Today, Jackson Daly, the Assistant Public Works Director of Georgetown, TX, joins us to explore some practical advice on public service and making a positive impact in your community! We had a great conversation about focusing on the importance of being responsive, handling unexpected disruptions, and showing gratitude in public service. We also talked about the need to solve problems instead of passing them on to future generations, and the importance of open communication and treating everyone with care and respect. Plus Jackson and Chad get to nerd out about the process of building a transfer station. If you don't know what that is, dive in!

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.

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Stephanie Reyes, the City Manager of San Marcos, TX. Stephanie shares her journey of nurturing the city's growth while preserving its unique charm. She delves into the influence of her fourth-generation roots, the significance of self-care, and empowering future generations. Stephanie highlights the importance of building strong relationships with council members, skillfully navigating change, and making mindful decisions.

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! We’re taking a holiday break! There won’t be any new episodes of The Leader Lab and Leading Thriving Cities this week for Thanksgiving, and we’ll also be on pause during the weeks of December 16, 23, and 30. But don’t worry! If you’re missing us, you can catch up on any episodes you might have missed. We have a wonderful library of episodes on our YouTube channel and your favorite podcast app. We hope you take some time to disconnect and recharge during the holidays. Enjoy your well-deserved rest!

Look for Leading Thriving Cities to return with new episodes every Monday, January 6, 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.

Our guest today is LaShon Ross, she is the Deputy City Manager of Plano, TX, and she shares invaluable insights from her 35 years in public service. LaShon emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, modeling vulnerability, and the value of legacy. The discussion covers the shift from technical roles to leadership positions and the impact of public service on enhancing quality of life. LaShon also shares personal advice and emphasizes the practice of showing people their value beyond work accomplishments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in making a meaningful impact in their city and beyond!

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.

Can public service be fun? In today’s episode, we sit down for a wonderful discussion with Sara Costlow, Assistant City Manager of Deer Park, Texas. Sara shares her journey in city management, overcoming personal challenges, the fun that can be found in city management, and her passion for spreadsheets! Tune in to gain insights about leading as a woman in public service, and how we can all embrace empathy and vulnerability to create positive change in city leadership.

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.

How do emotions and logic intersect in public service leadership? The answer is fascinating! Join us for an engaging discussion with Lauren Rose, Assistant City Manager of Sachse, Texas. Lauren shares about Local Government 2030, which is working to reimagine the future of public service. Lauren shares her insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, building trust, and the importance of maintaining curiosity and empathy in public service.

Want to know more about Local Government 2030? Follow this link: www.localgov2030.com  

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's guest is Tony Haden, the Fire Chief at Travis County ESD 8, Pedernales Fire Department. With over 25 years of experience in the fire service, he brings a unique perspective to leadership. Tony is known for being a Vision Caster and Culture Warrior. In this enlightening discussion, he shares insights from his journey to chief and emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and collaboration around the firehouse table.

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.

Mike Harmon is the Chief of Police for Cedar Park, Texas. Chief Harmon shares with us his optimism about the next generation of officers and discusses how leadership is evolving to prepare for future generations. He also provided valuable insights into establishing strong, transparent relationships with the community and highlighted the need for a clear mission and a commitment to lifelong learning in leadership. Plus, stay tuned as Chief Harmon officially promotes Chad to junior officer!

Leading Thriving Cities is a Forward Partners Production designed to shine a spotlight on s 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's guest is Chase Stapp, who brings a unique perspective from his 30 years of experience as Police Chief and Assistant City Manager for the city of San Marcos. Chase currently serves as a Law Enforcement Outreach Consultant with TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool. He shares insights from his journey, including his transition out of public service, and delves into the importance of emotional and mental health in creating a sustainable future.

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

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.

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