CEO Stories: Deborah Cadman on leading Birmingham City Council through crisis
Season three of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s CEO Stories podcast begins with Henrietta Brealey talking to a chief executive who has one of the toughest jobs in local government.
The episode is available to listen to on all major listening apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Birmingham born and bred, Deborah Cadman has enjoyed a distinguished career in local government – including stints leading the West Midlands Combined Authority, Suffolk County Council and St Edmudsbury Borough Council.
But her current role, leading Europe’s largest local authority in her home city, has proved to be the toughest to date – after Birmingham was issued with Section 114 notice in 2023.
In this episode, Deborah discusses the challenge of leading through such a critical time in the council’s history.
We also learn about various other aspects of her life and career– including her memories of growing up in Birmingham, her various roles in government through to her favourite things about her home city and some the individuals who have influenced her along the way.
CEO Stories is a monthly podcast hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest chief executive in the Chamber’s history.
A new episode is published on the first Monday of every month.
Throughout the series, Henrietta is joined by a variety of well-known and emerging business leaders, who will reveal what makes them tick, who inspired them and the advice they would give to aspiring CEOs.
Seasons one and two of the podcast featured a variety of guests include former NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi, McDonald’s franchisee Doug Wright, TV chef Liam Dillon, Birmingham Royal Ballet boss Caroline Miller and Chamber presidents past and present, Deb Leary and Nasir Awan.
You can listen and subscribe to CEO Stories now on the following listening platforms:
