The Clear Voice

The Clear Voice is a local government leadership podcast produced by Clear Career Professionals. Each episode explores the real world demands of leadership in cities, counties, and public agencies where growth is accelerating, expectations are rising, and the margin for error is small.We sit down with city managers, police chiefs, fire executives, municipal department heads, consultants, and public sector innovators who have led through crisis, managed rapid development, rebuilt organizational culture, and made high stakes decisions in the public eye. These are honest conversations about public service leadership, not surface level talking points.You will hear about difficult council meetings, community conflict, organizational change, staffing challenges, and the pressure of leading teams that serve entire communities. You will also hear what works, how trust is built, how culture is shaped, and how strong municipal organizations are developed to outlast any one leader.This podcast

The Clear Voice is a government podcast hosted by Clear Career Professionals, with 78 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Clear Career Professionals hosts The Clear Voice, a government show with 78 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #80

  #80 - Better Leadership Starts With Better Followers

  Aug 18, 202643 min

  Organizations spend enormous time and money developing leaders, but how much attention do we give to developing better followers? Rick Chambers, author of Inspired: A Story of Leading, Following, and Changing and creator of Followership Works, joins James Groom to explore why followership may be one of the most overlooked pieces of organizational success. Rick explains how strong followers use critical thinking, self management, coachability, managing up, and constructive dissent to help their leaders, their teams, and themselves become more effective. The conversation explores why followership is not about being a yes person, how employees can influence an organization without formal authority, and why learning to follow well can help prepare someone to lead. Rick and James also discuss respectfully challenging a boss, navigating poor decisions, building trust, knowing when it may be time to leave, and the responsibility every employee has to help advance the organization’s mission. Rick closes with the trim tab analogy, a reminder that even someone without the title or authority can help turn the entire ship. Chapters: 00:00 The Power of the Trim Tab 03:05 What Is Followership? 04:53 Learning to Influence Without Authority 09:52 Why We Train Leaders but Not Followers 14:30 Managing Up and Constructive Dissent 28:44 How to Respectfully Disagree With Your Boss 34:03 When All Else Fails 40:47 Finding Your Trim Tab Opportunity Connect with Rick Chambers: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/followership/ Followership Works https://followership.works Inspired: A Story of Leading, Following, and Changing https://amzn.to/4zpSe7y 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

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  Episode #79

  #79 - Denison Director of Development Services PositionCast™

  Aug 14, 202636 min

  The City of Denison, Texas, is searching for its next Director of Development Services during a period of significant growth and development. In this PositionCast™, Interim City Manager Renee’ Waggoner discusses the opportunity, Denison’s leadership culture, the Development Services team, and what the successful candidate will need to bring to the role. Topics include: • Leading planning and zoning, building permitting and inspections, neighborhood services and code compliance, and historic preservation. • Managing rapid growth while protecting Denison’s historic character, established neighborhoods, and quality of life. • The approximately 3,200 acre Preston Harbor development along Lake Texoma and other major growth occurring throughout the community. • Building strong relationships with employees, developers, residents, City Council, and community partners. • The leadership style, experience, and approach Denison is seeking in its next director. Salary Range: $150,000 to $170,000, depending on qualifications and experience. First Review: August 24, 2026. Learn more and apply: https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/denison-texas-director-of-development-services-job-posting 00:00 Denison Is the Right Step 01:30 Growth and Opportunity in Denison 02:49 Leadership and Culture at the City 08:04 Managing Growth While Protecting Denison 11:48 The Director of Development Services Role 16:25 Preston Harbor and What’s Ahead 19:39 What Makes Denison Special 27:37 The First 90 Days and Ideal Candidate 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

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  Episode #78

  #78 - Rowlett, Texas City Manager PositionCast™

  Aug 11, 202650 min

  The City of Rowlett, Texas is searching for its next City Manager. In this PositionCast™, Rowlett Mayor Jeff Winget joins James Groom, The Clear Voice host, and Michael Boese, President of Clear Career Professionals and lead recruiter for the search, for an in depth conversation about the community, the organization, and the leadership opportunity ahead. Rowlett is a community of nearly 70,000 residents on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The city is entering an important period of transition, with significant opportunities in economic development, organizational culture, infrastructure, capital projects, and community growth. Mayor Winget discusses the City Council’s priorities for the next City Manager, including rebuilding trust, strengthening communication, filling key leadership vacancies, developing a positive organizational culture, and moving major projects forward. He also explains why economic development will be critical to Rowlett’s future, including opportunities at Sapphire Bay and in the North Shore area. The conversation also explores several funded capital projects, including a new public safety building, animal shelter, City Hall, and improvements to Herfurth Park. Throughout the episode, Mayor Winget emphasizes the importance of humility, honesty, empathy, communication, and a willingness to listen. The City is looking for a leader who wants to put down roots in Rowlett, build relationships with employees and residents, and help shape the community for years to come. The salary range is $285,000 to $315,000, with a competitive benefits package. Applications are open through August 28, 2026. Learn more about the City Manager opportunity and apply: https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/rowlett-texas-city-manager-job-posting 00:00 Introduction 03:04 Why This Moment Matters for Rowlett 07:12 Leadership, Council, and Community 11:30 Priorities for the Next City Manager 17:14 Economic Development and Rowlett’s Future 21:25 Capital Projects and Growth Opportunities 24:59 Organizational Culture and Rebuilding Trust 28:03 Living and Working in Rowlett 37:40 The Candidate Rowlett Is Looking For 41:21 Why Experienced City Managers Should Consider Rowlett 43:26 Salary, Benefits, and Recruitment Process 47:20 Final Message to Candidates 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

