Stepping Up with Confidence

Charlotte Pavitt on Growth, Courage, and Leadership in Public Health

In this Public Health Spotlight snippet, Charlotte Pavit reflects on what it really means to step up not just in title, but in mindset. Drawing on her journey through public health, Charlotte offers a grounded and inspiring message for professionals considering their next move: leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about having the courage to keep learning, collaborating, and leading with authenticity.

🎧 Listen to Charlotte’s Top Tip

Embracing Growth Through Opportunity

For Charlotte, career progression in public health comes from embracing opportunity even when it feels daunting. She encourages professionals to recognise the value of stepping forward before they feel completely ready:

“You’re never going to feel 100% ready, and that’s okay. Every stretch role, every new challenge, is a chance to grow your confidence and skills.”

Her advice is simple but powerful: take the opportunities that come your way, trust in the experience you already have, and allow learning to happen through action.

Confidence Comes from Connection Embracing Growth Through Opportunity 

One of Charlotte’s strongest messages is the importance of connection both personal and professional. Having a supportive network of peers and mentors helps leaders navigate uncertainty, find reassurance, and maintain perspective:

“Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you in equal measure. Confidence grows when you realise you’re not doing this alone.”

This focus on collaboration reflects the wider ethos of public health: that progress happens when individuals bring their collective expertise to shared challenges.

Communication as a Leadership Superpower

Charlotte highlights communication as a defining skill for aspiring leaders not just presenting ideas clearly, but listening, influencing, and adapting messages to different audiences.

“Being able to translate complex issues into something that resonates is essential. It’s how you build trust, inspire action, and make a real difference.”

In her view, effective communication bridges the gap between public health strategy and real-world impact turning technical insight into meaningful change.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Candidly, Charlotte addresses the challenge of imposter syndrome, something almost every professional encounters when stepping into leadership. She stresses that acknowledging those feelings is the first step in managing them:

“Everyone feels it at some point even the people you look up to. The key is not to let it stop you from saying yes to new challenges.”

Through self-awareness and peer support, Charlotte encourages leaders to build confidence from within and focus on the value they bring to their teams and communities.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Public Health Leaders

• Say yes before you feel ready. Growth happens in the stretch.
• Build strong peer networks. Confidence thrives in connection.
• Develop your communication skills. Influence is built on clarity and trust.
• Acknowledge imposter feelings. They’re normal, don’t let them define you.
• Keep learning. Leadership is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

Looking Ahead: Courage, Community, and Continuous Growth

Charlotte Pavitt’s reflections remind us that public health leadership is as much about personal growth as professional development. Stepping up requires courage, curiosity, and compassion qualities that shape the next generation of leaders driving health improvement across systems and communities.

For more leadership journeys, inspiration, and practical advice from public health professionals across the UK, explore the full Public Health Spotlight podcast series.