Charisse Deschenes

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S1 E19 Oct 06, 2025

Leadership Lessons from Paw Paw: The Art of Being Scrappy

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 h...

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S1 E18 Sep 29, 2025

Election Season: Strategies to Prepare Staff and Onboard Council

Charisse and Kellye discuss the complexities of election season, sometimes known as 'silly season.' They explore the challenges faced by public service staff, the impo...

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S1 E17 Sep 22, 2025

Don't Give A Ding: Turning Off Notifications, Turning On Productivity

Kellye and Charisse discuss the detrimental effects of constant notifications on focus and decision-making for city leaders. They explore the neuroscience behind distr...

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S1 E16 Sep 22, 2025

Can You Really Lead When You Feel Uninspired?

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 motivatio...

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S1 E15 Sep 15, 2025

Unpacking Mental Health Language: Beyond Buzzwords

Kellye and Charisse discuss the impact of language, particularly the misuse of terms like gaslighting, narcissism, and trauma. They emphasize the importance of using p...

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S1 E14 Sep 15, 2025

Redefining Work-Life Balance: Why Words Matter

Charisse and Kellye explore the multifaceted nature of productivity, emphasizing that it extends beyond traditional work metrics to include roles such as caregivers, c...

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S1 E13 Sep 08, 2025

Stay or Go? Choosing Alignment Over Obligation

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 impor...

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S1 E12 Sep 08, 2025

Beyond the Spark: Understanding Passion Fatigue in Leadership

Charisse and Kellye explore the complexities of maintaining passion in public service roles. They discuss the gradual fading of enthusiasm, the challenges of identity ...

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S1 E11 Sep 01, 2025

Unveiling Kellye: A Personal Interview About Passion and Purpose

Charisse interviews Kellye Mazzoli, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an assistant city manager and eventually transitioning into coachin...

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S1 E10 Sep 01, 2025

From Small Town to Public Service: Charisse's Journey

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 gove...

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S1 E9 Aug 25, 2025

Navigating the Discomfort Zone

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 ...

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S1 E8 Aug 25, 2025

Support Systems: Navigating Leadership Isolation

Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical role of support systems in leadership. They explore the consequences of isolation, the different types of support available, a...

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S1 E7 Aug 18, 2025

Get Out of Town: The Conference Advantage for City Managers

Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical importance of attending conferences for city managers and leaders. They explore the value of networking, the return on investm...

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Recommended Episode S1 E6 Aug 18, 2025

Decoding LinkedIn's Green Banner: More than Just "Open to Work"

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 emp...

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S1 E5 Aug 11, 2025

Perfectionism is Sneaky

Kellye and Charisse discuss the pervasive issue of perfectionism among leaders. They explore how perfectionism manifests as high standards and fear, leading to stress ...

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S1 E4 Aug 11, 2025

Digesting Feelings: The Truth About Emotional Eating

Kellye and Charisse delve into the complexities of emotional eating and the subconscious behaviors that lead to emotional sabotage. They explore how leaders often supp...

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S1 E3 Aug 01, 2025

The Creative Dance: How Movement Fuels Innovation

Kellye and Charisse explore the significance of movement and creativity in our lives, emphasizing the importance of presence and play over productivity. They share per...

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S1 E2 Aug 01, 2025

Brief Origins of Our Unmuted Journey

Charisse and Kellye introduce their podcast, sharing their motivations for creating a space where public service professionals can openly discuss their experiences in ...

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S1 E1 Aug 01, 2025

Why Another Podcast? Why Unmuted?

Kellye and Charisse discuss the motivations behind their podcast, focusing on the challenges and personal experiences of leaders in local government. They emphasize th...

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trailer Aug 01, 2025

(Trailer) Unmuted: Voices of Service-Driven Leaders

In this trailer, Charisse and Kellye, former city executives turned life and health coaches, invite you to stop performing leadership and start reclaiming your vitalit...