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PODCAST

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders

Kellye Mazzoli & Charisse Deschenes

Hosted by Charisse Deschenes and Kellye Mazzoli, Unmuted is the podcast for leaders in local government and public service who want real conversations about the parts of leadership no one talks about. We explore both the challenges and the wins, from navigating burnout to rediscovering purpose, with honesty and heart. Each episode offers candid insights, personal stories, and practical takeaways to help you grow, stay well, and stay connected in the work you love.

government self-improvement

All Episodes

40:29

From City Management to Entrepreneurship

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/12/01

Kellye and Charisse discuss the potential challenges and opportunities faced by city management professionals as they transition into entrepreneurship. They explore the identity shifts that occur when leaving traditional roles, the transferable skills gained from city management, and the importance of coaching in supporting leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity, sustainability, and the creation of supportive environments for city managers and executives. Ultimately, they

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14:57

26 Taking and Holding Space: Leadership in Action

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/11/24

Kellye and Charisse explore the critical balance between holding space and taking space in leadership. They discuss how these dynamics shape team interactions and the importance of being aware of one's default patterns in managing space. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to practice presence, clarity, and regulation to foster a healthy team environment where all voices can be heard and valued.TakeawaysLeadership involves managing the flow of space intentionally.Holding space

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22:13

Family Ties: Setting Boundaries for Holiday Peace

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/11/17

Charisse and Kellye discuss the challenges of integrating work and family life, especially during the holiday season. They explore how to manage stress, the importance of setting boundaries, and the art of sharing personal experiences without oversharing. The conversation highlights the significance of being present with family and the value of choosing presence over pressure.TakeawaysBalancing work and family during holidays is challenging.Setting boundaries helps manage stress

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27:12

Post Election Hangover: What Happens After the Votes...

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/11/10

Kellye and Charisse discuss the transition period following elections, referring to as the "post-election hangover." They explore the challenges leaders face in local government during this time, emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm and clarity amidst changing priorities and political climates. The conversation highlights the need for intentional leadership, effective communication, and the ability to navigate uncertainty while keeping the community's needs at the

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20:18

Keeping that Post Conference Glow Alive

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/11/03

Kellye and Charisse explore the phenomenon of the "conference glow." You know, that invigorating energy and connection felt during conferences. They discuss the challenges of maintaining this energy upon returning to daily routines and share strategies for integrating insights and connections into everyday life. The importance of reflection, intentional outreach, and creating a supportive community is emphasized as key to sustaining the glow beyond the conference experience.TakeawaysThe

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13:32

Hope is Not Naive: Optimism, Pessimism, and Leadership

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/10/27

Charisse and Kellye explore the delicate balance between optimism and pessimism in leadership, particularly within public service. They discuss the importance of hope as a catalyst for innovation, the risks associated with inaction, and the need for grounded optimism. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of creating a culture that encourages responsible creativity while managing risks effectively. The speakers also highlight the emotional and physical aspects of leadership, advocating

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22:02

Structure, Freedom, and Leadership Energy

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/10/20

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

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16:24

The Leader Within: Seeing Yourself Clearly

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/10/13

Charisse and Kellye explore the deeper aspects of leadership, focusing on self-awareness, the inner story of leaders, the impact of their presence on teams, and the importance of personal growth. They emphasize that true leadership is about serving others and understanding how one's leadership style affects those around them. The conversation encourages leaders to reflect on their own experiences and the emotional footprint they leave behind, ultimately guiding them towards more intentional

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17:41

Leadership Lessons from Paw Paw: The Art of Being...

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/10/06

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

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29:19

Election Season: Strategies to Prepare Staff and...

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/29

Charisse and Kellye discuss the complexities of election season, sometimes known as 'silly season.' They explore the challenges faced by public service staff, the importance of preparation, and the need for clear communication and policies. The conversation covers scenario planning for potential election outcomes, effective onboarding for new councils, managing project timelines, and navigating the use of public resources. The episode emphasizes the significance of maintaining public trust

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22:04

Don't Give A Ding: Turning Off Notifications, Turning...

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/22

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

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18:38

Can You Really Lead When You Feel Uninspired?

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/22

Charisse and Kellye explore the complexities of inspiration, particularly when it's feeling a little dim. They discuss the importance of showing up even when motivation is lacking, the value of small moments of joy, and the impact of external noise on your days. The conversation emphasizes the ebb and flow of inspiration, encouraging listeners to embrace their feelings and recognize that it's okay to not always feel inspired. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, they highlight the

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20:27

Unpacking Mental Health Language: Beyond Buzzwords

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/15

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

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25:04

Redefining Work-Life Balance: Why Words Matter

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/15

Charisse and Kellye explore the multifaceted nature of productivity, emphasizing that it extends beyond traditional work metrics to include roles such as caregivers, community members, and friends. They discuss the importance of recognizing invisible work, the need for integration over balance in work and life, and the significance of engagement. The conversation also highlights systemic changes needed in workplace culture to foster trust and measure productivity by outcomes rather than

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23:36

Stay or Go? Choosing Alignment Over Obligation

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/08

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

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18:28

Beyond the Spark: Understanding Passion Fatigue in...

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/08

Charisse and Kellye explore the complexities of maintaining passion in public service roles. They discuss the gradual fading of enthusiasm, the challenges of identity tied to public service, and the importance of recognizing signals of change. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-reflection, the acceptance of evolving values, and the encouragement to embrace new possibilities for personal growth and fulfillment.TakeawaysWhen passion fades, it may signal a need for change.It's common

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32:18

Unveiling Kellye: A Personal Interview About Passion...

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/01

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

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38:55

From Small Town to Public Service: Charisse's Journey

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/09/01

Kellye interviews Charisse Deschenes, exploring her journey from childhood in a small town to a career in public service. Charisse shares her experiences in local government, the challenges she faced, and the importance of taking a sabbatical for personal growth. She discusses her new venture, Lead from Center, which focuses on health coaching for leaders in local government, emphasizing the need for support and connection in the profession. The conversation highlights the significance of

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39:51

Navigating the Discomfort Zone

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/08/25

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,

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18:57

Support Systems: Navigating Leadership Isolation

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders ·

2025/08/25

Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical role of support systems in leadership. They explore the consequences of isolation, the different types of support available, and how to build and maintain these systems effectively. The conversation emphasizes that leadership is not a solo endeavor and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.TakeawaysLeadership doesn't mean doing it all alone.Independence isn't always strength without support.Without support, even the strongest

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28 results

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