The Future of Jobs: A Conversation with Dee Mathieson

A Technological Revolution in Healthcare and Beyond

As AI continues to evolve, industries across the globe are preparing for a future where technology and human expertise coexist in innovative ways. Healthcare, where precision and care are paramount, stands at the forefront of this revolution.  In the second feature of our ‘Future of Jobs‘ series, Dee Mathieson, an influential leader in medical devices and cancer care technology, offers a unique perspective on how technology is transforming both the healthcare industry and the broader working world.

Leadership Profile: Dee Mathieson

With over 40 years experience, Dee’s in-depth knowledge of cancer treatment techniques, physics and applied technology has supported Elekta to grow its business and reputation in the field of radiation therapy globally. Dee started her career as a Radiographer at Guys Hospital, then medical physics and on to industry where she has held various technical and commercial roles. She is now a Senior VP for Elekta’s Linear Accelerator group and is the Managing Director for Elekta Ltd, based in Crawley. She is also Chair of the Gatwick Diamond Business Network, Task Force Member on the Gatwick AEZ Initiative and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Mary How Trust for Cancer Care.

The Role of AI in Medical Advancements

We started our conversation with the big topic of AI. Dee explained that one of the most exciting developments in the healthcare sector is the integration of AI into diagnostics and treatment, which is improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency in cancer care. By automating routine tasks like image segmentation, AI can expedite the diagnostic process, reduce errors, and allow healthcare professionals to focus on more complex aspects of patient cancer care.

“What particularly excites me is the whole care pathway for a patient, from diagnosis right through to survivorship. AI now removes subjectivity – for example in scan interpretation It doesn’t take away the clinician, it just removes the delay, because it can batch process many, many more images than a radiologist or an oncologist could do”

Dee noted that AI is particularly impactful in her specialist field of radiation therapy, where technology is used to fine-tune treatment accuracy, optimise dosage, and ensure that patients receive the most effective care possible. Applying AI in these areas isn’t just about improving technology Dee explained – it’s about making healthcare more accessible and patient-centered. AI is helping healthcare providers meet the growing cancer care demands of a global population, while improving patient outcomes.

The Impact of AI on Workforce Dynamics

Beyond the technical aspects of healthcare, Dee and I explored how AI is influencing the broader dynamics of work. Elekta UK in Crawley employ more than 800 employees, many of whom are based on the Cornerstone campus, others in the field supporting customers. Dee noted that AI has enabled greater efficiency and collaboration, particularly post-pandemic. “Our teams have become much more collaborative, and communication has become much more efficient,” she explained.

This has been made possible by tools like business intelligence dashboards, AI-driven transcription software and platforms which help employees stay connected and make data-driven decisions in real-time. These tools have revolutionised how the teams work at Elekta, allowing departments to operate across the globe without the need for in-person interaction.

“…from China through to Atlanta and San Jose in California, we operate across many time zones and we are now much more efficient in how we communicate and collaborate” she said.

However, Dee also emphasised the importance of maintaining the human touch in an increasingly automated world.

“AI can’t replace all functions, and shouldn’t,” she asserted. “The risk is that we lose authenticity, depth, and human connection for creativity and productivity.” For Dee, those traits are imperative to building a happy, productive workforce and successful business.

The Key Skill for Future Workers: Emotional Intelligence

As AI continues to automate routine tasks, the importance of emotional intelligence is rising in prominence. Dee agreed that this is one of the most valuable skills for the workforce of the future, particularly in leadership roles.

“Empathy, listening skills, and emotional intelligence are critical in today’s world,” she said, pointing out how these skills are essential for fostering engagement and building strong relationships.  

For Dee, it’s about creating workplaces where people feel motivated and connected to their purpose. “It’s not just about presenteeism; it’s about purpose,” she says, stressing that the future workforce needs to feel inspired and valued. This is particularly important for younger generations, who have different expectations from their employers regarding work-life balance, mental health, and career development.

The Evolving Role of Leadership

According to Dee, the future of leadership lies in leaders who can embody the values they espouse. This involves understanding the emotional needs of the workforce and ensuring that they feel psychologically safe.  “I think it will be more of those things,” she said, referring to leadership values such as kindness, psychological safety, and authenticity. 

