AuthentiCity FM | Real Stories. Bold Ideas. Better Communities.

#citymanagement #disruption #processintelligenceYour organization runs on invisible processes. Purchase orders that skip protocol. Approval chains scattered across three different systems. Workarounds that became standard practice so long ago nobody remembers there was ever another way. You know things aren't efficient. You can feel the friction. But you can't fix what you can't see.Jerry Driessen is a data nerd and former CIO of Hennepin County and CTO of San Jose, who spent 30 years doing change management from the inside. Now he's working from the outside with process intelligence technology, and he's convinced the disruption potential has finally caught up to what systems thinkers have been trying to do manually for years.This isn't another dashboard showing what happened last quarter. Not another consultant asking you to map workflows with sticky notes on conference room walls for six hours. Process intelligence creates a digital twin of how work actually flows through your organization. Procurement leaks, invoice systems involving five teams across four platforms, the real path money takes from requisition to payment. It shows you exactly where the breakdowns happen and what it's costing you.The conversation moves from Charles Lindblom's "science of muddling through" to technology that lets you see the muddling in real time. From bounded rationality and satisficing to understanding the full system. From hoping people follow the process to actually seeing whether they do. Jerry talks candidly about why he made the leap to Celonis after three decades in government, what happens when you can finally see inefficiencies you've been living with, and the privacy considerations that come with making the invisible visible.We dig into whether this technology amplifies what's already broken or creates space for something better. Whether trust and transparency matter more than dashboards. Whether understanding your processes is efficiency theater or genuine stewardship. And why local government might be the level where innovation actually takes root when you can see clearly enough to act.We're still balancing on that pogo ball from Episode 21. But now we're talking about actually seeing the ball, the surface beneath it, and every wobble in real time. You can't navigate what you can't see. Process intelligence changes what you can see and what you choose to do about it.00:00 Introduction to Disruption and Episode Guest02:10 Jerry's Career Journey and Insights05:35 Transitioning from Government to Consulting07:20 Understanding Process Intelligence11:07 The Role of AI in Process Mapping14:03 Invisible Systems and Their Impact14:56 AI's Role in Government Efficiency18:58 Challenges in Government Technology Implementation22:09 Embracing AI in Local Government25:01 Balancing Efficiency and Public Service27:43 Navigating Bureaucratic Challenges30:58 The Importance of Transparency in Government33:32 Building a Technology-Driven Culture38:55 The Future of AI in Government42:43 The Need for Systemic Change49:05 Overcoming Resistance to Change51:15 Hope for Increased Public Engagement53:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

#LocalGov #Leadership #WomenInGov #CityManagement #AuthentiCityFMSometimes, the most honest conversations start with asking yourself if you're good enough to be in the room. This one starts with bobsleds and sourdough starters, then goes deep into the messy beauty of looking back while staying present.Sereniah Breland, city manager of Pflugerville, Texas, opens up about imposter syndrome, hard rooms where people don't love you, and why she leans into every creative opportunity like turning budget presentations into Pfinance reports and making Tymo the drug dog the police chief photo in the city budget. She shares the moment on the Camino de Santiago when she realized presence matters more than perfection. Climbing the mountain, looking back at how far you've come, then staying grounded in the now is what leadership actually looks like.This conversation explores what it means to lose a mentor who taught you to ground yourself with "INMC" (it's not my city), the promise to leave behind wisdom through letters to her nieces, and why grief teaches us the most about legacy. Sereniah shares core beliefs like "we see what we're programmed to see" and why being the person you mean to be matters more than being the person everyone expects.There's talk of joy seeking and unexpected detours, the kind of wisdom that only comes from years of journaling through the really hard times, and what it means to be affable, feral, bold, unfiltered, and on the verge. Seven cities, one really long walk through Spain, and a whole lot of vulnerability later, Sereniah reminds us of what matters most.Stay kind, stay steady, stay you. Because you're not meant for every room, but you're absolutely meant for great rooms.01:56 Meet Sereniah03:30 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership08:34 Mentorship and the Power of Community11:44 Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership15:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome20:53 The Value of Taking a Sabbatical24:30 Lessons from the Camino de Santiago29:44 The Grasshopper Analogy: Taking Leaps of Faith40:52 Transformative Career Journeys42:04 Navigating Self-Doubt in Leadership47:05 Engagement in Professional Development48:07 Shifting Focus from Ego to Purpose51:42 The Importance of Fun in Leadership01:00:41 Creativity and Community Engagement01:10:29 Lessons from Life Experiences01:13:08 Legacy and Mentorship

