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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.
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Beyond the Influence: Redefining Leadership and Identity without Alcohol
25:26
25:26
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25:26
Ending the year with an important topic, this conversation explores the profound impact of alcohol on leadership and personal well-being. Kellye and Charisse discuss the physiological and emotional effects of alcohol, share personal experiences of quitting drinking, and highlight the benefits of clarity and confidence gained from an alcohol-free li…
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In this holiday-themed episode of Unmuted, hosts Charisse and Kellye explore the realities of holiday celebrations, emphasizing the importance of presence over perfection. They discuss evolving traditions, the joy of unplanned moments, and the leadership lessons that can be drawn from holiday experiences. The conversation highlights the significanc…
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Inside the City Executive Circle: A Private Space for City Leaders
22:27
22:27
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22:27
City executives are expected to lead with clarity, composure, and confidence while carrying significant political, organizational, and emotional responsibility. What they are rarely given is a private place to think, process, and recalibrate. In this episode of Unmuted, Kellye Mazzoli and Charisse Deschenes explore why the City Executive Circle was…
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The Art of Changing and Finding Clarity in Transition
24:09
24:09
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24:09
Charisse and Kellye talk the complexities of transitions and change, particularly in leadership roles. They discuss the discomfort that often accompanies change, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for quiet reflection during times of transition. The conversation emphasizes that transitions are not just about changing circumstances but a…
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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 conversatio…
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Taking and Holding Space: Leadership in Action
14:57
14:57
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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 healt…
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Family Ties: Setting Boundaries for Holiday Peace
22:13
22:13
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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 cho…
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Post Election Hangover: What Happens After the Votes Are In
27:12
27:12
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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 int…
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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, intent…
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Hope is Not Naive: Optimism, Pessimism, and Leadership
13:32
13:32
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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 re…
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Structure, Freedom, and Leadership Energy
22:02
22:02
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22:02
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 frame…
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The Leader Within: Seeing Yourself Clearly
16:24
16:24
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16:24
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 encou…
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Leadership Lessons from Paw Paw: The Art of Being Scrappy
17:41
17:41
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By Kellye Mazzoli & Charisse Deschenes
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Election Season: Strategies to Prepare Staff and Onboard Council
29:19
29:19
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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 counc…
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Don't Give A Ding: Turning Off Notifications, Turning On Productivity
22:04
22:04
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22:04
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 distractio…
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Can You Really Lead When You Feel Uninspired?
18:38
18:38
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18:38
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 e…
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Unpacking Mental Health Language: Beyond Buzzwords
20:27
20:27
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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 mislabel…
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Redefining Work-Life Balance: Why Words Matter
25:04
25:04
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25:04
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. T…
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Stay or Go? Choosing Alignment Over Obligation
23:36
23:36
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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 em…
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Beyond the Spark: Understanding Passion Fatigue in Leadership
18:28
18:28
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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 encourage…
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Unveiling Kellye: A Personal Interview About Passion and Purpose
32:18
32:18
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32:18
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…
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From Small Town to Public Service: Charisse's Journey
38:55
38:55
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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 …
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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 pe…
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Support Systems: Navigating Leadership Isolation
18:57
18:57
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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…
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Get Out of Town: The Conference Advantage for City Managers
37:53
37:53
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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 off…
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Decoding LinkedIn's Green Banner: More than Just "Open to Work"
16:18
16:18
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Kellye and Charisse discuss the implications of the 'Open to Work' banner on LinkedIn, exploring its significance in the job market and the messages it sends about employee engagement and leadership. They emphasize the importance of understanding the motivations behind this public declaration and how leaders can respond effectively to such signals …
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Kellye and Charisse discuss the pervasive issue of perfectionism among leaders. They explore how perfectionism manifests as high standards and fear, leading to stress and isolation. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the hidden costs of striving for perfection, including mental and physical health impacts. The conversation emphasizes the im…
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Digesting Feelings: The Truth About Emotional Eating
17:27
17:27
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Kellye and Charisse delve into the complexities of emotional eating and the subconscious behaviors that lead to emotional sabotage. They explore how leaders often suppress their emotions, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and discuss the neuroscience behind these patterns. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness and practical …
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The Creative Dance: How Movement Fuels Innovation
26:31
26:31
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26:31
Kellye and Charisse explore the significance of movement and creativity in our lives, emphasizing the importance of presence and play over productivity. They share personal experiences with activities like roller skating, swimming, and dancing, highlighting how these practices reconnect them with joy and self-expression. The conversation delves int…
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Charisse and Kellye introduce their podcast, sharing their motivations for creating a space where public service professionals can openly discuss their experiences in life, work, and leadership. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and community, aiming to connect with listeners who may feel isolated in their journeys. The …
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Kellye and Charisse discuss the motivations behind their podcast, focusing on the challenges and personal experiences of leaders in local government. They emphasize the importance of connection, personal and professional development, and the need for wellness in public service. The hosts share their journeys, the significance of stepping away from …
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(Trailer) Unmuted: Voices of Service-Driven Leaders
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In this trailer, Charisse and Kellye, former city executives turned life and health coaches, invite you to stop performing leadership and start reclaiming your vitality and life. They plan to share personal stories, the unlearning they've done, and the tools they now teach to help you come off mute and lead without leaving yourself behind.…
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