Leading Thriving Cities

This episode originally aired July 15, 2024. Matt Davis is now the Founder of True Bold Leadership. What does it mean to be an authentic leader in law enforcement? Today’s guest, Matt Davis, is a Lieutenant for the Arapaho County Sheriff’s office. He shares insight on what it’s like to experience things as a police officer that no human should experience, and how to go on a journey of healing. Matt leads with a courageous vulnerability, and he helps us understand how more transparency will lead to a better relationship between agencies, cities, and the public they serve. 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, Matt Mueller, Town Manager of Little Elm, TX, joins us for a wonderful conversation on longevity in city management — sharing how explaining city management to third graders gave him valuable perspective. He discusses the importance of setting the tone as a leader, embracing imperfection, building strong relationships, and investing in people and culture to help cities thrive. "It's not the years, honey. It's the mileage." — Indiana Jones 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 retired Assistant City Manager Tom Yantis, who shares wisdom from 25 years of public service and reflects on the benefit of learning from your mistakes as a leader. Discover why embracing transparency, taking time to see the future, and building trust across departments are essential for lasting impact — and what it really means to retire successfully in 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 we are joined by Robert Hanna, President of Strategic Services at ZacTax, who shares insights on authentic leadership in public service. Discover why combating overwhelm, empowering your team, and embracing challenges are essential to thriving cities, and learn practical advice for caring for yourself and your community. 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.

Join us as Keith Baldinger, Assistant Town Manager of Shrewsbury, MA, reflects on his journey in public service starting with mowing parks. Discover how Keith navigates the shift from hands-on work to empowering teams, celebrates big and small wins, and finds fulfillment in public service. This episode offers great insights on leadership growth and the power of seeing the bigger picture in city management. 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.