#LocalGovernment #Community #AuthenticityFM #Leadership #PublicService #CivicEngagementWhat if trust hasn't disappeared, it's just stopped flowing through the channels we built for it? What if community isn't broken, it's just layered in ways we haven't learned to see yet?The future of community exists somewhere between the people we trust and the systems we question, between the practices we share and the digital worlds we inhabit, between memory and meaning. We're living in an era where people willingly hand their most precious moments to platforms they'll never meet while doubting the governments they can actually see. Where geography matters less than experience. Where a rainy fireworks festival creates more connection than a perfectly executed event ever could.This episode explores what happens when we stop trying to restore what fell and start building what wants to emerge. When we recognize that community forms around shared experiences, not shared addresses. When we understand that the soccer ball a kid uses for years matters more than the plastic trinket they'll forget in minutes. When we see that the BLT sandwich from a farmers market becomes the memory that outlasts the infrastructure.Rebuilding community means reimagining what community can become when analog and digital both matter, when trust decentralizes instead of centralizes, when we give people a why instead of just a what or where. It means creating spaces for memories that haven't happened yet and trusting that connection will find its own path forward.Part two of our series on community. The fall was inevitable. The reimagining is intentional.00:00 Reimagining Community in a Digital Age01:09 Trust and Transitions: The New Community Landscape05:04 Decentralizing Trust: A Shift in Perspectives10:53 Navigating Change: The Role of Networks16:24 The Evolution of Community Norms21:58 The Future of Community: Integrating Analog and Digital28:45 Community of Tomorrow: Challenges and Opportunities33:13 The Evolution of Community and Governance37:41 The Role of City Management in Democracy43:57 Rebuilding Trust in Local Politics46:47 Bridging Physical and Digital Spaces54:31 Experiences Over Materialism01:05:23 Gratitude and Community Building

#LocalGovernment #Community #AuthenticityFM #Leadership #DigitalAge #PublicServiceDoes your algorithm know you better than your neighbors? That question opens a conversation about what happened to community and why it no longer feels like what it once was. We trace the shift from knowing everyone on the block to knowing everything about strangers online and what that transformation means for local government, leadership, and the future of connection.We explore this through unexpected lenses. The Jetsons imagined a tech driven future but missed how innovation would isolate us. Brené Brown's Four Types of Power show up in neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces in ways that shape who belongs. Third places have faded even though they once held the social fabric together. The simple invention of the garage door opener quietly rewired how we relate to the people living closest to us. And now AI may push social media toward the same tech graveyard that holds MySpace.From cul de sacs and alleyway conversations to curated feeds and disappearing gathering spots, we look at how the built environment, consumer behavior, and digital design have reshaped what it means to be neighbors. We revisit ideas like the Shultz Hour, a reminder that time is something we guard even as technology keeps asking for more of it. Because at the heart of authentic leadership and authentic community is permission. Permission to disconnect, to choose presence over distraction, and to rebuild a sense of belonging that no algorithm can predict.00:00 The Changing Landscape of Community08:02 The Impact of Urban Design on Community Interaction13:44 Algorithms vs. Neighbors: The New Social Dynamics22:12 The Role of Third Places in Community Building27:42 Power Dynamics in Community Engagement38:35 The Future of Social Media and Community Connection42:07 The Commoditization of Attention46:50 The Importance of Storytelling in Community51:22 AI's Role in the Future of Social Media56:46 Navigating Relationships in a Digital Age01:00:19 Authenticity in a Fake World01:07:55 The Trade-off Between Connection and Convenience

