Mental Health Counselor and motivational speaker, has spent decades working to dismantle this stigma. Her mission is clear: to create safe spaces where leaders can prioritise their mental health without fear of judgment.

Dr. Murphy’s work has focused on breaking down barriers for diverse communities, empowering individuals to seek professional mental health services and manage their life transitions with confidence and…

Assertive? You’re labelled aggressive. Reserved? You lack presence. Passionate? You’re too emotional. Leadership frameworks still reward one dominant style and it’s rarely one shaped by the lived experience of women of colour. The workplace may preach diversity, but too often it still promotes conformity.

Most mainstream leadership programmes are designed through a Eurocentric lens, prioritising traits like executive presence, charisma and linear communication. But these markers of “effectiveness” can clash with cultural ways of speaking, leading, or resolving conflict. As a result, women of colour are often forced to choose between authenticity and acceptance.

AI is revolutionising healthcare. From early diagnostics and predictive care to virtual assistants and wellness tracking. But as the systems get smarter, public trust is falling behind. Why? Because people aren’t just asking “Can AI treat me?” they’re asking “Who’s watching?”, “Where is my data going?” and “What’s being sold without my consent?”

This shift toward data-driven healthcare has exposed a major gap in trust, transparency and accountability. And that’s where experienced leaders especially women 40+ can step in with unique authourity.

No matter how advanced the tech, it still can’t replicate:

• Compassion in patient care