Ep 180: First, Best with Mayor Steven Reed
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Ep 180: First, Best with Mayor Steven Reed
Episode 180: Show Notes
We are back for another interview with someone who has taken extraordinary leaps of faith to accomplish their life’s mission and purpose. Today, we’re joined by returning guest, Steven Reed, a childhood friend and the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama. He's here to discuss his new book, First, Best: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy from Today's Civil Rights Movement, which delves into his backstory in ways we haven't explored before.
This episode also goes beyond that and serves as a somewhat practical guide for anyone considering a journey into local politics. It's easy to criticize and complain when faced with local issues, but the real change-makers roll up their sleeves or support those who do.
In our conversation with Steven, we explore his remarkable journey, from childhood experiences to dramatic moments, as well as his challenges in politics and how seemingly unrelated experiences like running a sandwich franchise and crunching numbers at American Airlines prepared him for mayoral leadership.
Steven also shares his thoughts on the real-world differences between running for mayor versus running for probate judge, the weightiness of responsibility that comes with becoming mayor, and so much more. Every step in our journey has a purpose, and we’re on a journey to uncover how it all connects. Thanks for listening!
Key Points From This Episode:
Insight into the title of Steven’s new book, First, Best.
Background and meanings of some of the terms he used in his book.
His father's life and experiences and how Steven grew up grounded in activism.
Steven shares specifically about the day he picked up the phone (meant for his dad).
His time working at American Airlines (AA) and the takeaways he gleaned from it.
How he knew it was time to leave AA and go to grad school.
Entrepreneurial ventures and the incident that happened at 9:57.
What it was like running for office and the real-world considerations of doing so.
Steven’s experience getting tested and put under pressure early on in his tenure.
How going against convention gave him permission to become his own politician (following his own way and moral compass).
A grassroots perspective on running for mayor versus running for probate judge.
The hefty responsibility of becoming the first black mayor of Montgomery.
What we would see if the group chat of other Mayors were leaked.
Steven’s words of wisdom to his two sons.
An in-depth look at Mayor Reed’s personal life mission.
Quotes:
“[My dad] talked about not letting hate drive us, not letting bigotry drive us, even if it drove other people. It’s just something that still stays with me to this day .” — @MayorofMgm [0:14:46]
“You learn the most when you have to do things at a grassroots – level because you’re so close to everything and everyone versus when you rise up and get a little further away, sometimes you get a little insulated and you aren’t quite as in touch as you think you are.” — @MayorofMgm [0:17:34]
“You have to meet resistance where it is and you have to push back.” — @MayorofMgm [0:37:23]
“I didn’t realize what becoming the first Black mayor here meant to so many people. I’ve talked to famous athletes, famous entertainers, very wealthy billionaires, and I’m amazed at what this has meant symbolically to people who I would never think would know my name.” — @MayorofMgm [0:44:29]
“If you strive to be successful and build good habits, if you have good character, if you do the right thing, if you treat people well, more often than not, things will work out for you.” — @MayorofMgm [0:50:00]
“What I would share – with our peers is we all need to self-assess every now and then and be aware of who we think we are and who other people think we are.” — @MayorofMgm [0:51:49]
“One of the things I’m most proud of in my political career is increasing the funding for our public school, something that never got voted on before and I did in my first year in office.” — @MayorofMgm [0:52:19]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
First, Best: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy from Today’s Civil Rights Movement
Ep 31: Montgomery Mayor with Steven Reed