Leading Thriving Cities

Today we are joined by Colby Collins, Assistant to the City Manager of Cedar Hill, TX. Colby shares his journey in public service and the importance of mentorship and personal growth. It's a fantastic conversation about the power of a growth mindset, the significance of understanding the human behind the work, and the unique leadership roles that most A2s serve in their 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.

Today, we had an insightful conversation with Jeff Thompson, the Executive Director of the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool. He shared his valuable perspectives on the importance of intentional leadership, fostering trust and safety within organizations, and empowering teams. This was truly one of the best discussions we've ever had on organizational leadership.

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” ― Harry S. Truman

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 you find time in the crazy schedule of a city manager to take care of yourself? “If we did it in combat, we can do it in everyday life.” Today’s guest, Dean Huard, has some fascinating insight into the importance of self-care for city managers and he uses his time in the Army to inform how he sees things today. We dive into his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel and the transition into public service as a natural extension of his career.

This episode originally aired August 12, 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 episode, we're thrilled to have Michael Herbert, the Town Manager of Ashland, Massachusetts, with us! Michael shares his unique journey from homelessness to town manager. He discusses the power of valuing and modeling vulnerability, as well as the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Tune in for practical insights on morning routines, how to bring your best self to decision-making, and the importance of ongoing growth and learning.

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’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.