Welcome to Leading Thriving Cities Live! This is the first of two episodes recorded live at the 2026 TMHRA Conference. Chad is joined by incredible guests: Matthew Wright, Tadd Philips, Perla Ceped, and a fantastic live audience! They discuss HR questions related to defining culture, building trust, accountability, and growth, all aimed at championing a thriving culture.

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 explore the power of coaching with Kellye Mazzoli, Owner and City Executive Coach at City Boss Coaching and former Assistant City Manager. Join us as Kellye shares insights on overcoming challenges and navigating the emotional aspects of life. She highlights the significance of public service and the importance of nurturing future leaders in our communities. Tune in for a conversation that will empower you to reflect and thrive!

www.citybosscoach.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.

This episode originally aired February 10, 2025. Jeff Jenkins is currently the City Manager for the city of Wichita Falls, Texas.

In this episode, we speak with Jeff Jenkins, the Deputy City Manager of Taylor, TX, about the importance of building strong communities, particularly during periods of growth. Jeff shares insights on effective communication and highlights the significance of embracing one’s own leadership style, as well as the value of listening during times of change. Join us for a great conversation about authentic leadership, and stay tuned to discover how chocolate cake can basically solve all your problems in 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.

We have a special episode of Leading Thriving Cities, partnering with LJA, to bring you stories centered on public works and engineering. We sat down with Katie Barron, the Assistant Director of Engineering Capital Improvements in Richardson, TX. She shared valuable insights on the importance of reminding your team of their purpose and impact, the necessity of flexibility in project management, and how being present for your team can create a supportive work environment, especially in a male-dominated field.

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 are excited to have Euriah W. Brown, HR Director from Greenville, TX, here to share her insights on how curiosity can transform your leadership. Join us as we explore the significance of leadership presence, the importance of curating your Circle of Support, and a fantastic perspective on "finding the yes" — demonstrating that HR doesn't have to be a win/lose situation.

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 are excited to welcome Caitlan Biggs, the Assistant Town Manager of Little Elm, Texas! Join us as we discuss how to strategically abandon tasks, foster a collaborative mindset, and apply parenting lessons to leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation and mental health, all while embracing the idea that "everything is figureoutable."  

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 are joined by Michele Lau Torres, the Chief Learning Officer for Austin, TX, who shares her insights on the vital role that learning and development play in organizations. Join us as she explores the importance of cultivating a supportive culture, overcoming toxic leadership, and the vital impact of city workers in creating vibrant communities. Discover how innovative approaches can not only engage frontline employees but also pave the way for a brighter future in public service, regardless of the size of your city.

This episode originally aired April 21, 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.

We’ve partnered with LJA to bring you episodes of Leading Thriving Cities with a focus on public works and engineering. In this episode, we sit down with Becky Diviney, the Director of Public Works and Engineering for the city of Addison, TX. Becky shares her insights on the power of collaboration and celebration, the importance of nurturing team dynamics, and her idea to someday add smiley faces to traffic cones to lighten the mood when people encounter construction.

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 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.

This episode originally aired September 9, 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.

In this impactful episode, we have a conversation with Melissa Grubbs, a Commander for the Round Rock Police Department, about the challenges and triumphs in public service. We discuss the importance of asking for help, overcoming imposter syndrome, and fostering diversity and authenticity. Tune in for valuable lessons on resilience and empowerment!

This episode originally aired March 3, 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.