Philippa Horrocks was an instrumental part of the bidding team that secured Eurovision and was then the Special Projects Manager that helped deliver Eurovision. We talked through that experience and her journey through local government. Well done to Liverpool City Council and the Commissioners, who even when there were financial difficulties still embraced culture as a key aspect of Liverpool's identity.

Sara Cameron is the President of ACES (The Association of Chief Estates Surveyors and Property Managers in the Public Sector) and we talked through her journey to being President; the challenges facing property leaders and teams in local government and where innovation can provide solutions to the challenges property leaders are experiencing.

Thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with Deputy Leader Cllr Greg Marshall and Deputy Chief Executive Zulf Darr, at Broxtowe Borough Council to discuss the Beeston project. We explored the journey of this project, the hurdles that have been overcome, the legacy and impact the development has and what the future holds for place shaping in Beeston.

This is a fantastic example of what local government can achieve, with ambition, governance and partnerships.

Today I sat down with Camilla Mankabady, Director of Communications at Liverpool City Council. Formerly Editor of the BBC, ITV and Euro News. Her move into local government was inspired by her passion for Liverpool. We explored that transition, the art of communication and fundamentally what makes Camilla tick is this thought provoking conversation.

A very insightful conversation with Alison Golding, Assistant Director of Workforce and Transformation at West Northamptonshire Council. We discussed what happens when you launch a brand new council, with on day one, 2700 staff. How do you build a new culture and employer brand from the ground up? For anyone going through culture transformations or are exploring their employer brand some useful tips in here from Alison.

You cannot help but be invigorated by the passion and energy with which Corporate Director at Partnerships LLP Julie McEver approaches change. We talked through her journey, the inevitability of change and how she is helping local authorities prepare for the inevitability of change.

Kath O'Dwyer - Chief Executive of St Helens Council, is a fantastic example of a leader who encourages a culture of transparency, innovation and delivery. We discussed:

• St Helens history and ambition
• The career opportunities local government offers
• The challenges facing local government
• Kath's journey and role with Solace
• What high performance in local government means to Kath.

Kath O'Dwyer - Chief Executive of St Helens Council, is a fantastic example of a leader who encourages a culture of transparency, innovation and delivery. We discussed:

• St Helens history and ambition
• The career opportunities local government offers
• The challenges facing local government
• Kath's journey and role with Solace
• What high performance in local government means to Kath.

What a way to start the 2024. Great to speak with Mike O'Donnell, local government finance expert. We discussed:

• Local government finance – reflections on past, present and future, s114s, future funding.
• LGPS and pooling.
• Responsible investment and climate risk.

Having worked for both local government, the NHS and now consultancy advising authorities Alex Mileman is an expert in the transformational change programs that add value to adult social care. It was very enjoyable to sit down with him to discuss this topic in more detail.

All views from Alex are his own views.