Episode 64 - Book Edition with Matt Wright

Rewind Episode 31 - Michele Lau Torres

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 [http://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.

Episode 66 - Becky Diviney

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 [http://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.

Rewind Episode 09 - Chase Stapp

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 [http://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.

Rewind Episode 24 - Melissa Grubbs

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 [http://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.

Episode 65 - Book Edition with Gina & Lauren

We’re thrilled to be back with another edition of the Forward Partners Book Club! This time, we have the dynamic duo from Sachse, Texas — Gina Nash and Lauren Rose. They are here to interview Chad about his new book, Win the Battle Against Burnout. It’s a really insightful conversation about navigating burnout, loneliness, and the challenges of the "suffer wars."   For more about the book and links to order, visit www.BattleBurnout.net   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 [http://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.