Episodes
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John Masley and I discussed VAC-CON's new social media strategy, focusing on micro-influencer sales reps creating authentic content to increase brand awareness and educate potential clients within the construction industry. This strategy prioritizes consistent posting across platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, even with minimal equipment, to bridge the knowledge gap and build trust. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
For more from John: https://linktr.ee/vacconjohn -
Amir Cahn, CEO of SWAN Forum, presented Swan's mission to accelerate global smart water innovation through a utility-driven, collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of human factors and addressing legacy companies' adaptation to technological advancements. We talked about action versus discussion, prompting Cahn to highlight the need for regional context and stakeholder trust. Swan plans to expand its reach, potentially incorporating a dedicated academy for e-learning and upskilling. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
For more: http://www.swan-forum.com/ -
Episodes manquant?
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Danielle is the Owner of Upskilled Consulting and in the episode we discussed the skilled trades labor shortage, emphasizing effective onboarding (30-60-90 day plans, ride-alongs), mentorship, and blended (in-person and virtual) training strategies to address it. We highlighted the need for measuring training ROI through metrics like video views and skill acquisition, building internal video libraries, and utilizing exit interviews and succession planning for knowledge retention and proactive talent development. Give the episdoe and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionasl.
For more: http://www.upskilledconsulting.com/ -
Mike McNutt: Public Affairs and Communications Manager at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in California. In this episode he detailed his multifaceted role encompassing media relations, crisis communication, and community engagement, highlighting the challenges of building public trust amidst declining confidence in government and misinformation. He discussed strategies for effective communication during crises (wildfires, active shooter situations, the pandemic) and emphasized the importance of clear, concise messaging tailored to diverse community demographics and the unique challenges of communicating about water resources during emergencies. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Ernest is A Senior Executive Recruiter at the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities in Washington. In this episode we discussed the challenges and strategies of recruiting for executive-level positions within Seattle Public Utilities, highlighting the importance of aligning candidates with the organization's mission and addressing ageism and other biases in the process. We explored strategies for attracting and retaining talent, including outreach to diverse groups and leveraging existing employees' institutional knowledge, along with the impact of salary transparency and crafting engaging job descriptions. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Keeli is the Water Policy Program Manager at Seminole County Government in Florida. In this episode we discussed her role in developing holistic water policies, current projects focusing on stakeholder engagement and internal water audits, and the challenges of limited staffing and funding. Her career progression, emphasizing communication and collaboration skills honed through diverse experiences, including teaching and land management, was also highlighted, along with the importance of mentorship and proactive issue resolution. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Adib is the Water & Sewer Utilities Engineer at City of Tukwila in Washington. This episodes chat is regarding Altal's career path, daily responsibilities, and essential skills in the field. He highlighted the importance of communication, addressing misconceptions about public works, and the challenges of inadequate funding and aging infrastructure. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Stephen Sanders is the Head Trainer at The Environmental Training Center at Morrisville State, Morrisville NY. In this episode we discussed challenges in the water industry, including workforce aging, recruitment difficulties, and negative public perception. We explored solutions such as simplifying certification processes, improving community relations through clear communication, and emphasizing the industry's positive community impact. Next steps include implementing improved recruitment and training strategies, focusing on community relations rather than solely public relations. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Jordan is the Environmental Specialist II | Wastewater & Water Community North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in Charlotte North Carolina. In this episode she detailed her career path, emphasizing the importance of internships and entry-level positions, and shared experiences highlighting accountability and regulatory work. We discussed professional development strategies, the need for better knowledge transfer between generations in the environmental field, and concerns about AI's environmental impact. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Matthew is the Co-Founder/CEO PSD Citywide Inc. In this episode we chat about how PSD CityWide came to fruition and what it has evolved into over the years. We cover topics like software vs hardware and also how a company can get traction with municipalities. We also discuss how one can stay fit during the rigourous travel schedule of a high-performing CEO. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
For more: http://psdcitywide.com/ -
Dustin is the Streets Operations Manager at the City of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. In this episode we dive into show removal, finding and keeping talent, how to keep talent busy in extreme weather and more. We also dive into his career path and how he got into the public sector. We talk about the ups and downs of his career and what has made him who he is today. His billboard would simply read: "Be Patient." Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Jamel is the Water Treatment Plant Operator at Bargersvilles North Water Plant in Indiana. In this episode we chat about how he made his way into Water Treatment and all the skills he picked up on the way. We also dive into Apprenticeship and what it can look like for aspiring operators. We also covered topics like Faith, the ability to learn and misconceptions. Jamel wants us all to "Be a river not a resevior." Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Shahad is the Assistant Director of Public Works, Transportation, & Capital Development at the City of Duncanville in Texas. In this episode we chat about how she chose her career despite societal and familial expectations. The 3 skillsets Shahad recommends one possess for success are: Problem solving, communication and patience. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Natalie Galgano is the Senior Manager at Municipal Accounts & Consulting in Arizona. In this episode we chat about what problems she solves at MAC and what the common issues special districts have in regards to Accounting. We also chat about regulations and the struggle of keeping clients informed on State and Federal changes. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
For more about Natalie: https://municipalaccounts.com/ -
Mark is the Operations and Maintenance Manager at West County Wastewater District in Richmond California. In this episode we talk about Mark's career in Wastewater and the route he took to get to where he currently is. We talk about WCWD's area of service and how it was decied. Mark wants us to know that its ok to "specialize" and also the concept of "Toilet to Tap." Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Travis Fisher is the Wastewater Collections Supervisor at The City of Simi Valley in California. In this episode we chat about betting on oneself and having grit as a skillset in this industry. We also cover topics like CWEA and adopting new technologies as a Supervisor. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professional.
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Travis Walbeck is the Assistant Director for Training and Outreach for NCAT located at Auburn University. In this episode we talk about what NCAT is and what thier mission is about. We talk about the state of the Asphalt industry and where is may be going. We alse cover topics like Research, Testing and Training. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
For more info go to: https://eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/ncat/about/index.html -
Phillip Brown: Water/Wastewater/Stormwater Superintendent at The City of Jacksonville Beach in Florida. In this episode we chat about his love for travel and where he would see himself operating overseas. Also we cover topics like Legislation and Rulemaking in the water field. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Rob Pluta is the Sewer Foreman at City of Highland Park, Illinois. In this episode Rob and I chat about how he handles generational differences within his department and also how they find new talent in the industry. We also cover topics like Being Patient and Seeking Feedback. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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Margaret is the Chief Public Works Officer for City and County of Denver Deputy Manager For Department of Transportation and Infrastructure at City and County of Denver. In this episode we chat about her career path and how she became Chief Public Works Officer with 12,000 employees. We also chat about APWA and its Emerging Leaders Academy. Margaret wants us all to "Get involved and Communicate." Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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