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Latest Episodes:

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 24: Stewardship, Potential, and the Next Generation with Melissa Ochoa and Micah Eradiri Feb 03, 2026

#LocalGovernment #Leadership #Stewardship #PublicService #GenX #GenZ

The future of local government doesn't start tomorrow. It's already here.

Melissa Ochoa and Micah Eradiri are ICMA Local Government Management Fellows just starting their careers in public service. They're curious, grounded, service-driven, and already leading. They're also watching everything Gen X is building right now. Our messes and our masterpieces. Our innovation. Our inertia. Our courage. Our comfort.

This conversation closes out January's disruption series by shifting from signals and systems to stewardship. The question isn't what we're handing off to the next generation. It's whether we're creating space for them to step into it.

Our guests share stories spanning fellowship applications to immigration challenges. From perspectives that get mislabeled to accelerated degree programs that prioritize education over experience. From the difference between mentorship that opens doors and gatekeeping that keeps them closed.

Phil closes with a reminder that feels both heavy yet hopeful. These future leaders are the carriers of democracy. The council-manager form of government is one of America's greatest contributions to democratic governance, and wherever these two land, they carry that tradition forward. They're going to change the world. We just need to give them the room to prove it.

This episode is for anyone who's ever needed someone to believe in them. It's for anyone hiring the next generation who has the power to measure potential over credentials. It's for anyone wondering whether Gen Z is ready, when the real question is whether we're ready to trust them with what we've built.

00:00 Introduction to Stewardship and Local Government

01:44 Guest Introductions and Local Government Origin Stories

04:54 The ICMA Fellowship Experience

08:51 Surprises in Local Government

14:28 Theory vs. Practice in Local Government

21:56 Motivations for Entering Local Government

28:35 Future Aspirations and Professional Development

34:00 Personal Interests and Work-Life Balance

42:42 The Future of Local Government and AI

46:28 The Future of AI in Note-Taking

49:33 AI's Impact on Communication

55:42 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction

59:24 Mentorship and Career Development

01:12:00 Generational Perspectives in Local Government

01:21:52 Opportunities for Recent Graduates

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 23: Foresight, Signals, and Steering Into What's Next with Rebecca Ryan Jan 27, 2026

#citymanagement #localgovernment #disruption

Your water treatment plant turns 100 next year. The price tag to replace it is terrifying. So you patch it together for five more years and kick the decision down the road. Again.

Most local governments don't have good hygiene around thinking futuristically. We copy and paste last year's budget. We make trade-offs that benefit the generation sitting at the table. We plan for hardscape but ignore softscape. We focus on bridges and greenways while social structures crumble and residents feel less engaged, not more.

Rebecca Ryan is a futurist and economist who spent her career helping communities see around corners. She joins us to talk about weak signals, black ice, and the frameworks that help you distinguish between noise and what actually matters. From her mom running for office in Wisconsin to studying demographics and patterns to earning her foresight certification during the Great Recession, Rebecca brings both heart and head to this work.

The conversation moves from intergenerational equity to granny hobbies. From the speed of adaptive learning in AI networks to why more people are deleting social media for their mental health. From the student who wants to build bike paths that give those with accessibility limitations independence to why local government might finally get boring again. Rebecca teaches us how to ask better questions. Not what to look for, but how to look for it. Not what's in your budget, but what's in your strategic plan that would surprise people.

We dig into why technology keeps coming, whether we're ready or not. Why the correct response to black ice is steering into it, not pumping the brakes. Why de-centering yourself and centering the next generation might be some of the best work we get to do. And why this generation of leaders was actually built for this moment, even when it feels like slipping.

The future isn't something that happens to you. It's something you build. Rebecca shows us how to see the signals, steer into what's coming, and remember that progress requires thoughtful change, not just clinging to tradition because it feels safe.

If you've ever wondered whether local government can think long term, or if you're exhausted from the whack-a-mole chaos and just want things to get boring again, this conversation offers both frameworks and hope. The kids really are the magic key. We just have to give them the paths to get there.

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity FM

02:16 Rebecca Ryan's Journey into Local Government Consulting

05:47 Understanding the Future: The Role of a Futurist

08:30 Navigating Local Government Challenges

11:47 The Importance of Long-Term Thinking in Governance

15:21 Embracing Change and Innovation in Local Government

17:59 The Future of Local Government Funding Models

21:24 Rethinking Budgeting Practices

24:35 Engaging the Next Generation in Local Government

26:37 Balancing Tradition and Innovation

30:35 The Role of Managers in Driving Change

32:25 Signals of Change in Local Government

34:22 Rebuilding Social Capital in Communities

37:37 Civic Engagement and Education

41:07 Winter is Coming: Reflections on Change

43:48 Social Media: Expectations vs. Reality

50:35 Signals for the Future

53:24 The Importance of Legacy

01:05:31 Intergenerational Equity and Community Building

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 22: Process Intelligence and Making the Invisible Visible with Jerry Driessen Jan 20, 2026

#citymanagement #disruption #processintelligence

Your organization runs on invisible processes. Purchase orders that skip protocol. Approval chains scattered across three different systems. Workarounds that became standard practice so long ago nobody remembers there was ever another way. You know things aren't efficient. You can feel the friction. But you can't fix what you can't see.

