Professor Sonia Cottom is candid about the nature of her career trajectory. “I certainly didn’t set out on the career path to be where I am now,” she reflects on her initial aspirations in banking, a vision she harboured since secondary school.
However, life had other plans for Cottom, who, after a holiday to Scotland, found herself veering off the beaten path and into the role of an export sales coordinator—a position that marked the beginning of her serendipitous career shift.
Cottom’s resilience shone through as she faced redundancy three times, an experience that instilled in her a sense of ethical dissonance with the corporate banking world. This disquiet led her to Aviva, where she thrived in capacity planning, and eventually to a board member role at Pain Association Scotland. It was here that Cottom found her calling, resonating deeply with the charity’s ethos and mission.
Her ascent to Director of Pain Association was not just a climb up the corporate ladder but a journey of self-discovery and leadership. “You can read all the books you want on leadership, but it’s when you start doing it that you start learning,” Cottom asserts. Her hands-on approach and heartfelt dedication to the cause have been pivotal in her success.
Reflections on Leadership
Regarding her leadership style, Sonia champions an approach that diverges from traditional hierarchical models. “It’s more about leadership by influence than directive leadership,” she asserts. This approach is rooted in a belief that change begins from the ground up, requiring a leader to possess “the hunger, the passion and the desire to make a difference” in people’s lives.
Cottom’s leadership journey is marked by her resolve to address systemic issues within patient pathways, a task that demands both “conviction and determination.” She recounts the challenges of presenting evidence to stakeholders, such as chronic pain consultants and government officials, to illustrate the real-world impact of ineffective systems on patients’ quality of life.
Despite facing resistance, Cottom’s steadfast belief in her cause has been a driving force. She candidly shares her experience with imposter syndrome, common among leaders, which paradoxically fuels her determination. “Having persistence is key,” she notes.
Reflecting on the arduous fourteen year journey, Cottom also highlights patience as a crucial leadership trait, alongside the ability to tactfully navigate setbacks and persist despite obstacles.
Diverse Endeavours and a Multifaceted Approach
Professor Cottom’s work extends beyond her role as Director of the Pain Association, encompassing a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care. She is the chair of the patient forum for the Royal College of GPs in Scotland, where she spearheads efforts to ensure patients receive optimal care and access from GPs. “It’s all about root cause versus symptom,” Cottom explains, highlighting the importance of addressing the underlying issues in healthcare, particularly those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sonia also holds a Visiting Professor position at York St John’s University, appointed in 2021 in recognition for her various accomplishments and efforts within healthcare management.
Cottom is passionate about breaking the cycle of dependency that has developed in society, where individuals expect immediate solutions from GPs for conditions that often lack quick fixes. She advocates for a shift towards patient empowerment, emphasising the need for re-education on self-care and the role of the NHS in supporting, not abandoning, this journey.
Her commitment to change is also evident in her involvement with the advisory committee for chronic pain for the Scottish Government. Here, she focuses on developing policies and pathways that facilitate timely and effective treatment for patients, avoiding the pitfalls of a fragmented system that could lead to a postcode lottery in healthcare services.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Furthermore, Sonia voices a critical concern regarding the perception of chronic pain. “It is often not on people’s radar,” she states, pointing out that awareness is typically limited to those directly affected. Cottom criticises the government’s approach, noting that despite chronic pain being declared a national priority in Scotland, it has not been supported by adequate public health campaigns or funding.
The lack of visibility and understanding of chronic pain has significant consequences, and Sonia believes there is a need for conviction and meaningful action to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and access to services.
Cottom also challenges the statistic that one in five people suffer from chronic pain, arguing that the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting. Many individuals with chronic pain remain uncounted, either because they do not seek help or because their pain is overshadowed by other coded conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Envisioning a Legacy of Change
Coming toward the end of the conversation, Sonia envisions a legacy that consists of conviction and change. “Be that change you want to see,” is her message, highlighting the importance of belief and determination in driving progress. Cottom’s approach to challenging the status quo, particularly the underestimation of chronic pain prevalence, reflects her commitment to addressing social needs through evidence-based advocacy.
Cottom’s legacy is not about rapid transformation but about the impact of steadfast efforts over time. “Change can be achieved,” she notes, bringing up the power of collective action and the importance of presenting compelling evidence to those in authority. Her vision extends beyond personal accolades, focusing instead on the broader significance of influencing policy and improving lives.
For Cottom, the true measure of her legacy lies in the ability to inspire others, especially her students, to question, to challenge, and to contribute to societal betterment. “It makes a huge difference,” she says, not from an egotistical standpoint but from the perspective of making a meaningful change. Her legacy, as she sees it, is about instilling the courage to seek answers and the resolve to make those answers count for the many who suffer in silence.