#AuthenticityFM #LocalGovernment #LeadershipWellness #PublicService #CityManagementWhen did we all become people with dashboards for our bodies? A1Cs, cholesterol, sleep scores, resting heart rates. We manage complex budgets and organizations, but managing our own health? That might be the hardest part.In this episode, we get honest about what it really takes to stay upright in this profession. Phil opens up about living with Type 1 diabetes for nearly 20 years and maintaining a 1,165-day run streak. Corri shares her wake-up call and the recovery that followed. Mike talks about hot yoga at 105 degrees, the superpower of sleep, and the gift of good genetics.The conversation moves from personal health stories into deeper territory. The phone calls that happen during dog walks. The professional courage it takes to say "it can wait." The mindset shift happening across local government from transactional service delivery to relational community building. Because how we show up for ourselves directly shapes how we show up for our communities. We talk about why younger professionals need to build sustainable practices now, because maintaining wellness is so much easier than regaining it.Phil also shares what November means to him, including his family's story of courage that shaped his entire local government career.This is health and wellness for local government professionals, not the Instagram version. Heart rates, blood sugar, boundaries, and the messy truth about trying to lead a community when you're running on empty.00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness in Professional Life02:49 Personal Health Journeys and Challenges08:07 The Importance of Setting Boundaries12:27 Managing Chronic Conditions and Self-Advocacy22:35 Understanding Diabetes: Type 1 vs Type 230:29 The Role of Technology in Health Monitoring35:49 Finding Balance: Data, Health, and Personal Growth52:59 Setting Boundaries in Professional Relationships01:08:56 Rethinking City Hall Operations01:11:18 Raising Awareness for Diabetes

What does 48 years in local government teach you about leadership, reinvention, and staying authentically yourself? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rapp, consultant, mentor, and creator of Compass Peer Groups, for a conversation that spans from his first job as a 25-year-old city administrator to his current work supporting the next generation of local government leaders.Craig takes us through two remarkable halves of his career: the first 22 years as a striver in city management, and the last 25 years as a seeker navigating consulting, face plants, learning curves, and ultimately building something meaningful. Along the way, we explore the unexpected connections between Canadian tuxedos, Gordon Lightfoot, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, bow ties, and the leadership frameworks that shaped Craig's journey.We dig into the messy middle of career transitions, the courage it takes to reinvent yourself at any age, the power of peer support, and why putting the ladder back down matters more than pulling it up. Craig shares wisdom about navigating failure, staying curious, and being a person of your time while still pushing forward into new territory (yes, even AI artifacts).This is a conversation about authenticity, longevity, and what it means to build a career that serves not just yourself, but the profession and the people coming up behind you.#LocalGovernment #Leadership #CareerReinvention #CityManagement #AuthenticityFM01:34 Craig Rapp's Journey into Local Government04:13 Career Transitions and Reinvention09:48 The Importance of Support Systems15:33 Authenticity in Professional Life22:36 The Connection to Ore Boats and Personal History25:54 Early Influences and Upbringing29:03 Navigating Political Challenges37:42 Lessons from Jesse Ventura's Tenure42:59 Courage in Leadership48:27 The Importance of Peer Support58:50 Compass Peer Groups and Their Impact01:01:06 The Power of Optimism in Leadership01:04:28 Peer Support: The Backbone of Resilience01:08:31 Real Stories of Peer Group Impact01:10:58 Improv and Leadership: A Unique Connection01:15:39 Imagining Life Beyond City Management01:21:17 Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders

Stories, strategy, and spontaneous connection. This is your guide to transforming five days in Tampa into friendships, insights, and moments that remind you why you love this work.Whether you're boarding your first plane to an ICMA conference or you're a veteran of twenty, Phil, Mike, and Corri break down how to turn five overwhelming days into career-defining moments. From the anxiety of walking into a room with 5,000 strangers to the magic of hallway conversations that become lifelong friendships, this episode is your honest, practical guide to making ICMA 2025 unforgettable.The hosts share their own evolution—from sticking close to familiar faces to actively seeking out the most eccentric sessions, from treating keynotes like optional background noise to sitting front row and soaking in every word. They reveal the 10-10-10 rule for conference success, why your badge lanyard matters more than you think, and how to ask questions that create real connection instead of awkward small talk. Mike confesses his technology shortcuts, Corri challenges you to meet people outside your comfort zone, and Phil makes the case for being unapologetically present.This isn't about maximizing sessions or collecting vendor swag—it's about showing up for a profession that can feel lonely, finding your people, and remembering why this work matters. From Arthur Brooks and Amy Cuddy keynotes to the Mount Rushmore panel of legends, from regional meetings to the expo hall puppies, every detail is an invitation to engage differently.Plus: Why you should take your badge off when exploring Tampa, the power of handwritten thank-you notes, and an invitation to join the live podcast recording on Monday afternoon.#ICMA2025 #LocalGovernment #CityManagement #PublicService #Tampa #ProfessionalDevelopment #AuthenticityFM02:45 Personal Experiences at ICMA Conferences05:55 Keynote Themes and Speakers10:23 Navigating the Conference as a Newcomer19:33 Engaging with Speakers and Networking27:02 Strategies for Meeting New People34:46 The Importance of Vendor Interactions40:33 Setting Goals for the Conference51:08 Preparing for the Conference Experience01:00:31 The Value of Keynote Speakers01:09:05 Closing Thoughts and Final Tips

