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Episode 49 - Alison Allsopp: Building the NHS Back better and battling self-doubt

Paul Barnhurst
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Show Notes

“It’s like a fuse being blown. You can push as much power as you want through the device, but if the fuse is gone, it isn't going to work. That's exactly how I felt.”

Alison Allsopp (she/her) is Head of FP&A at NHS Supply Chain, a crucial cog in the UK’s National Health Service. Prior to this, Alison was promoted nine times in her previous role at the credit card company, Capital One. Despite (or maybe because of) this rapid rise up the finance ranks, Alison faced prolonged self-doubt and feelings of “imposter syndrome”. One day she reached a breaking point. “As much as it was a real low point in my life, it was a huge turning point.”

In this episode, Alison reveals how she managed these challenges in her career and lessons for those facing a similar situation.

Other highlights:

  • Spearheading FP&A in the supply chain of the NHS just as COVID-19 hit throwing the NHS into crisis

  • The importance of building trusting relationships and being open and transparent

  • The secrets to getting nine promotions within a company

  • Differences between big business FP&A and public sector FP&A

  • The untold role of FP&A’s strategic role at the NHS during the pandemic

  • The biggest opportunities and challenges for FP&A professionals today

  • The interesting fact that many do not know about Alison

  • Her favorite Excel function

  • The power of a good Waterfall

  • Her biggest advice for someone starting out in FP&A

  • Watch the full show on YouTube

Read the full transcript and blog

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