Leading Thriving Cities

Alan Bojorquez joins us to share his path from an intern in Lubbock, TX to being a municipal attorney representing cities across Texas. In this episode, he dives into how intentional choices and values fueled his journey, shares lessons on connecting daily work to a greater purpose, and explores why perspective and passion are key for building thriving cities. Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward...

This episode originally aired July 15, 2024. Matt Davis is now the Founder of True Bold Leadership. What does it mean to be an authentic leader in law enforcement? Today’s guest, Matt Davis, is a Lieutenant for the Arapaho County Sheriff’s office. He shares insight on what it’s like to experience things as a police officer that no human should experience, and how to go on a journey of healing. Mat...

In this episode, Matt Mueller, Town Manager of Little Elm, TX, joins us for a wonderful conversation on longevity in city management — sharing how explaining city management to third graders gave him valuable perspective. He discusses the importance of setting the tone as a leader, embracing imperfection, building strong relationships, and investing in people and culture to help cities thrive. "It...

Today we are joined by retired Assistant City Manager Tom Yantis, who shares wisdom from 25 years of public service and reflects on the benefit of learning from your mistakes as a leader. Discover why embracing transparency, taking time to see the future, and building trust across departments are essential for lasting impact — and what it really means to retire successfully in public service. Lead...

Today we are joined by Robert Hanna, President of Strategic Services at ZacTax, who shares insights on authentic leadership in public service. Discover why combating overwhelm, empowering your team, and embracing challenges are essential to thriving cities, and learn practical advice for caring for yourself and your community. Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to sh...

Join us as Keith Baldinger, Assistant Town Manager of Shrewsbury, MA, reflects on his journey in public service starting with mowing parks. Discover how Keith navigates the shift from hands-on work to empowering teams, celebrates big and small wins, and finds fulfillment in public service. This episode offers great insights on leadership growth and the power of seeing the bigger picture in city ma...

This episode originally aired April 15, 2025. Thomas Hunter is currently the City Manager for the city of Liberty Hill, Texas. Join us for a conversation with Thomas Hunter, the Assistant City Manager of Pflugerville, TX. Discover how to navigate the challenges of public service by embracing collaboration, storytelling, and maintaining a strong vision. Learn about the importance of celebrating suc...

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Euriah W. Brown! She is the HR Director in Greenville, TX, and the author of Don't Be A DUMB Smartphone: Essential Reprogramming for Life and Leadership . Chad and Euriah have a great discussion, sharing insights about the importance of intentionally upgrading your leadership skills and reprogramming the things that hold you back.   Book Link:...

We’ve partnered with LJA to bring you episodes of Leading Thriving Cities with a focus on public works and engineering. Join us for such a great conversation with Jonathan Wheat, the Director of Engineering for the City of Carrollton. Jonathan shares insights on bridging communication gaps with his team, the importance of understanding individual needs, and how to connect daily tasks to a larger p...

We are excited to present a special episode in partnership with UMANT! Chad traveled to Flower Mound, TX, for an engaging live discussion about leadership in public service, battling with burnout, and the value of establishing a sustainable pace early in your career. Be sure to listen until the end, because they answer some fantastic questions!   Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners...

Our guest today is LaShon Ross, she is the Deputy City Manager of Plano, TX, and she shares invaluable insights from her 35 years in public service. LaShon emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, modeling vulnerability, and the value of legacy. The discussion covers the shift from technical roles to leadership positions and the impact of public service on enhancing quality of life. La...

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jon Amundson, the City Manager of Richland, WA. In our conversation, Jon shares his insights on creating an environment that promotes problem-solving rather than rushing to find solutions on our own. He discusses handling criticism on social media, learning to avoid getting stuck "in the weeds", and the crucial role of being comfortable with uncertainty...

Join us for a special episode of Leading Thriving Cities as we partner with LJA to bring you impactful stories centered on public works and engineering. With 45 years of experience, Jim Proce shares his insights on building sustainable infrastructure, investing in people, and the importance of humility and community in leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about making our communities...