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with two legends of local government management: John Phillips and Steve Carter. After decades leading communities and another decade as senior advisors mentoring Illinois managers, these veterans share unfiltered insights about what it really takes to sustain a career in public service.From their first internships in the 1960s and 70s to wrapping up their roles as ILCMA senior advisors, John and Steve discuss the evolving challenges of the profession—from navigating social media storms and changing council dynamics to building trust in university towns and managing multi-jurisdictional relationships. They reveal why they stayed in their communities for 25-30 years when others leave after five, how they built staff cultures that outlasted their tenures, and what it means to show up with integrity when the work gets hard.This isn't a retirement party—it's a masterclass in relationship building, ethical leadership, and the quiet art of making local government work. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned manager, their stories about hiring good people, maintaining work-life balance, and keeping the code of ethics close will resonate deeply.#CityManagement #LocalGovernment #PublicService #LeadershipLegacy #ICMA #ILCMA #AuthenticityFM01:07 Meet the City Management Legends02:59 The Role of Senior Advisors08:55 Understanding Downstate Illinois13:10 Building Networks in City Management16:06 The Importance of Professional Local Government17:32 Navigating Modern Communication Challenges22:19 Evolving Relationship Management33:11 Reflections on Long-Term Careers in City Management43:07 Hiring for Values and Integrity48:41 Evolving Paths to City Management55:14 Ambassadors of Change in Local Governance01:02:17 Legacy and Collaboration Beyond Boundaries01:09:07 The Importance of Work-Life Balance01:16:08 Reflections on Mentorship and Inspiration

#AuthentiCityFM #Leadership #Resilience #Creativity #EmotionalIntelligence #GenX #Millenials #GenZ #Homelanders #ArtistArchetypeWhile seasoned leaders have been perfecting the art of holding things together, the next generation has been quietly mastering something entirely different: the art of making things beautiful. In Part 2 of this conversation, we explore what happens when crisis-forged leadership meets artist-generation innovation.Through stories of children drawing with grandparents, asking deeper questions at dinner tables, and naturally building inclusive communities, they discover that the Homelanders aren't just surviving the storm—they're learning to dance in it. These digital natives possess emotional intelligence that cuts through professional facades, form communities around shared interests rather than geographic boundaries, and treat creativity not as luxury but as essential processing power.The conversation moves from theoretical observations to practical implications: What does it mean when vocal tones become the new body language? How do you lead when maps no longer define communities? Why might grandma hobbies be the most strategic thing leaders aren't doing?But the biggest revelation isn't about generational differences—it's about generational collaboration. As these three leaders grapple with letting go of systems that no longer serve, they realize the Artist Generation isn't waiting for permission to rebuild. They're already creating what comes next, with tools their parents are just beginning to understand.Raw, hopeful, and surprisingly practical, this episode captures the moment when exhausted leaders discover that the future might not just be in good hands—it might be in better hands than they ever imagined.00:00 Introduction to the Framework02:36 Navigating Complexity as a Gen X Manager04:43 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership08:10 The Role of Curiosity and Courage in Leadership11:22 Generational Perspectives on Winning and Participation18:14 Creating a Culture of Care and Curiosity25:21 The Power of Intuition in Decision Making30:58 Intergenerational Connections and Learning37:53 The Impact of Free Speech and Civil Discourse49:34 Embracing Analog Experiences in a Digital World01:01:38 The Future of Local Government and Community Engagement

#Leadership #Crisis #LocalGovernment #PublicSector #Resilience #AuthentiCityFM What happens when crisis stops being exceptional and becomes the constant? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Mike, Corri, and Phil explore how two generations now share leadership during what feels like permanent emergency.Gen X—the latchkey kids who watched the Challenger explosion—learned early that adults couldn't always protect them, developing the radical self-reliance that would serve them through decades of managing the unmanageable. Millennials entered adulthood believing institutions could be reformed, only to have that faith tested by the 2008 financial collapse and everything that followed. Now both generations find themselves leading through COVID, civil unrest, and institutional breakdown, each bringing their own crisis-forged strengths to the work of holding things together.Through personal stories spanning childhood memories to real-time leadership decisions, they examine how these experiences shaped their approaches to trauma, resilience, and the exhausting work of showing up when systems feel fundamentally broken. But the conversation takes an unexpected turn when they realize something remarkable: while they've been patching and managing, they're raising what generational theorist Neil Howe calls the "Homelanders"—the Artist Generation who may already possess what's needed to rebuild rather than just repair.Raw and reflective, this episode captures three seasoned leaders confronting a profound question: What if the most courageous thing they could do is finally let go?Next time: Part 2 explores how the Artist Generation is already showing us what rebuilding looks like—and why that might require us to lean into a little childhood joy.00:00 Navigating the Chaos of Modern Life02:59 Generational Reflections: Understanding Gen X07:48 The Impact of Shared History on Generations13:02 Crisis and Awakening: The Generational Cycle18:24 The Weight of Responsibility in a Relentless Era21:29 Crafting Solutions: The Role of Gen X25:38 Art as a Unifying Force in Turbulent Times32:32 Nostalgia and Changing Times35:37 The Rise of Grandma Hobbies38:15 Navigating Change and Uncertainty41:34 Rebuilding and Opportunities Ahead48:48 Letting Go and Moving Forward55:36 Courage and Community in Crisis

#Innovation #Leadership #Teamwork #LocalGov #PublicService #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunitiesWhat if the secret to lasting innovation isn't working harder, but working at 85% capacity? What if the best leadership development happens around a smoker instead of a conference room? And what if the biggest barrier to breakthrough thinking is simply being too busy to think?Join Phil, Corri, and Mike for a conversation with Nick Kittle—innovation expert, barbecue pitmaster, and the guy who's helped over 100 communities stop saying "that's how we've always done it." From building one of the first government innovation offices to creating team-building events that involve actual trust (with your brisket), Nick brings hard-won wisdom about making change stick.We dig into the messy realities of innovation: Why scarcity and abundance are easier to navigate than the dreaded middle ground. How to spot hidden talent in your organization (especially when they don't see it themselves). The critical difference between innovation and efficiency that most people get backwards. And why the federal chaos might actually make local government more important than ever.Plus: climbing 14,000-foot peaks for life lessons, the ethics problems stifling government partnerships, and a book full of made-up words that perfectly capture workplace frustrations we all feel but never name.Whether you're trying to build something new, develop emerging leaders, or just figure out how to do important work without burning out, this episode delivers practical insights wrapped in refreshingly honest conversation.Like, subscribe, and tell us about your own innovation wins and failures—we're here for the real stories, not the polished ones. This is sustainable change, AuthentiCity-style.01:45 Sustainable Innovation: An Introduction06:09 The Journey from Illinois to Colorado13:35 Navigating the Middle Ground of Innovation17:12 The Future of Local Government: Opportunities and Challenges23:50 Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders32:18 Identifying Hidden Talent in Organizations35:25 Balancing Commitment and Capacity38:23 Innovation vs. Efficiency in Overworked Teams46:33 Books That Shape Leadership Thinking49:10 The Creative Process and Brainstorming57:30 Climbing Colorado's 14ers: Lessons from the Mountains01:00:29 Barbecue as a Team-Building Experience01:18:15 Navigating Disruption in Local Government01:22:32 The Power of Creativity in Language and Humor

#Resilience #PublicSector #LocalGov #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity When Midwest leadership collides with sports rivalries, team transitions, and a touch of Detroit flair, you get an episode that’s anything but ordinary.What happens when city management meets football fandom, career leaps, and a wardrobe bursting with Motor City spirit? This episode takes listeners inside the real-life journey from aspiring public servant to the "big chair" in city government, offering candid stories, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter along the way.Discover how stepping up—whether to lead a team through change, adapt from medium-sized municipal life to small-town multitasking, or navigate the uncharted waters of crisis—builds authentic leadership and resilience. You’ll hear how trust is built in city hall and the local barber shop, why small towns run on relationships, and what it truly means to show up for a community in moments big and small.Sports rivalries and fashion statements spark friendly debate, but the heart of this episode lies in its exploration of fiscal stewardship, infrastructure investment, international connections, and the creative ways local leaders keep teams united and communities thriving.Above all, it’s a fast-paced, joy-filled look at the magic that happens when community spirit, organizational growth, and a healthy dose of humor come together in the heart of the Midwest—reminding us that the most meaningful leadership stories are often a blend of grit, grace, and a wardrobe change or two.02:24 Victor Cardenas: Journey into Local Government05:17 Transitioning from Assistant to City Manager08:16 The Challenges of Small Town Management11:27 Economic Development in Novi19:37 Navigating Relationships as a City Manager22:29 Pushing Boundaries in Leadership28:00 Global Connections and Cultural Experiences31:23 Navigating Board Service During COVID35:20 Reflections on Service and Leadership52:03 Cultural Connections and Community Involvement56:50 The Importance of International Collaboration58:10 Sports Rivalries and Community Spirit

