Closest to the People with Crystal Froese

If you've ever served on a board, chances are you've asked yourself that question. In this episode of Closest to the People , Crystal Froese explores one of the most overlooked challenges in leadership—board dynamics. Discover how unresolved personality conflicts can quietly derail an organization's mission, erode trust, and cause great people to disengage long before they leave. Mo...

What happens when there aren't enough volunteers left to run the organizations we depend on? In this episode of *Closest to the People*, Crystal Froese explores the changing face of volunteering, the impact of the pandemic, social media, rising costs of living, and why many organizations are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers. The reality is that some organizations will need to adapt...

What happened in Dixon Illinois didn’t start with $53 million. It started with complacency. In this episode, Crystal Froese uses how one of the largest municipal fraud cases in North America unfolded over decades—and what it reveals about how complacency can quietly shape trust, influence, and the systems we rely on every day. This isn’t just a story about wrongdoing. It’s a conversation about the...

Recorded in front of one of Moose Jaw’s most iconic murals — right at the entrance to our city — this episode of Closest to the People is all about the power of the creative economy. I’m joined by artist Carly Jaye — the talent behind this mural and many others across Moose Jaw — whose work goes far beyond walls. From transforming benches and garbage cans into public art, to shaping how our entire...

Thank you to Mayor Jantzer for spending time on Closet to the People.  Talking with Mayor Jantzer, what really stood out is how similar our cities are. Prairie roots, strong ties to agriculture, rail history, and both anchored by our air bases — but more importantly, we’re dealing with the same real issues every day. Housing, workforce, infrastructure — the things that actually impact people’s liv...

Here is the first episode of my chat with Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minot North Dakota.  Minot and Moose Jaw are so similar in many ways.  In this conversation with Mayor Mark Jantzer, we cover a lot of ground — and over the next couple of episodes I’ll be breaking it down into some really interesting topics. We talk about the federal investment in the U.S. Air Force Base, and what that means for Mino...

Coming up   New Podcast Series  I’m excited to share my latest podcast guest —   Mayor Mark Janzter of Minot North Dakota.  We had a fascinating conversation about the surprising similarities between our two cities. Both began as railway towns on the prairies, are surrounded by strong agricultural regions, have active Air Force bases, and serve as regional hubs for rural communities. Of course, th...

What if the real engine of Saskatchewan’s economic growth isn’t just government policy or foreign investment — but the non-profits working behind the scenes? In this episode, we explore how industry-led organizations act as bridges and supports — catalysts for economic health across the province. They connect municipalities, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government, helping move ideas from...

In this episode, I talk about what actually causes strategic plans to stall, how leadership commitment makes or breaks success, and what organizations can do to turn a plan into a living tool that guides decisions and action. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s...

Whether you’re curious about civic life or considering a run for office yourself, this  episode gives you an inside look that might surprise you. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a differen...

Being a City Councillor or School Board Trustee isn’t just about local potholes and public hearings — it’s also about partnerships with our MLA and MP outside of party politics.   Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep l...

One "yes" can change everything. In this episode, we explore how a single moment of belief—one opportunity, one decision—can shape a career, a life, or even a community. Whether you're the one seeking a yes or the one in a position to give it, this story will challenge you to think about the power of opportunity and how leadership is often found in the smallest moments. 🎧 Tune in t...

Leadership is tough . It means making hard decisions, standing firm in your values, and sometimes, facing criticism for doing what’s right. In my latest podcast episode, I share a situation from my time as a City Councillor and School Board Trustee—about a moment where authenticity was tested, and what it taught me about true leadership. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you,...