No BS Bureaucracy
Welcome to "No BS Bureaucracy," your entertaining guide to local government technology and policy. Hosted by Mike Sarasti and Mark Wheeler, two former big-city CIOs who are anything but typical tech guys, this podcast ditches dry formalities for real talk about what works versus what’s just hype. Mike and Mark break it down with a blend of hard-earned wisdom and humor that’s more John Oliver than a civics teacher who’s given up caffeine.
Mike, Miami’s first Chief Innovation Officer, and Mark, Philly’s first Chief Geographic Information Officer, aren't just any bureaucrats—they’re creatives and community builders who found their way into technology. Mike’s a musician in the indie electronic/alt-pop band Raker, and Mark’s an improv actor, so you know things won’t be boring. Their unique blend of expertise and creativity makes for lively and always insightful conversations. Think of a "Real Time with Bill Maher" panel with Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation,” but suitable for work!
Join Mike and Mark as they break down the topics of the day: AI, Govtech, smart cities, innovation, data privacy, digital ID, digital transformation, leadership, people and process, and more. They tackle serious topics with a relaxed, engaging tone, but with a touch of snark. Expect candid discussions with civil servants about making a difference, successes and failures, and advice for policy makers and technologists.
If you’re into making local government better, whether you’re a politician, technology leader, or just someone who cares, "No BS Bureaucracy" is for you. Tune in, learn something new, and have a good time doing it.
(theme music, “Hologram” by Raker)
Follow Mark and Mike on LinkedIn, and Raker Instagram:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwheelerphl/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarasti/
@rakermusic https://www.instagram.com/rakermusic
No BS Bureaucracy
Innovation as a Service
In Episode #5, co-hosts Mike Sarasti and Mark Wheeler chat with civic innovation leader Eliza Erickson to explore how local governments can shape innovation ecosystems within and outside of city hall. From her unexpected leap into government work to managing a flagship portfolio in Philadelphia, Eliza spills the tea on what it takes to grow and shape innovation as a city service. Some highlights:
- People, Place, and Process: Eliza lays out her career-defining mantra and how this framework shaped Philadelphia's innovation efforts: the Innovation Academy, Innovation Fund, and Innovation Consulting (internal and external to government).
- Fix the Basics Before Innovating: Eliza explains, “We couldn’t fully dive into innovation until we knew IT systems were solid, people’s computers worked, and data was secure.” She highlights how foundational work builds the trust and stability necessary for innovation teams to thrive.
- Innovation as a City Service: Eliza and Mike discuss how local government is well-suited to deliver innovation consulting programs. A bold move taken years ago by the city of Philadelphia to “not stay in your lane, government.”
- Challenging the notion that proximity to executive power is essential for innovation success: There are benefits to being positioned outside the mayor’s office.
In a heartfelt close, Eliza calls for more people to embrace public sector work—your impact is immediate.
On the local music front—Mike and Mark recount their epic iiiPoints music festival experience; Soulwax, Disclosure, Toro y Moi, Sacred Souls, Justice, Bar Italia, and Parliament Funkadelic.
Follow Eliza (Pollack) Erickson at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizapollack/ elizaphl.bsky.social
Mike: @sarasti.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarasti/ @rakermusic.bsky.social
Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwheelerphl/ https://markaroo.medium.com
@#cities #publicsector #innovation #government #publicpolicy
Thanks to Earl Grant for his voice on the fake advert “Translator Gator” and Raker for our musical intro/outros. https://open.spotify.com/track/4JqywsINKEWZucDNYlnBBU?si=da45e2c66825465b