Leading Thriving Cities

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.

In this episode, we welcome Chris Whittaker, the City Manager of Magnolia, TX. Chris shares his unique journey from military service to city management, highlighting how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership. Tune in for valuable insights and some entertaining stories, including a few about wrecking tanks and wild suits!

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.

"People come first for a reason!" — Alan Guard

Today we are joined by Alan Guard, Deputy City Manager of Brownsville, Texas. Alan shares his journey through city management, emphasizing the importance of showing people they matter, learning patience, and finding joy in the challenges of leadership. Tune in to discover valuable insights on investing in communities and the unique dynamics of city management in Brownsville.

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 are excited to welcome Austin Bleess, the City Manager of Jersey Village, TX. In this episode, Chad and Austin discuss their recent sabbaticals and how to prepare yourself and your team for success. They also explore the value of appreciating the small details in a city, the courage required to have the hard conversations, and, of course, Paw Patrol!

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 Micah Grau, the City Manager of Buda, TX! He shares his love for Buda and thoughtful insights on how cities can grow intentionally. Micah emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and avoiding silos. He discusses the need for stability and steadiness in his role, as well as the challenges that come with change. And, of course, there's some discussion about Taylor Swift's album drop!

“Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it’s not like this compulsive need like my need to be praised.” ― Michael Scott

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 Brent Parker, the city manager of Wylie, TX. He shares his personal journey navigating mental health within emergency services and public service. Brent discusses the power of recognizing that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Join us for this great conversation that emphasizes the development of the whole person and the whole employee, because they truly are the heart of the city and our most valuable asset.

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 can we be more intentional about building relationships across our organizations? Today we have a conversation with Becca Miears, the HR Director from New Braunfels, TX. Becca discusses the importance of caring for people and intentionally building healthy relationships. She shares her career journey, the challenges she faced in becoming a director, and the value of mentorship. Becca offers strategies for building stronger teams, such as incorporating play into the HR schedule and actively asking your frontline what they need. The episode concludes with reflections on extending grace to ourselves and others — don’t miss it!

Episode originally aired January 13, 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.