Meet The Leader

Meet The Leader

This series celebrates the amazing talents and leadership that can be found in the local government. Hosted by Nick Kilby, Executive Chairman of Cratus Group, these inspiring interviews highlight the tremendous work and aspirations of the Leaders. Be reassured and inspired, making life better for residents is the utmost priority of great leaders in the local government. You can be a leader, and you can have a great leader in government…… 

  1. 6 FEB

    Meet the Leader with Cllr Rob Waltham MBE

    In this episode of Meet the Leader, we travel to North Lincolnshire to sit down with Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about leadership, public service and the realities of modern local government. Rob reflects on his unconventional journey into politics, being “conned” into becoming a councillor in his twenties, and how early life experiences shaped his values and long-standing passion for children’s services. He shares candid insights into what it really means to lead a council: building trust with officers, navigating difficult decisions, carrying the weight of responsibility, and maintaining focus on people rather than systems. The discussion explores Rob’s rise to council leader, the dynamics of internal party politics, the challenges and rewards of long-term leadership, and his experience standing as a mayoral candidate. Along the way, he speaks openly about moments of doubt, loyalty, resilience and the profound impact local government can have on individual lives. This is an honest and thoughtful episode about service, values and why - despite its pressures - local government remains one of the most powerful ways to make a difference. Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

    35 min
  2. 29 JAN

    Meet the Leader with Cllr Steve Pitt

    In this episode of Meet the Leader, we sit down with Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, to explore an unconventional route into local government – from running an independent music venue to leading one of the UK’s most distinctive island cities. Steve shares how his lifelong passion for music, arts and culture has shaped his political philosophy, and why he believes culture should never be seen as a “nice to have”, but as a powerful driver of regeneration, opportunity and social change. From Portsmouth’s vibrant grassroots arts scene and street art reputation, to the role of football, the Navy and veterans’ communities in civic life, this conversation paints a rich picture of culture in its broadest sense. We also delve into Steve’s views on devolution, local government finance, and the realities of leading a council under sustained pressure – including the frustrations of pace, resource constraints, and public expectations in an age of instant change. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of political literacy, why civics education matters, and what genuinely motivates people to step into public service. The episode closes with a refreshingly grounded take on legacy. For Steve, leadership isn’t about plaques on walls or named buildings – it’s about whether, at the end of the day, he’s made a positive difference, even for just one person. An honest, passionate and thoughtful conversation about place, purpose and what leadership in local government really looks like. Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

    19 min

About

This series celebrates the amazing talents and leadership that can be found in the local government. Hosted by Nick Kilby, Executive Chairman of Cratus Group, these inspiring interviews highlight the tremendous work and aspirations of the Leaders. Be reassured and inspired, making life better for residents is the utmost priority of great leaders in the local government. You can be a leader, and you can have a great leader in government……