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

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

Featuring:

Shane McDaniel, CIO, City of Seguin & 2025 TAGITM President

James O’Brien, Information Security Officer, Port Houston (& 2026 TAGITM President)

Jose Mendez, IT Director, Town of Flower Mound

Ted Gruenloh, CEO, Nomic Networks

Episode Highlights:

What happens when local IT leaders transform city government through servant leadership, authentic vendor partnerships, and homegrown talent?

Shane McDaniel reveals how Seguin’s investment in people turned 2 new positions into 5 internal promotions and 27 innovation awards.

James O’Brien shares his journey from a 2-person team supporting 450 employees to leading a high-trust, hybrid culture at Port Houston.

Jose Mendez explains how Flower Mound’s “trust but verify” accountability framework drives transparency, measurable outcomes, and stakeholder confidence.

Ted Gruenloh unpacks how authentic vendor partnerships led to 13 of 17 sales deals and why mutual trust is the foundation of sustainable partnerships.

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.

Timestamps

(00:32) Why Texas IT Leaders Choose Public Service — Finding Purpose and Calling

(07:00) From Keyboard Warrior to Strategic Leader – James O’Brien’s Leadership Evolution

(10:00) Trust Nothing, Verify Everything – Jose Mendez’s Accountability Framework

(15:00) 27 Innovation Awards – How Seguin Built a Winning IT Culture from Within

(19:00) 2 New Positions, 5 Promotions – Shane McDaniel’s Talent Development Strategy

(23:00) 13 of 17 Deals Closed – Ted Gruenloh on Authentic Vendor Partnerships

(30:06) Funny Moment – Justin Cure and Rishma Khimji Bring Some Texas Humor

(32:59) 450 Employees, 2 IT Staff – How TAG Became James O’Brien’s Lifeline

(33:00) Building Trust in Hybrid Work – Port Houston’s Communication Playbook

(40:00) Looking Ahead to TAGITM 2026 – Why Texas Values Drive IT Excellence

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