Unmuted: Voices of Leaders

Kellye and Charisse explore the complex relationship between structure and freedom in leadership. They discuss the importance of finding a balance between being overly structured and too loose, emphasizing that both extremes can lead to feelings of being stuck. The conversation delves into the concepts of outer and inner structure, the rhythm framework of anchors, focus blocks, and margins, and the necessity of adapting one's structure to align with personal energy and creativity. Ultimately, they advocate for a dynamic approach to structure that supports individual growth and well-being.TakeawaysBoth too much and too little structure can lead to feeling stuck.Structure should feel personal and designed around your energy.Outer structure is visible; inner structure is about mindset and clarity.Structure is not the goal; it should support your growth.Margins in your schedule are essential for creativity and renewal.Understanding your energy patterns can help in structuring your day.Seasons of life require different types of structure.Integration of all life pieces is more important than balance.Structure should adapt as you evolve in your leadership journey.Creating a rhythm in your life leads to sustainable leadership.Chapters00:00 Navigating Structure in Leadership02:52 The Balance of Control and Capacity05:38 Understanding Outer and Inner Structure08:13 The Rhythm Framework: Anchors, Focus Blocks, and Margins11:26 Seasons of Structure: Adapting to Change14:17 Energy Over Time: Finding Your Flow16:50 Integrating Structure and Rhythm19:37 Conclusion: Structure as Support, Not Constraint

In this heartfelt episode, Charisse helps Kellye share the profound impact her grandfather, Paw Paw, had on her life and leadership philosophy. As Kellye reflects on his legacy, she highlights the lessons of scrappiness, resourcefulness, and the importance of humor in leadership. Through personal anecdotes, Kellye illustrates how Paw Paw's unconditional love and support shaped her understanding of leadership and resilience. This conversation serves as a tribute to the values he instilled in her and the lasting influence he has on her approach to life and work.TakeawaysPaw Paw embodied the essence of being scrappy in leadership.Scrappiness means doing whatever it takes to accomplish something.Resourcefulness is key; it's not always about strength.Humor plays a vital role in leadership and problem-solving.Leadership is not about perfection; it's about persistence.You can rearrange and adapt to fit your goals.Unconditional love fosters confidence and belief in oneself.Every challenge can be approached with creativity and flexibility.The importance of community and helping others in need.Leadership requires humanity and understanding. Chapters00:00 Remembering Paw Paw: A Personal Tribute04:36 The Meaning of Being Scrappy06:21 Lessons in Resourcefulness and Flexibility09:26 Helping Others: Paw Paw's Legacy of Service11:28 Life Lessons from a Car Accident14:03 Leadership Beyond Perfection15:19 The Unconditional Love of Paw Paw16:23 Final Thoughts: Leadership with Humor

Kellye and Charisse discuss the detrimental effects of constant notifications on focus and decision-making for city leaders. They explore the neuroscience behind distractions, the concept of decision fatigue, and the importance of creating a culture that prioritizes deep work. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for managing distractions, including auditing notifications, batching tasks, and establishing boundaries to reclaim focus and enhance leadership effectiveness.TakeawaysConstant notifications create a dopamine loop that distracts the brain.It takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction.Burnout is often a result of mental fatigue from constant interruptions.95% of notifications are not urgent and can be ignored.Leaders model behavior for their teams, impacting organizational culture.Setting boundaries around notifications can improve focus and productivity.Auditing notifications helps identify which are beneficial and which are distracting.Batching tasks can help maintain focus and reduce interruptions.Creating rituals for deep work can enhance creativity and problem-solving.Turning off notifications can significantly reduce decision fatigue.Chapters00:00 The Impact of Notifications on Focus10:41 Strategies for Managing Distractions20:50 Reclaiming Leadership Through Focus

Kellye and Charisse discuss the impact of language, particularly the misuse of terms like gaslighting, narcissism, and trauma. They emphasize the importance of using precise language to avoid diluting the meaning of these serious concepts and the potential harm that can arise from casual usage. The conversation explores the consequences of mislabeling behaviors and the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. The hosts also offer practical solutions for communicating more effectively and mindfully.TakeawaysThe words we choose shape our perceptions and interactions.Misusing mental health terms can dilute their meaning and impact.Gaslighting is a serious form of manipulation, not just a casual insult.Trauma has lasting effects and should not be trivialized.Labels like narcissist and sociopath carry significant stigma.Casual language can lead to misunderstandings and misdiagnosis.Effective communication requires specificity and clarity.Staying curious can help avoid jumping to conclusions.Words can either heal or harm, depending on their use.Mindful language is essential for supporting those in need.Sound Bites"Words shape how we see ourselves.""Misusing terms increases stigma.""Use your words with care."Chapters00:00 The Power of Language in Mental Health03:23 Understanding Key Terms: Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Trauma05:49 The Impact of Misusing Mental Health Terminology08:06 The Consequences of Casual Labels10:24 Moving Towards Better Communication13:25 Practical Solutions for Thoughtful Language

