What do New Yorkers really want their next mayor to know?
In this special transition-season episode, Liz and returning guest John open a heartfelt and unfiltered conversation directed at incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Together — and with contributed reflections from listeners, civil servants, and lifelong New Yorkers — they examine what it means to lead a city through change while honoring the people who make it run every day.

Rather than rehash political headlines, this episode centers the human impact of transitions in city leadership: the emotional weight, the organizational instability, and the hope that comes with the possibility of a reset.
We explore what workers inside government want the new administration to understand — and what residents want the city they love to become.

NYC is entering a rare moment: a mayoral transition fueled by genuine public interest and tens of thousands of people eager to serve.

Dear Mr. Mayor captures the emotional temperature of the city — the optimism, the exhaustion, the urgency — and turns it into a collective ask from the people who live here, work here, and believe in the city’s future.

Whether you’re a public servant, a parent navigating the school system, or a resident who just wants the city to work better — this episode speaks to you.

Have thoughts for the new administration? Want to share your NYC story?
Email: liz.civilconversations@gmail.com

Follow, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who love NYC and public service as much as you do.

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In this episode of Civil Conversations, Liz sits down with Marc Williams — lifelong New Yorker, proud Brooklynite, award-winning Toastmaster, educator, coach, author, and co-founder of Speaker Skills Academy.

With nearly three decades in the NYC public school system, Marc reflects on his journey from English teacher to administrator to leadership coach. Together, Liz and Marc dive into the concept of moonlighting — working a second job or side hustle outside of your civil service role. While sometimes it’s born out of necessity (balancing the high cost of living in NYC with modest public service salaries), moonlighting can also be a way to explore creativity, build skills, and pursue passions.

They discuss:

• Navigating NYC’s conflict of interest rules while pursuing passions beyond a 9-to-5.

• Why moonlighting is both a survival strategy and a spark of joy for public servants.

• The hidden talents within city agencies — and how rigid systems often fail to nurture them.

• How passion projects and “side hustles” can sharpen skills, prevent burnout, and build community.

• Why Marc believes every professional has a gift that deserves to shine.

  
  

The conversation also spotlights the Speaker Skills Academy, a unique, community-driven approach to building confidence and presence in public speaking through supportive drills and storytelling. (Learn more about Speaker Skills Academy at https://www.speakerskillz.com/)

Whether you’re a city worker thinking about pursuing your side hustle, a leader wondering how to unlock talent in your team, or someone curious about blending passion with public service — this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom.

Also, a big thanks to the host of The Personal Details Podcast, who is a former colleague who helped me with navigating my passion in creating this podcast.

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#CareerGrowth | #PublicSpeaking | #SpeakerSkillsAcademy

• #CityEmployees | #WorkplaceCulture | #EntrepreneurshipInPublicService

In this episode of Civil Conversations, Liz and John unpack the recent Democratic primary in New York City, highlighting the unexpected rise of Zoran Mamdani and what it signals for the city’s political future. They reflect on the shifting landscape of local politics, the power of grassroots engagement, and the tension between visionary platforms and the realities of real-world implementation.

The conversation also explores the risks of growing political polarization, the need for thoughtful transition planning within city agencies, and what kind of leadership New York truly needs to bridge hopeful idealism with lasting impact.

Don’t forget to subscribe and share. To be a guest or collaborate, reach out at ⁠liz.civilconversations@gmail.com⁠.

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