#Recruitment #PublicSector #LocalGov #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunitiesCity managers, directors, and department heads don’t just appear—they’re recruited, chosen, and tested under pressure. Recruiting these top leaders for local government has never been more complex—or more urgent. In this episode of Authenticity FM, we’re joined by Charlene Stevens, Vice President of Human Capital at MGT and a veteran executive recruiter who’s seen every angle of the hiring table. With communities facing waves of retirement, rising expectations, and candidate pools that look nothing like they did a decade ago, how do you actually find the right leader—and what really works in high-stakes recruitment?Phil, Corri, and Mike dig into today’s realities with Charlene, exploring everything from the challenge of attracting great candidates and the influence of social media, to the tension between internal and national searches and the surprising ways mentorship shapes careers. Whether you’ve been through a city manager search or you’re thinking about your next step in public service, you’ll find unfiltered perspectives on what’s changing, what’s challenging, and the practical strategies that can set both organizations and candidates up for success.00:00 The Importance of Executive Recruitment in Local Government01:30 Charlene Stevens: A Journey Through Public Sector Recruitment04:18 Current Trends in Executive Recruitment06:28 Navigating Internal vs. External Candidates11:44 Generational Shifts in Local Government Recruitment15:29 Addressing Reputation Issues in Recruitment18:58 Understanding Governing Body Dynamics29:56 Negotiating Offers: The Role of the Recruiter37:52 Navigating Candidate Communication43:10 Common Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them50:19 Mentorship and Talent Spotting56:27 Networking and Building Professional Relationships

#Resilience #Vulnerability #LocalGov #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunitiesWhat does it really take to keep showing up—at work, at home, and in the moments that test your limits? This episode is all heart, laughter, and honesty, as the team dives into moving families mid-pandemic, balancing burnout and big ambition, and the messy business of leading when nobody has all the answers. From boardroom debates and “easy tiger” pep talks to cutting grass at wild angles and learning reverse mentorship from kids, it’s a conversation that embraces imperfection and proves that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s the secret sauce.If you’ve ever been the “line leader,” felt the pressure to be everything to everyone, or just struggled to find your footing during a year that wouldn’t quit, you’ll find real talk and relatable energy here. Whether you’re chasing career milestones, cheering for your own growth, or just trying to keep your battery charged, this hour is a reminder: bring your whole self, laugh at your missteps, and never underestimate the power of a good team.00:00 Introduction to Tanya and Her Journey13:22 The Role of ICMA and Community Engagement22:13 Leadership Challenges and Vulnerability26:47 The Importance of Authenticity34:46 Stewardship of Democracy in Leadership38:51 The Need for Personal Breaks53:07 Advice for Young Leaders56:41 The Power of Open Disagreement01:00:05 Leadership and Cultivating Others01:04:58 Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength01:12:19 Reverse Mentoring and Learning from the Next Generation

In this episode of Authenticity FM, hosts Phil Kiraly, Corri Spiegel, and Mike Sable discuss the launch of their podcast, the role of AI in their creative process, and the impact of recent natural disasters on communities. They reflect on personal experiences with crises, the importance of networking and support in public service, and the challenges of navigating social media. The conversation emphasizes resilience, collaboration, and the human connection in the face of adversity.#LocalGovernment #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthenticityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

Welcome to the inaugural episode of AuthentiCity FM, where we dive into the heart of local government with hosts Corri Spiegel, Mike Sable, and Phil Kiraly. Join us as we explore our unique journeys into city management, share personal stories, and discuss the challenges and triumphs of leading communities. Discover the passion and authenticity that drive us to make a difference, and learn why city management is more crucial than ever in today's complex world. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends humor, insight, and a shared commitment to public service.

