In the latest episode of the Radical Reformers podcast, Andrew Laird is joined by Zina Etheridge, recently appointed Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire Council, to explore to explore her relatively unique experience of leading in central government, in a council and in the NHS.

Zina highlights that place matters more than ever, and the conversation centres on a powerful idea we truly believe in here at Mutual Ventures: councils should be much more than service providers. At their best, they are place-makers and conveners, uniquely placed to bring partners, communities and systems together to help communities thrive and succeed.

Zina reflects candidly on the distinct pressures that are on senior leaders in different parts of the public sector,  the challenges of reforming complex systems, and why bravery is required to shift resources and power in meaningful ways, even when short-term performance risks feel uncomfortable.

Genuine community empowerment can’t be imposed from the centre or done in a one‑size‑fits‑all way. It depends on local context, trust, lived experience and the confidence to share power.

If you’re working in local government, the NHS or the wider public sector, or thinking about the future of place-based leadership,  this is a thoughtful and timely listen.