<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;#219: How Seguin IT Built a 27-Award Culture — And What Port Houston &amp; Flower Mound Teach About Leadership&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Featuring:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theshanemc/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Shane McDaniel&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, CIO, City of Seguin &amp; 2025 TAGITM President&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-o-brien-250a8b159/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;James O’Brien&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, Information Security Officer, Port Houston (&amp; 2026 TAGITM President)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-m-035b7343/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Jose Mendez&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, IT Director, Town of Flower Mound&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedgruenloh/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ted Gruenloh&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, CEO, Nomic Networks&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Highlights:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What happens when local IT leaders transform city government through servant leadership, authentic vendor partnerships, and homegrown talent?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Shane McDaniel reveals how Seguin’s investment in people turned 2 new positions into 5 internal promotions and 27 innovation awards.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;James O’Brien shares his journey from a 2-person team supporting 450 employees to leading a high-trust, hybrid culture at Port Houston.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jose Mendez explains how Flower Mound’s “trust but verify” accountability framework drives transparency, measurable outcomes, and stakeholder confidence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ted Gruenloh unpacks how authentic vendor partnerships led to 13 of 17 sales deals and why mutual trust is the foundation of sustainable partnerships.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Together, they explore how servant leadership, accountability, and community (like TAG) are fueling Texas’ award-winning IT culture — and why these lessons matter for every public sector leader nationwide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Timestamps&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=32s"&gt;00:32&lt;/a&gt;) Why Texas IT Leaders Choose Public Service — Finding Purpose and Calling &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=420s"&gt;07:00&lt;/a&gt;) From Keyboard Warrior to Strategic Leader – James O’Brien’s Leadership Evolution &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=600s"&gt;10:00&lt;/a&gt;) Trust Nothing, Verify Everything – Jose Mendez’s Accountability Framework &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=900s"&gt;15:00&lt;/a&gt;) 27 Innovation Awards – How Seguin Built a Winning IT Culture from Within &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=1140s"&gt;19:00&lt;/a&gt;) 2 New Positions, 5 Promotions – Shane McDaniel’s Talent Development Strategy &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=1380s"&gt;23:00&lt;/a&gt;) 13 of 17 Deals Closed – Ted Gruenloh on Authentic Vendor Partnerships &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=1806s"&gt;30:06&lt;/a&gt;) Funny Moment – Justin Cure and Rishma Khimji Bring Some Texas Humor &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=1979s"&gt;32:59&lt;/a&gt;) 450 Employees, 2 IT Staff – How TAG Became James O’Brien’s Lifeline &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=1980s"&gt;33:00&lt;/a&gt;) Building Trust in Hybrid Work – Port Houston’s Communication Playbook &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&amp;#38;t=2400s"&gt;40:00&lt;/a&gt;) Looking Ahead to TAGITM 2026 – Why Texas Values Drive IT Excellence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Connect&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: &lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/**"&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🐦 Connect on Twitter: &lt;a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/thejoetoste**"&gt;https://x.com/thejoetoste&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: &lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/**"&gt;https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ &lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@techtables**"&gt;https://www.youtube.com/@techtables&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: &lt;/strong&gt;Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join now: &lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.techtables.com/"&gt;https://www.techtables.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: &lt;/strong&gt;The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: &lt;/strong&gt;a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at &lt;a target="_blank" href="mailto:joe@techtables.com"&gt;joe@techtables.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Brought to you by:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SentinelOne&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Verizon Frontline&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/"&gt;—&lt;/a&gt;The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.carahsoft.com/"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Carahsoft&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit &lt;a href="https://techtables.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&amp;#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1"&gt;techtables.substack.com&lt;/a&gt;</description>

The Public Sector Show by TechTables

Joe Toste

#219: How Seguin IT Built a 27+ Award Culture — And What Port Houston & Flower Mound Teach About Leadership

OCT 6, 202548 MIN
The Public Sector Show by TechTables

#219: How Seguin IT Built a 27+ Award Culture — And What Port Houston & Flower Mound Teach About Leadership

OCT 6, 202548 MIN

Description

<p><strong>#219: How Seguin IT Built a 27-Award Culture — And What Port Houston & Flower Mound Teach About Leadership</strong></p><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theshanemc/"><strong>Shane McDaniel</strong></a>, CIO, City of Seguin & 2025 TAGITM President</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-o-brien-250a8b159/"><strong>James O’Brien</strong></a>, Information Security Officer, Port Houston (& 2026 TAGITM President)</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-m-035b7343/"><strong>Jose Mendez</strong></a>, IT Director, Town of Flower Mound</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedgruenloh/"><strong>Ted Gruenloh</strong></a>, CEO, Nomic Networks</p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>What happens when local IT leaders transform city government through servant leadership, authentic vendor partnerships, and homegrown talent?</p><p>Shane McDaniel reveals how Seguin’s investment in people turned 2 new positions into 5 internal promotions and 27 innovation awards.</p><p>James O’Brien shares his journey from a 2-person team supporting 450 employees to leading a high-trust, hybrid culture at Port Houston.</p><p>Jose Mendez explains how Flower Mound’s “trust but verify” accountability framework drives transparency, measurable outcomes, and stakeholder confidence.</p><p>Ted Gruenloh unpacks how authentic vendor partnerships led to 13 of 17 sales deals and why mutual trust is the foundation of sustainable partnerships.</p><p>Together, they explore how servant leadership, accountability, and community (like TAG) are fueling Texas’ award-winning IT culture — and why these lessons matter for every public sector leader nationwide.</p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=32s">00:32</a>) Why Texas IT Leaders Choose Public Service — Finding Purpose and Calling </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=420s">07:00</a>) From Keyboard Warrior to Strategic Leader – James O’Brien’s Leadership Evolution </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=600s">10:00</a>) Trust Nothing, Verify Everything – Jose Mendez’s Accountability Framework </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=900s">15:00</a>) 27 Innovation Awards – How Seguin Built a Winning IT Culture from Within </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=1140s">19:00</a>) 2 New Positions, 5 Promotions – Shane McDaniel’s Talent Development Strategy </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=1380s">23:00</a>) 13 of 17 Deals Closed – Ted Gruenloh on Authentic Vendor Partnerships </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=1806s">30:06</a>) Funny Moment – Justin Cure and Rishma Khimji Bring Some Texas Humor </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=1979s">32:59</a>) 450 Employees, 2 IT Staff – How TAG Became James O’Brien’s Lifeline </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=1980s">33:00</a>) Building Trust in Hybrid Work – Port Houston’s Communication Playbook </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&#38;t=2400s">40:00</a>) Looking Ahead to TAGITM 2026 – Why Texas Values Drive IT Excellence</p><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p>🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/**">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/</a></p><p>🐦 Connect on Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/thejoetoste**">https://x.com/thejoetoste</a></p><p>🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/**">https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/</a></p><p>📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@techtables**">https://www.youtube.com/@techtables</a></p><p><strong>Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:</strong></p><p><strong>1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: </strong>Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.</p><p>Join now: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.techtables.com/">https://www.techtables.com/</a></p><p><strong>2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: </strong>The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.</p><p>CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory</p><p><strong>3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: </strong>a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><strong>Brought to you by:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers"><strong>SentinelOne</strong></a>—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/"><strong>Verizon Frontline</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/">—</a>The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.carahsoft.com/"><strong>Carahsoft</strong></a>—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://techtables.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">techtables.substack.com</a>