Jerry Driessen is a data nerd and former CIO of Hennepin County and CTO of San Jose, who spent 30 years doing change management from the inside. Now he's working from the outside with process intelligence technology, and he's convinced the disruption potential has finally caught up to what systems thinkers have been trying to do manually for years.

This isn't another dashboard showing what happened last quarter. Not another consultant asking you to map workflows with sticky notes on conference room walls for six hours. Process intelligence creates a digital twin of how work actually flows through your organization. Procurement leaks, invoice systems involving five teams across four platforms, the real path money takes from requisition to payment. It shows you exactly where the breakdowns happen and what it's costing you.

The conversation moves from Charles Lindblom's "science of muddling through" to technology that lets you see the muddling in real time. From bounded rationality and satisficing to understanding the full system. From hoping people follow the process to actually seeing whether they do. Jerry talks candidly about why he made the leap to Celonis after three decades in government, what happens when you can finally see inefficiencies you've been living with, and the privacy considerations that come with making the invisible visible.

We dig into whether this technology amplifies what's already broken or creates space for something better. Whether trust and transparency matter more than dashboards. Whether understanding your processes is efficiency theater or genuine stewardship. And why local government might be the level where innovation actually takes root when you can see clearly enough to act.

We're still balancing on that pogo ball from Episode 21. But now we're talking about actually seeing the ball, the surface beneath it, and every wobble in real time. You can't navigate what you can't see. Process intelligence changes what you can see and what you choose to do about it.

00:00 Introduction to Disruption and Episode Guest

02:10 Jerry's Career Journey and Insights

05:35 Transitioning from Government to Consulting

07:20 Understanding Process Intelligence

11:07 The Role of AI in Process Mapping

14:03 Invisible Systems and Their Impact

14:56 AI's Role in Government Efficiency

18:58 Challenges in Government Technology Implementation

22:09 Embracing AI in Local Government

25:01 Balancing Efficiency and Public Service

27:43 Navigating Bureaucratic Challenges

30:58 The Importance of Transparency in Government

33:32 Building a Technology-Driven Culture

38:55 The Future of AI in Government

42:43 The Need for Systemic Change

49:05 Overcoming Resistance to Change

51:15 Hope for Increased Public Engagement

53:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 21: Systems, Signals, and Stewards Jan 13, 2026

#localgovernment #leadership #disruption

You can't balance on a pogo ball standing still. That's the problem. We keep waiting for things to stabilize so we can find our footing, but static balance doesn't exist anymore. Welcome to 2026, the year of the fire horse. Intense energy, boldness, freedom, transformation, and a pace that doesn't slow down for anyone still trying to plan three steps ahead.

This isn't disruption. Disruption implies something temporary, something you survive and move past. We're living in post-disruption reality now, locked in what Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen at Axios call "the fastest, broadest, most consequential reordering of politics, tech, and business of our lifetimes." The guideposts we used to look up to for direction? They're gone. We're the guideposts now.

So how do you lead when you literally don't know what tomorrow brings? When the profession built on planfulness and looking twenty steps down the road enters a zone where breaking things to see what happens has become the operating principle?

There's a grounding truth that matters. There's no partisan way to flush a sewer. Regardless of what's swirling above us, we're the stewards of making things work. Rec programming still runs. Libraries stay open. We do the basic stuff that keeps communities functioning, even when chaos reigns everywhere else.

This episode kicks off our January series exploring what leadership looks like when balance requires constant motion. Ahead this month we'll explore systems that drive organizational change, signals worth following versus noise worth ignoring, and our role as stewards of the next generation inheriting whatever we build (or break) right now.

The pogo ball doesn't wait for you to feel ready. You move or you fall. We're choosing to move.

00:00 Welcome to Disruption: A New Year Begins

02:49 The Pogo Ball Analogy: Balancing Disruption

05:49 Navigating Leadership in Uncertain Times

09:03 Creating Stability Amidst Chaos

11:50 The Role of Community in Coherence

14:52 Grounding in Tactile Experiences

17:47 Revisiting the Basics of Local Government

20:36 Trust and Disruption in Local Governance

23:55 The Impact of Technology on Community Trust

26:24 The Importance of Listening in Leadership

29:31 Reassessing Local Government's Role

32:38 The Future of Local Government and Data Centers

35:03 The Courage to Question 'Why'

38:28 Preparing for the Future: Systems and Signals

40:42 The Journey Ahead: Embracing Change

Authenticity FM, Episode 20: Communities Raise Families with Mike Land Dec 23, 2025

#localgovernment #citymanagement #publicservice

Mike Land didn't choose city management. City management chose him. From affordable housing boards in the 1980s to serving as ICMA President today, Mike's career reflects a commitment to service, mentorship, and gratitude. In this conversation, he shares the unconventional path that led him to leadership, why he believes communities raise families together, and what a palm reading predicted when he was sixteen years old.

Phil and Corri talk with Mike about bypassing traditional career routes, giving back to the profession through association service, and why the hardest times are still blessings. They explore the realities of raising kids while managing cities, the power of showing up when you're not on the committee, and what it takes to listen to 14,000 members during three years of COVID disruption.

