CEO Outlook: Leading Ireland’s health service through a pandemic

What is it like to lead a national health service through a global pandemic?  In this episode of The EY Podcast: CEO Outlook, Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE, talks to Richard Curran about the personal and professional challenges of steering Ireland’s health service through the Covid-19 crisis. 

This is not the first time Paul Reid has managed a large organisation through a time of deep crisis. As he tells Richard, “I’m still wondering whether I follow [crises] or they follow me”. In what will be valuable advice for CEOs in companies of types and sizes, Paul reveals what he has learned about people, leadership, and managing stress during very tough times. 

Paul Reid has operated at senior levels across several high-profile organisations, including Fingal County Council, Trocaire, Eircom, and The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. He has managed thousands of team members at a time; negotiated with governments, boards, and trade unions; and has been tasked with executing widespread reform of work practices, pay, and staff numbers. 

Now, as CEO of the HSE, Paul Reid is arguably facing his biggest challenge yet: reforming Ireland’s health service during one of the most severe global pandemics in history. This is a role he sought out, and one in which he deeply believes. In this wide-ranging and personal interview, Paul Reid talks about:

+ How his working class background contributed to his effectiveness as a leader.

+ Why he felt ‘at war’ with the government, trade unions, Department of Health, and staff, when he took up the role as HSE CEO – and how he handled it. 

+ The key to creating win-wins and preserving relationships during tough negotiations. 

+ His honest thoughts about the handling of nursing homes and private hospital contracts during Covid-19, and whether the 2m social distancing rule should be reduced to 1m.

+ His biggest regret, favourite film, business mantra, and the CEO he admires the most.