June 19, 2024

A ‘slow burn’ path to leadership

A ‘slow burn’ path to leadership with Matt Lehrman.

In this week’s “Community Catalysts” podcast, I talk with first-term City Council Member Alisa Benson of Orono, Minnesota, about her “slow burn” journey from concerned mom to community activist and reluctant politician.


Listen on Apple, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

A ‘slow burn’ path to leadership with Matt Lehrman.

RECENT EPISODES:

Doug McLennan, Founder & Editor, ArtsJournal - Pt. 2

(June 11, 2024)

Doug McLennan, Founder & Editor, ArtsJournal- Pt. 1

(June 4, 2024)

Otis White, Civic Strategies- Pt. 2

(May 28, 2024)


ABOUT THE PODCAST: Mayors, council members, police chiefs, foundation CEOs and other local leaders share their hard-won lessons about making a difference in their community. More than a showcase for stories, “Community Catalysts” offers a durable demonstration that concepts like vision, courage, leadership, inclusivity, trust and collaboration are more than intangible values. The experiences shared convey specific knowledge and skills that deserve to be shared, honed and put into practice.


APPLY HERE to be a podcast guest.




What does the Constitution have to say about community values?


WATCH NOW on YouTube


Connect with Matt:


Ilryong MoonAt-Large Member

Fairfax County School Board
By Matt Lehrman April 23, 2025
Ilryong Moon came to the United States from Korea at 17. He didn’t speak much English. His family had little money. His parents, both undereducated, worked long hours to support their children in a new and unfamiliar country. Ilryong repeated a year of high school just to learn the language. From there, he went on to graduate from Harvard, build a successful law career, and eventually serve for decades on the school board of one of the nation’s largest—and most diverse—school districts.
Insights from the April Local Leadership Chat with Matt Lehrman
By Matt Lehrman April 16, 2025
Last week, local leaders from across the country came together for a 90-minute virtual conversation about the words we use, the values we hold, and the challenges we face. Mayors, council members, and civic officials shared candid insights—not just about policy, but about how everyday language now feels risky, and how they stay grounded in community service. Here’s what they shared.
Chuck Frye, Jr.  Fredericksburg, Virginia on Community Catalysts
By Matt Lehrman April 9, 2025
Empathy isn’t just a personal trait—it can be a process. When communities create space for difficult conversations, real change is possible.
More Posts