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  Episode #77

  #77 - Plano Grace: Protecting a Community Through Crisis

  Aug 4, 202650 min

  This episode is dedicated to Zackery Mehlman, July 19, 2004 to March 22, 2021, and the more than 350,000 lives lost to the opioid crisis. May their memories strengthen our commitment to preventing further loss. This episode includes discussions of mental health, substance abuse, fentanyl, overdose deaths, and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised. A community crisis cannot be solved by one department, one program, or one enforcement strategy. Aubrey D. Paul, also known as A.D. Paul, joins James Groom and Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese to discuss the experiences behind his memoir, Plano Grace. Aubrey is a retired Plano police sergeant and longtime crisis intervention leader whose career placed him at the center of Plano’s response to heroin addiction and overdose deaths during the 1990s. Aubrey shares how law enforcement, city leadership, schools, hospitals, churches, treatment providers, and other community partners came together during the crisis. He also explains why transparency, collaboration, and treating every person with dignity remain essential when communities confront addiction, mental illness, and other complex challenges. The conversation explores the continued fight against fentanyl, the development of crisis intervention programs, the importance of Narcan access, and the role municipal leaders play in supporting long-term solutions. Aubrey also discusses the personal loss, family struggles, redemption, and faith that shaped his life and inspired him to write Plano Grace. Purchase Plano Grace on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TVWzPs 00:00 Dignity and Respect in Law Enforcement 00:16 Introduction and Content Advisory 02:28 Aubrey D. Paul’s Journey into Law Enforcement 05:07 Leadership and the Growth of Plano 08:13 The Story Behind Plano Grace 14:02 How Plano Responded to a Community Crisis 18:17 Addiction Then and Now 23:30 Communication, Transparency, and the Media 26:29 Encouragement for Frustrated Officers 31:02 Helping a Loved One Facing Addiction 34:35 The Development of Crisis Intervention Teams 39:03 Community Partnerships and Jail Diversion 42:06 Investing in Long-Term Solutions 44:24 Narcan and Overdose Prevention 46:08 Aubrey’s Final Message and Faith Journey 48:53 Continuing to Serve with Purpose 49:43 Closing and Resources 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

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  Episode #76

  #76 - Next Meters Is Making Smart Water Beautifully Simple

  Jul 28, 202643 min

  Ben Jarrett has spent his career around water, first as a professional bass fisherman, then in the boating industry, and now as a Regional Sales Director for Next Meters USA. In this episode of The Clear Voice, Ben joins James Groom to discuss his unconventional career journey and the lessons he learned from fishing, competition, hard work, and conservation. The conversation then moves into the challenges facing municipal water utilities. Ben explains how aging meters can miss usage, how hidden leaks can lead to unexpectedly high bills, and how smart water meters give utilities and customers faster access to accurate information. They also discuss water scarcity, infrastructure planning, meter replacement, customer satisfaction, and the importance of selecting technology that employees can actually understand and use. Ben shares what communities should consider when moving from manual meter reading or drive-by systems to advanced metering infrastructure. For Next Meters, the goal is simple: provide utilities with powerful technology while making smart water beautifully simple. Chapters 00:57 Introduction and Ben’s Career Journey 03:02 From Professional Bass Fishing to the Water Industry 05:54 Work Ethic, Preparation, and Career Lessons 08:29 Meeting Your Heroes and Competing at the Highest Level 10:22 Conservation and Protecting Water Resources 12:07 Water Scarcity and the Role of Smart Metering 14:52 Finding Leaks and Water Loss Faster 16:53 Customer Satisfaction and Usage Awareness 21:13 Aging Meters and Lost Utility Revenue 23:36 Better Data for Rates and Infrastructure Planning 25:09 Moving from Manual Reading to Smart Metering 27:36 Implementing and Maintaining a Smart Meter System 31:10 Choosing the Right Metering Technology 33:25 Why Software and Usability Matter 35:58 Making Smart Water Beautifully Simple 40:41 Encouragement for Utility Professionals Connect with Ben LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-jarrett-288969108/ Email: bjarrett@nextmeters.com Phone: 903-387-3550 Learn More About Next Meters https://nextmeters.com/ 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

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