COVID-19 underscored the importance of understanding and supporting employees.

“It taught us how vital it is to consider how people feel and ensure they’re engaged and happy,” she said. The old model of top-down management is no longer enough. In fact, leaders need to inspire people to want to follow them – not simply manage them.”

Dee believes that creating such an environment is crucial for retention, engagement, and attracting top talent.

“If you want to retain and attract the right people, you need to have a reputation of being somewhere that’s safe, kind, fun and inclusive” she explained.

The importance of authenticity cannot be overstated, Dee noted. She mentioned that leaders must “walk the walk.  It’s not enough to merely talk about kindness or psychological safety – leaders must demonstrate these qualities in their actions:

“I think to be a leader, people have to want to follow you. Kindness and psychological safety is huge. I don’t think any company is there yet. You know, my kids have issues at work, my friends have issues at work. I see issues here. Sometimes we need to make it okay, and that’s about leaders being more confident in themselves and what they’ve put together to be able to be robust to challenging conversations and take feedback, no matter what it is, listen to it and where appropriate, act on it.”

The Workforce of Tomorrow: Adaptability, Continuous Learning, and Self-Awareness

When asked about advice for the workforce of tomorrow, Dee was clear: adaptability, continuous learning, and self-awareness are essential qualities for the next generation of workers. “Be willing to learn, be self-aware, and be authentic in how you interact,” she advised, recognising that the world of work is constantly changing and that employees must be flexible in order to stay relevant.  “Future employees will need to be adaptable to new technologies, market conditions, and ways of working. The traditional career path is becoming less linear, and people must be prepared to embrace lifelong learning to keep up with the pace of change”.

Dee discussed her and Elekta’s commitment to initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, and education. She emphasised the importance of programs like their “Next Gen” Initiative which offers mentorship and support for young people looking to develop their careers at Elekta. These efforts have helped to bridge the gap between generations and raise awareness of topics such as neurodiversity, helping to create a more equitable and innovative workforce.

Furthermore, Dee highlighted that the workforce of tomorrow will need to be increasingly collaborative, as global business becomes more interconnected. “The ability to work effectively across cultures is crucial for success in the international business environment”. 

Vision for the Future – Community Engagement and Regional Economic Development

As I asked Dee to look to the future, she described how she remains committed to both Elekta’s success and the growth of the local community. 

Throughout her career, Dee has consistently demonstrated a commitment not only to her specialist field and organisation, but also to the broader business community. During our conversation, she spoke passionately about her role as Chair of Gatwick Diamond Business, a local network championing regional development and economic growth.

Dee believes that the leaders of tomorrow will need to take a broader view of their responsibilities, extending beyond the walls of their own organisations. “The more we learn from other companies locally, the more we enrich what we do, and they learn from us,” she said. This exchange of knowledge and resources benefits everyone and helps create a thriving local economy.

Looking ahead to the future of the region, Dee is also excited about her role as Task Force Member for the Gatwick Airport Economic Zone. She firmly believes that the northern runway development project could be a game-changer for the region.

“The transport infrastructure is absolutely key,” she said, noting that better connectivity will help local businesses thrive and attract new talent. However this investment will also be a catalyst to improvements in housing and education which will help create a more sustainable and prosperous local economy.  “We have to think for our children and our children’s children,” Dee said, stressing the importance of ensuring that the decisions made today will benefit future generations.

Inspiring Leaders of the Future

Dee’s vision for the future is one where business leaders not only focus on the bottom line but also actively contribute to the well-being of their teams and communities. Whether through leadership practices that prioritise kindness and psychological safety or through active engagement in regional development.  Dee Mathieson’s approach to leadership is both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in a commitment to making a positive impact. Her perspective on the future of work highlights the need for a workforce that is adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and continuously learning.  A thoroughly inspiring conversation on ‘The Future of Jobs’ in the healthcare sector and beyond. 

Stay tuned for next month’s Future of Jobs interview to learn more from regional thought leaders as we all plan for the workforce of tomorrow. For last month’s conversation with Julie Kapsalis, see here.