Some careers in public service can be extraordinarily broad and provide experience of enormous variety. In this episode, Eliot Wilson talks to Andrew Natsios, now an executive professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. He describes his time as chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, drafted in to save the "Big Dig" in Boston, which was mired in problems, and how he turned the programme around in a matter of months. He also recounts his service as administrator of the US Agency for International Development, pioneering partnership between the public and private sectors and introducing prominent US branding on to American-provided assistance.

Local government is often regarded as unglamorous and pedestrian, but it takes decisions on some of the issues that affect us most in our everyday lives. In this episode, Eliot Wilson talks to Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, to discuss the changes he has seen in the North East over his career and the redevelopment that he and his political masters have driven in the region. He talks about the city's post-industrial decline, both real and perceived, and lays out ambitious plans for its economic future, and describes how a public institution with widespread responsibilities manages the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Each generation thinks itself special and alien to those that went before. But how do you make young people content at work? In this episode, Eliot Wilson talks to Chloë Garland, founder of Quarter Life, about how she coaches the under-30s and finds out what millennials and Gen-Zers really want: meaning, fulfilment and purpose. She argues that young workers increasingly work to live rather than living to work, and explains how the Covid-19 pandemic has opened people's eyes to new opportunities and encouraged them towards the possibility of change.

The British Army is always evolving to meet new threats and absorb new technology. In this episode, Eliot Wilson talks to Major General Jez Bennett, the army's director of capability, about how military doctrine is reviewed, refined and updated, and how he deals with the pressures of budgetary constraints and new strategic threats. Although the army can cherish discipline, it also produces independent thinkers and soldiers who approach problems with a flexible attitude, backed by strong and continuous learning.

The Houses of Parliament are iconic and steeped in tradition. The institution dates back to the 13th century. How has it changed? In this episode, Eliot Wilson talks to Lord Lisvane, former Clerk of the House of Commons, to discuss the balance of the old and the new, and how innovation can be managed without revolution. Lisvane recounts highlights of his 42-year career and reflects on his management of change as the Commons' top official, discovering along the way how this unique political ecosystem sustains itself.

The common image of overseas aid and development is of wealthy countries giving money or food to poorer nations. Is there a better way? In this episode, Eliot Wilson talks to Sarah Dusek, founder of Enygma Ventures, who argues that the best way to help developing countries to marry private capital to sustainable and successful local enterprises. She rejects the notion that trade and foreign policy must be kept separate from aid and describes her work matching investors to female entrepreneurs in southern Africa.

Most people think the world is getting worse, and that view affects the way we live: but is it true? In this episode, Eliot Wilson speaks to Dr Marian Tupy of the Cato Institute who argues that by most relevant metrics the human experience is improving. People are living longer and more health lives, in conditions of greater comfort and prosperity. He also debunks some predictions of catastrophe and outlines ways in which we can address global problems without abandoning our success.

How can Neuroscience help improve communication and understanding? In this episode, Eliot Wilson speaks with Pranav Yadav about neuroscience and his vision for how it can improve human interactions. Pranav is the CEO of Neuro-Insight, and in his discussion with Eliot, he shares how his background and the insights he has gleaned from religion have informed his vision.

What can we learn about pivoting from the Arts? In this episode, Eliot Wilson speaks with Chantal Rickards, who up until last year was CEO of the prestigious British Academy of Film and TV Arts in Los Angeles. In a wide-ranging discussion, Chantal explains how BAFTA has embraced gaming and adapted as the media industry evolves.

Alexandra Wood isn't your usual tailor. She's the rare combination of being a woman who specialises in men's tailoring. And she's one of the few to ply her trade on London's Savile Row.
On this episode, she joins Pivot Point's Eliot Wilson, to talk about her career and how she succeeded by following her passion. As COVID has presented obvious challenges to her industry, Alex talks about how her business has adapted and the importance of listening to her customers.

You can find out more about Alexandra's business at https://alexandrawoodbespoke.co.uk/