I recently went one-on-one on with Josh Fryday, Director of GO-Serve and California’s Chief Service Officer. A member of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Cabinet, Josh leads the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement and serves in a leadership position with the California Governor’s Council for Career Education. Josh is also the former Mayor of Novato, California.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Josh: From my time in the Navy to serving as a mayor and now in the Governor’s cabinet, I’ve learned a mission succeeds or fails based on how good a team is. Not the strength of an individual.
I’ve also learned the power of service. It breaks down barriers, builds bridges, and creates a sense of shared purpose. My service journey has taught me resilience, a lot of patience, and the importance of building strong coalitions to get things done.
My experience working with people of different backgrounds and perspectives to accomplish a mission has formed much of my view of the world and understanding of what is wrong in our current society but also what is possible.
During the recent LA wildfires, I was on scene where hundreds of our service members were deployed to emergency shelters, to help package food and supplies for those who were evacuated, and where they helped connect survivors with resources during recovery. Those service members were deeply passionate about their mission, and their passion had meaningful impact.
Adam: What would surprise people most about serving in leadership roles in city and state government?
Josh: I think we can all agree that government can be slow and frustrating. We all have stories that make the blood boil. But in my experience, and what may surprise people, is the vast majority of people I’ve worked with in government are passionate, hard-working, and mission-driven individuals. They’re there because they genuinely want to make a difference, and they often do.
Adam: What are the best lessons you’ve learned from your time as mayor and your time as California’s GO-Serve Director?
Josh: If you have a good idea, don’t take no for an answer. When I was the mayor of Novato, I created a program with a local private university to pay students for serving their community so they could afford to attend college. When Governor Gavin Newsom created a cabinet-level position for service, we scaled that same program to create College Corps, which now provides debt-free pathways for thousands of students across the State of California, and other states are starting to emulate our program.
No matter where you are, there will always be barriers. Some people let that be an excuse. I’ve learned if you keep pushing and believe, there is always a way to get something done – if you care enough about it.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Josh: I believe vision, focus, and trust are essential. You have to know where you’re going and keep the mission front and center. At the same time, you empower your team to take ownership and execute that vision. Leadership is about setting the direction and creating the environment where others can succeed.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Josh: Think big and then think even bigger. As a leader, you probably have some clear objectives for your team, but to take them to the next level, give your team opportunities to innovate and have full ownership. Be willing to take risks and fail.
Push out of your comfort zone, and when you make mistakes, which we all do, learn from them.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Josh:
- Be clear on mission. Clarity drives focus, alignment, and momentum.
- Be ruthlessly disciplined on outcomes. Hold yourself and your team accountable.
- Create a space for others to lead. Leadership is not about yourself. It is about building great teams.
Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?
Josh: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is you must always invest in your people. When you prioritize their growth and development, you build a stronger, more committed team. Fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose leads to better outcomes for you and everyone.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Josh: Make your boss look good.
Adam: What can anyone do to pay it forward?
Josh: I think about Dr. Martin Luther King’s quote: “Anyone can be great because anyone can serve.” Every single person can pay it forward by serving, and every leader can help create a culture of service.
If you’re a business leader, offer paid time off for employees to volunteer and prioritize service when hiring. If you lead a nonprofit, mentor young changemakers to engage in meaningful community projects. If you’re in government, champion policies that expand service opportunities like the California Service Corps and prioritize community service when hiring.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Josh: America only works if people are willing to serve each other. Our democracy depends on it. Find an opportunity for yourself and find opportunities for those you lead. We are all depending on you.