There's a difference between being ready and being prepared. Ready means you've checked the boxes. Prepared means you've lived in the questions long enough to know which ones matter.This conversation explores what it takes to step into a role everyone assumes you have completely figured out. The shift from colleague to leader when you stay in the same organization. The marathon-level exhaustion that comes from nowhere after council meetings. The honest conversation about whether you and your partner are willing to carry the weight together. The three or four years of watching, learning, and building capacity before the seat opens up.The discussion moves through culture building that allows babies and dogs at work. Through throwing out annual evaluations and replacing them with development plans where employees drive their own growth. Through policies designed for the 99% doing things right instead of the 1% doing things wrong. Through merit pay disconnected from performance conversations. Through networks that kept sanity intact during COVID by connecting people across the country dealing with the same challenges in different ways.It explores what happens when you're not a jumper. When you stay rooted long enough to understand a community deeply before leading it. When you get to put your fingerprints on policies years before you sit in the chair. When transition feels natural because preparation happened quietly over time. When the exhaustion still surprises you even though you thought you knew what was coming.This episode asks what readiness actually requires. Not just skills or experience, but relationships, honest conversations, support systems, and the willingness to train for a role with no guarantees you'll get it. It's about stacking conditions that make success possible without promising it. It's about finding like-minded people willing to be vulnerable and still show up as leaders.The work of becoming ready doesn't start when you get the job. It starts years before when you decide it's worth preparing for.00:00 Introduction to Resilience in Leadership02:03 Elisa Cox: Journey to City Manager03:44 Transitioning into Leadership07:12 Building a Cohesive Management Team10:01 Embracing the High-Performance Organization Model12:47 Redefining Strategic Plans14:49 Impact of Leadership ICMA on Professional Growth17:16 Innovating Employee Evaluations21:59 The Importance of Employee Development25:41 Finding Resilience Through Disruption26:56 Personal Strategies for Stress Management32:11 The Importance of Sleep and Mental Health34:03 Strength Training and Personal Growth36:01 Exploring Professional Superpowers42:05 The Loneliness of Leadership43:44 Normalizing Vulnerability in Management51:20 ICMA Insights and Future Directions

#citymanagement #leadership #localgovernmentWork has always been hard. But something shifted. Now it's harder to tell what's real and what's just amplified noise. Harder to know what deserves urgency and what's anxiety talking. Harder to find solid ground when everything keeps moving.This episode opens a new conversation about resilience. Not the grit-your-teeth-and-power-through kind. The kind that helps you stay oriented when the professional landscape feels like standing on a Pogo ball while drinking from a fire hose.The conversation explores funhouse mirrors and how distortion makes it harder to trust what you're seeing. Echo chambers that amplify what you already want to hear. The exhaustion of showing up every day when clarity of purpose has disappeared. The choice between short-term pain and long-term consequences when neither option feels good.From what normal used to mean to what grounds you now. Walking dogs. Reading books. Making dinner. The small rhythms that anchor you when everything else spins. The anxiety visible on faces across this profession. The admission that knowing what to do next isn't as clear as it used to be. The experience of having already survived professional rupture while watching others go through theirs.This episode doesn't offer solutions. It offers something more honest. Recognition that it's hard right now. Permission to acknowledge that maybe it will be hard tomorrow too. And a preview of where the conversation heads next—building the skills and tools to handle what gets thrown your way before the crisis hits.The ideology inherited from previous generations said if you're just loyal and work harder, everything works out. That's not true anymore. Change isn't going anywhere. Learning to be adaptable and resilient means learning what to say yes to and what to let go of carefully.January was disruption. February moves into resilience and what comes after. This is where that shift begins.00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Community Dynamics08:50 Navigating Distortion and Echo Chambers19:00 The Impact of Anxiety on Decision Making26:37 Finding Balance Amidst Chaos27:24 Navigating Anxiety and Nostalgia28:42 The Impact of COVID on Mental Health32:39 Finding Resilience in Chaos34:29 Permission to Pause and Reflect35:28 The Guilt of Taking Breaks37:36 The Role of Consistency in Leadership40:11 Learning from the Past41:12 Generational Shifts in Leadership44:39 The Drive to Make Things Better49:14 Community and Change51:32 The Pain of Change55:19 Building Resilience for the Future

