Trailblazers: Polly Cziok

Continuing our Trailblazer Series, we’re spotlighting Polly Cziok, a leader known for driving transformational change in local government. With a career spanning major public sector initiatives, from improving council services to shaping the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Polly shares her proudest achievements, insights on leadership, and the motivations that fuel her passion for public service.

What’s your proudest career achievement so far?
“There are lots of things I am really proud of; being part of the team that helped turn Hackney Council from one of the worst councils in the UK to one of the best, playing a part in the 2012 Games and Legacy, leading the London Boroughs’ comms response to the Covid-19 pandemic, commissioning a piece of public art that won the Turner Prize.

In my current role, it’s been delivering a package of reforms to our pay and workplace benefits, which will have a hugely positive impact on the women who work for us and their families. Amongst lots of other things, Merton is now the first council in the UK to offer paid leave to new grandparents, and I am super proud of that! More than all of that though, I am most proud of the amazing people who have worked in my teams and gone on to be leaders across London.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions?
“Build your support network, that group of people who you can trust, who will advise you, support you, share their time and expertise (not to mention their cake and wine), and tell you when you’re getting things wrong, as well as right. Be that person for others, and especially for other women. And, to quote Charlotte Hill (see below), when opportunity presents itself, ‘always say yes!’”

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits public services and the communities they serve?
“Women are often great at building networks. We are curious, and we forge deep connections. We tend to operate relationally, rather than transactionally, and that helps us to lead in an emotionally intelligent way.

Here’s a good example: this week, I had coffee with my friend Chaya Spitz, who I met when I worked at Hackney Council. She is from the Charedi Orthodox Jewish community and is CEO of a Jewish Housing Association. Our lives and experiences are very different—she lives within a deeply religious, quite closed community—but we are both women leaders and mothers, and despite those differences, we face very similar challenges. Getting to know Chaya really helped me understand the community better and to serve them better, especially during the pandemic. Now that I have left Hackney, we still find great value in spending time together, listening to each other’s perspectives on the world, and supporting each other in our roles.”

What motivates you most about working in public service?
“I think I have public service in my DNA. My dad was a director in local government, and my mum spent 42 years as a children’s social worker. The thing I love most about local government is that you are close to the action, and you can see the immediate impact your work is making.
I love solving problems, building teams, and creating solutions together. Public service is so challenging, and that’s what keeps me motivated. All I ever wanted from a career was to never be bored at work, and I have definitely achieved that!”

Who’s a woman that’s inspired you in your career – and why?
“There have been loads who have given me endless support, encouragement, and inspiration. But one I will pick out is Charlotte Hill, CEO of the Felix Project, an incredible food redistribution charity.

Charlotte started her career volunteering in the MP’s office where I worked back in the late ’90s. She was only 18 when I met her, but before she was 30, she was already a charity CEO. Charlotte has more energy and enthusiasm than anyone else I know. She is a great mother to her two little ones and a great friend—so generous with her time, and she lights up any room with her creativity and positivity. She often talks about the time we worked together as a springboard for her career, and it has been a genuine joy to watch her develop into such an inspirational leader.”

Polly’s leadership journey is a testament to the power of networks, emotional intelligence, and bold decision-making in public service. Her passion for making a tangible difference shines through, and her insights offer invaluable lessons for future leaders.