Community Catalysts

• "Leading with Cariño" with Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer, Las Cruces, New Mexico

  "Leading with Cariño" with Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer, Las Cruces, New Mexico   Description: What does it look like when a city builds compassion into its culture—not as sentiment, but as strategy? Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer of Las Cruces, New Mexico, shares how the city’s philosophy of Cariño—a Spanish word for care and kindness—guides both internal operations and public service. From potholes to policy planning, Bencomo discusses how Las Cruces weaves empathy into everyday governance, and why fostering connection across departments and with residents leads to better outcomes. For leaders striving to build trust in a complex world, this episode offers a powerful reminder: Humanity is not a distraction from effective government—it’s the foundation.   LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• "Leading with Vision in Uncertain Times" with Justin Wilson, Former Mayor, City of Alexandria, Virginia

  In this extended episode recorded live for the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI), former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson offers a candid look at what it means to govern through complexity. Reflecting on his years in office—and on the pressures facing today’s local leaders—Wilson shares insights on public trust, political risk, and the essential role of local government in times of national uncertainty. From managing COVID to navigating federal overreach, he underscores why a clear and shared vision is essential for community resilience. This episode is presented in partnership with the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government.   LINKS Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ODUKBpW_a1g    Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• "Finding Clarity Amid the Clamor" with Kevin Lyons, Co-Founder & CEO, FlashVote

  In a digital age where public dialogue is often drowned out by outrage and misinformation, civic leaders face an urgent challenge: How can they hear—and serve—the whole community, not just the loudest voices? Kevin Lyons, co-founder of FlashVote, joins the conversation to explore what it takes to make local decision-making more representative, responsive, and resilient. From cutting through the clamor of public comment to designing questions that reveal real community priorities, this episode offers a timely roadmap for leaders committed to listening with clarity, not just volume.   LINKS FlashVote:  www.FlashVote.com    Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• "Leading with Purpose and People" with Mayor Mike Oakley of Centerville, Alabama

  Mayor Mike Oakley’s leadership journey spans nearly four decades in military service and now guides his work as mayor of Centerville, Alabama. In the military, leadership meant executing a mission with discipline and precision. In local government, it’s about trust, collaboration, and community-building.  In this episode, he shares how he’s adapted from commanding troops in combat zones to uniting a small town—offering hard-earned insights on teamwork, decision-making, and leading through uncertainty. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• “Service & Sacrifice” with Mayor Brian Vincent, Farmville, VA

  With Memorial Day approaching, we share a personal reflection from our February 11, 2025, conversation with Mayor Brian Vincent of Farmville, VA. After his interview, he spoke about his father, the late Lieutenant Colonel Rick Vincent, U.S. Army—his service, sacrifice, and the profound impact of his legacy. This Memorial Day, let’s reflect on our responsibility as community leaders to honor those who gave their lives and uphold the values they fought to defend.   LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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