Leading with Genuine Care This Mayor Wants Everyone from Community Members to CEOs Creating Change and Equality in America
"If there was ever a time to make changes in America, this is that moment."— Mayor Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama
When Mayor Randall Woodfin was elected to his hometown's highest political office at just 36, his mission was to improve the lives of every citizen by investing in youth programs, revitalizing blighted neighborhoods, eliminating food deserts, reducing crime, creating more green spaces, and encouraging more civic participation—just to name a few.
But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, closely followed by the death of George Floyd. With communities from all over the country and world faced with these challenges, Mayor Woodfin has shown remarkable calm and clarity. Though his primary goals never shifted, it was clear that new conversations and difficult decisions had to happen.
In this episode of Leading with Genuine Care, Mayor Woodfin and I talk about how these events have impacted himself as a leader as well as those in his own community. We also discuss how leaders can take action in the fight for equality, which factors guide his decision-making, and lessons learned from the late civil rights leader John Lewis. In this episode, you'll also learn:
- Mayor Woodfin's strategy for strengthening Birmingham
- Why we need to talk less and listen more
- What it's like to be a mayor during the COVID pandemic
- How growing up in a crowded, multi-generational home influenced Mayor Woodfin
- Why we need to participate in our communities on every level
- Mayor Woodfin's vision for a better education system
- Why cities are "only as strong as its lowest quality-of-life neighborhood"
- How to make life better for those communities
- Why having core values are important to guide city employees
- Why Mayor Woodfin says Confederate monuments are un-American
- How these statues demonstrate our toxic revisionist history
- What impact John Lewis had on Mayor Woodfin
- Why Mayor Woodfin enacted a mask requirement despite pushback
- Which two lenses Mayor Woodfin makes all COVID-related decisions through
- How collectivism and unity can benefit the U.S. during the pandemic
- Why moving past conversations alone can help heal racial divides
- What those in power can do to move the needle against racism
- And so much more.
Enjoy my inspiring and empowering conversation with Mayor Randall Woodfin.
More about Mayor Randall Woodfin:
In 2017, Randall Woodfin was sworn in as mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. He's a Birmingham native, a graduate of Morehouse University and Cumberland School of Law, and the former president of the Birmingham Board of Education.
Mayor Woodfin is dedicated to "Putting People First"—a phrase that's central to his administration. With a new vision and energy, Mayor Woodfin wants every citizen to have the opportunity to live and work in a safe, thriving city that they're proud to call home.
Since entering office, he's launched plans to fight crime, eliminate food deserts, revitalize blighted neighborhoods, boost morale, and create a community where purpose-driven leaders and entrepreneurs—especially women and minorities—can achieve success.
Connect with Mayor Randall Woodfin
Website:
City of Birmingham's Website:
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/MayorRandallWoodfin
Twitter:
Instagram:www.instagram.com/woodfinforbham
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/city-of-birmingham-mayor-s-office
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