This episode digs into resilience, the gratitude that sustains leaders through crisis, and why being part of a community means you're at church, at the store, at the park, in the school—not just sitting in an office. Mike brings warmth, wisdom, and the reminder that sometimes the profession finds you exactly when you need it to.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Mike Land

05:41 Mike's Journey into Local Government

10:42 Leadership and Service in Professional Organizations

17:32 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

25:35 The Ethos of Gratitude and Leadership

30:43 Building a Supportive Team and Culture

37:01 Exploring Global Connections in Local Governance

44:14 Building Trust and Community Engagement

51:53 Navigating Challenges in City Management

01:00:32 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 19: Pfinding the Pfun in Pfearless with Sereniah Breland Dec 09, 2025

#LocalGov #Leadership #WomenInGov #CityManagement #AuthentiCityFM

Sometimes, the most honest conversations start with asking yourself if you're good enough to be in the room. This one starts with bobsleds and sourdough starters, then goes deep into the messy beauty of looking back while staying present.

Sereniah Breland, city manager of Pflugerville, Texas, opens up about imposter syndrome, hard rooms where people don't love you, and why she leans into every creative opportunity like turning budget presentations into Pfinance reports and making Tymo the drug dog the police chief photo in the city budget. She shares the moment on the Camino de Santiago when she realized presence matters more than perfection. Climbing the mountain, looking back at how far you've come, then staying grounded in the now is what leadership actually looks like.

This conversation explores what it means to lose a mentor who taught you to ground yourself with "INMC" (it's not my city), the promise to leave behind wisdom through letters to her nieces, and why grief teaches us the most about legacy. Sereniah shares core beliefs like "we see what we're programmed to see" and why being the person you mean to be matters more than being the person everyone expects.

There's talk of joy seeking and unexpected detours, the kind of wisdom that only comes from years of journaling through the really hard times, and what it means to be affable, feral, bold, unfiltered, and on the verge. Seven cities, one really long walk through Spain, and a whole lot of vulnerability later, Sereniah reminds us of what matters most.

Stay kind, stay steady, stay you.

Because you're not meant for every room, but you're absolutely meant for great rooms.

01:56 Meet Sereniah

03:30 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

08:34 Mentorship and the Power of Community

11:44 Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership

15:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

20:53 The Value of Taking a Sabbatical

24:30 Lessons from the Camino de Santiago

29:44 The Grasshopper Analogy: Taking Leaps of Faith

40:52 Transformative Career Journeys

42:04 Navigating Self-Doubt in Leadership

47:05 Engagement in Professional Development

48:07 Shifting Focus from Ego to Purpose

51:42 The Importance of Fun in Leadership

01:00:41 Creativity and Community Engagement

01:10:29 Lessons from Life Experiences

01:13:08 Legacy and Mentorship

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 18: The Reimagining of Community Nov 25, 2025

#LocalGovernment #Community #AuthenticityFM #Leadership #PublicService #CivicEngagement

What if trust hasn't disappeared, it's just stopped flowing through the channels we built for it?

What if community isn't broken, it's just layered in ways we haven't learned to see yet?

The future of community exists somewhere between the people we trust and the systems we question, between the practices we share and the digital worlds we inhabit, between memory and meaning. We're living in an era where people willingly hand their most precious moments to platforms they'll never meet while doubting the governments they can actually see. Where geography matters less than experience. Where a rainy fireworks festival creates more connection than a perfectly executed event ever could.

This episode explores what happens when we stop trying to restore what fell and start building what wants to emerge. When we recognize that community forms around shared experiences, not shared addresses. When we understand that the soccer ball a kid uses for years matters more than the plastic trinket they'll forget in minutes. When we see that the BLT sandwich from a farmers market becomes the memory that outlasts the infrastructure.

Rebuilding community means reimagining what community can become when analog and digital both matter, when trust decentralizes instead of centralizes, when we give people a why instead of just a what or where. It means creating spaces for memories that haven't happened yet and trusting that connection will find its own path forward.

Part two of our series on community. The fall was inevitable. The reimagining is intentional.

00:00 Reimagining Community in a Digital Age

01:09 Trust and Transitions: The New Community Landscape

05:04 Decentralizing Trust: A Shift in Perspectives

10:53 Navigating Change: The Role of Networks

16:24 The Evolution of Community Norms

21:58 The Future of Community: Integrating Analog and Digital

28:45 Community of Tomorrow: Challenges and Opportunities

33:13 The Evolution of Community and Governance

37:41 The Role of City Management in Democracy

43:57 Rebuilding Trust in Local Politics

46:47 Bridging Physical and Digital Spaces

54:31 Experiences Over Materialism

01:05:23 Gratitude and Community Building

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 17: The Fall of Community Nov 18, 2025

#LocalGovernment #Community #AuthenticityFM #Leadership #DigitalAge #PublicService

Does your algorithm know you better than your neighbors? That question opens a conversation about what happened to community and why it no longer feels like what it once was. We trace the shift from knowing everyone on the block to knowing everything about strangers online and what that transformation means for local government, leadership, and the future of connection.

We explore this through unexpected lenses. The Jetsons imagined a tech driven future but missed how innovation would isolate us. Brené Brown's Four Types of Power show up in neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces in ways that shape who belongs. Third places have faded even though they once held the social fabric together. The simple invention of the garage door opener quietly rewired how we relate to the people living closest to us. And now AI may push social media toward the same tech graveyard that holds MySpace.

