Pam Smith on Leadership and Accountability: Making Tough Decisions in Local Government

Pam Smith on Leadership and Accountability: Making Tough Decisions in Local Government

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.

Stuart Buckley on Resilience, Regeneration and Growth Through Uncertainty

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.

Amy Harhoff on Leading Through Change: Building Systems at Pace in Local Government

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.

John Pearce OBE on Leadership in Children’s Services: Navigating Change and Shaping Systems

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.

Mark Barrow on Leadership in Local Government: Making Decisions That Change Communities

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.