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Welcome to an inspiring episode of Public Health Spotlights. Join host Callum Gardiner as he sits down with Prof Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health at Worcestershire County Council, for a conversation about her unique journey from psychology into the heart of public health leadership.
Lisa McNally reflects on her career path, the pivotal moments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how supporting community autonomy has transformed health outcomes. She dives into the philosophy behind empowering neighbourhoods, shares practical examples like the award-winning Priority Neighbourhood Development Program, and discusses the real impact of community-led change.

Together, they tackle big questions around prevention vs care, demonstrate how stories are just as vital as data, and unpick the challenges of tackling inequality, poverty, and social isolation. Prof Lisa McNally also opens up about leadership, her team’s national recognition, working collaboratively with the NHS, and the personal lessons she’s learned along the way including the power of mindfulness and finding joy in community work.

Whether you’re interested in how neighbourhood action changes lives, strategies for maximizing limited public health budgets, balancing data with lived experience, or advice for building effective teams, this episode is full of honest insights, actionable wisdom, and unwavering passion for public health.

Highlights:

- From psychology to public health: a career built on championing behaviour change and communities
- How community autonomy and investment sparks lasting transformation
- Insights behind the Priority Neighbourhood Development Program’s success and recognition
- Balancing prevention with care and immediate impact in public health
- Tackling poverty, inequality, and social isolation in Worcestershire
- Collaboration strategies with the NHS and maximizing team potential
- Leadership lessons: building trust, fostering positivity, and nurturing wellbeing

Don’t miss this deeply human and practical exploration of local public health innovation and leadership. Subscribe for more stories and strategies from Public Health Spotlights.

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.