By Nancy Joan Hess
The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.
Have you ever thought about capturing your ideas in a book, a TED Talk, or maybe a blog? Perhaps you have a story to tell, expertise to share, or ideas that pile up but never quite come together in a cohesive way. If this sounds like you, stay tuned.
In this episode, Emily Crookston explains why even experienced writers might hire a ghostwriter. She shares how ghostwriting is not just about putting words on paper; it’s about collaboration, shaping ideas, and helping clients clearly communicate their expertise. Whether you’re thinking about writing a book, creating LinkedIn content, or simply sharing your knowledge in any format, this episode will show you how a ghostwriter can bring your ideas to life and make the process less overwhelming.
Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE BIOEmily Crookston is a best-selling business book ghostwriter, author, and developmental editor. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs and consultants build their businesses by writing a book that sells. As the Owner of The Pocket PhD, she and her team create and execute pre-launch strategies for self-published business book authors to align your thought leadership content, increase your sphere of influence, and prime your audience for the book. Her first book, Unwritten: The Thought Leader’s Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business Book, launches on October 1, 2024.
Emily is also a former philosophy professor, speaker, and podcast guest. When she’s not writing intensely, she’s most likely practicing yoga intensely. She lives for desserts topped with *real* whipped cream.
Find Emily on LinkedIN
Check out Emily's book, UNWRITTEN
TIMESTAMPS[00:03:33] Why Hire a Ghostwriter?
[00:04:10] The Role of a Ghostwriter in Shaping Ideas
[00:06:00] Collaborative Writing and Developmental Editing
[00:06:47] The Importance of Audience and Translation of Expertise
[00:07:14] The Process of Ghostwriting
[00:09:21] Publishing Options and Self-Publishing
[00:18:33] The Rising Role of Books in Professional Branding
[00:19:48] Writing for Different Formats
[00:27:42] Why Some People Struggle with Writing
[00:29:19] Final Tips on the Writing Process
In this episode, we explore the multi-faceted career of Crandall Jones, a seasoned City Manager. His is not a predictable story, but one with many twists and turns. Crandall opens up about the challenges that impacted his big decisions.
Crandall is currently the Chief Administrative Officer at Upper Darby Township in Delaware County Pennsylvania. He previously served as CAO in Norristown, Pennsylvania in Montgomery County. In addition to serving as an adjunct at Villanova University, he serves on the Board of the APPM.
This episode is particularly valuable for those considering a career in city management or a new opportunity in the field of local government.
The APMM series highlights the many layers and aspects of local government work. Be sure to check out the links to APMM and visit us at the upcoming ICMA conference in Pittsburgh!
SHOW NOTESFollow Crandall Jones on LinkedIn
Follow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMMSign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter to receive updates about the community and this podcast HERE TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Introduction and Crandall’s Background
[00:01:51] The Unique Arc of a City Management Career
[00:04:00] Early Inspiration in Political Science
[00:07:01] Lessons from Savannah: The Importance of Planning
[00:13:15] Transition to City Management
[00:19:38] The Role of Mentorship
[00:26:10] Navigating Race-related Issues
[00:34:09] The Importance of Building Strong Teams
[00:43:12] Strategic Planning and Community Health
[00:52:03] Making Career Transitions
In this episode of the PCC Local Time Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of fire services with Rick Kane, the Manager of Manheim Township and a former Fire Chief.
Rick offers unique insights into the critical transition from volunteer to career fire departments, focusing on the importance of strategic planning, leadership, and effective communication.
Many municipal managers will tell you this is one of the greatest challenges facing local government today. Rick gives us an excellent understanding of why that is and how municipalities can respond.
This episode has tons of takeaways for fire service professionals, municipal managers, elected officials, and people like you and me who depend on fire services!
SHOWNOTES:Manheim Township, Lancaster County, PennsylvaniaFollow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMMSign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE TIMESTAMPS:[00:00:00] Introduction and Overview
[00:01:33] Historical Context of Volunteer Fire Services
[00:04:00] Transition from Volunteer to Career Fire Service
[00:09:40] Importance of Communication Between Municipal Managers and Fire Chiefs
[00:15:20] Financial Implications of Fire Service Transitions
[00:21:00] Establishing Benchmarks and Standards
[00:26:10] The Strategic Planning Process
[00:31:00] The Role of Leadership in Fire Services
[00:37:10] The Future of Fire Services
[00:46:50] Moving from Fire Chief to Municipal Manager
In this episode, we delve into the evolving relationship between a Township Manager and a Fire Chief, focusing on transitioning from a volunteer to a career fire service.
