Our World is Local with Kath O’Dwyer
In this episode of Our World is Local, Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by Kath O’Dwyer, Chair of Solace and former Chief Executive of St Helens, for a wide-ranging and candid discussion about leadership, culture and the future of local government.
Recorded back in November 2025, Kath draws on more than four decades in the sector, reflects on what it really means to be a modern chief executive, why the role has fundamentally changed post-austerity and post-COVID, and why humility, curiosity and personal development are now essential leadership traits. The conversation explores the pressures facing senior officers, the evolving relationship between politicians and officers, and the challenges of governing in an increasingly politicised and digital environment.
With local government reorganisation accelerating across England, the episode also dives into what often gets overlooked: organisational culture, capacity, talent retention and the realities of building brand-new councils from scratch. From vesting day myths to lanyard amnesties, this is an honest, insightful and occasionally irreverent look at the state of local government today – and what it will take to make the next chapter work.
Essential listening for anyone navigating leadership, change and complexity in the public sector.
Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes here.
You can listen to the previous episodes on Spotify here and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.
