Episode 15: Dr Zahra Safarfashandi on Breaking into Consulting, Leading in the Middle East, and Balancing Ambition with Intention

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Out Of Programme

16 episodes

4 days ago

The Out Of Programme (OOP) podcast shines a spotlight on clinicians who have ventured beyond the traditional path of clinical training to forge unique and unconventional careers. Hosted by Dr Jing Ouyang, this series delves into the diverse backgrounds, driving motivations and transformative moments that shaped their journeys outside the realm of medicine. Whether you’re a clinician curious about life beyond the white coat or simply fascinated by stories of bold career reinvention, this podcast offers inspiring conversations and thought-provoking insights that go beyond the ordinary.

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Episode 15: Dr Zahra Safarfashandi on Breaking into Consulting, Leading in the Middle East, and Balancing Ambition with Intention

Out Of Programme

37 minutes 57 seconds

3 weeks ago

Episode 15: Dr Zahra Safarfashandi on Breaking into Consulting, Leading in the Middle East, and Balancing Ambition with Intention

What drives a doctor to swap the wards for boardrooms—and end up leading healthcare strategy across the Middle East?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Zahra Safarfashandi, now Partner at Carnall Farrar, to unpack her bold move from medicine into consulting and her rise to leadership on a global stage.

From overcoming family hesitations to pitching to hospital boards on day one, Zahra shares the lessons learned from choosing impact over tradition. She opens up about building a career in healthcare consulting, spearheading transformation in the GCC, and redefining success as a parent and leader.

We dive into:

💡 Breaking into consulting straight out of medical school
🌍 Taking healthcare transformation to the Middle East
⚖️ Balancing ambition with intention—and the reality of trade-offs
👩‍👦 How motherhood reshaped her definition of success

Zahra’s story is a must-listen for anyone curious about consulting, global healthcare, or carving out an authentic path beyond the clinic.

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🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/out-of-programme/id1791647812