Women of the HSMA: Lindsey Condron

To mark International Women’s Day 2022, we are celebrating the women of the HSMA. Each day we will be publishing a Q&A with one of the remarkable women who make up our vibrant community of healthcare specialists. Meet Lindsey Condron, CEO of King Edward VII’s Hospital.

Tell us about your role at the hospital.
I have been the CEO of King Edward VII’s Hospital since 2018 and I am the first woman to hold this position. Leading an organisation with such heritage is a real honour and shaping its future is a privilege. 

Who are the women who have inspired you the most?
I have drawn inspiration from many women both in my work life and personally. Women have been at the centre of King Edward VII’s Hospital throughout our history. We were founded by Sister Agnes Keyser in 1899. Sister Agnes continues to inspire us today, having dedicated her life to caring for veterans at the hospital. Her founding principles and values are still very much at the heart of the charity, so being the first female CEO comes with a huge sense of pride. I’m also proud that our patron is Her Majesty The Queen.

Do you have any advice for other women looking to follow a career in healthcare?
Healthcare is an incredibly rewarding industry to work in as you get to make a difference to people’s lives on a daily basis. It’s an industry that has varied roles to suit different skill sets and various entry points. Personally, I entered the industry as a junior administrator in an NHS Trust, which I loved. I have gone on to hold several positions that have enabled me to be in the role that I am in today.

In my experience, healthcare is an industry where women support each other. I have been lucky enough to have had some incredible female mentors that have helped shape my career and continue to do so. I take great pride and enjoyment in being able to do the same.

As a woman, what are the biggest challenges you have faced along the way?
I have held a number of senior positions and have undoubtedly encountered bias. At times, this has been challenging. However, I have used these experiences to drive me forward and motivate me to be the best I can be. I feel strongly that if this happens to you, then you should call it out, and if you don’t feel comfortable in doing so, then I would encourage you to find support within your organisation. Organisations that don’t take action on this will increasingly fail to attract and retain the best talent. 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias. What does this mean to you? 
Progress has been made; however, there is still a continuing need to challenge gender stereotypes, inequality and bias towards women. This is a collective effort, and workplaces should be at the forefront of bringing about change. International Women’s Day is important to raise awareness, but we need to be continually addressing the issues, recognising female achievements and striving for progress every day.