One City. One Team. One Mission.

What happens when a city’s leadership team dares to lean in, break down silos, and truly listen to one another?

You get a historic moment of unity, growth, and purpose — just like what I witnessed recently with the City of North Miami Beach.

It wasn’t just a leadership retreat. It was a reset. A recommitment to something greater than individual agendas: a shared mission to serve with excellence, compassion, and collaboration.

Rooted in the philosophy of High Road Leadership — a principle taught by John Maxwell — this group of Commissioners and executive leaders came together in a powerful way. They chose to reflect, realign, and rebuild trust. They chose the high road.

I was honored to guide this retreat, and what unfolded deserves to be celebrated — not just for what it means to North Miami Beach, but for the example it sets for city leadership across the country.

Here are 3 key takeaways that any team can apply:
 
1. Lead Beyond the Job Description

Great leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about responsibility. The leaders of North Miami Beach stepped into the retreat not as politicians or department heads, but as people committed to doing the hard work of listening, understanding, and supporting one another.

Insight: Encourage your team to show up as humans first. Vulnerability builds bridges.
 
2. Embrace the Power of Alignment

The mantra that emerged — One City. One Team. One Mission. — wasn’t just a tagline. It became a mindset. When a team gets clear on shared values and unites around a common mission, anything is possible.

Insight: Clarity and alignment are more powerful than consensus. Define your mission, and lead from it.
 
3. Choose the High Road, Daily

John Maxwell taught us that High Road Leaders put others first, foster positivity, and build up the people around them. The City’s leadership team committed to doing just that — even when it's not easy.

Insight: Culture change isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily decision to show up with integrity, empathy, and accountability.
 
The City of North Miami Beach has shown us what’s possible when leaders choose courage over comfort and unity over ego.

To every Commissioner and executive team member who participated: thank you for leading with heart. Your commitment has created a ripple effect that will continue to shape your city in remarkable ways.

The road ahead won’t always be easy — but when you travel it together, it’s always worth it.

One City. One Team. One Mission.

Let’s keep going.

Kelly