Leading Thriving Cities

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...

Today, we sit down with Jill Goldsmith, the Town Manager of Chatham, MA. Jill is happy to share her experiences and insights gained from over 14 years in her role. She emphasizes the importance of earning buy-in, fostering employee engagement, and learning patience and resilience. She also shares valuable heartfelt advice for her younger self about the importance of empathy and kindness — both for...

Today, we welcome David Morgan back for his second appearance on Leading Thriving Cities! Chad and David have an incredible discussion reflecting on David's decade-long experience as the city manager of Georgetown, TX. He shares the top four pieces of advice he would go back and give himself on day one. This conversation offers valuable insights not only to city managers but also to all leaders ac...

Today, we speak with Paul Grimes, the City Manager of McKinney, TX. Paul discusses his approach to bridging the gap between elected officials and the community, highlighting the essential role of city managers as navigators. He emphasizes the significance of strong people skills and the importance of fostering a creative environment. Join us for an engaging discussion on building relationships to...

  In this episode, we welcome Rachel Mendoza, the Assistant City Manager of Kaufman, TX. She shares her inspiring journey into city management and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Rachel discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the value of humility. Tune in to connect with the passion that drives public serv...

Today, we have the wonderful Amanda Mack, the City Administrator of Harrisburg, South Dakota. Amanda shares her thoughts on the importance of authenticity in public service and on navigating negativity on social media. Plus, she has some fantastic advice for women in leadership! We love her take on the difference between being kind and being nice, and let’s not forget bringing back carrier pigeons...

In this episode of Leading Thriving Cities, we are joined by the incredibly awesome Aly Van Dyke, Director of Communications and Public Engagement for Georgetown, TX. Discover how storytelling and personal connections are enhancing city engagement, and learn why investing in community and public service is crucial for fostering a vibrant and informed city. Join us as Aly shares her insights on inv...

Today, Chief Allen Banks of the Round Rock Police Department joins us. We talk about how important it is for police officers to see their work as more than just a job. Chief Banks explains that it's essential for officers to build strong connections with the people they serve. He also emphasizes the need for self-care to maintain well-being, including taking regular breaks to rest and recharge. Th...

In this episode, we welcome Chris Whittaker, the City Manager of Magnolia, TX. Chris shares his unique journey from military service to city management, highlighting how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership. Tune in for valuable insights and some entertaining stories, including a few about wrecking tanks and wild suits! Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production des...

"People come first for a reason!" — Alan Guard Today we are joined by Alan Guard, Deputy City Manager of Brownsville, Texas. Alan shares his journey through city management, emphasizing the importance of showing people they matter, learning patience, and finding joy in the challenges of leadership. Tune in to discover valuable insights on investing in communities and the unique dynamics of city ma...

We are excited to welcome Austin Bleess, the City Manager of Jersey Village, TX. In this episode, Chad and Austin discuss their recent sabbaticals and how to prepare yourself and your team for success. They also explore the value of appreciating the small details in a city, the courage required to have the hard conversations, and, of course, Paw Patrol! Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partner...