"Leading with Cariño" with Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Description:

What does it look like when a city builds compassion into its culture—not as sentiment, but as strategy? Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer of Las Cruces, New Mexico, shares how the city’s philosophy of Cariño—a Spanish word for care and kindness—guides both internal operations and public service. From potholes to policy planning, Bencomo discusses how Las Cruces weaves empathy into everyday governance, and why fostering connection across departments and with residents leads to better outcomes. For leaders striving to build trust in a complex world, this episode offers a powerful reminder: Humanity is not a distraction from effective government—it’s the foundation.

LINKS

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

In this extended episode recorded live for the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI), former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson offers a candid look at what it means to govern through complexity. Reflecting on his years in office—and on the pressures facing today’s local leaders—Wilson shares insights on public trust, political risk, and the essential role of local government in times of national uncertainty. From managing COVID to navigating federal overreach, he underscores why a clear and shared vision is essential for community resilience.

This episode is presented in partnership with the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government.

LINKS

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ODUKBpW_a1g 

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

In a digital age where public dialogue is often drowned out by outrage and misinformation, civic leaders face an urgent challenge: How can they hear—and serve—the whole community, not just the loudest voices? Kevin Lyons, co-founder of FlashVote, joins the conversation to explore what it takes to make local decision-making more representative, responsive, and resilient. From cutting through the clamor of public comment to designing questions that reveal real community priorities, this episode offers a timely roadmap for leaders committed to listening with clarity, not just volume.

LINKS

FlashVote:  www.FlashVote.com 

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note:  [email protected] 

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

Mayor Mike Oakley’s leadership journey spans nearly four decades in military service and now guides his work as mayor of Centreville, Alabama. In the military, leadership meant executing a mission with discipline and precision. In local government, it’s about trust, collaboration, and community-building.  In this episode, he shares how he’s adapted from commanding troops in combat zones to uniting a small town—offering hard-earned insights on teamwork, decision-making, and leading through uncertainty.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note:  [email protected] 

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

With Memorial Day approaching, we share a personal reflection from our February 11, 2025, conversation with Mayor Brian Vincent of Farmville, VA. After his interview, he spoke about his father, the late Lieutenant Colonel Rick Vincent, U.S. Army—his service, sacrifice, and the profound impact of his legacy. This Memorial Day, let’s reflect on our responsibility as community leaders to honor those who gave their lives and uphold the values they fought to defend.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

Leadership isn’t just about advancing your mission—it’s about forging professional partnerships that amplify impact. With over 40 years in animal welfare (that’s 280 in dog years!), Jim Tedford shares hard-earned insights that apply to leaders in any field. His message? Strengthen your network, invest in the next generation, and recognize that real progress happens through collaboration, not in isolation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how leadership is about more than management—it’s about building relationships that support meaningful change.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note:  [email protected] 

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

In this special episode of Community Catalysts, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine offers a candid, unflinching look at the challenges facing local leaders today. Recorded live on May 2nd as part of the Spring 2025 Leadership Dialogues hosted by RELI—the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government—Senator Kaine discusses the erosion of public trust, the shifting landscape of federal policy, and the essential role of local governance in defending democratic values.

This episode is presented in partnership with RELI, as part of their ongoing effort to share the insights and experiences of Northern Virginia’s local leaders with a national audience.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

How do local leaders earn trust and navigate governance effectively? Ian Coyle, former Chief Administrative Officer of Livingston County, NY, and now President of Pracademic Partners, shares lessons from his career, including becoming New York’s youngest municipal manager at 24. He unpacks the unique leadership role of municipal administrators, the power of direct public engagement, and the challenge of staying professional and nonpartisan amid political pressures. His core message—double down on engagement, ethics, and leadership—offers a practical roadmap for building trust, strengthening communities, and leading with integrity.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note:  [email protected] 

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

Ilryong Moon, the first Asian-American elected to public office in Fairfax County, shares how a personal reckoning pushed him to step beyond the boundaries of his immigrant experience and into a life of public service. From repeating high school to master English, to graduating from Harvard, practicing law, and serving on one of the nation’s largest school boards, his journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and representation. In this heartfelt conversation, Moon reflects on the challenges he overcame, the values that guide his leadership, and the enduring power of public education to shape lives and communities.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

Chuck Frye, Jr., Vice Mayor of Fredericksburg, Virginia, shares how open, honest dialogue led his community to reverse a controversial decision on removing a historic slave auction block. What began as a 6-1 vote against became a 6-1 vote in favor—driven not by pressure, but by empathy as a shared process. This episode reveals how civic leadership is about more than decisions—it’s about creating space for understanding.

LINKS

NBC News | Stone Ghosts In The South: Confederate Monuments And America's Battle With Itself: https://youtu.be/msIDM8MyGqg?si=aC7s_DGsBZtQR2WR 

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note:  [email protected] 

Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here  

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Produced by Social Prosperity Partners