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.

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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.

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

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What sparks the journey into civic leadership? For Kris Amundson, it started with a simple yet fateful phrase: "Somebody ought to do something about that." From volunteering in her daughter's school to serving on the Fairfax County School Board and ultimately the Virginia House of Delegates, Kris shares how a commitment to action—not ambition—drove her leadership path. In this episode, she reflects on the lessons of public service, the power of collaboration, and why compromise isn't a dirty word. At a time when political division threatens progress, Kris offers a refreshing perspective on getting things done and making government work for the people it serves.

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Mayor Skip Henderson of Columbus, Georgia, reflects on the profound impact of the Chattahoochee River Restoration Project, more than a decade after its completion. First envisioned as a bold environmental and economic experiment, the project has transformed Columbus into a destination for outdoor adventure and urban revitalization. Building on the insights from Otis White's original Civic Strategies podcast, this conversation explores lessons learned and how the project's success has sparked even greater aspirations for the city's future. From overcoming skepticism to fueling new waves of investment and civic pride, Mayor Henderson shares how a singular vision has prompted an ongoing cycle of growth and renewal.

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What does it take for independent municipalities to choose collaboration over going it alone—without mandates or central authority? Robert Lazaro, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), reveals how regional leadership is rooted in trust, shared priorities, and open communication. As a forum for 13 local governments and 2.5 million residents, NVRC connects communities across boundaries to address common challenges—from expanding clean energy initiatives to strengthening climate resilience.

Sponsored by the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government.

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"Their goal isn't to govern better—it's to blow things up." Former Mayor Ginny Dickey of Fountain Hills, Arizona, shares an unflinching account of how local politics took a dark turn. Having lost her 2024 reelection bid, the Mayor reflects on the rise of vicious attacks designed to fuel anger and spread division—and how conventional campaigning proved no match for these tactics.

Her experience is a wake-up call for leaders everywhere. Listen for her hard-earned insights on how to stay alert and ready to respond.

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Mayor Brian Vincent of Farmville, Virginia, shares how his leadership philosophy—rooted in decency, fortitude, and community—guides him through the challenges of public service. Drawing from personal resilience and the principles of Stoicism, he reflects on balancing history with progress, fostering meaningful civic dialogue, and navigating political division with unwavering integrity. Inspired by the legacy of his father, a fallen U.S. Army officer, the Mayor's approach to leadership is a testament to the power of quiet strength, service, and purpose-driven action.

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Vivian Leyva, Public Information Officer for Riley County, Kansas, reflects on the pros and cons of social media and how it reaffirms the critical importance of human connection in local government leadership and communication. Drawing on her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, she highlights why empathy and clear messaging are essential for building trust, strengthening relationships, and guiding communities through challenging times. Her candid insights provide thoughtful and practical guidance for leaders striving to foster authenticity and compassion.

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What does it take to foster meaningful collaboration in Northern Virginia's diverse, fast-changing communities? Mary Hynes and Jay Fisette, co-directors of the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University, draw on their decades of leadership experience to share powerful insights on breaking barriers and building trust. From visionary transit-oriented development to tackling climate challenges, Mary and Jay reflect together on the practical steps needed to turn shared challenges into collaborative opportunities.

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Derek Ferland, County Manager of Sullivan County, New Hampshire, reflects on his leadership journey, sharing insights shaped by his military career and deep community roots. Guided by his father's advice, "If you want to be different, you've got to do something different," Derek emphasizes caring for people and building trust in complex environments. Through lessons on mission, people, and process, his story highlights how thoughtful leadership fosters trust and collaboration in challenging settings.

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