From cul de sacs and alleyway conversations to curated feeds and disappearing gathering spots, we look at how the built environment, consumer behavior, and digital design have reshaped what it means to be neighbors. We revisit ideas like the Shultz Hour, a reminder that time is something we guard even as technology keeps asking for more of it. Because at the heart of authentic leadership and authentic community is permission. Permission to disconnect, to choose presence over distraction, and to rebuild a sense of belonging that no algorithm can predict.

00:00 The Changing Landscape of Community

08:02 The Impact of Urban Design on Community Interaction

13:44 Algorithms vs. Neighbors: The New Social Dynamics

22:12 The Role of Third Places in Community Building

27:42 Power Dynamics in Community Engagement

38:35 The Future of Social Media and Community Connection

42:07 The Commoditization of Attention

46:50 The Importance of Storytelling in Community

51:22 AI's Role in the Future of Social Media

56:46 Navigating Relationships in a Digital Age

01:00:19 Authenticity in a Fake World

01:07:55 The Trade-off Between Connection and Convenience

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 16: Wake-Up Calls and What Actually Works Nov 11, 2025

#AuthenticityFM #LocalGovernment #LeadershipWellness #PublicService #CityManagement

When did we all become people with dashboards for our bodies? A1Cs, cholesterol, sleep scores, resting heart rates. We manage complex budgets and organizations, but managing our own health? That might be the hardest part.

In this episode, we get honest about what it really takes to stay upright in this profession. Phil opens up about living with Type 1 diabetes for nearly 20 years and maintaining a 1,165-day run streak. Corri shares her wake-up call and the recovery that followed. Mike talks about hot yoga at 105 degrees, the superpower of sleep, and the gift of good genetics.

The conversation moves from personal health stories into deeper territory. The phone calls that happen during dog walks. The professional courage it takes to say "it can wait." The mindset shift happening across local government from transactional service delivery to relational community building. Because how we show up for ourselves directly shapes how we show up for our communities. We talk about why younger professionals need to build sustainable practices now, because maintaining wellness is so much easier than regaining it.

Phil also shares what November means to him, including his family's story of courage that shaped his entire local government career.

This is health and wellness for local government professionals, not the Instagram version. Heart rates, blood sugar, boundaries, and the messy truth about trying to lead a community when you're running on empty.

00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness in Professional Life

02:49 Personal Health Journeys and Challenges

08:07 The Importance of Setting Boundaries

12:27 Managing Chronic Conditions and Self-Advocacy

22:35 Understanding Diabetes: Type 1 vs Type 2

30:29 The Role of Technology in Health Monitoring

35:49 Finding Balance: Data, Health, and Personal Growth

52:59 Setting Boundaries in Professional Relationships

01:08:56 Rethinking City Hall Operations

01:11:18 Raising Awareness for Diabetes

AuthenitiCity FM, Episode 15: Compass, Curiosity, and a Career Well-Lived with Craig Rapp Nov 04, 2025

What does 48 years in local government teach you about leadership, reinvention, and staying authentically yourself? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rapp, consultant, mentor, and creator of Compass Peer Groups, for a conversation that spans from his first job as a 25-year-old city administrator to his current work supporting the next generation of local government leaders.

Craig takes us through two remarkable halves of his career: the first 22 years as a striver in city management, and the last 25 years as a seeker navigating consulting, face plants, learning curves, and ultimately building something meaningful. Along the way, we explore the unexpected connections between Canadian tuxedos, Gordon Lightfoot, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, bow ties, and the leadership frameworks that shaped Craig's journey.

We dig into the messy middle of career transitions, the courage it takes to reinvent yourself at any age, the power of peer support, and why putting the ladder back down matters more than pulling it up. Craig shares wisdom about navigating failure, staying curious, and being a person of your time while still pushing forward into new territory (yes, even AI artifacts).

This is a conversation about authenticity, longevity, and what it means to build a career that serves not just yourself, but the profession and the people coming up behind you.

#LocalGovernment #Leadership #CareerReinvention #CityManagement #AuthenticityFM

01:34 Craig Rapp's Journey into Local Government

04:13 Career Transitions and Reinvention

09:48 The Importance of Support Systems

15:33 Authenticity in Professional Life

22:36 The Connection to Ore Boats and Personal History

25:54 Early Influences and Upbringing

29:03 Navigating Political Challenges

37:42 Lessons from Jesse Ventura's Tenure

42:59 Courage in Leadership

48:27 The Importance of Peer Support

58:50 Compass Peer Groups and Their Impact

01:01:06 The Power of Optimism in Leadership

01:04:28 Peer Support: The Backbone of Resilience

01:08:31 Real Stories of Peer Group Impact

01:10:58 Improv and Leadership: A Unique Connection

01:15:39 Imagining Life Beyond City Management

01:21:17 Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders

AuthenitiCity FM, Episode 14: Tips and Tricks for ICMA Tampa Oct 14, 2025

Stories, strategy, and spontaneous connection. This is your guide to transforming five days in Tampa into friendships, insights, and moments that remind you why you love this work.

