🔍 Episode Summary:
Are you burned out, questioning your future in local government, or wondering if there’s a more fulfilling path forward? 
 
In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann sits down with Jacob Green, a former Assistant City Manager and now CEO of Jacob Green & Associates, to talk candidly about the growing trend of local government professionals transitioning to the private sector.
 
Drawing on decades of leadership in public service and private consulting, Jacob shares insights on salaries, pensions, stress, work-life balance, and what the pivot to consulting really looks like. This episode offers an honest, practical look at what’s driving so many seasoned professionals to explore life beyond city hall—and how to navigate the shift with clarity and purpose.
 
Whether you’re early in your career, mid-journey, or contemplating a new chapter, this conversation delivers the clarity and courage to take the next step in your local government journey.
 

💡 Key Learnings:


Why burnout, blurred governance roles, keyboard warriors and toxic political climates are pushing many out of public service


What types of opportunities exist for former city managers, department heads, and other local government professionals in the private sector


How private sector compensation structures differ from public sector pensions


Why success in consulting requires humility, curiosity, and client-first mindset


How to evaluate your personal and financial readiness before making the leap


What real work-life balance looks like on the other side—and what it doesn’t


Tactical advice for those considering a transition, including cultural fit and company research


Reflections from Jacob’s personal journey, including lessons from his traumatic brain injury and “brain school”


 

🔍 Featured Topics:


Career reinvention and professional burnout


City manager and council dynamics


Public vs. private sector leadership


Role clarity and governance tensions


Consulting firm models and compensation


Transition timing and pension considerations


Vulnerability, resilience, and personal impact


 

🔗 Links & Resources:


Jacob Green on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-green-keynote/-green-keynote


Jacob Green & Associates: jacobgreenandassociates.com


Book: See Change Clearly by Jacob Green – Available on Amazon


Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn: Subscribe Here


 

📢 Stay Connected with Gov360
🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube
🎧 Listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms
💼 Follow us on LinkedIn
 
Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government
Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.
—
Tags: Local Government, Public Sector Careers, Career Transition, City Manager, Public Administration, Government Leadership, City Manager Jobs, Public to Private Sector, Government Consulting, Career Reinvention, Management Consulting, Executive Coaching, Burnout, Work Life Balance, Mental Health in Government, Leadership Resilience, Jacob Green, Jacob Green and Associates, See Change Clearly, Chris Mann

Ver todos los episodios