City Manager Austin Bleess of Jersey Village, Texas has helped secure more than 31 million dollars in grant funding for his community, but his real impact comes from the culture he has built along the way. In this episode of The Clear Voice, Austin joins host James Groom and Clear Career Professionals President Michael Boese to talk about what it takes to win grants, manage them effectively, and use them to strengthen city operations rather than stretch them thin. From practical tips on preparation and data tracking to lessons in leadership and team engagement, Austin shares how purpose...

The latest episode of The Clear Voice spotlights the Finance Director opportunity in Rockdale, Texas, featuring City Manager Tim Kelty and Clear Career Professionals Vice President Kelly Kuenstler. They discuss how the role anchors a growing organization by managing core budgeting, accounting, utility billing, and financial reporting functions while partnering closely with the City Manager and department heads. The Finance Director leads the finance and utility billing team and supports a budget that includes a general fund of about 6.13 million dollars, enterprise funds totaling about 7.5...

On this episode of The Clear Voice Podcast, James Groom is joined by Interim Fire Chief Patty Faulkner, City Manager James Fisher, and Clear President Michael Boese to discuss the leadership opportunity to become Levelland’s next Fire Chief. Listeners will hear how the city’s supportive council, family-like culture, and strong community spirit make Levelland a rare and rewarding place to serve. From stories of resilience during disaster recovery to the city’s forward-looking vision for growth, this conversation shows why Levelland is a special place to lead. If you or someone you know is...

Technology is moving faster than ever and it is reshaping how cities and public safety organizations operate. From cloud solutions and AI to the constant threat of cyberattacks, leaders are being asked to make decisions that impact not just efficiency but also trust, safety, and the future of their communities. In this episode of The Clear Voice, we speak with retired Deputy Chief Ken Myers who recently founded Blue Logic Consulting Group with the goal of providing support to government agencies on the tech side. We dive into the intersection of leadership and technology, exploring how...

In this episode of the Clear Voice Podcast, we sit down with leaders from the Crisis Center to highlight the critical services they provide to survivors of abuse and the community as a whole. From coordinating with law enforcement and the criminal justice system to reduce trauma for survivors, to delivering prevention and awareness training in schools, churches, and civic groups, the Crisis Center is at the forefront of protecting children and supporting families in Matagorda and Wharton Counties. We also talk about their current search for a Training Coordinator—a unique opportunity that...

AI is no longer a distant idea. It’s here shaping how we live, work, and lead. But what does that really mean for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s leaders? In this episode of The Clear Voice Podcast, James Groom and James Hopper sit down with Dr. Victoria Fudge to explore the promises and challenges of AI. From education to workforce transformation, and from leadership to everyday skills, the conversation unpacks what we all need to know to stay ahead in a changing world. For more information or to connect with Clear Career Professionals, visit https://clearcareerpro.com Career Opportunities...

In this episode of the Clear Voice podcast, we explore the journey of Mark Shrives, a former military officer turned city manager. Joined by Clear's President, Michael Boese, and host James Groom, the conversation delves into the unique skills military veterans bring to local government roles and the importance of a people-first approach in transforming organizational culture. Discover how Clear is expanding into the Northwest, impacting communities, and fostering leadership with a focus on putting people first. To see our current recruitments or contact Clear for information about services...

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...

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...

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...