Whether you're boarding your first plane to an ICMA conference or you're a veteran of twenty, Phil, Mike, and Corri break down how to turn five overwhelming days into career-defining moments. From the anxiety of walking into a room with 5,000 strangers to the magic of hallway conversations that become lifelong friendships, this episode is your honest, practical guide to making ICMA 2025 unforgettable.

The hosts share their own evolution—from sticking close to familiar faces to actively seeking out the most eccentric sessions, from treating keynotes like optional background noise to sitting front row and soaking in every word. They reveal the 10-10-10 rule for conference success, why your badge lanyard matters more than you think, and how to ask questions that create real connection instead of awkward small talk. Mike confesses his technology shortcuts, Corri challenges you to meet people outside your comfort zone, and Phil makes the case for being unapologetically present.

This isn't about maximizing sessions or collecting vendor swag—it's about showing up for a profession that can feel lonely, finding your people, and remembering why this work matters. From Arthur Brooks and Amy Cuddy keynotes to the Mount Rushmore panel of legends, from regional meetings to the expo hall puppies, every detail is an invitation to engage differently.

Plus: Why you should take your badge off when exploring Tampa, the power of handwritten thank-you notes, and an invitation to join the live podcast recording on Monday afternoon.

#ICMA2025 #LocalGovernment #CityManagement #PublicService #Tampa #ProfessionalDevelopment #AuthenticityFM

02:45 Personal Experiences at ICMA Conferences

05:55 Keynote Themes and Speakers

10:23 Navigating the Conference as a Newcomer

19:33 Engaging with Speakers and Networking

27:02 Strategies for Meeting New People

34:46 The Importance of Vendor Interactions

40:33 Setting Goals for the Conference

51:08 Preparing for the Conference Experience

01:00:31 The Value of Keynote Speakers

01:09:05 Closing Thoughts and Final Tips

AuthenitiCity FM, Episode 13: Legacy, Service and the Long View Oct 07, 2025

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with two legends of local government management: John Phillips and Steve Carter. After decades leading communities and another decade as senior advisors mentoring Illinois managers, these veterans share unfiltered insights about what it really takes to sustain a career in public service.

From their first internships in the 1960s and 70s to wrapping up their roles as ILCMA senior advisors, John and Steve discuss the evolving challenges of the profession—from navigating social media storms and changing council dynamics to building trust in university towns and managing multi-jurisdictional relationships. They reveal why they stayed in their communities for 25-30 years when others leave after five, how they built staff cultures that outlasted their tenures, and what it means to show up with integrity when the work gets hard.

This isn't a retirement party—it's a masterclass in relationship building, ethical leadership, and the quiet art of making local government work. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned manager, their stories about hiring good people, maintaining work-life balance, and keeping the code of ethics close will resonate deeply.

#CityManagement #LocalGovernment #PublicService #LeadershipLegacy #ICMA #ILCMA #AuthenticityFM

01:07 Meet the City Management Legends

02:59 The Role of Senior Advisors

08:55 Understanding Downstate Illinois

13:10 Building Networks in City Management

16:06 The Importance of Professional Local Government

17:32 Navigating Modern Communication Challenges

22:19 Evolving Relationship Management

33:11 Reflections on Long-Term Careers in City Management

43:07 Hiring for Values and Integrity

48:41 Evolving Paths to City Management

55:14 Ambassadors of Change in Local Governance

01:02:17 Legacy and Collaboration Beyond Boundaries

01:09:07 The Importance of Work-Life Balance

01:16:08 Reflections on Mentorship and Inspiration

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 12: Listening, Leading, and Letting Go Sep 30, 2025

#AuthentiCityFM #Leadership #Resilience #Creativity #EmotionalIntelligence #GenX #Millenials #GenZ #Homelanders #ArtistArchetype

While seasoned leaders have been perfecting the art of holding things together, the next generation has been quietly mastering something entirely different: the art of making things beautiful. In Part 2 of this conversation, we explore what happens when crisis-forged leadership meets artist-generation innovation.

Through stories of children drawing with grandparents, asking deeper questions at dinner tables, and naturally building inclusive communities, they discover that the Homelanders aren't just surviving the storm—they're learning to dance in it. These digital natives possess emotional intelligence that cuts through professional facades, form communities around shared interests rather than geographic boundaries, and treat creativity not as luxury but as essential processing power.

The conversation moves from theoretical observations to practical implications: What does it mean when vocal tones become the new body language? How do you lead when maps no longer define communities? Why might grandma hobbies be the most strategic thing leaders aren't doing?

But the biggest revelation isn't about generational differences—it's about generational collaboration. As these three leaders grapple with letting go of systems that no longer serve, they realize the Artist Generation isn't waiting for permission to rebuild. They're already creating what comes next, with tools their parents are just beginning to understand.

Raw, hopeful, and surprisingly practical, this episode captures the moment when exhausted leaders discover that the future might not just be in good hands—it might be in better hands than they ever imagined.

