To say that leadership in local government is evolving would be an understatement. It is being reshaped by powerful, fast-moving, and unpredictable forces. Senior leaders in councils are having to adapt just as quickly. As a fellow chief executive aptly put it in New Local's latest report: you can either be battered by the hurricane or learn to ride it.

But how do we ride the hurricane? How do we create sustainable and effective services? How do we foster a positive culture despite immense pressures? How do we engage the very people – our communities – who are most affected by our decisions? And in the post-heroic-leader age, what is the role of leadership in making this happen?