Mike Cooke
Director of Organisation Development
London Borough of Camden
What made you choose the public sector?
It may sound corny but I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives; the best local government is force for good.
How did you get to your current role?
Started in Housing Associations, moved to local government and then worked for 8 years in the private sector, before returning to local government in 2004
What does your job involve?
Helping the organisation be fit for purpose; this means its mainly about managing many types of changes.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Camden is a fantastic place to work, with great people and opportunities to fulfill your potential.
What has been your greatest achievement within your career?
Helping to change the culture of an organisation and delivering improvements on the bottom line because of this.
What are your aspirations for the future?
To keep on helping to develop organizations, in some shape or form.
What advice would you give to those interested in a management or executive career within the public sector?
Get in tune with the culture of the organisation you want to join and adapt your style to make sure you are going to be effective; this means remembering that the public sector organizations are mostly democratic and / or publically accountable organizations, where there is a high value place on engagement and involvement; your style needs to adapt to this.
www.camden.gov.uk