Leading Thriving Cities

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...

It's time for the Forward Partners book club! Today, we're joined by Matthew Wright, the HR Director from Buda, TX. Matt is taking over the podcast to interview Chad about his new book, Win the Battle Against Burnout. He asks Chad some great questions about the book and some of the creative process he went through to write it. For more about the book and links to order, visit www. BattleBurnout.ne...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Stephanie Reyes, the City Manager of San Marcos, TX. Stephanie shares her journey of nurturing the city's growth while preserving its unique charm. She delves into the influence of her fourth-generation roots, the significance of self-care, and empowering future generations. Stephanie highlights the importance of building strong relationships wi...

Today, we are excited to welcome City Manager Judson Rex! Chad and Jud have an incredible conversation about the weight of leadership in public service. They discuss the significance of making intentional choices, from the way you start your day to how you go home. Jud also shares a story about his leadership philosophy of “Gently in manner, strongly in deed.” Join us as we explore what it truly m...

Today, we had a deep conversation with Bradley Ford. He shared the burnout challenges in his city management career and discussed the new journey he is embarking on. He explored the significant impact of gratitude and boundaries, and how they can really elevate our lives and our teams. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on navigating the stresses of city management and the beauty of intentiona...

We sat down with James Hartshorn, Deputy City Manager of Pflugerville, TX. James shares his inspiring leadership journey and highlights the vital role of mentorship in city management. Discover how building strong relationships, fostering a positive culture, and prioritizing self-reflection can transform your approach to public service and help you create vibrant, thriving communities. Tune in for...

Today, we are excited to be joined by Abbey Reece, the Assistant City Manager of Justin, TX! We had a great conversation about the challenges of growth and the courage required to embark on your own growth journey. Abbey shared her experiences in starting her own mentorship program, discussed hiring for alignment and culture, and emphasized the importance of spiritual health in building thriving c...

Mike Harmon is the Chief of Police for Cedar Park, Texas. Chief Harmon shares with us his optimism about the next generation of officers and discusses how leadership is evolving to prepare for future generations. He also provided valuable insights into establishing strong, transparent relationships with the community and highlighted the need for a clear mission and a commitment to lifelong learnin...

Today, Kristen Las, the Town Manager of Westford, MA, joins us to share her personal journey, which began with her love of weather and led her to her current role as Town Manager. She reminds us of the importance of asking for help and looking at challenges through a positive lens. Plus, she discusses the balance between being introverted and extroverted in leadership and why it’s so important to...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Michael Boese, the President of Clear Career Professionals. He offers a unique perspective, having served as a police chief, city manager, and now serving cities with Clear Career Professionals. Michael shares insights on finding the right fit in recruitment, the importance of continuous growth, and the impact of sustainability on community development. Leading...

Our guest today is Russell Sander, the Assistant City Manager of Marble Falls, TX. Russell shares his journey to city management, which began in the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of self-investment, intentionality, and early leadership development. Discover how understanding the "why" and investing in yourself can lead to thriving communities. This episode originally aired March 10, 2...

Today we are joined by Colby Collins, Assistant to the City Manager of Cedar Hill, TX. Colby shares his journey in public service and the importance of mentorship and personal growth. It's a fantastic conversation about the power of a growth mindset, the significance of understanding the human behind the work, and the unique leadership roles that most A2s serve in their cities. Leading Thriving Ci...

Today, we had an insightful conversation with Jeff Thompson, the Executive Director of the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool. He shared his valuable perspectives on the importance of intentional leadership, fostering trust and safety within organizations, and empowering teams. This was truly one of the best discussions we've ever had on organizational leadership. “It is amazing wh...

How do you find time in the crazy schedule of a city manager to take care of yourself? “If we did it in combat, we can do it in everyday life.” Today’s guest, Dean Huard, has some fascinating insight into the importance of self-care for city managers and he uses his time in the Army to inform how he sees things today. We dive into his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel and the transition into publ...

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Michael Herbert, the Town Manager of Ashland, Massachusetts, with us! Michael shares his unique journey from homelessness to town manager. He discusses the power of valuing and modeling vulnerability, as well as the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Tune in for practical insights on morning routines, how to bring your best self to decision-making,...

We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie Lee Case, the Director of Parks and Recreation in San Marcos, TX! Jamie shares her incredible journey in city management, from City Clerk to Parks and Rec. Discover the importance of learning not to internalize policy decisions and operational challenges, memorializing knowledge for future leaders, and understanding that it’s okay to say no! Join us for some valuabl...