We’re back with the second part of Leading Thriving Cities Live! This episode was recorded live at the 2026 TMHRA Conference. If you missed part one, be sure to check out episode 71. Chad continues the discussion with guests Matthew Wright, Tadd Philips, and Perla Ceped, along with a terrific live audience. Stick around until the end because they answer some great questions from the audience! Lead...

Welcome to Leading Thriving Cities Live! This is the first of two episodes recorded live at the 2026 TMHRA Conference. Chad is joined by incredible guests: Matthew Wright, Tadd Philips, Perla Ceped, and a fantastic live audience! They discuss HR questions related to defining culture, building trust, accountability, and growth, all aimed at championing a thriving culture. Leading Thriving Cities is...

Today, we explore the power of coaching with Kellye Mazzoli, Owner and City Executive Coach at City Boss Coaching and former Assistant City Manager. Join us as Kellye shares insights on overcoming challenges and navigating the emotional aspects of life. She highlights the significance of public service and the importance of nurturing future leaders in our communities. Tune in for a conversation th...

This episode originally aired February 10, 2025. Jeff Jenkins is currently the City Manager for the city of Wichita Falls, Texas. In this episode, we speak with Jeff Jenkins, the Deputy City Manager of Taylor, TX, about the importance of building strong communities, particularly during periods of growth. Jeff shares insights on effective communication and highlights the significance of embracing o...

We have a special episode of Leading Thriving Cities, partnering with LJA, to bring you stories centered on public works and engineering. We sat down with Katie Barron, the Assistant Director of Engineering Capital Improvements in Richardson, TX. She shared valuable insights on the importance of reminding your team of their purpose and impact, the necessity of flexibility in project management, an...

Today, we are excited to have Euriah W. Brown, HR Director from Greenville, TX, here to share her insights on how curiosity can transform your leadership. Join us as we explore the significance of leadership presence, the importance of curating your Circle of Support, and a fantastic perspective on "finding the yes" — demonstrating that HR doesn't have to be a win/lose situation. Leading Thriving...

Today, we are excited to welcome Caitlan Biggs, the Assistant Town Manager of Little Elm, Texas! Join us as we discuss how to strategically abandon tasks, foster a collaborative mindset, and apply parenting lessons to leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation and mental health, all while embracing the idea that "everything is figureoutable."     Leading Thriving...

Today, we are joined by Michele Lau Torres, the Chief Learning Officer for Austin, TX, who shares her insights on the vital role that learning and development play in organizations. Join us as she explores the importance of cultivating a supportive culture, overcoming toxic leadership, and the vital impact of city workers in creating vibrant communities. Discover how innovative approaches can not...

We’ve partnered with LJA to bring you episodes of Leading Thriving Cities with a focus on public works and engineering. In this episode, we sit down with Becky Diviney, the Director of Public Works and Engineering for the city of Addison, TX. Becky shares her insights on the power of collaboration and celebration, the importance of nurturing team dynamics, and her idea to someday add smiley faces...

Today's guest is Chase Stapp, who brings a unique perspective from his 30 years of experience as Police Chief and Assistant City Manager for the city of San Marcos. Chase currently serves as a Law Enforcement Outreach Consultant with TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool. He shares insights from his journey, including his transition out of public service, and delves into the importance of emotional and...

In this impactful episode, we have a conversation with Melissa Grubbs, a Commander for the Round Rock Police Department, about the challenges and triumphs in public service. We discuss the importance of asking for help, overcoming imposter syndrome, and fostering diversity and authenticity. Tune in for valuable lessons on resilience and empowerment! This episode originally aired March 3, 2025 Lead...

We’re thrilled to be back with another edition of the Forward Partners Book Club! This time, we have the dynamic duo from Sachse, Texas — Gina Nash and Lauren Rose. They are here to interview Chad about his new book, Win the Battle Against Burnout. It’s a really insightful conversation about navigating burnout, loneliness, and the challenges of the "suffer wars."     For more about the b...