Leading with Humility with Brett Topham
When I sat down with Brett Topham for my latest Unwritten episode, I knew we’d talk about city politics, finances, and community resources. What I didn’t expect was how deeply our conversation would remind me that real leadership doesn’t always look like standing at a podium—it often looks like directing traffic in the cold, listening before speaking, or rallying or rallying volunteers for a food pantry. Leading with Humility with Brett Topham
A New Kind of Politics: Partnerships Over Partisanship
Brett’s approach to city government is refreshing. He doesn’t see disagreements as battles to be won, but opportunities for richer dialogue. “We get our best solutions when we get a variety of voices,” he told me. “It doesn’t mean we give up our values. It means we’re willing to listen.”
That mindset is rare—and it’s powerful.
He champions the idea of public-private partnerships as a way to move beyond tight fiscal budgets. Whether it’s the city pool, the taxi system, or the zoo, Brett sees creative problem-solving as a shared responsibility between local government, philanthropic citizens, and businesses.
“Let’s think in 5- or 7-year plans, not just next year’s budget.”
That long-term thinking stuck with me. In a world that’s often reactive and divided, Brett’s vision for collaboration and generational impact feels like a blueprint we could all borrow from.
“Be the Change You Want to See in the World”
It’s a phrase we hear often, but Brett lives it. Whether he’s volunteering with the Beyond Blessed Food Pantry or showing up at city finance meetings as a self-professed “finance geek,” his commitment to community shows up in both big and small ways. His career took him from Hyatt Hotels to trust services to managing investment portfolios, but the throughline was always curiosity, care, and a desire to make things better.
He came back to Baraboo not just to retire, but to re-engage.
Beyond Blessed: Leading with Compassion and Community
Brett’s weekly work at the Beyond Blessed Food Pantry might be what impacted me most. Every Wednesday, they serve around 700 families in just two hours—a staggering feat made possible by nearly 100 volunteers and a lot of heart. And what struck me most wasn’t the numbers, but Brett’s humility as he talked about it:
“I try to make their day a little better if I can. I guess you’d say that’s my ministry.”
In those moments, we’re reminded that real leadership isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s about waving cars forward in a long line, or offering a kind word to someone who’s struggling. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up.
Listen To The Episode Now
Ready to Be Part of the Change?
If this conversation with Brett stirred something in you, you’re not alone. We need more people who are willing to show up, speak up, and believe in what’s possible when community comes together.
And if you’re navigating change in your own life—whether it’s reinvention, rediscovery, or just the pull toward something more—I’d love to connect with you through the work I do.
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