Public Health Spotlight: Resilience, Neurodiversity, and Partnership in Suffolk

In this episode of Public Health Spotlight, produced in partnership with Panoramic Associates and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH UK), we welcome Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health and Communities for Suffolk.

Stuart shares his unconventional journey into public health, the lessons he’s learned from overcoming adversity, and how resilience, neurodiverse thinking and system-wide partnerships are helping transform health and wellbeing across Suffolk.

A Winding Path: Embracing Difference and Finding Public Health

Stuart reflects on his varied career-moving in and out of university, discovering new passions, and confronting mental health challenges before later being diagnosed with dyslexia. He explains how embracing uncertainty and recognising his differences not only shaped his own career but also gave him a unique perspective for tackling complex public health challenges.

From Analyst to Director: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

From working in a supermarket to becoming an analyst and ultimately Director of Public Health, Stuart speaks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome. He shares how backing himself, seeking support from mentors and embracing uncomfortable opportunities helped build the confidence and resilience that continue to shape his leadership today.

Neurodivergent Leadership: Building Teams That Challenge and Collaborate

As a neurodivergent leader, Stuart describes seeing the world as a network of connections. He discusses his deliberate approach to building diverse leadership teams that welcome challenge, encourage different perspectives and create an environment where innovation and collaboration can thrive.

Strategic Influence Across the Council

Public health extends far beyond healthcare. Stuart explains how his team works across the council to influence areas including libraries, arts and culture, community safety and wider local services, demonstrating how strong relationships and shared goals can improve both organisational outcomes and community wellbeing.

Responding to Crisis: Leading Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

Just six months into his role, Stuart found himself leading through the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on how the experience strengthened his resilience, developed his communication skills and reinforced the importance of authentic leadership while bringing partners across Suffolk together to respond to an unprecedented public health challenge.

Championing Young People

Stuart discusses his latest Annual Public Health Report, which challenges negative stereotypes about young people and highlights inspiring examples of youth social action across Suffolk. From redesigning school menus to community-led initiatives, he explains why giving young people a voice is itself a powerful public health intervention.

Innovating Beyond Commissioned Services

With responsibility for a workforce of almost 400 people, Stuart shares why “you can’t commission your way out of issues.” He explores innovative partnership models such as Feel Good Suffolk, demonstrating how collaboration, local empowerment and community partnerships can create more sustainable improvements in health and wellbeing.

Advice for Aspiring Public Health Leaders

Stuart concludes by encouraging aspiring leaders to believe in themselves, embrace challenges and recognise that there is no single route into public health leadership. He reflects on the importance of building the right team, being open to learning and trusting that diverse experiences can become your greatest strength.

Listen Now

Discover how resilience, neurodiverse leadership, strategic influence and cross-sector collaboration are helping shape the future of public health in Suffolk-and why embracing different perspecives is key to creating healthier, stronger communities.