In this episode of the Compassionate Accountability® Podcast, your host Nate Regier sits down with Erin McDaniel, Communications Director for the City of Newton, to explore a decade-long transformation inside local government. Erin stepped into a role shaped by deep distrust, political divisiveness, and open antagonism between elected officials and city staff. Conflict wasn't just operational, it was emotional, personal, and costly. What followed became a powerful real-world example of how Compassionate Accountability can transform culture, rebuild trust, and restore healthy leadership. This conversation goes beyond theory. It's a story of lived experience, difficult moments, and lasting change. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why leaders are often perceived as "the problem" before trust is established • How unresolved conflict quietly erodes culture and performance • The turning point that made transformation possible • How compassion and accountability work together to rebuild trust • What it means to lead with openness while maintaining clear standards • Practical insights for navigating conflict in politically and emotionally charged environments Rapid-fire reflections include: • One truth about conflict that many leaders overlook • What trust actually requires to grow and sustain • The mindset shift that made lasting change possible If you're a leader, communicator, HR professional, or public servant navigating pressure, politics, or complex people dynamics, this episode offers both validation and a practical path forward. Conflict is inevitable. Drama is optional. Mentioned in this episode: Compassionate Accountability Framework Learn more about the model transforming leadership, communication, and workplace culture: https://www.next-element.com/compassionate-accountability Next Element Consulting Explore training, certification, and organisational transformation programmes: https://www.next-element.com Compassionate Accountability Certification Programme For leaders, coaches, and organisations wanting to implement the model: https://www.next-element.com/certification About Nate Regier Speaker, author, and creator of Compassionate Accountability: https://www.next-element.com/about-nate-regier City of Newton, Kansas Learn more about Erin McDaniel and the organisation featured in this transformation story: https://www.newtonkansas.com Connect with Erin McDaniel https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlmcdaniel/ Watch the full video version of this episode https://youtu.be/f8f9S29Hbf4?si=TK3aUzeRaOefCnrJ The Compassionate Accountability Podcast is produced in partnership with Flo Right Business Solutions.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related