This episode is a fascinating inside look at how a rural community that becomes a suburban one transitions from a volunteer to a full-time career fire service that includes volunteer fire.
Robert Pellegrino and Adam Selisker share their journey, highlighting the importance of trust, community engagement, and strategic leadership. From addressing funding challenges to building a resilient fire service, this episode offers valuable insights for municipal leaders and emergency service professionals. Discover how effective collaboration can transform community safety and resilience.
SHOWNOTES:Visit Northampton Township website
Connect with Adam M. Selisker on LinkedIn
Follow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM
Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE
TIMESTAMPS:[00:00:00] Introduction and Background
[00:01:22] Transitioning from Volunteer to Career Fire Service
[00:04:34] Building a Working Relationship
[00:06:18] Addressing Funding and Manpower Issues
[00:08:06] Community Engagement
[00:13:14] Leadership and Trust
[00:17:55] Challenges and Solutions
[00:24:30] Impact on the Community
1933 ACT 69 SECOND CLASS TOWNSHIP CODE OF PENNSYLVANIA
SECTION 607. DUTIES OF SUPERVISORS.--THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SHALL:
(1) BE CHARGED WITH THE GENERAL GOVERNANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP AND THE EXECUTION OF LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS IN ORDER TO ENSURE SOUND FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND TO SECURE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWNSHIP.
Bert Brugghemans joins us from the City of Antwerp, where he serves as the Chief Fire Officer. Today, we'll gain Bert’s perspective on leadership and decision-making when routine operations turn into rapid response situations.
We talk about Bert's research and how he has progressed his thinking from the early days in the fire service and studies in public health to his later career in leadership and studies in public management. In particular, we talk about leadership-team dynamics and what creates the environment in which trust enables teams to make good decisions in a crisis.
If you are interested in topics like this, sign up for our Friday newsletter to find out what we are up to.
SHOWNOTESConnect with Bert Brugghemans on LinkedIN
Research Links:
The process of decision-making in a fast burning crisis situation: a multiple sequence approach of decisiveness
The Collapse of Sensemaking in Organizations: The Mann Gulch Disaster
Young Men and Fire
How does Leadership Manage Network-Level Tensions in a Turbulent Environment? A Case Study on the Antwerp Fire Service Network Leadership during the COVID-19 Pandemic
TIMESTAMPS[00:04:36] Transition from Order to Chaos
[00:08:07] The Unique Role of Fire Services
[00:13:24] Collaborative Leadership
[00:24:31] Decision-Making Research
[00:43:00] Trust and Team Cohesion
[00:45:14] Network Management
[00:49:50] Public Awareness and Investment
Welcome to another episode in the APMM Series on PCC Local Time. I am your host Nancy Hess
Our guests today offer us a glimpse of how labor relations in your municipality can help or hinder your efforts as a manager, and significantly impact your workplace. What is unique about labor relations is that you can only really come to it through experience. No amount of study or expertise will make you good at it. You must develop a practice and an approach or style that is both authentic and appropriate for your situation.
Stephanie Teoli-Kuhls is the manager of Middletown Township in Bucks County Pennsylvania, and Sandra Zadell is the manager at Upper Gwynedd Township in Montgomery County. Both are seasoned managers and adjuncts at Villa Nova University, and as you will learn, Sandra was mentored by Stephanie. So they have a special connection that brings this episode to life.
This conversation offers a wealth of insights for managers looking to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
Follow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM
Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE
Connect on LinkedIn:
APMMStephanie Teoli-Kuhls
Sandra Zadell
Nancy Hess
SHOW NOTES:[00:02:17] Signs of a Good Negotiation
[00:03:31] Components of a Good Relationship
[00:08:46] Impact on Workplace and Services
[00:13:31] Engaging Unions Outside Negotiations
[00:22:08] Manager at the Negotiation Table
[00:29:46] Top Advice for First-Time Negotiators
[00:34:50] Challenges for New Managers
[00:43:18] Questions for Colleagues
This episode is part of our APMM series on Community Health. Today we dig deeper into the connection between climate action and community health. Our guest, Peter Buck, co-directs the Local Climate Action Program and is the Associate Director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability.
Peter brings a perspective that helps us untangle some of the ideas related to climate action and sustainability, and he shares practical steps and success stories that show how local governments can make a real impact.
Climate change isn't just a global issue; it hits home in our neighborhoods, affecting everything from air quality to stormwater management. But local governments face the challenge of building awareness and converting policy to action.
Peter brings great energy to this conversation as he shares his experience with initiatives that are changing the course of our future.
