023: Affordability, leadership, and the impact of showing up with Greg Wukasch

Greg Wukasch, our mentor, previous speaker at Catalyst 2018, guest on episode 3, and current manager of the External Affairs Department with the San Antonio Water System. Beginning in 1998, as an Education Coordinator and now as the External Affairs Manager. Greg really considers himself more of a “story teller” putting together water stories for citizens across the city he loves. When not talking H2O, this self-professed water nerd also enjoys talking strategic planning and corporate culture.  
Greg and his team have developed impactful programs that have continued to create community between SAWS and the community it serves. These programs include the high school education program Impact.
Top Takeaways:

So many times we look to each other and compare, especially in the communication and education sphere of the water industry, to get ideas and standards. But affordability is different. Every city is different in terms of demographics, struggles, infrastructure issues, and services therefore affordable water issues will be unique.
Go where your people are already gathering. Go beyond the social media and take a more personalized approach with our customers, with your neighbors.
Greg’s two big leadership takeaways: have the courage to lead and it’s ok to make mistakes, just handle them well.
You can’t be afraid to try something out and if it doesn’t work in the moment don’t be afraid to change it at the last second to meet the needs of your people.

Resources:
4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling
Servant Leadership on Action by Ken Blanchard and Renee Broadwell
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Sponsor:
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