Meet The Leader

Meet The Leader
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Government

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. 17 Jun

    Meet the Leader with Cllr Jonathan Lester

    For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council. During the conversation, Jonathan reflects on his journey into local government, including his return from Australia and his dedication to public service as both an elected member and council officer. The episode explores his long-term vision for Herefordshire: driving economic growth and prosperity for all Herefordians, attracting greater investment, improving infrastructure, and addressing historic underinvestment in public transport and rail connectivity. Jonathan also discusses the council’s ambition to begin the first phase of the western bypass this year, alongside a wider focus on creating more opportunities for young people. Nick and Jonathan also discuss the importance of making Herefordshire Council financially sustainable for the long term, ensuring it can continue to deliver high-quality, good-value services for residents while protecting the county’s environment. It is an inspiring conversation about place, ambition and the importance of building a stronger, more sustainable future for Herefordshire. 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.

    25 min

  2. 18 May

    Meet the Leader with Cllr David Thomas

    For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council. During this conversation, Cllr Thomas talks to Nick about his remarkable journey from professional entertainer and musician to local government leader, reflecting on how he first became involved in politics, his early baptism of fire as Chair of Planning, and the lessons he has learned from more than a decade as group leader. The episode also explores the realities of leadership in local government today, from managing political groups and rising public expectations, to the challenge of balancing immediate resident concerns with long-term place-making. Cllr Thomas shares his approach to building consensus, focusing on delivery, and ensuring that core services such as children’s services and adult social care are strong enough to support wider ambitions for Torbay. Nick and David also discuss Torbay’s ambitious regeneration programme, including investment in town centres, Brixham Fish Market, Crossways in Paignton, and the council’s work to attract private sector partners and major new investment into the English Riviera. It is an inspiring conversation about responsibility, resilience and what it takes to deliver real change for residents. 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.

    27 min

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 11/06/2025

    Meet the Leader with Cllr Tudor Evans

    In this episode, we sit down with Cllr Tudor Evans, one of the most experienced and enduring figures in local government. With over three decades of service, including five terms as Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor shares the journey that brought him into politics, the challenges and triumphs of leading a city through economic transformation, and why he’s still as passionate today as when he first stood for election in 1987. We explore: Plymouth’s regeneration from naval decline to a city of culture, innovation, and industryThe personal and political resilience needed to lead through economic headwindsHow local government can catalyse investment and growthAnd what it really means to believe in – and bet on – your cityWith humour, clarity, and no shortage of insight, Tudor offers a masterclass in civic leadership and long-term vision. If you care about place leadership, economic renewal, and what it takes to build lasting local impact, this is one to tune into. 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.

    24 min

  6. 20/12/2024

    Meet the Leader with Cllr Shantanu Rajawat

    In the final Meet the Leader episode of 2024, Nick chats with Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council.  Shantanu shares the journey that lead him to leading one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. They discuss the challenges of leadership, the importance of empowering young people, and bold ambitions for growth and opportunity in Hounslow. A must-listen for anyone passionate about community leadership and local government! 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.

    25 min

  7. 12/12/2024

    Meet the Leader: 2024 in Review

    In this special episode of Meet the Leader, Nick reflects on the incredible leaders that have featured on the show this year. From the leaders of BCP Council right up to Leeds City Council, he shares their key moments and insights in this yearly round up. 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.

    37 min

  8. 05/12/2024

    Meet the Leader with Cllr Nick Adams-King

    In this episode of Meet the Leader, we sit down with Nick Adams-King, the newly appointed leader of Hampshire County Council. Nick shares his unconventional journey from running drag cabaret restaurants to navigating the complex world of local government. We explore his experiences as a business owner and the challenges he faced balancing public service with personal milestones. Nick delves into his vision for Hampshire, addressing issues like deprivation, sustainable development, and local government restructuring. He reflects on the importance of community-driven leadership and the resilience required to manage the council through turbulent times. Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership, change, and making a real difference at the local level. 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.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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…… 

Information

  • Creator
    Meet The Leader
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Meet The Leader
  • Show Website
    Meet The Leader