What does an average day look like?
For Simon, no two days are ever the same, and ‘average’ is a word that rarely applies. “It’s lots of meetings—back-to-back,” he says with a smile, acknowledging the fast-paced nature of his role. However, these meetings aren’t confined to a single issue or location. Simon’s day involves a mix of virtual meetings on Microsoft Teams and face-to-face engagements across multiple sites. From overseeing major projects to supporting his managers in real-time, his days are filled with diverse tasks that range from strategic planning to on-the-ground problem-solving.
“I liken it to managing five different paths at once—each requiring careful guidance to stay on track,” Simon jokes. His job is to keep all these projects moving forward in sync, ensuring that SWLP is always progressing towards its vision of becoming a sustainable, clinically-led service.
A key aspect of Simon’s day is engaging with the frontline staff. “I don’t like being stuck in the office. I prefer to be out in the labs, meeting people and seeing what’s really happening on the ground,” he explains. Being present among the teams keeps him grounded in the realities of the service, enabling him to make informed decisions that directly benefit the staff and improve the service. Whether it’s offering guidance to a lab manager or checking in with a technician, Simon believes that direct interaction is essential for effective leadership.
Simon’s dynamic approach to leadership also comes with a bit of a reputation. “They call me ‘Captain Chaos,’” he says, referring to his tendency to disrupt meetings by challenging the status quo and pushing for new ideas. His leadership style is proactive and energetic, creating ripple effects of change that help SWLP evolve and adapt.
What is your favourite thing about the job?
When asked about his favourite part of the job, Simon’s answer is clear: “Performance improvement.” For him, nothing is more rewarding than seeing a project go from concept to completion, and witnessing the tangible benefits that follow. “When you’ve made a plan, implemented a change, and then see real improvements, it’s immensely satisfying,” he explains.
Recent innovations, such as the implementation of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and pre-analytic robotics, are prime examples of the kind of transformation Simon is passionate about. Both projects have taken years to develop and faced numerous challenges along the way, but their successful integration has revolutionised the way SWLP operates. “These improvements are setting us up to be a much stronger network for the long term,” Simon says proudly.
Beyond the technical side, Simon’s love of his job extends to the people who make these changes happen. “We have such a wide range of professions in SWLP, from lab technicians to IT specialists to clinical leads,” he says. “I love meeting people, learning what motivates them, and figuring out how I can support them.” His people-centred approach is central to his leadership style, and he thrives on the diversity of his team.
“I prefer face-to-face conversations over email any day,” he admits. “Emails can easily be misinterpreted, but when you speak to someone directly, you can get to the heart of the issue.” For Simon, dialogue isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about fostering a positive and collaborative culture where everyone feels valued.
Is there a moment you will always remember?
After years of leading SWLP through complex projects, one moment that stands out for Simon is the launch of the new LIMS in January 2023. “That was a pivotal moment,” he says. Having been the programme director when the business case for LIMS was first approved back in 2013, Simon feels a deep sense of pride in seeing it come to life. “It was more than just a technical success—it was a team effort, and it showed what we can accomplish when everyone works together,” he reflects.
Simon is also particularly proud of helping to shape SWLP’s brand identity. “Creating our own brand and values, like ‘Making Every Test Matter,’ was really important to me,” he explains. Establishing a distinct identity has helped to give SWLP a sense of purpose and autonomy, which Simon believes is crucial to its long-term success.
Another memorable aspect of Simon’s role is his involvement in staff recognition initiatives. “I love doing staff inductions,” he says enthusiastically. “Meeting new team members and hearing why they chose to join us is energising.” For Simon, recognising the hard work and dedication of staff is key to fostering a supportive and motivated team. “If we’re serious about valuing our people, we need to showcase their contributions at every opportunity,” he adds, explaining why all SWLP communications and branding materials feature real staff, rather than stock images.
How did you get into pathology?
Simon’s journey into pathology wasn’t planned—it was more of a lucky accident. While studying anatomy and physiology at King’s College London, Simon was assigned a project in a diagnostic lab, which opened his eyes to the world of pathology. “I didn’t even know the profession existed before that,” he admits. However, after spending six months in the lab, Simon discovered a passion for diagnostic testing. “I loved the idea that pathology is life-giving and life-saving,” he says. “You’re not just doing experiments for the sake of science—you’re diagnosing real problems and helping to find solutions.”
Initially, Simon thought he’d only work in a lab for a year, while his then-fiancée finished her nursing training. But the more he learned about pathology, the more he realised it was the career for him. Specialising in haematology, Simon found joy in the diagnostic process. “There’s nothing quite like finding an abnormality in a blood sample—it’s like solving a puzzle that could save someone’s life,” he explains.
His career quickly progressed from laboratory work to management, driven by his passion for improving efficiency and implementing innovation on a larger scale. “I realised early on that we could be doing pathology differently,” he says. His vision for modernising pathology services led him to move from hospital labs to regional and national roles, and eventually to his current position as managing director of SWLP.
Despite his shift from the lab to leadership, Simon’s passion for science has never diminished. “I still love keeping up to date with the latest advancements,” he says. His enthusiasm for the technical side of pathology continues to inform his leadership, driving the transformation of SWLP into a cutting-edge service.