What makes a city tick? Columbia-based Civint’s new podcast takes on that question … and the answers are as refreshing as they are practical.
The podcast isn’t about lofty speeches or big promises from far-off places. It’s about what really drives progress where people live and work: local leadership and engaged partnerships.
As Civint founder and former Columbia, SC Mayor Steve Benjamin puts it, cities aren’t just boxes on a map. “They’re living, breathing organisms where human potential can flourish. And when leaders find ways to work together across government, business, and community groups, that’s when the good stuff happens.
In the launch episode, Steve digs into a conversation with Civint CEO Sam Johnson and COO Rania Jamison about these very topics that touch on the work of public and private sector leaders alike. Steve is returning to Civint this month as senior advisor following his tenure serving as director of the White House Office of Public Engagement in the Biden administration.
Why Partnerships Matter
No one sector can fix everything alone. Not city hall, not the private sector, not nonprofits or philanthropies. But together? That’s where the magic is. This podcast explores how collaboration unlocks solutions from improving infrastructure to rethinking city services to preparing for the next big challenge.
And the advice isn’t just for mayors. Anyone who wants to make an impact in their community will find useful insights. For instance, Steve offers this advice to anyone meeting with mayors and elected officials about a project: Do your homework before stepping into a mayor’s office, bring a clear plan, and remember that listening is just as important as pitching ideas.
What You’ll Hear
Each episode offers candid conversations about what keeps mayors up at night, how they balance the urgent with the long-term, and how partnerships shape their cities’ futures. Expect stories that highlight:
- Real-world examples of collaboration that moved projects from “good idea” to “done.”
- Practical tips for building stronger relationships across sectors.
- Honest reflections on leadership during tough times—from natural disasters to political shifts.
Why You’ll Want to Listen
If you’ve ever wondered how real change happens in a city or how leaders juggle competing priorities while still moving communities forward, this podcast is for you. It’s a mix of serious insight and approachable conversation with a little humor and fun music references thrown in.
The conversations remind us that leadership isn’t about doing it alone. It’s about pulling people together to solve problems in creative, pragmatic ways.
So, if you’re curious about how cities truly function and how partnerships can make them thrive, tune in. You’ll walk away with new ideas, a fresh perspective, and maybe even a little inspiration for your own corner of the community.
Expect new episodes to drop monthly; and be sure to follow Civint on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X to make sure you don’t miss it!
