"Don't Be Right. Be Understood." with Mayor Derrick Wood, Town of Dumfries, Virginia

Derrick Wood didn't set out to become Mayor. He was selling barbecue in a parking lot when a cease-and-desist order pushed him into a council meeting he didn't even know existed. Years later, he was leading the town. What he discovered along the way is a lesson many leaders learn the hard way: being right isn't enough. If people don't see the impact on their lives, they won't support the outcome. In this candid conversation, Mayor Wood reflects on early missteps, hard-earned credibility, and the shift from pushing ideas to helping people see what he sees. That lesson came into sharp focus as he led one of the most controversial decisions his town had faced—transforming a long-troubled landfill into a destination that brought jobs, revenue, and a new identity to the community. The resistance was real. So was the risk. What made the difference was not proving he was right, but helping others understand how the decision affected them—and why it mattered. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn't about winning the argument. It's about doing the work to build understanding—so a community can move forward together. LINKS Mayor Derrick R. Wood: DerickRWood.com    Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  CatalystGuest.us    Connect on Substack and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners