Leading Thriving Cities

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 Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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, 2025 Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” ― Harry S. Truman Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 public service as a natural extension of his career. This episode originally aired August 12, 2024 Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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, and the importance of ongoing growth and learning. Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 valuable insights and heartfelt advice that will inspire future leaders! "A real leader doesn't really look to be one — you just have to care enough about other people that they choose you." — Susanne Boothe Wilson Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 others and for ourselves. Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward Partners We partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 across public service.  David Morgan's First Episode: https://youtu.be/t_iKCE8GMCk Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 build community and create thriving cities! This episode originally aired February 24, 2025 Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

 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 servants to create lasting change! Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 and ravens! Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 investing in culture and raising awareness in future generations about public service! Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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. This episode originally aired August 26, 2024 Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

"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 management in Brownsville. Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

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 Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

Today's guest is Micah Grau, the City Manager of Buda, TX! He shares his love for Buda and thoughtful insights on how cities can grow intentionally. Micah emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and avoiding silos. He discusses the need for stability and steadiness in his role, as well as the challenges that come with change. And, of course, there's some discussion about Taylor Swift's album drop! “Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it’s not like this compulsive need like my need to be praised.” ― Michael Scott Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward PartnersWe partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

In today’s episode we sit down with Brent Parker, the city manager of Wylie, TX. He shares his personal journey navigating mental health within emergency services and public service. Brent discusses the power of recognizing that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Join us for this great conversation that emphasizes the development of the whole person and the whole employee, because they truly are the heart of the city and our most valuable asset. Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward Partners We partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

How can we be more intentional about building relationships across our organizations? Today we have a conversation with Becca Miears, the HR Director from New Braunfels, TX. Becca discusses the importance of caring for people and intentionally building healthy relationships. She shares her career journey, the challenges she faced in becoming a director, and the value of mentorship. Becca offers strategies for building stronger teams, such as incorporating play into the HR schedule and actively asking your frontline what they need. The episode concludes with reflections on extending grace to ourselves and others — don’t miss it! Episode originally aired January 13, 2025 Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on leadership in public service. We have deep conversations about sustainability and how we create a thriving future for our cities. From the front lines to the city manager’s office, we want to bring you a wide variety of perspectives, and create an ongoing dialogue about healthy leadership and thriving teams. Find more at www.forwardpartners.net/cities Forward Partners We partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.