Follow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM
Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE
GUEST BIO:Dr. Peter Buck is a sustainability and climate change professional, public servant, and educator. He co-directs the Local Climate Action Program and is the Associate Director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability. Buck has communicated widely on sustainability, education, leadership, and democracy in The Washington Post, Citizens Democracy Works, on the TEDx stage, and in peer-reviewed journals and books. Buck commits himself to leadership and service, serving as an elected official in municipal and school district government, appointed service for climate planning at the local and state level, and in educational and
Connect with Peter HERE on LinkedIn
SHOW NOTES:
[Scroll down for links to resources mentioned in episode.]
Today we explore the impact of climate change on community health and local government actions.
Timestamps:[00:02:40] Background and Personal Journey
[00:08:17] Local Climate Action Program
[00:14:55] Challenges and Opportunities in Local Government
[00:18:21] Policy and Infrastructure
[00:24:12] Community Engagement
[00:37:15] Future Directions
LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED IN EPISODE:
Pennsylvania Municipal League Sustainable PA Conference Fall 2024
Allegheny Connect
Sustainable Pittsburgh
Local Governments for Sustainability
Urban Sustainability Directors Network
Penn State Students are helping Pennsylvania Communities
Zoning may be one of the least understood and most under-appreciated aspects of local government. But my guests today see zoning through the lens of community health and want you to come along with them to better understand how zoning and planning impact our lives.
Ben Estell is manager of Dormont Borough outside of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County Pennsylvania and R.J. Susko is Planning and Development Director in the Town of McCandless in Allegheny County.
In this episode, RJ and Ben discuss the crucial role zoning and community planning play in enhancing community health.
RJ and Ben highlight the paths to their current roles and emphasize the human impact of zoning decisions. They explore topics such as transparency, public engagement, and the challenges of implementing zoning changes that balance community needs and environmental considerations. The conversation underscores the importance of proactive planning and the iterative nature of zoning regulations to foster resilient and thriving communities.
If you like your comprehensive planning to be entertaining and even a little sexy, you have come to the right place.
This episode is part of our 2024 APMM series. APMM is dedicated to the promotion of professional and effective local government management in Pennsylvania.
Follow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM
Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE
Guest BiosRJ Susko serves as the Planning and Development Director for the Town of McCandless, Allegheny County, PA. Ms. Susko holds a Master of Public Administration Urban Affairs and Planning concentration, from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), and a B.S. in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. A lifelong asker of “how does that work?”, Ms. Susko has been active in the municipal management world for several years, focusing on process improvement, change management, and right-sizing regulations to empower communities to reach their full potential.
Most recently in her current role as Planning and Development Director at the Town of McCandless, RJ has overseen the Town’s first wholesale zoning update in the last 50 years, involving a complete re-write and restructuring of the McCandless land use and development codes.
Benjamin Ryan Estell serves as Manager for the Borough of Dormont in Allegheny County, PA. Ben holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in French language and Culture from The Ohio State University. He received his ICMA certification in 2015.
Has led numerous impactful projects, such as the Potomac Avenue Design and Reconstruction, an award-winning storm water management project, and a 5-Year Strategic Planning Process, which has involved significant public input and research. Most recently led a comprehensive zoning rewrite that brought Form-Based Code and Transit Oriented Development into the Pittsburgh suburbs and created the transformational catalyst for a truly welcoming community.
TIMESTAMPS[00:00 - 05:07]: Introduction and RJ's background in community development.
[05:08 - 10:18]: Ben's childhood experience with a hazardous waste incinerator and its influence on his career.
[10:19 - 15:00]: Discussion on transparency in zoning and public access to information.
[15:01 - 20:10]: Historical context of zoning and its impact on different communities.
[20:11 - 25:00]: Challenges in current zoning, including parking minimums and density issues.
[25:01 - 30:15]: RJ's practical example of implementing a chicken ordinance.
[30:16 - 35:00]: Ben's explanation of Dormont's unique zoning approach.
[35:01 - 40:00]: Importance of ongoing community engagement in planning processes.
[40:01 - 45:00]: Human aspect of zoning and its effect on community health and livability.
[45:01 - 51:00]: Long-term impact of zoning changes and the necessity of iterative design.
In times of crisis, we often see leaders emerge from the frontline. My guest today, Professor Paresh Wankhade has published extensive research on emergency services and offers us examples of how emergent leadership shows up in times of crisis.
