Leading Thriving Cities

It's time for the Forward Partners book club! Today, we're joined by Matthew Wright, the HR Director from Buda, TX. Matt is taking over the podcast to interview Chad about his new book, Win the Battle Against Burnout. He asks Chad some great questions about the book and some of the creative process he went through to write it.

For more about the book and links to order, visit www.BattleBurnout.net  

Matt's First LTC Episode: https://youtu.be/nkCblFuN-YQ 

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.

This episode originally aired December 11, 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.

Today, we are excited to welcome City Manager Judson Rex! Chad and Jud have an incredible conversation about the weight of leadership in public service. They discuss the significance of making intentional choices, from the way you start your day to how you go home. Jud also shares a story about his leadership philosophy of “Gently in manner, strongly in deed.” Join us as we explore what it truly means to lead with intention and purpose!

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 had a deep conversation with Bradley Ford. He shared the burnout challenges in his city management career and discussed the new journey he is embarking on. He explored the significant impact of gratitude and boundaries, and how they can really elevate our lives and our teams. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on navigating the stresses of city management and the beauty of intentional rest.

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 sat down with James Hartshorn, Deputy City Manager of Pflugerville, TX. James shares his inspiring leadership journey and highlights the vital role of mentorship in city management. Discover how building strong relationships, fostering a positive culture, and prioritizing self-reflection can transform your approach to public service and help you create vibrant, thriving communities. Tune in for practical advice and personal anecdotes that will motivate future leaders in city management!

This episode was originally published May 5, 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.

Today, we are excited to be joined by Abbey Reece, the Assistant City Manager of Justin, TX! We had a great conversation about the challenges of growth and the courage required to embark on your own growth journey. Abbey shared her experiences in starting her own mentorship program, discussed hiring for alignment and culture, and emphasized the importance of spiritual health in building thriving cities!

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!

This episode originally aired September 23, 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.

Today, Kristen Las, the Town Manager of Westford, MA, joins us to share her personal journey, which began with her love of weather and led her to her current role as Town Manager. She reminds us of the importance of asking for help and looking at challenges through a positive lens. Plus, she discusses the balance between being introverted and extroverted in leadership and why it’s so important to teach younger generations about local government.  

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 today’s episode, we sit down with Michael Boese, the President of Clear Career Professionals. He offers a unique perspective, having served as a police chief, city manager, and now serving cities with Clear Career Professionals. Michael shares insights on finding the right fit in recruitment, the importance of continuous growth, and the impact of sustainability on community development.

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 Russell Sander, the Assistant City Manager of Marble Falls, TX. Russell shares his journey to city management, which began in the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of self-investment, intentionality, and early leadership development. Discover how understanding the "why" and investing in yourself can lead to thriving communities.

This episode originally aired March 10, 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.