In this episode, we meet Jo Freeman, Assistant Chief Pharmacist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals for the past 12 years.

When the chief pharmacist post came up, people kept asking why she wasn’t applying. But a colleague warned her about the flattery trap - and Jo chose to stay where she adds the most value.

We explore the misunderstood world of hospital pharmacy, the weight of becoming a prescriber, and why being really good in your job is a complete answer. Jo shares how you can walk into pharmacy with no qualifications and build a career to master’s level, why her teenage dream of being a solicitor lives on in her governance investigations, and the freedom that comes from choosing purpose over promotion.

For anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to climb a ladder they’re not sure they want to be on.

Andrea finally sits in the guest chair — the second of our holiday specials where the hosts swap roles.

James and Vicky ask about the patient whose husband she sat with all night, learning to champion the underdog after her own work-related stress, why joy and mischief matter as much as care, and the sliding doors moment when a young PA changed the entire direction of her career.

A conversation about giving the same attention to teams that she once gave at the bedside, staying true to your morals and why being a really good right-hand woman might be the most valuable leadership role of all.

After dozens of interviews, co-host James Thomas finally takes his turn in the guest seat — the first of two holiday specials where the hosts swap roles.

Andrea and Amanda ask about Lego obsessions, losing a Welsh accent at medical school, that first patient who died, learning to delegate without red pen and why wandering through a career without a plan might be the best advice he's ever followed.

A conversation about shyness beaten out by medicine, creativity in different forms, inclusion work that matters and bringing your whole self to work — even when it's uncomfortable.

Next time: Andrea's turn in the hot seat.