#LocalGovernment #Leadership #Stewardship #PublicService #GenX #GenZThe future of local government doesn't start tomorrow. It's already here.Melissa Ochoa and Micah Eradiri are ICMA Local Government Management Fellows just starting their careers in public service. They're curious, grounded, service-driven, and already leading. They're also watching everything Gen X is building right now. Our messes and our masterpieces. Our innovation. Our inertia. Our courage. Our comfort.This conversation closes out January's disruption series by shifting from signals and systems to stewardship. The question isn't what we're handing off to the next generation. It's whether we're creating space for them to step into it.Our guests share stories spanning fellowship applications to immigration challenges. From perspectives that get mislabeled to accelerated degree programs that prioritize education over experience. From the difference between mentorship that opens doors and gatekeeping that keeps them closed.Phil closes with a reminder that feels both heavy yet hopeful. These future leaders are the carriers of democracy. The council-manager form of government is one of America's greatest contributions to democratic governance, and wherever these two land, they carry that tradition forward. They're going to change the world. We just need to give them the room to prove it.This episode is for anyone who's ever needed someone to believe in them. It's for anyone hiring the next generation who has the power to measure potential over credentials. It's for anyone wondering whether Gen Z is ready, when the real question is whether we're ready to trust them with what we've built.00:00 Introduction to Stewardship and Local Government01:44 Guest Introductions and Local Government Origin Stories04:54 The ICMA Fellowship Experience08:51 Surprises in Local Government14:28 Theory vs. Practice in Local Government21:56 Motivations for Entering Local Government28:35 Future Aspirations and Professional Development34:00 Personal Interests and Work-Life Balance42:42 The Future of Local Government and AI46:28 The Future of AI in Note-Taking49:33 AI's Impact on Communication55:42 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction59:24 Mentorship and Career Development01:12:00 Generational Perspectives in Local Government01:21:52 Opportunities for Recent Graduates

#citymanagement #localgovernment #disruptionYour water treatment plant turns 100 next year. The price tag to replace it is terrifying. So you patch it together for five more years and kick the decision down the road. Again.Most local governments don't have good hygiene around thinking futuristically. We copy and paste last year's budget. We make trade-offs that benefit the generation sitting at the table. We plan for hardscape but ignore softscape. We focus on bridges and greenways while social structures crumble and residents feel less engaged, not more.Rebecca Ryan is a futurist and economist who spent her career helping communities see around corners. She joins us to talk about weak signals, black ice, and the frameworks that help you distinguish between noise and what actually matters. From her mom running for office in Wisconsin to studying demographics and patterns to earning her foresight certification during the Great Recession, Rebecca brings both heart and head to this work.The conversation moves from intergenerational equity to granny hobbies. From the speed of adaptive learning in AI networks to why more people are deleting social media for their mental health. From the student who wants to build bike paths that give those with accessibility limitations independence to why local government might finally get boring again. Rebecca teaches us how to ask better questions. Not what to look for, but how to look for it. Not what's in your budget, but what's in your strategic plan that would surprise people.We dig into why technology keeps coming, whether we're ready or not. Why the correct response to black ice is steering into it, not pumping the brakes. Why de-centering yourself and centering the next generation might be some of the best work we get to do. And why this generation of leaders was actually built for this moment, even when it feels like slipping.The future isn't something that happens to you. It's something you build. Rebecca shows us how to see the signals, steer into what's coming, and remember that progress requires thoughtful change, not just clinging to tradition because it feels safe.If you've ever wondered whether local government can think long term, or if you're exhausted from the whack-a-mole chaos and just want things to get boring again, this conversation offers both frameworks and hope. The kids really are the magic key. We just have to give them the paths to get there.00:00 Introduction to Authenticity FM02:16 Rebecca Ryan's Journey into Local Government Consulting05:47 Understanding the Future: The Role of a Futurist08:30 Navigating Local Government Challenges11:47 The Importance of Long-Term Thinking in Governance15:21 Embracing Change and Innovation in Local Government17:59 The Future of Local Government Funding Models21:24 Rethinking Budgeting Practices24:35 Engaging the Next Generation in Local Government26:37 Balancing Tradition and Innovation30:35 The Role of Managers in Driving Change32:25 Signals of Change in Local Government34:22 Rebuilding Social Capital in Communities37:37 Civic Engagement and Education41:07 Winter is Coming: Reflections on Change43:48 Social Media: Expectations vs. Reality50:35 Signals for the Future53:24 The Importance of Legacy01:05:31 Intergenerational Equity and Community Building