00:00 Introduction to the Framework

02:36 Navigating Complexity as a Gen X Manager

04:43 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

08:10 The Role of Curiosity and Courage in Leadership

11:22 Generational Perspectives on Winning and Participation

18:14 Creating a Culture of Care and Curiosity

25:21 The Power of Intuition in Decision Making

30:58 Intergenerational Connections and Learning

37:53 The Impact of Free Speech and Civil Discourse

49:34 Embracing Analog Experiences in a Digital World

01:01:38 The Future of Local Government and Community Engagement

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 11: Leading Through Crisis in the Fourth Turning Sep 23, 2025

#Leadership #Crisis #LocalGovernment #PublicSector #Resilience #AuthentiCityFM

What happens when crisis stops being exceptional and becomes the constant? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Mike, Corri, and Phil explore how two generations now share leadership during what feels like permanent emergency.

Gen X—the latchkey kids who watched the Challenger explosion—learned early that adults couldn't always protect them, developing the radical self-reliance that would serve them through decades of managing the unmanageable. Millennials entered adulthood believing institutions could be reformed, only to have that faith tested by the 2008 financial collapse and everything that followed. Now both generations find themselves leading through COVID, civil unrest, and institutional breakdown, each bringing their own crisis-forged strengths to the work of holding things together.

Through personal stories spanning childhood memories to real-time leadership decisions, they examine how these experiences shaped their approaches to trauma, resilience, and the exhausting work of showing up when systems feel fundamentally broken. But the conversation takes an unexpected turn when they realize something remarkable: while they've been patching and managing, they're raising what generational theorist Neil Howe calls the "Homelanders"—the Artist Generation who may already possess what's needed to rebuild rather than just repair.

Raw and reflective, this episode captures three seasoned leaders confronting a profound question: What if the most courageous thing they could do is finally let go?

Next time: Part 2 explores how the Artist Generation is already showing us what rebuilding looks like—and why that might require us to lean into a little childhood joy.

00:00 Navigating the Chaos of Modern Life

02:59 Generational Reflections: Understanding Gen X

07:48 The Impact of Shared History on Generations

13:02 Crisis and Awakening: The Generational Cycle

18:24 The Weight of Responsibility in a Relentless Era

21:29 Crafting Solutions: The Role of Gen X

25:38 Art as a Unifying Force in Turbulent Times

32:32 Nostalgia and Changing Times

35:37 The Rise of Grandma Hobbies

38:15 Navigating Change and Uncertainty

41:34 Rebuilding and Opportunities Ahead

48:48 Letting Go and Moving Forward

55:36 Courage and Community in Crisis

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 10: Beyond Busy: Barbecue, Barriers & Big Ideas with Nick Kittle Sep 11, 2025

#Innovation #Leadership #Teamwork #LocalGov #PublicService #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

What if the secret to lasting innovation isn't working harder, but working at 85% capacity? What if the best leadership development happens around a smoker instead of a conference room? And what if the biggest barrier to breakthrough thinking is simply being too busy to think?

Join Phil, Corri, and Mike for a conversation with Nick Kittle—innovation expert, barbecue pitmaster, and the guy who's helped over 100 communities stop saying "that's how we've always done it." From building one of the first government innovation offices to creating team-building events that involve actual trust (with your brisket), Nick brings hard-won wisdom about making change stick.

We dig into the messy realities of innovation: Why scarcity and abundance are easier to navigate than the dreaded middle ground. How to spot hidden talent in your organization (especially when they don't see it themselves). The critical difference between innovation and efficiency that most people get backwards. And why the federal chaos might actually make local government more important than ever.

Plus: climbing 14,000-foot peaks for life lessons, the ethics problems stifling government partnerships, and a book full of made-up words that perfectly capture workplace frustrations we all feel but never name.

Whether you're trying to build something new, develop emerging leaders, or just figure out how to do important work without burning out, this episode delivers practical insights wrapped in refreshingly honest conversation.

Like, subscribe, and tell us about your own innovation wins and failures—we're here for the real stories, not the polished ones. This is sustainable change, AuthentiCity-style.

01:45 Sustainable Innovation: An Introduction

06:09 The Journey from Illinois to Colorado

13:35 Navigating the Middle Ground of Innovation

17:12 The Future of Local Government: Opportunities and Challenges

23:50 Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

32:18 Identifying Hidden Talent in Organizations

35:25 Balancing Commitment and Capacity

38:23 Innovation vs. Efficiency in Overworked Teams

46:33 Books That Shape Leadership Thinking

49:10 The Creative Process and Brainstorming

57:30 Climbing Colorado's 14ers: Lessons from the Mountains

01:00:29 Barbecue as a Team-Building Experience

01:18:15 Navigating Disruption in Local Government

01:22:32 The Power of Creativity in Language and Humor

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 9: Pilots, Pivots, and Permission to Change Sep 04, 2025

#Leadership #Adaptation #DecisionMaking #LocalGov #PublicService #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

What if leadership isn’t about what you build, but how you decide what’s worth keeping, changing, or letting go? In this “living lab” episode, the AuthentiCity FM crew gets real about what to measure, what to reimagine, and why sometimes the hardest part is asking the right questions—about your work, your team, or even your own podcast.

Join us for honest conversations around pilot projects, creative risks, feedback that stings (and inspires), and the very real challenges of adapting before it’s too late. From data dives and Target runs to unexpected lessons in community, we unpack the practical side of growth, value, and leading with curiosity.

Whether you lead a team, run a city, or just want to do your work better, this episode is packed with honest insights, vulnerable stories, and the courage it takes to hit “pause,” scale up, or try something totally new.

