Podcast: Building Blocks for a Career in Public Leadership

Aftab Pureval, mayor of Cincinnati, sees opportunity for building back the strength of our democracy through local offices. As the former Hamilton County clerk of courts, he honed his skills of persuasion, bridge building and collaboration in a smaller, less scrutinized public office. He improved his ability to be risk tolerant; failure, he notes, is necessary for understanding improvement and innovation. Another discovery: It’s more powerful for a leader to say, “I don’t know” and to engage the team around him or her to get to the best answer. All these nuances of leadership in City Hall give him the opportunity and platform to improve the lives of Cincinnatians. 

The Glenn College’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Management can help prepare you for management and leadership roles in the public sector and develop a network of others who are passionate about public service. The deadline for the summer program is March 15.