Advertise on podcast: View from the Hill - Leadership Insights from Public Service Professionals

In this episode of View from the Hill Podcast, we speak with Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, about leadership under pressure, accountability, and navigating change in the public sector. Pam shares her experiences of leading through challenging situations, reflecting on the personal resilience required when decisions are scrutinised and change can be uncomfortable. She discusses the importance of taking feedback, learning from setbacks, and creating a culture where people feel empowered to take responsibility and grow. We also explore what effective leadership looks like in complex organisations, why accountability matters, and how leaders can support their teams through uncertainty while continuing to deliver for communities. An honest and insightful conversation for current and aspiring leaders working across local government and the wider public sector.

In this episode of View from the Hill Podcast, we speak with Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of Warwickshire Property and Development Group, about leadership, resilience, and building places that create lasting impact. Stuart reflects on his journey from graduate to leading a local authority trading company, sharing the moments he questioned whether he was ready for the next step and how he learned to navigate imposter syndrome throughout his career. The conversation also explores the closure of the Regional Development Agencies, the uncertainty that followed, and the lessons Stuart learned about staying positive, adaptable, and open to opportunity during periods of major organisational change. We also discuss the role of LATCOs in shaping communities, creating local economic growth, and delivering developments that focus not just on housing, but on building places where people can live, work, and thrive. An honest and insightful conversation for leaders and aspiring leaders navigating change, uncertainty, local government reorganisation, and the realities of leadership in practice.

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, about leadership at a time of rapid change and transformation in local government. Amy reflects on what it means to lead at pace, building systems and structures in real time while delivering for communities. She shares her perspective on the confidence required to navigate uncertainty, the realities of “flying the plane while building it,” and the importance of backing yourself as a leader. We also explore Amy’s experience as a woman in leadership, the challenges that still exist, and the importance of resilience, clarity, and conviction in shaping both organisations and wider systems. An honest and energising conversation for public sector leaders and aspiring leaders navigating complexity, change, and the realities of leadership in practice.

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with John Pearce, experienced Director of Children’s Services, about leadership during a period of significant change across children’s services. John reflects on the evolving landscape of children’s services, the complex decisions leaders are required to make, and the responsibility that comes with shaping outcomes for children, families, and communities. He shares insights from his own leadership journey, exploring how thoughtful, values-driven leadership can influence not only individual organisations, but wider systems. We explore the realities of leading through change, the opportunities for leaders to shape thinking beyond their immediate roles, and what it takes to create meaningful, lasting impact across services. An honest and reflective conversation for public sector leaders and aspiring leaders navigating complexity, responsibility, and change in practice.

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with Mark Barrow, Interim Director of Place at East Devon District Council, about leadership in local government and the responsibility of shaping places and communities. Mark reflects on the practical decisions that make a real difference in people’s lives, the challenges of leading across complex systems, and how leadership requires patience, perspective, and a focus on long-term impact. We explore what it takes to create meaningful change at both a community and organisational level, and the lessons learned from navigating high-stakes decisions. An honest and reflective conversation for public sector leaders and aspiring leaders navigating responsibility, community impact, and the realities of leadership in practice.

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with Anisa Darr, Executive Director of Finance and Resources at the London Borough of Barnet, about leadership in the public sector and the moments that truly test you as a leader. Anisa reflects on the hardest calls of her career, the responsibility that comes when the buck really does stop with you, and how those moments shaped her leadership and confidence. We explore ownership and accountability in practice, learning through challenge, and the importance of being seen as a whole person - not just a role or title. An honest and reflective conversation for public sector leaders and aspiring leaders navigating responsibility, pressure and the real cost of leadership.

Welcome to the third episode of View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Julie Kelly, Corporate Director (DCS), Children’s Services at the London Borough of Hillingdon. Julie shares her reflections on leadership in children’s services, exploring how to navigate complexity, champion curiosity, and stay grounded while delivering meaningful change.

Welcome to the fourth episode of View from the Hill, your window into leadership, recruitment, and the changing face of the public and not-for-profit sectors. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Alex Kubeyinje, National Director of Safeguarding for the Church of England.Alex brings a unique perspective on leadership in complex, high-accountability environments. This conversation explores what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in spaces where people’s safety and wellbeing are paramount.

Welcome to the second episode of View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Heather Sandy, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council. Heather brings a wealth of insight from her leadership in children’s services, sharing what drives her, and the power of leading with clarity and compassion.  If you're passionate about public service leadership and want to hear what it takes to make a lasting impact—this one's not to be missed.

Welcome to the second episode of View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Theresa Leavy, who was serving as Executive Director for Children (DCS) at Dorset Council at the time of recording, and is now Interim Director of Children’s Services at Cheshire East Council. Theresa shares her insights on leading through complexity, the value of curiosity in leadership, and the importance of staying grounded while driving change in children’s services.

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new podcast, View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In our first episode, we’re joined by Ana Popovici, who was Director of Children’s Services at the London Borough of Wandsworth at the time of recording and is now the Deputy Chief Executive Serving Richmond and Wandsworth Councils as well as DCS at Wandsworth. Ana shares her reflections on leadership in local government, the importance of authenticity, and what it means to create impact in challenging environments.