The Clear Voice features candid talks with City Managers and public sector leaders on growth, council dynamics, and culture. Produced by Clear Career Professionals.
Learn more: clearcareerpro.com
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The Clear Voice features candid talks with City Managers and public sector leaders on growth, council dynamics, and culture. Produced by Clear Career Professionals.
Learn more: clearcareerpro.com
Copyright: © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
In this episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom talks with Clear President Michael Boese and Mark Shrives, Clear Vice President and Northwest Regional Director, about Clear Career Professionals expanding The Clear Way into the Northwest and western United States.
The conversation highlights Clear’s growing ability to serve local governments in Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, California, and surrounding states through municipal executive search, city manager recruitment, strategic planning, emergency preparedness, organizational reviews, and leadership consulting.
Mark shares his journey from military service to city management, including his work in Montana and Oregon, and explains how leadership, planning, budgeting, infrastructure, and personnel management experience can translate into local government. The episode also explores how military veterans can better communicate their experience when pursuing city management and other municipal leadership roles.
Michael and Mark also discuss the Columbia Falls City Manager recruitment, Clear’s people first recruiting process, the importance of live candidate engagement, and why cities benefit from a process that respects both the client and the candidate.
The episode also looks beyond recruiting. Mark’s background with FEMA and emergency management adds depth to Clear’s ability to help cities review preparedness plans, assess risk, test emergency response readiness, and think strategically about mitigation, response, and recovery.
At its core, this episode is about the continued expansion of Clear Career Professionals while staying grounded in the same mission, helping local governments hire better, lead better, plan better, and serve better.
00:00 Introduction to Clear and Its Unique Recruitment Model
05:53 The Importance of Candidate Communication
10:23 Innovative Recruitment Processes at Clear
15:39 Learning from Mistakes in Recruitment
19:55 The Role of Co-founders and Unique Projects
24:09 Leadership Journeys and Team Dynamics
28:19 The Clear Model: Communication and Engagement
29:36 Organizational Reviews and Community Impact
31:35 Diverse Services Offered by Clear
33:19 Podcasting for Community Engagement
35:03 Successful Placements and Community Impact
38:35 Future Directions and Upcoming Projects
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode of The Clear Voice Podcast, hosts James Groom and James Hopper sit down with Marcel Brunel and Dan Newby, authors of Dignity in Leadership. Together they explore how emotional literacy, regulation, and resilience shape effective leadership and healthier organizations.
The conversation highlights why emotions are not inherently good or bad, how emotional regulation helps leaders respond wisely, and how barriers like entitlement, stubbornness, and cynicism undermine culture. Brunel and Newby also discuss the evolution from emotional intelligence to emotional agility, showing how leaders can navigate high-stress environments with greater clarity and compassion.
This episode offers practical insights for leaders who want to strengthen communication, build resilience, and foster workplaces where dignity and well-being thrive.
00:00 Introduction to Dignity and Leadership
02:19 Emotional Literacy in a VUCA World
08:05 The Nature of Emotions: Tools for Leaders
10:16 Myths About Emotions and Leadership
16:25 Developing Emotional Resilience
20:33 Navigating Emotions: Understanding and Leveraging Them
26:11 Identifying Barriers: Common Emotions in Organizations
29:47 Passion vs. Other Emotions: Finding Balance
34:32 Emotional Intelligence: Understanding Self and Others
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode of the Clear Voice podcast, we delve into the intricacies of strategic alignment and community engagement in municipal budgeting. Join James Groom and Michael Boese as they discuss with Kelly Kuenstler, a seasoned city manager, the importance of aligning budget priorities with long-term goals and the role of community input in shaping effective fiscal strategies. Discover how transparency, performance metrics, and public involvement can transform budgeting from a mere process into a powerful tool for community development. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of budget season with confidence and clarity.
Check for open career opportunities on our website: www.clearcareerpro.com
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, we spotlight an exciting leadership opportunity in Bonham, Texas, as the community seeks its next Executive Director of the Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO).
Bonham is a city on the rise with a rich history, framed by natural beauty, and poised for thoughtful growth with the momentum of new development, a downtown slated for a revitalization, a community with a pro-growth mindset, and a strong foundation of civic leadership. Our conversation explores what makes Bonham unique, the vision for its future, and the pivotal role the next Executive Director will play in shaping that growth.
