#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 Government

05:17 Transitioning from Assistant to City Manager

08:16 The Challenges of Small Town Management

11:27 Economic Development in Novi

19:37 Navigating Relationships as a City Manager

22:29 Pushing Boundaries in Leadership

28:00 Global Connections and Cultural Experiences

31:23 Navigating Board Service During COVID

35:20 Reflections on Service and Leadership

52:03 Cultural Connections and Community Involvement

56:50 The Importance of International Collaboration

58:10 Sports Rivalries and Community Spirit