LMC City Speak

Latest Episodes:

You Can Accomplish Big Things in a Small City Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Evan Vogel worked in state government before shifting to city administrator in Cambridge. Hear how he strives to make big things happen in his small city and creates a culture of appreciation for the hard work and talent of his city's staff. Episode transcript (pdf)

Holy Mackerel I Need to Plan for This Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

Dianne Miller has worked in Eagan for 20 years — first as an intern now as city administrator. She shares her leadership journey and how being curious helped build her expertise and how setting boundaries brought balance to her life. Episode transcript (pdf).

Balancing My Core Values Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

Laurie Hokkanen worked for Chanhassen and moved on to several other roles and cities before returning to Chanhassen as the current city manager. Hear how those experiences helped build her confidence, understand the difference between formal and informal leadership, and reinforce the importance of staying true to her core values. Episode transcript (pdf).

From 545 Bosses to 5 Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Torkelson shares her career transition from working in the Library of Congress to her new role as city administrator in Olivia. Hear how her experience at the federal level taught her the importance of being a resource and building relationships at the local level, and also how to distinguish between an ear and a cob of corn. Episode transcript (pdf)

I Felt Like I Could Do More in Public Service Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

Sharon Hanson shares how she took on the first county coordinator position with Pipestone County and after 13 years there decided to make the leap to become the Marshall city administrator. Hear why she made the switch, and how good communication, teamwork, and strong connections have helped her in her leadership journey. Episode transcript (pdf).

Don't Underestimate the Value of Showing Up Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

Faith Jackson, Bloomington's first chief equity and inclusion officer, is a realist who has had some great successes in her work while also understanding she won't achieve all her goals during her job tenure. Hear how her work in Bloomington is making progress in advancing racial equity and helping all residents feel they belong. Learn ways leaders can contribute by being visible in the work and making connections in their community. Episode transcript (pdf).

Life Taught Me That I Have to Be Strong Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

Mankato Mayor Najwa Massad shares how her experiences as an immigrant and small business owner shaped her outlook on life and her role as mayor. Hear how living in a war zone, starting over in Mankato, and working in hospitality helped her learn to be strong, to lead by example, and realize nothing is impossible. Episode transcript (pdf).

Bringing Fresh Eyes to the White Bear Way Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

When Lindy Crawford became the city manager of White Bear Lake two years ago, she shifted from being an expert on many things to managing and leading the experts. Hear how she handled that transition and allowed staff and officials time to adapt to change while bringing a fresh set of ideas and opportunities for growth. Episode transcript (pdf).

Learning to Get Out of the Way Sep 15, 2023

Show notes

Brad Martens transitioned from working in a small community where he wore many hats to being the city manager in Shoreview with long-tenured department heads. Hear how he learned to get out of the way and let the experts do their jobs, honor their work as they retire, and thoughtfully choreograph how to move forward. Episode Transcript (pdf)

Grateful for Guidance Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

Duluth Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman shares how having a network of city leaders was instrumental in helping him when starting out in his career in city government and when he made an unconventional career shift. Learn how he cracked the code on the importance of getting and giving guidance and the impact it's had on his city leadership journey. Episode Transcript (pdf)

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