You’ll hear directly about:
The culture of collaboration led by longtime City Manager Sean Pate and the BEDCO Board President Alan McDonald.
Opportunities to expand business recruitment, downtown revitalization, and tourism.
Why this role is hands-on, high-visibility, and designed for a strategic doer who leads with initiative and follow-through.
Whether you’re an experienced economic developer or a leader ready to make a lasting community impact, this episode will help you envision yourself in Bonham, and why now is the right time to step into this career-defining role.
Visit https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities/ to see more information and apply for this position.
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, Clear Vice Presidents Daniel Kistner and Jeff Spivey explore the critical role leadership plays in building a resilient culture by prioritizing both physical and mental wellness. Together, they address issues ranging from occupational cancer exposure and prevention to behavioral health and suicide awareness, and the hidden cultural barriers that prevent safer choices. The conversation also covers the importance of fitness, the personal and organizational impact of line-of-duty deaths, and how leaders can shape a culture that protects both employees and families.
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this PositionCast™ episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom and Michael Boese discuss the Director of Public Works opportunity in Missouri City, Texas with Shashi Kumar, Assistant City Manager and former Public Works Director.
Missouri City is one of the fastest growing communities in Fort Bend County, with a public works department that plays a major role in infrastructure, development review, traffic operations, drainage, emergency management, utilities coordination, and capital project delivery.
Shashi shares insight into Missouri City’s organizational culture, the department’s responsibilities, and the leadership qualities needed for the next Director of Public Works. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation, stakeholder relationships, municipal utility district coordination, and the ability to lead both frontline employees and professional staff.
This episode is especially useful for public works leaders, city engineers, infrastructure professionals, and municipal executives interested in a high impact leadership role in a growing Texas city.
00:00 Introduction to Missouri City and Public Works Director Opportunity
02:36 Shashi Kumar's Professional Journey and Role
05:14 Overview of Missouri City and Its Unique Features
07:48 Public Works Department Responsibilities and Challenges
09:51 Leadership Style and Organizational Culture
12:16 Compensation, Benefits, and Recruitment Process
14:49 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Join us on the Clear Voice podcast as we explore the exciting opportunity to become the City Manager of Freeport, Texas. Discover the vibrant community, the challenges, and the potential for growth in this coastal town. Hear from Mayor Jerry Cain and recruitment experts about what makes Freeport a unique place to lead and leave a lasting impact. Whether you're a visionary leader or a community builder, this episode is your gateway to understanding the role and the future of Freeport. Tune in to learn more about this career-defining opportunity!
00:00:00 Freeport City Manager PositionCast™ Introduction
00:01:51 Mayor Jerry Cain on Freeport and Public Service
00:03:23 Life in Freeport, Beaches, Parks, and Coastal Recreation
00:05:06 City Organization, Culture, and Leadership Fit
00:07:20 Development, Housing, and Freeport’s Next Chapter
00:09:17 Challenges Facing the Next City Manager
00:10:18 Compensation, Benefits, and Application Process
00:13:22 Why Freeport Is a Builder’s Opportunity
00:14:49 The Five to Ten Year Vision for Freeport
00:16:07 Community Events and Quality of Life
00:17:39 Why a Top Leader Should Choose Freeport
00:19:06 Closing Thoughts
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
How Talent Reviews Strengthen Culture and Retention. In this episode, Brian Beasley and Deanna Hendrix explore how employee engagement drives culture and how Talent Reviews give leaders a clear, actionable way to develop top talent, close succession gaps, and strengthen retention.
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, we delve into the rising trend of turnover among city managers and municipal leaders, exploring why some of the most capable professionals walk away from their roles. Hosts James Groom and Michael Boese guide the conversation, unpacking the cultural, leadership, and systemic challenges that contribute to burnout and resignation. You'll gain insight into the less-discussed reasons, beyond pay, that drive leadership exits, including unrealistic expectations, toxic dynamics, and organizational misalignment.
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This episode highlights the story behind Clear Career Professionals and its mission to reform municipal Recruitment. Hosts James Groom and Michael Boese explore how outdated hiring practices, misused public funds, and candidate frustration inspired a more transparent, values-driven approach. You'll hear how Clear's co-founders leveraged their deep municipal experience to design a process focused on clarity, integrity, and results, reshaping the recruitment experience for both candidates and communities.
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.