View from the Hill - Leadership Insights from Public Service Professionals

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Step behind the scenes of public service leadership with View from the Hill. Hosted by Helen Anderson, each episode features leaders from local and central government, housing, and charities sharing real stories of challenges, transformation, and impact. Discover how they navigate crises, drive change, and deliver outcomes for communities, offering practical insights for emerging public sector leaders. Lessons, inspiration, and strategies from those shaping society.

Episodes

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

    2D AGO

    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.

    49 min

  2. TRAILER

    Season 2, Episode 2: Trailer

    In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with Mark Barrow about what it truly means to shape a place. Not as a collection of services, but as a living system of people, communities and opportunity. Mark shares insights from a career spanning district chief executive and place leadership roles across the country, reflecting on economic growth, regeneration, commerciality and the real impact local government can have on people’s lives. From reducing reoffending through stable homes and jobs, to leveraging investment that transforms city centers, he explores the power, and responsibility, of place-based leadership.

    1 min
  3. Anisa Darr on Leadership in the Public Sector: The Moments That Tested Her Leadership and Confidence

    JAN 21

    Anisa Darr on Leadership in the Public Sector: The Moments That Tested Her Leadership and Confidence

    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.

    43 min

  4. 08/20/2025

    Episode 5 - Julie Kelly

    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.

    36 min

  5. 07/24/2025

    Episode 4 - Alex Kubeyinje

    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.

    35 min

  6. 06/19/2025

    Episode 3 - Heather Sandy

    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.

    33 min

  7. 05/14/2025

    Episode 2 - Theresa Leavy

    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.

    38 min

  8. 04/11/2025

    Episode 1 - Ana Popovici

    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.

    55 min

Trailer

About

Step behind the scenes of public service leadership with View from the Hill. Hosted by Helen Anderson, each episode features leaders from local and central government, housing, and charities sharing real stories of challenges, transformation, and impact. Discover how they navigate crises, drive change, and deliver outcomes for communities, offering practical insights for emerging public sector leaders. Lessons, inspiration, and strategies from those shaping society.

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