Like, subscribe, and send us your big questions—especially the ones with no easy answers. This is decision-making, AuthentiCity-style.

#Leadership #Adaptation #DecisionMaking #LocalGov #PublicService #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

00:00 The Test of Leadership

08:37 Data Insights and Listener Demographics

18:42 Defining Outreach vs Engagement

30:03 Falling in Love with Your Community

38:54 Taking the Hatchet: When to Let Go

44:55 Are We Asking the Right Questions?

46:39 Creativity in Hierarchies: Welcoming Disruptive Voices

55:36 The Perils of Standing Still

1:03:16 Scaling Up: From Fun Project to Something More

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 8: Rivalries, Resilience, and Real Leadership with Victor Cardenas Aug 28, 2025

#Resilience #PublicSector #LocalGov #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity When Midwest leadership collides with sports rivalries, team transitions, and a touch of Detroit flair, you get an episode that’s anything but ordinary.

What happens when city management meets football fandom, career leaps, and a wardrobe bursting with Motor City spirit? This episode takes listeners inside the real-life journey from aspiring public servant to the "big chair" in city government, offering candid stories, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter along the way.

Discover how stepping up—whether to lead a team through change, adapt from medium-sized municipal life to small-town multitasking, or navigate the uncharted waters of crisis—builds authentic leadership and resilience. You’ll hear how trust is built in city hall and the local barber shop, why small towns run on relationships, and what it truly means to show up for a community in moments big and small.

Sports rivalries and fashion statements spark friendly debate, but the heart of this episode lies in its exploration of fiscal stewardship, infrastructure investment, international connections, and the creative ways local leaders keep teams united and communities thriving.

Above all, it’s a fast-paced, joy-filled look at the magic that happens when community spirit, organizational growth, and a healthy dose of humor come together in the heart of the Midwest—reminding us that the most meaningful leadership stories are often a blend of grit, grace, and a wardrobe change or two.

02:24 Victor Cardenas: Journey into Local Government

05:17 Transitioning from Assistant to City Manager

08:16 The Challenges of Small Town Management

11:27 Economic Development in Novi

19:37 Navigating Relationships as a City Manager

22:29 Pushing Boundaries in Leadership

28:00 Global Connections and Cultural Experiences

31:23 Navigating Board Service During COVID

35:20 Reflections on Service and Leadership

52:03 Cultural Connections and Community Involvement

56:50 The Importance of International Collaboration

58:10 Sports Rivalries and Community Spirit

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 7: Recruitment: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why it Matters Aug 21, 2025

#Recruitment #PublicSector #LocalGov #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

City managers, directors, and department heads don’t just appear—they’re recruited, chosen, and tested under pressure. Recruiting these top leaders for local government has never been more complex—or more urgent. In this episode of Authenticity FM, we’re joined by Charlene Stevens, Vice President of Human Capital at MGT and a veteran executive recruiter who’s seen every angle of the hiring table. With communities facing waves of retirement, rising expectations, and candidate pools that look nothing like they did a decade ago, how do you actually find the right leader—and what really works in high-stakes recruitment?

Phil, Corri, and Mike dig into today’s realities with Charlene, exploring everything from the challenge of attracting great candidates and the influence of social media, to the tension between internal and national searches and the surprising ways mentorship shapes careers. Whether you’ve been through a city manager search or you’re thinking about your next step in public service, you’ll find unfiltered perspectives on what’s changing, what’s challenging, and the practical strategies that can set both organizations and candidates up for success.

00:00 The Importance of Executive Recruitment in Local Government

01:30 Charlene Stevens: A Journey Through Public Sector Recruitment

04:18 Current Trends in Executive Recruitment

06:28 Navigating Internal vs. External Candidates

11:44 Generational Shifts in Local Government Recruitment

15:29 Addressing Reputation Issues in Recruitment

18:58 Understanding Governing Body Dynamics

29:56 Negotiating Offers: The Role of the Recruiter

37:52 Navigating Candidate Communication

43:10 Common Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

50:19 Mentorship and Talent Spotting

56:27 Networking and Building Professional Relationships

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 6: Moves, Mentors, and Members Matter Aug 18, 2025

#Resilience #Vulnerability #LocalGov #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthentiCityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

What does it really take to keep showing up—at work, at home, and in the moments that test your limits? This episode is all heart, laughter, and honesty, as the team dives into moving families mid-pandemic, balancing burnout and big ambition, and the messy business of leading when nobody has all the answers. From boardroom debates and “easy tiger” pep talks to cutting grass at wild angles and learning reverse mentorship from kids, it’s a conversation that embraces imperfection and proves that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s the secret sauce.

If you’ve ever been the “line leader,” felt the pressure to be everything to everyone, or just struggled to find your footing during a year that wouldn’t quit, you’ll find real talk and relatable energy here. Whether you’re chasing career milestones, cheering for your own growth, or just trying to keep your battery charged, this hour is a reminder: bring your whole self, laugh at your missteps, and never underestimate the power of a good team.

