It’s easy to point out what’s not working. It’s harder to step in and do something about it.
That’s where leadership begins.
In this episode of Bank Shot, Plain City Mayor Jody Carney shares a simple but powerful truth:
If you want to see change, you just have to be willing to step up and be part of the solution.
It Starts with a Decision
Before public office, Jody was like many of us, talking through ideas at the kitchen table, questioning why things were happening in her community.
Then came a simple nudge.
When she suggested her husband run for council, his response was just as simple: “You should do it.”
And she did.
That moment—being willing to step forward instead of staying on the sidelines—set everything else in motion.
Leadership isn’t about being chosen. It’s about choosing to act.
You Don’t Need a Title to Lead
One of the most defining moments in Jody’s journey came when the opportunity to become council president opened up.
Like many organizations, the expectation was simple: the most tenured person would step into the role.
But Jody saw it differently.
She believed she could help move things forward—bring structure to meetings, keep momentum going, and make real progress. So instead of waiting to be asked, she spoke up and said she’d like the opportunity.
That took courage. And just as importantly, the council was willing to listen.
They didn’t default to “how it’s always been done.” They recognized someone who was ready to lead and gave her the chance.
The best organizations create space for people to step up—and have the awareness to recognize and support them when they do.
Leading When It’s Not Easy
Then came COVID.
Uncertainty. Division. Pressure from every direction.
There was no perfect playbook.
So Jody focused on what she could do—creating small moments that made a big difference.
- Opening the community pool to give kids something to do—and a sense of normalcy in a world that felt anything but normal
- Organizing a Halloween food truck and community event to give families a chance to gather safely
These weren’t massive, sweeping changes, but they mattered. Because at the core of her decisions was a belief:
People need connection.
And sometimes, leadership isn’t about solving everything. It’s about creating moments that bring people back together.
Connection Is a Leadership Strategy
In a world driven by screens and social media, it’s easy to mistake communication for connection.
They’re not the same.
Jody made it a priority to bring people together in real life—because when people see each other face-to-face, things change.
Conversations soften. Understanding grows.
If you want to make an impact, start by connecting people.
Build Relationships Before You Need Them
One of the most practical lessons from the episode is something Jody emphasizes early and often: Start building relationships now.
For her, that started with organizations like 4-H and FFA—places where young people learn, lead, and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Those early experiences matter.
And that mindset shouldn’t stop there.
- Build connections in high school
- Continue growing your network in college
- Stay connected throughout your career
Because over time, those relationships become the people you call on, collaborate with, and grow alongside.
Relationships open the door. Skills help you walk through it.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or simply looking to grow, the message is clear:
- If something needs to change—step in
- If there’s a gap—be part of the solution
- If there’s an opportunity to get involved—take it
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need a title.
You just need the willingness to act.
Listen to Bank Shot Episode 7: Don’t Wait for Change—Lead It anywhere you get your podcasts and walk away with ideas you can apply to your own leadership, team, and customer experience. Click the icons below for our podcast page on Apple or Spotify.