In this episode we talk about how the leadership framework is changing within emergency services. Some of the topics we cover include pressure on ambulance crews to meet performance targets, and how this impacts their ability to provide care, cultural challenges inside fire services, and lessons on leadership from crisis situations.
This episode is part of the Across the Pond Series that we began in 2023 with Professor John Diamond. We have so much to learn with our colleagues across the pond and they in turn have an interest in learning with us.
GUEST BIOParesh Wankhade FAcSS, FRSA, FCMI is a Professor of Leadership and Management at Edge Hill University Business School, UK. He is the Editor-In-Chief of International Journal of Emergency Services. His research and publications focus on analyses of strategic leadership, organisational culture, organisational change and interoperability within the public services with a focus on emergency services. Paresh has published in major journals including Work, Employment and Society, International Journal of Management Reviews, Public Management Review, Regional Studies, Public Money and Management and International Journal of Public Sector Management along with several monographs on the leadership and governance aspects in the emergency services.
MOST RECENT BOOK: Emergency Services Management: A Research Overview
Profile with List of Research
LinkedIn Profile
SHOW NOTES[05:00] Emergent Leadership in Crisis Situations
Paresh explains how leadership can emerge from unexpected situations, using examples like the Chilean miners and the Thai cave rescue. He emphasizes the importance of team-based leadership and bottom-up approaches in emergency services.
[10:00] Performance Targets in Ambulance Services
Paresh critiques the performance management approach in ambulance services, particularly the focus on response time targets. He argues that this approach pressures ambulance crews and impacts the quality of patient care, as the eight-minute response target often prioritizes speed over effective medical intervention.
[15:00] Cultural Challenges in Fire Services
Paresh highlights the cultural issues within fire services, particularly the lack of diversity and gender balance. He mentions recent reviews highlighting problems related to the treatment of women and ethnic minorities in the fire services and the need for cultural change to address these issues.
[20:00] Professionalization and Its Impact
Paresh talks about the professionalization of emergency services and how it affects motivation and job satisfaction. He discusses the clash between efficiency-focused management models and the mission-driven nature of emergency services work.
[25:00] Crisis Leadership and Shared Leadership
Paresh discusses the need for a shift in leadership models from heroic, top-down approaches to more collaborative, team-based structures. He provides examples of effective shared leadership during crises, such as the Chilean miners' ordeal.
[30:00] Lessons from Grenfell Tower Fire
Paresh analyzes the Grenfell Tower fire, highlighting the failures in communication, evacuation plans, and coordination among emergency services. He stresses the importance of having clear operational plans and better training for handling large-scale incidents.
[35:00] Comparing UK and US Emergency Management
Paresh compares the emergency management structures in the UK and the US, explaining the UK's approach, which lacks a federal agency like FEMA, and discusses the role of local resilience forums in managing crises.
[39:00] Lessons from Captain Sullenberger's Decision-Making
Paresh discusses the famous incident involving Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who successfully landed a commercial airplane on the Hudson River after both engines failed due to a bird strike. Paresh uses this example to illustrate the importance of experience, risk assessment, and decisive action in crisis leadership.
[45:00] Shared Leadership Among the Chilean Miners
Paresh discusses the 2010 crisis involving the Chilean miners who were trapped underground for 69 days. He emphasizes the role of shared leadership in their survival, highlighting how the miners collectively made decisions and supported each other throughout the ordeal.
Mentioned in this episode (in reference to the Titanic Disaster)
Why We Can’t See What’s Right in Front of Us
HBR, May 10, 2012
Jerry Ozog, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute, is here today to talk about challenges in the leadership of emergency services. We cover topics such as everyday leadership vs crisis leadership, community expectations, funding and transparency, organizational models, recruitment, including diversity and inclusion, and the particular challenge small communities face.
This episode is part of our APMM series. APMM is dedicated to the promotion of professional and effective local government management of Pennsylvania.
SHOW NOTESJerry Ozog Bio on LinkedInPennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute
Follow APMM on LinkedInMORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMM
Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE
TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Facilitator Leadership
[03:53] Effective Relationships Seminar
[09:03] Building Trust and Transparency
[13:12] Different Cultures in Emergency Services
[15:56] Collaborative Leadership and Flexibility
[21:41] Preserving Collaborative Cultures
[25:54] Community-Based Strategic Planning
[31:42] Inclusion and Diversity
[40:54] Solutions Through Collaboration
QUOTES FROM SHOWOn Collaborative Leadership:
Balancing Command and Control with Collaboration:
Building Trust Through Collaboration:
Importance of Frontline Input in Strategic Planning:
Collaborative Decision-Making in Volunteer Organizations:
The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.