00:00 Introduction to Tanya and Her Journey

13:22 The Role of ICMA and Community Engagement

22:13 Leadership Challenges and Vulnerability

26:47 The Importance of Authenticity

34:46 Stewardship of Democracy in Leadership

38:51 The Need for Personal Breaks

53:07 Advice for Young Leaders

56:41 The Power of Open Disagreement

01:00:05 Leadership and Cultivating Others

01:04:58 Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength

01:12:19 Reverse Mentoring and Learning from the Next Generation

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 5: Civility, Safety, and Showing Up Aug 07, 2025

#Civility #Safety #Resilience #LocalGovernment #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthenticityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

What happens when the boundaries of public debate break down and incivility becomes the norm? In this episode, the AuthentiCity FM team takes a candid look at the real-world impact of rising hostility, personal attacks, and threats faced by public servants—and explores how leaders can hold the line on civility, safety, and simply showing up in their communities.

Through honest stories and frank reflection, Corri, Mike, and Phil talk about what’s driving this new intensity, the toll it takes on local leaders at every level, and what it means for the future of local government. The conversation digs into why civility still matters, how to build real resilience on the front lines of public service, and how safety—both emotional and physical—has become a central concern for those who choose to serve.

Along the way, you’ll find moments of vulnerability, camaraderie, practical advice, and even a bit of nostalgia (yes, there’s a Gargamel glass cameo!)—reminding us that showing up authentically is as important as the work itself.

00:00 Introduction to Incivility in Local Government

02:58 The Impact of Threats and Harassment

06:37 Personal Experiences and Reflections

09:56 The Role of Social Media in Public Discourse

14:29 Learning to Disconnect from Negativity

20:01 The Crisis in Local Governance

25:12 Building Resilience in Public Service

30:09 The Importance of Community Support

34:00 Strategies for Civil Discourse

39:07 The Role of Storytelling in Governance

53:13 Finding Hope and Moving Forward

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 4: Talent, Timing, and Turning Points Jul 31, 2025

#LocalGovernment #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthenticityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

Join hosts Phil, Corri, and Mike as they dig deep into the transformative power of mentorship—the core relationships that shape careers, communities, and confidence. In this episode, the team shares personal stories, explores the evolving definitions of mentorship across generations, and uncovers the small nudges and tough lessons that unlock hidden potential.

Discover why the best opportunities often come from someone else recognizing your talents before you do. Learn about the changing nature of mentorship: from traditional, top-down models to collaborative, boundaryless connections fueled by curiosity and technology. You’ll hear about reverse mentorship, generational shifts, and practical advice for finding and becoming great mentors in local government and beyond.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging professional, or just seeking inspiration for your next chapter, this conversation will challenge how you think about guidance, purpose, and growth. Tune in for real talk, a few laughs, and powerful takeaways that might just change how you see the journey ahead.

Sound Bites

"Behind every success story, there's usually a mentor who made a difference."

"Mentorship is more than advice. It’s about recognizing talent and encouraging growth."

"Good mentors help us see potential we didn’t see in ourselves."

"Mentorship is not a one-way street. We derive as much as we give."

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Mentorship

06:03 Personal Stories of Mentorship

13:33 Generational Perspectives on Mentorship

20:54 Navigating Mentorship in Leadership Roles

26:42 Technology and Mentorship Across Generations

29:59 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Engagement

35:28 Purpose-Driven Work and Reverse Mentorship

38:44 Building Connections and Strategic Networking

45:06 Curiosity and the Role of AI in Mentorship

50:55 Nostalgia and Childhood Memories

58:46 The Importance of Mentorship and Support

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 3: Nostalgia, Networks, and New Narratives Jul 24, 2025

#LocalGovernment #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthenticityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

In Episode 3 of AuthentiCity FM, join hosts Corri Spiegel, Phil Kiraly, and Mike Sable as they embark on an exciting exploration of disruption and the intriguing patterns of history. Discover how the age-old adage of "everything old becomes new again" rings true in today’s ever-changing landscape. This discussion highlights the power of launching initiatives even if they aren’t polished and the dynamic evolution of media’s role within local government.

But that’s not all! Tune in to hear about the upcoming ICMA conference, a fantastic opportunity for professional growth and vibrant community engagement. Don’t miss out on an episode brimming with insights into authenticity and the ways we can all contribute to a richer, more connected future.

Authenticity FM, Episode 2: Mother Nature, AI & More Jul 15, 2025

In this episode of Authenticity FM, hosts Phil Kiraly, Corri Spiegel, and Mike Sable discuss the launch of their podcast, the role of AI in their creative process, and the impact of recent natural disasters on communities. They reflect on personal experiences with crises, the importance of networking and support in public service, and the challenges of navigating social media. The conversation emphasizes resilience, collaboration, and the human connection in the face of adversity.

#LocalGovernment #CityManagement #Leadership #Authenticity #AuthenticityFM #RealStories #BoldIdeas #BetterCommunities

AuthentiCity FM, Episode 1: Everything Has a Beginning Jul 09, 2025

Welcome to the inaugural episode of AuthentiCity FM, where we dive into the heart of local government with hosts Corri Spiegel, Mike Sable, and Phil Kiraly. Join us as we explore our unique journeys into city management, share personal stories, and discuss the challenges and triumphs of leading communities. Discover the passion and authenticity that drive us to make a difference, and learn why city management is more crucial than ever in today's complex world. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends humor, insight, and a shared commitment to public service.

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