Trailblazers: Kath O'Dwyer

As part of our Trailblazers: Women Transforming the Public Sector and Beyond series, we’re continuing to highlight women whose leadership is making a real difference across public services and communities.

The next feature in the series is Kath O’Dwyer, Independent Advisor, Consultant & Coach. Kath reflects on her career in local government, the organisational culture and service improvements she has led, and shares her perspective on the importance of women in senior leadership. Her insights also reveal what continues to motivate her work and the guidance she would give to aspiring leaders.

What’s your proudest career achievement so far?

To be honest I don’t think I have got just one. I am really proud of the organisational culture change work I led in two different councils as a Chief Executive, and in the improvement work I led council wide in St Helens. I am also really proud of the children’s services improvement work I led as a DCS in 4 different councils. The pride comes from making things better for people – whether that is users of the services or in the staff experience of coming to work. Its all about making a difference.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions?

I don't think there is one piece of advice, as leadership is both complex and challenging but the 'package' of advice I would offer is:
•   Do the right thing – even though it’s hard and may come with a cost
•   Speak truth to power
•   Do what you say you will do - delivery
•   Invest in relationships and partnerships
•   Understand the politics
•   Inspire others
•   Support and look out for your colleagues
•   Look for solutions or compromise
•   Be open to change and new approaches
•   Look after your own wellbeing

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits public services and the communities they serve?

I think leadership in public services is about ensuring that the leadership reflects the communities they serve, so yes there should be as many women as there are men, but it is wider than just gender.

However, I do think women in leadership often bring distinct strengths that show up consistently across research: stronger emotional intelligence, more collaborative decision‑making, and communication styles that build trust and inclusion. These aren’t universal to all women, but they are patterns that appear across large studies and are increasingly valued.

What motivates you most about working in public service?

Working in public service is such a privilege, and it is a sector which will support and develop you, challenge you, and inspire you to be the best that you can be.
A career in public service presents the opportunity to:
•   Make a difference to the most vulnerable - not just care, but environment & opportunities
•   Create the right organisational culture
•   Give something back to the sector
•   Make it better – fix it
•   Develop others
•   Do the right thing!

Who’s a woman that’s inspired you in your career – and why?

I don't think that there was just one, as I have worked with, and for, some amazing female leaders. But I guess it started with my mum who was quite a traditional wife and mother for the 1960's /70's, when lots of women didn't work. But she worked in Special Education and her commitment, passion and solution focus was evident even to me as a child. She also managed to juggle it all and still excel – proving to me it that it can be done! Then I worked for some amazing team managers and service managers when I was a practitioner, and outstanding female Directors and Chief Execs as I progressed through my career. I think what I saw was that it was that it is possible to have a fabulous career and be a good leader as a woman, a mum, a wife and a daughter, but you do need to learn to spin plates and juggle!