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.

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.

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.