"Public Service Begins With Listening" with Penny Gross, Former Member of Fairfax County (VA) Board of Supervisors

After nearly three decades on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Penny Gross reflects on the changing realities of public leadership in one of America's largest local governments. This conversation explores civic trust, public dialogue, and the growing challenge of helping communities stay connected in divided times. Penny shares insights about community engagement, difficult conversations, changing public expectations, and the responsibility leaders have to create spaces where people feel heard. The discussion also highlights Kaleidoscope, Penny Gross's long-running community dialogue initiative designed to bring people together across perspectives, not to force agreement, but to deepen understanding and strengthen community connection. For elected officials and civic leaders alike, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the human side of governance and the importance of listening as a core leadership practice. This episode is presented in partnership with the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, which works to strengthen public leadership and regional collaboration across Northern Virginia. LINKS   Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  CatalystGuest.us  On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners