🍔 Middle management is one of the toughest jobs in nursing… but it can also be the most influential.

Middle managers are often described as the “meat in the sandwich”—caught between the expectations of senior leaders and the realities of frontline staff. In this engaging episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, I sit down with leadership expert Sally Foley-Lewis to explore why this often-overlooked group has the greatest potential to influence workplace culture and create meaningful change.

Drawing on her experience working alongside healthcare professionals and coaching leaders across multiple industries, Sally shares practical insights for Clinical Nurse Consultants, Nurse Unit Managers, educators, and aspiring nurse leaders. We discuss the unique pressures of leading from the middle, the importance of self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and how trusted relationships become the foundation for influencing change both up and down an organisation.

Sally also introduces her memorable “burger” leadership framework—a practical and entertaining metaphor that makes complex leadership concepts easy to understand and apply. Whether you’re already in a leadership role or hoping to step into one, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can use immediately.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a colleague who may benefit. If you know a nurse with a story to tell, introduce us [email protected]

Connect with Sally Foley-Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyfoleylewis/