Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Artemis Ansell’s Inspirational Journey

In the world of planning and local government, true transformational leaders are rare. They are the ones who not only shape policies but also shape futures leaders who break barriers, challenge conventions, and inspire others to dream bigger. Artemis Ansell is one of those leaders.

For nearly three decades, Artemis has been a driving force behind some of the most innovative and impactful changes in the planning sector. Her reputation precedes her: often described as the one who “Gets it done” and celebrated as “The smiling face of Planning”, she embodies a unique blend of strategic brilliance and human warmth. Her journey is not just a career story it is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of inclusive leadership.

From pioneering the Local Authority Trading Company model at Lichfield Council to attracting major inward investment opportunities that have transformed regions, Artemis has consistently delivered results that matter. But what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to mentoring, diversity, and creating opportunities for others. She has shown that leadership is not about titles it’s about impact, integrity, and lifting others as you climb. Her story resonates far beyond the planning profession. It speaks to anyone who has ever faced barriers and wondered if they could break through. Artemis proves that you can and in doing so, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for future leaders everywhere.

A Career Built on Vision and Impact

Artemis Ansell’s career is a masterclass in what happens when passion meets purpose. Nearly 30 years ago, she stepped into the world of planning with a simple but powerful ambition: to create places that truly work for people and communities. What began as a professional calling soon evolved into a lifelong mission to transform not just landscapes, but lives.

Over the decades, Artemis has worn many hats but what sets her apart is her ability to combine strategic foresight with human empathy. For the past 20 years, she has led from the front, navigating complex challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth. Her leadership has never been about maintaining the status quo; it has always been about pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible.

One of her most groundbreaking achievements was the introduction of the Local Authority Trading Company model at Lichfield Council. This wasn’t just a technical innovation it was a bold statement that local government can be entrepreneurial without losing its heart. By blending commercial acumen with public service values, Artemis proved that councils can thrive in a competitive environment while staying true to their mission of serving communities. This shift didn’t just change processes; it changed mindsets, inspiring a new era of creativity and confidence in local government.

Celebrated Achievements and Accolades

Artemis’s influence has been recognized time and again, with a string of prestigious awards that reflect her exceptional contribution to planning and leadership:

• RTPI Award for Planning Excellence (West Midlands, 2025)

• The Planner’s Woman of Influence Award (2023)

• BAME Planners Network Excellence in Mentoring & Role Model Award (2024)

• West Midlands Leadership Awards for Excellence in Leadership & Mentoring (2025)

These accolades are far more than personal milestones they are symbols of progress for the entire sector. They underscore the importance of visionary leadership, mentorship, and diversity in shaping the future of planning. Each award tells a story of impact: of departments transformed, communities empowered, and individuals inspired to reach their full potential.

Leadership That Inspires

Artemis Ansell is far more than a leader she is a catalyst for change, a mentor who shapes futures, and a role model whose influence reaches well beyond the boundaries of her own organisation. Her leadership style is rooted in vision, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of people. For Artemis, success is never just about projects delivered; it’s about lives transformed and opportunities created. Her strengths are as diverse as they are impactful:

• Strategic Planning: Artemis has an extraordinary ability to see the bigger picture and craft long-term strategies that attract major inward investment from both national and international markets. Her work has brought prosperity and growth to regions, proving that planning is a driver of economic and social transformation.

• Departmental Transformation: Where others see challenges, Artemis sees possibilities. She has a proven track record of turning underperforming teams into high-performing powerhouses, instilling confidence, clarity, and purpose.

• People Development: Perhaps her most enduring legacy is her commitment to people. Artemis invests deeply in talent through mentoring and training, ensuring the next generation of planners is not only equipped with skills but inspired to lead with integrity and vision.

Her influence doesn’t stop at her day-to-day role. Artemis operates at the highest levels of thought leadership and governance. As a Non-Executive Board Member, LGA Peer Reviewer, and advisor to the School of Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster, she helps shape policy and practice for the future of planning. Her advisory role with the UKBCSD and her position as an Academician at The Academy of Urbanism further reinforce her commitment to sustainable, inclusive urban development.

Artemis leads with a rare combination of strategic brilliance and human empathy a leader who not only gets things done but does so with a smile, a sense of purpose, and a deep respect for the communities she serves. Her story reminds us that leadership is not about power; it’s about impact, and Artemis Ansell’s impact will be felt for generations.

Breaking Barriers for Future Leaders

Artemis Ansell’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by where you start, but by the courage to keep moving forward. In a sector where representation has historically lagged, Artemis has become a beacon of possibility a living example that talent, determination, and authenticity can break through even the toughest barriers.

Her recognition by the BAME Planners Network is more than an award; it is a statement of her unwavering commitment to inclusion and equity. Artemis has championed diversity not as a tick-box exercise, but as a fundamental principle of progress. She understands that when leadership reflects the richness of our communities, planning becomes more innovative, more resilient, and more human.

For professionals from diverse backgrounds, Artemis’s story is a call to action: your voice matters, your perspective matters, and your leadership matters. She has shown that the path to the top may be challenging, but it is possible and when you get there, you have the power to make it easier for those who follow.

Why Her Story Matters

Artemis’s career is not just inspiring it’s instructive. For aspiring planning leaders, her journey offers invaluable lessons:

• Innovation is essential: Progress doesn’t come from playing it safe. Challenge traditional models, embrace bold ideas, and lead with courage.

• Mentorship matters: True success is not measured by personal achievement alone, but by how many others you lift as you climb.

• Diversity drives progress: Inclusive leadership isn’t optional it’s the key to stronger teams, better decisions, and thriving communities.

These principles are not abstract ideals; they are the foundation of Artemis’s success and the reason her influence continues to ripple across the sector.

Closing Thoughts

Artemis Ansell’s story is far more than a career narrative it is a blueprint for leadership in planning. Her ability to combine strategic vision with human-centered values has transformed departments, attracted investment, and inspired countless professionals. She reminds us that planning is not just about places it’s about people, purpose, and progress.