We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie Lee Case, the Director of Parks and Recreation in San Marcos, TX! Jamie shares her incredible journey in city management, from City Clerk to Parks and Rec. Discover the importance of learning not to internalize policy decisions and operational challenges, memorializing knowledge for future leaders, and understanding that it’s okay to say no! Join us for some valuable insights and heartfelt advice that will inspire future leaders!

"A real leader doesn't really look to be one — you just have to care enough about other people that they choose you." — Susanne Boothe Wilson

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 Partners
We 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 sit down with Jill Goldsmith, the Town Manager of Chatham, MA. Jill is happy to share her experiences and insights gained from over 14 years in her role. She emphasizes the importance of earning buy-in, fostering employee engagement, and learning patience and resilience. She also shares valuable heartfelt advice for her younger self about the importance of empathy and kindness — both for others and for ourselves.

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 Partners
We partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

Happy holidays, everybody! Leading Thriving Cities will be taking a two-week break to rest and recharge with our families. As we reflect on an incredible year of conversations and look ahead to what’s next, we appreciate your support and look forward to returning in 2026 with even more inspiring stories from amazing guests. Enjoy the holidays — we’ll be back on January 5th!

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 Partners
We 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 welcome David Morgan back for his second appearance on Leading Thriving Cities! Chad and David have an incredible discussion reflecting on David's decade-long experience as the city manager of Georgetown, TX. He shares the top four pieces of advice he would go back and give himself on day one. This conversation offers valuable insights not only to city managers but also to all leaders across public service. 

David Morgan's First Episode: https://youtu.be/t_iKCE8GMCk

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 Partners
We 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 speak with Paul Grimes, the City Manager of McKinney, TX. Paul discusses his approach to bridging the gap between elected officials and the community, highlighting the essential role of city managers as navigators. He emphasizes the significance of strong people skills and the importance of fostering a creative environment. Join us for an engaging discussion on building relationships to build community and create thriving cities!

This episode originally aired February 24, 2025

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 Partners
We 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, we welcome Rachel Mendoza, the Assistant City Manager of Kaufman, TX. She shares her inspiring journey into city management and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Rachel discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the value of humility. Tune in to connect with the passion that drives public servants to create lasting change!

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 Partners
We partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.

Hey everybody! This week is Thanksgiving, and we are taking a break from releasing episodes to relax and celebrate with our families.

We are truly grateful for every moment you spend engaging with Leading Thriving Cities. We'll be back next week with a new episode that we can't wait for you to enjoy! Take some time to relax, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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 Partners
We 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 have the wonderful Amanda Mack, the City Administrator of Harrisburg, South Dakota. Amanda shares her thoughts on the importance of authenticity in public service and on navigating negativity on social media. Plus, she has some fantastic advice for women in leadership! We love her take on the difference between being kind and being nice, and let’s not forget bringing back carrier pigeons and ravens!

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 Partners
We 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 of Leading Thriving Cities, we are joined by the incredibly awesome Aly Van Dyke, Director of Communications and Public Engagement for Georgetown, TX. Discover how storytelling and personal connections are enhancing city engagement, and learn why investing in community and public service is crucial for fostering a vibrant and informed city. Join us as Aly shares her insights on investing in culture and raising awareness in future generations about 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 Partners
We 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, Chief Allen Banks of the Round Rock Police Department joins us. We talk about how important it is for police officers to see their work as more than just a job. Chief Banks explains that it's essential for officers to build strong connections with the people they serve. He also emphasizes the need for self-care to maintain well-being, including taking regular breaks to rest and recharge.

This episode originally aired August 26, 2024

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 Partners
We partner with organizations to develop healthy leaders to transform the future of leadership. Find more leadership content, courses, and events at www.forwardpartners.net.