Beyond the tracks: real conversations on leadership, learning and wellbeing

At Rail Wellbeing Live 2026, one session stood out for its honesty and human focus. Beyond the tracks brought together three respected leaders from across the rail industry to talk openly about what really sits behind strong leadership, personal growth and wellbeing.

Hosted by Nina Lockwood, the discussion featured Bianca Molloy, Joint Managing Director at TES 2000, Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail, and Lee Woolcott-Ellis, Mental Health Lead at Southeastern and founder of the Railway Mental Health Charter. What followed was not a typical panel talk, but a candid and practical conversation about real experiences, challenges and change.

Letting the walls down

Bianca Molloy opened the session with a powerful reflection on feedback and vulnerability in leadership. She shared how a simple comment early in her career changed everything.

“Your walls are too high… you always appear calm, collected, you are really happy.”

At first, she struggled to understand why this mattered. But over time, she realised that being open about her own thoughts and feelings helped others feel safe to do the same.

“To promote vulnerability… I had to do it myself.”

Her journey also included a diagnosis of neurodivergence, which reshaped how she sees herself and her work. Bianca spoke about the importance of self-awareness and self-kindness.

“I have to be so kind to myself… I know I can’t book two activities in one day because I might be socially exhausted.”

Her practical advice was simple but effective. Plan rest, protect your energy and be honest about what you need.

Learning through every challenge

Nick Millington shared lessons from over three decades in the railway, offering a grounded and honest view of leadership under pressure.

One idea stood out: learning from everything, even when things do not go to plan.

“Regret nothing… even in hard times, you’re learning.”

He encouraged leaders to challenge limiting beliefs and trust their own judgement.

“Take a bet on myself… the likelihood they can do that, it’s possible.”

When it comes to high pressure situations, Nick stressed the importance of staying calm, listening carefully and creating space to think.

“In chaos is opportunity… it flips your mindset.”

His message was clear. Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about asking the right questions, building trust and staying open.

Putting wellbeing into practise

Lee Woolcott-Ellis brought a powerful perspective shaped by his own lived experience of trauma. He explained how this has influenced his work in driving change across the industry.

“Resilience for me has been about understanding my nervous system rather than trying to override it.”

Through the Railway Mental Health Charter, Lee has helped create a shared approach to wellbeing across more than 130 organisations.

“The challenge isn’t uptake, it’s depth… embedding the charter into organisational culture.”

He also highlighted the value of peer support and early intervention, especially after difficult incidents.

“Resilience is built through connection… they help prevent people from carrying it alone.”

A shared message

Across the session, a few clear themes emerged. Know yourself. Be open with others. Stay connected. And take wellbeing seriously, not as an add-on, but as part of how work is done every day.

As Nina summed up at the end, it is about “listening to ourselves” and making space for honest conversations.

This session is a reminder that behind every role in rail, there is a person. And when people feel supported, listened to and valued, the whole industry benefits.

Watch the full session above to hear these stories in the speakers’ own words.