Kellye and Charisse explore the complex decision-making process leaders face when considering whether to stay in their current roles or move on. They discuss the importance of aligning personal values with organizational culture, recognizing signs of misalignment, and the emotional and physical toll that such decisions can take. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-reflection, courage, and practical steps to navigate these challenging crossroads in leadership.TakeawaysThe decision to stay or go is deeply personal.Our bodies often signal misalignment before our minds do.Not every rough patch in a job means it's time to leave.Compromising values can erode your leadership effectiveness.Courage is about acting in the face of fear.Reflect on what your health is telling you about your work environment.Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining well-being.Engagement comes from aligning personal and organizational values.It's important to seek support from mentors or peers during transitions.Your values should guide your decisions in leadership.Chapters00:00 The Crossroads of Leadership: Stay or Go?09:04 Navigating the Reckoning: Courageous Choices17:55 Health and Values: The Body's Signals21:40 Practical Steps for Decision-Making

Charisse interviews Kellye Mazzoli, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an assistant city manager and eventually transitioning into coaching. She discusses the significant influences in her life, the importance of education, and the role of mentorship in shaping her career. Kellye reflects on the challenges faced in city management, including navigating media scrutiny and the personal battles of leadership. She emphasizes the need for resilience, emotional intelligence, and intentionality in leadership roles. As she looks to the future, Kellye expresses her desire to help others in the field of city management and to create a supportive community for leaders.TakeawaysKellye's childhood was marked by instability, but also strong influences from her mother and grandfather.Education was seen as a pathway to stability and success for Kellye.Mentorship played a crucial role in Kellye's career development.City management involves navigating complex relationships and media scrutiny.Leaders often face personal battles that are not openly discussed.Burnout is not just about workload, but also about emotional and mental fatigue.Resilience is critical for leaders to manage their responsibilities effectively.Kellye transitioned to coaching to have a broader impact on city leaders.Intentionality in leadership is essential for personal and professional fulfillment.Kellye believes that circumstances do not define one's path; choices do.Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Kellye's Early Life04:51 Education as a Path to Stability08:58 Navigating City Management: Challenges and Lessons13:20 The Personal Battle of Leadership20:36 Transitioning to Coaching: A New Chapter23:41 Aspirations for the Future30:13 A Lesson for Leaders

Kellye and Charisse explore the concept of discomfort as a necessary component of growth, particularly in leadership roles. They discuss the allure of comfort and its potential to stifle innovation and progress. The conversation delves into various types of discomfort—identity, skill, and relational—and how embracing these challenges can lead to personal and professional development. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for reframing discomfort as a pathway to growth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signals that indicate it's time to step out of one's comfort zone.TakeawaysDiscomfort is essential for growth and leadership.Comfort can lead to stagnation and lack of innovation.Embracing discomfort can build community trust.Identity, skill, and relational discomfort are key areas to explore.Reframing discomfort as a signal for growth is crucial.Building tolerance for discomfort is a gradual process.Recognizing personal signals of coziness can prompt growth.Discomfort can be seen as a professional currency.You don't need to be fearless to embrace discomfort.Small steps toward discomfort can lead to significant growth.Chapters00:00 The Cost of Cozy: Understanding Discomfort07:23 The Many Faces of Discomfort16:38 Navigating Identity, Skill, and Relational Discomfort21:46 Reframing Discomfort as Growth24:00 Embracing Discomfort for Growth29:06 Building Tolerance to Discomfort34:02 The Cost of Staying Cozy37:52 Choosing Growth Over Comfort

Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical importance of attending conferences for city managers and leaders. They explore the value of networking, the return on investment, and the personal and professional growth that comes from engaging with peers. The conversation emphasizes the need to overcome guilt associated with attending conferences and offers practical tips for maximizing the experience. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace opportunities for connection and recharge their morale through these events.TakeawaysConferences provide essential networking opportunities.Connection is vital for city managers.Attending conferences can lead to fresh ideas.It's important to have candid conversations at conferences.Conferences can recharge your morale and prevent burnout.Planning sessions backwards helps prioritize networking.Building relationships at conferences is crucial for career growth.Overcoming guilt about attending conferences is necessary.Engaging with peers can lead to innovative solutions.Conferences are a valuable investment for personal and professional development.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Getting Out of Town05:26 Connection and Collaboration11:21 Professional Growth and Visibility17:04 Tips for Maximizing Conference Experience22:20 Encouragement to Attend Conferences