Nick sits down with a truly impressive figure in public service, Ryan Alsop, the Chief Executive Officer for Napa County in today’s informative and fascinating episode. Ryan's career is a notable path through the demanding world of California government, from LA County to Kern County, and now leading one of the most renowned regions globally. He and Nick get into what it really means to lead, the absolute necessity of staying humble and always learning, and how he thinks about building teams and genuine connections.

Ryan shares a central belief that shapes his entire approach: the need to "get better at everything," a surprising and refreshing take from someone at his level. He talks about the many hats a CEO wears, from understanding complex fiscal issues and managing sensitive personnel matters to navigating a global pandemic, which he did in Kern County. It's this commitment to being always a student – constantly listening, reading, and developing – that really stands out. And it’s not just talk; he lives it, viewing even his best skills as having room for improvement. You do not want to miss this episode - there's so much here for leaders at any stage.

Episode Highlights:

• Ryan's deep belief in humility and the constant need for self improvement

• His philosophy on hiring

• Why authentic connections and truly seeing people are fundamental to Ryan's leadership

• Handling complex California government landscapes with integrity and strategic awareness

• Learning from both positive examples and from behaviors he chooses not to emulate

• The important role his family plays in grounding him, supporting work life balance, and fueling his dedication

• Ryan's passion for creating tangible value in the lives of his team and the wider community he serves

• Finding wisdom and guidance from a wide array of people and experiences

• Valuing broad mentorship

Key Takeaways:

"If you're holding your subordinates' hands too often, you hired the wrong person. Let them do their job."

"Success comes from working hard and being someone others can count on. If you're not counted on, you're discounted."

"Experience changes who you are. With time, you learn to listen more and take yourself less seriously."

"My job is to mitigate chaos, keeping the organization and elected officials on a calm, productive path."

"Be politically astute, but avoid being political. Understand agendas, but don't meddle."

"Nobody likes a know-it-all. Practice humility and learn from others."

"Authenticity is critical. Be genuine and deliberate in your relationships and business dealings."

"Hiring is crucial. Always recruit people smarter than you to build a strong organization."

"Always improve. Stay in school, keep learning, and never stop developing as a person."

"Family is everything. They're the engine that drives you, motivating you through every challenge."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Ryan Alsop: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalsop1/