Episode 69 - Katie Barron

Episode 69 - Katie Barron

We have a special episode of Leading Thriving Cities, partnering with LJA, to bring you stories centered on public works and engineering. We sat down with Katie Barron, the Assistant Director of Engineering Capital Improvements in Richardson, TX. She shared valuable insights on the importance of reminding your team of their purpose and impact, the necessity of flexibility in project management, and how being present for your team can create a supportive work environment, especially in a male-dominated field. 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 68 - Euriah W. Brown

Today, we are excited to have Euriah W. Brown, HR Director from Greenville, TX, here to share her insights on how curiosity can transform your leadership. Join us as we explore the significance of leadership presence, the importance of curating your Circle of Support, and a fantastic perspective on "finding the yes" — demonstrating that HR doesn't have to be a win/lose situation. 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 67 - Caitlan Biggs

Today, we are excited to welcome Caitlan Biggs, the Assistant Town Manager of Little Elm, Texas! Join us as we discuss how to strategically abandon tasks, foster a collaborative mindset, and apply parenting lessons to leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation and mental health, all while embracing the idea that "everything is figureoutable."   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 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.