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In this episode of Public Health Spotlight, Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health in Suffolk, sits down to share his unconventional and inspiring journey into public health leadership. Beginning with his university years marked by personal challenges and a lack of direction, Stuart talks candidly about the detours, setbacks, and discoveries including struggling with mental health and later uncovering his own neurodiversity that ultimately shaped his career path.

Stuart opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the role of supportive colleagues, and how a commitment to public service became his driving force. He reflects on pivotal career moments from working in supermarkets and hospitals, to returning to university and discovering a passion for making real impact through data and evidence.

The conversation highlights Stuart’s strategic role as Director of Public Health, including his approach to embedding public health values across council-wide decisions and community services in Suffolk. Stuart provides insights into building high-performing, diverse teams rooted in curiosity and challenge, drawing on his strengths as a neurodivergent leader to foster connection, collaboration, and innovation.

Listeners will hear how Stuart’s broad portfolio spans community safety, arts and culture, libraries, and data intelligence, and how he’s championed a public health approach in areas like violence prevention and youth social action. He shares powerful stories of young people in Suffolk leading change and explains why participation and co-production are crucial interventions for health and wellbeing.

Stuart also reflects on the deep leadership lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, including how it pushed him and his team to their limits, honed his communication skills on public platforms, and deepened his belief in the power of resilience and authentic storytelling.

Rounding out the episode, Stuart offers frank and encouraging advice to those aspiring to leadership in public health: believe in yourself, embrace non-linear journeys, and focus on building teams that amplify diverse voices and skills. His message: leadership is a privilege, forged through adversity, learning, and a relentless commitment to community.

Tune in for a grounded and motivating conversation that goes beyond policies and programmes to explore the reality of leading change in public health where every story, connection, and challenge can move a community toward better health and opportunity.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.

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Welcome to a new episode of Public Health Spotlight.

Join host River Simmons as he sits down with Steve Brown, Director of Public Health in Devon, for a compelling look at nearly three decades of public health experience shaped by risk-taking, resilience, and relationship-building in one of England’s most unique regions.

Steve shares his career-defining move from the private sector into the NHS, reflecting on how seizing opportunity and embracing change shaped his path. He opens up about leading through six reorganisations, the art and science of public health storytelling, and why strong partnerships across sectors are vital for tackling complex health challenges.

Delving into the realities of rural and coastal Devon, Steven discusses the shifting demographics, delivering services across wide geographies, and the pressing issues of ageing populations, health inequalities, and drug- and alcohol-related deaths. He explains how physical office space and creating a psychologically safe environment empower his team, why devolved decision-making matters in leadership, and how reframing health as "building blocks" helps communities and leaders better understand the factors that shape health.

Steve also gives an inside look at Devon’s new strategic plan, the ongoing response to local government reorganisation, and his passion for integrated solutions whether working with housing partners on homelessness or advocating for stronger community engagement.

Whether you’re curious about thriving in public health leadership, managing change, building effective teams, or implementing real-world innovation in challenging settings, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for anyone invested in public health.

**Highlights:**

* A candid career journey: from sports science to long-standing public health leadership
* Navigating continuity and change through six NHS reorganisations
* Building trust, stability, and opportunity in Devon’s unique landscape
* The art of storytelling in shaping healthy communities and influencing leaders
* Addressing health inequalities: the realities of coastal and rural health
* Devon’s new strategic plan and public health’s central role
* Innovative approaches to drug and alcohol services and tackling homelessness
* Leadership insights: psychological safety, devolved decision-making, and inclusive environments
* Encouragement and practical advice for aspiring public health leaders

Don’t miss this rich and accessible conversation between River Simmons and Steve Brown about adapting, leading, and making health happen in the real world. Subscribe for more insight and inspiration from Public Health Spotlight.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.

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Public Health Spotlight with Lincoln, Director of Public Health, Torbay

Welcome to another episode of Public Health Spotlight, brought to you by Panoramic Associates in partnership with ADPH.

In this episode, we’re joined by Lincoln, Director of Public Health for Torbay, for an open and thought-provoking conversation exploring his journey in public health leadership, from his childhood in Nevis in the Caribbean to leading public health initiatives across the UK.

Lincoln reflects on how community, collaboration, and curiosity shaped his early years and continue to influence his leadership style today. He shares insights into building high-performing teams, leading through major public health challenges, and ensuring communities remain at the heart of decision-making.

The conversation explores key moments throughout Lincoln’s career, including building a public health team from the ground up, responding to nationally significant public health incidents, and championing innovative approaches to improving health outcomes. Along the way, he offers practical leadership lessons, reflections on mentoring the next generation, and thoughts on the evolving role of public health in a rapidly changing world.

* Lincoln’s journey from the Caribbean into UK public health leadership
* The importance of community-led and asset-based approaches
* Building a public health team from scratch in North Yorkshire
* Leading through major public health incidents and crises
* Innovative approaches to suicide prevention and community engagement
* Reimagining the Director of Public Health Annual Report
* The importance of public health representation at senior leadership level
* Mentoring, resilience, and developing future leaders

Takeaways

* Why curiosity and lifelong learning are essential leadership traits
* The power of communities in improving health outcomes
* Lessons from building teams and leading organisational change
* How the role of the Director of Public Health continues to evolve
* Advice for aspiring public health leaders navigating their careers

Whether you're working in public health, local government, healthcare, or simply interested in leadership and community impact, this episode offers valuable insights, practical lessons, and inspiration from a leader dedicated to improving lives.

Thank you for tuning in to Public Health Spotlight: A Panoramic Associates Podcast. For more expert discussions on public health, be sure to subscribe. Visit our website at panoramicassociates.co.uk to learn more about our work in the public health sector. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Public Health.