It’s not every day you get to sit across from two mayors and hear them talk candidly about what it’s really like to lead a community. Or roast each other in a room full of Young Professionals. But that’s exactly what happened when Mayor Danny Laudick of Cedar Falls and Mayor Quentin Hart of Waterloo joined the Cedar Valley Young Professionals (CVYP) for Wake Up YP at the Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center.

No scripts. No stiff handshakes. Just two leaders sharing what it really means to build a community, together.

Two Mayors, No Filters

The first thing you notice about these mayors is that they’re unapologetically real. They laugh at themselves, with each other and the stories they share feel familiar. 

When speaking to the group of 50 young professionals at Wake Up YP, they opened the conversation with something honest. No one is waiting to tap you on the shoulder and make you a leader. Leadership is earned when you show up for yourself, your peers and for your community.

Mayor Hart shared when he first considered running for office, he was told he couldn’t win. Because he was too young, because of his race, because “it wasn’t his turn.” He didn’t let that stop him. “I refuse to let anyone put me in a box,” he told the group. “You don’t have to wait for someone to give you permission. Sometimes, you have to make that call yourself.”

Mayor Laudick nodded, adding that he didn’t see himself in a front-facing leadership role. “I thought I was better behind the scenes,” he said. “Eventually, I realized leadership isn’t about being the face. It’s about helping others see what’s possible and bringing them along. 

The mayors didn’t shy away from the tough parts of their jobs, either. They talked about the importance of doing the work for the right reasons. “People notice when you show up for the right reasons,” Hart said. “Not for the clicks or the photo ops, but because you care about the work and the people.”

Where Collaboration Feels Like Home

The mayors spoke at length about what true collaboration in daily decision-making looks like. They shared how their teamwork has spanned years, different roles and major projects.

Take International Paper’s recent expansion, for example. While the facility ultimately landed in Waterloo, leaders from both cities had been involved in the process long before a site was finalized. They coordinated infrastructure planning, workforce conversations and regional support. Knowing whether it landed in Waterloo or Cedar Falls, it would be a win for the entire community. “We grow together,” Hart said. “There wouldn’t be a Waterloo without Cedar Falls, and vice versa. Our workforce, our businesses, and our futures are all connected.”

Laudick pointed out that these relationships don’t happen overnight. “Build your network before you need it,” he said. “Opportunities come from the connections you make when you’re just showing up, helping out, and being present.”

In the Cedar Valley, it’s common for early-career leaders to join boards, lead projects, and connect directly with those shaping the future. “You can be a big fish here,” Hart said. “You can join an organization, work alongside decision-makers, and see your ideas come to life. That’s not always possible in bigger cities.”

Laudick encouraged everyone to make the most of their time in the area, wherever their path may lead. “Go out, learn, bring something back. But remember, the grass is greener where you water it. Even if you’re only here for a short time, invest in the community. You never know where those connections will lead.”

This kind of access and openness is part of what makes the Cedar Valley unique. Young professionals can sit down with city leaders, ask questions and share ideas in a welcoming setting. We’re grateful to Mayor Hart and Mayor Laudick for joining us, sharing their experiences and making space for honest conversation. 

If you’re curious about what comes next, Cedar Valley Young Professionals is ready to help you find your place and your people. Check out our upcoming events:

June 26 | Social Hour at the Landmark
July 10 | Game Night at the Bucks

Bring a friend, grab a drink, and see where a simple conversation might take you. The next chapter in your Cedar Valley story could start at the next event.