Mick Unplugged: Solving Atlanta’s Challenges with Mayor Andre Dickens

Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Mayor Andre Dickens (Atlanta)
Date: October 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this insightful episode of Mick Unplugged, host Mick Hunt sits down with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to explore the driving force behind his leadership (“your because”), Atlanta’s evolution, and the practical ways bold, modern leadership is transforming the city. The discussion ranges from Dickens’ early ambitions and the purpose that fuels him, through practical youth initiatives and crime reduction, to wisdom for current and future leaders. The episode is rich with actionable advice, memorable personal stories, and encouragement for listeners to take real action in their own communities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mayor Dickens’ “Because” – The Core Motivation

[01:37–02:45]

• Mayor Dickens reflects on his deep purpose:
  • Mentions being inspired at 16 by Ambassador Andrew Young.
  • Emphasizes the influence of Atlanta’s communities, public schools, and churches on his values.
  • Quote [02:27]:

    “My because is, it’s time for me to give back and lift as I climb.”
    — Mayor Andre Dickens

2. Early Ambitions & Community Influence

[02:45–04:38]

• Dickens discusses realizing his passion for leadership early, despite lacking political connections.
• Community encouragement and Atlanta’s expanding opportunities fueled his ambition.
• Highlights spiritual guidance and supportive neighborhoods as foundational.

3. The Leadership Journey: Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mayor

[05:20–08:09]

• Problem-solving is the consistent thread in Dickens’ career.
• Working well with others is critical:
  • Quote [07:39]:

    “Atlanta is a group project...it brings people together.”
    — Mayor Andre Dickens

• As an entrepreneur, Dickens learned resilience and resourcefulness; as mayor, he multiplies the impact of community cooperation.

4. Community Involvement: Businesses as Part of the Solution

[08:20–12:53]

• Mick and Mayor Dickens stress the importance of local involvement—especially from entrepreneurs.
• Dickens shares Atlanta’s “Year of the Youth” initiative: incentivizing businesses to employ teens for summer internships.
  • Over four years, 16,000+ youth employed, leading to positive economic and social impacts.
  • Major investment in after-school and community programs.
  • Notable Results:
    • Third highest drop in crime nationally.
    • Highest graduation rates in Atlanta’s history.
  • Quote [11:37]:

    “Don’t call city hall telling me about problems if you’re not there to help with solutions.”
    — Mayor Andre Dickens

5. Preserving Legacy, Driving Progress: Atlanta’s Balancing Act

[16:17–19:46]

• Dickens describes balancing reverence for Atlanta’s storied history with innovation.
• Interacts daily with civil rights leaders and business titans to guide policy.
• Focus on partnership, technological advancement, and fostering a globally competitive city.

6. Trust—Modern Leadership’s New Currency

[19:46–22:59]

• Mick identifies trust as essential to modern leadership; Dickens agrees, stating:
  • Quote [20:12]:

    “Trust and energy are my currencies. You can trust me. I’m going to do as I say. I’m going to be transparent.”
    — Mayor Andre Dickens

• Emphasizes authenticity against political polarization and misinformation:
  • Quote [22:17]:

    “Authenticity is really the best value that we can have...somebody gonna say, that ain’t Dre. I know the real Andre.”
    — Mayor Andre Dickens

7. Equity and Opportunity: From Buzzwords to Action

[22:59–26:58]

• Mayor Dickens insists equity must be lived, not just espoused.
  • It’s woven through city mission, policy, and daily work.
  • Quote [25:52]:

    “People have to feel that you really are sincere about equity. You’re either for it or you’re against it. You can’t be half-stepping…”
    — Mayor Andre Dickens

8. Advice to the Next Generation

[26:58–28:59]

• Boldness, authenticity, and early declaration of purpose are keys.
• Dickens’ own unhidden ambition to be mayor meant his community rallied when he ran for office.
  • Quote [27:21]:

    “State your goal as early as it hits you...Be bold. Talk about it, pray over it, give it to your team...and you’ll never regret it.”
    — Mayor Andre Dickens

9. Rapid Fire: “Hot Five” with Mayor Dickens

[29:20–32:30]

• Georgia Tech vs. Georgia football: Confident prediction: “Yes, this year.”
• Favorite Atlanta meal: Lemon pepper wings.
• Influential book: The Alchemist (“Read it every time I’m trying to make a significant change.”)
• Hidden gem in Atlanta: Cascade Nature Reserve—nature, waterfalls, in the city.
• Legacy in one word: “Love.”
  • Quote [32:04]:

    “My pastor, he says love ought to look like something...For me, that one word is love.”

Memorable Quotes

• On Problem-Solving as Leadership:

  “Being a problem solver helps…That’s why we’re doing so much so fast. It’s part of my nature and part of my experience.”
  — Mayor Andre Dickens [07:57]

• On Community Partnership:

  “Business owners are saying, okay I get it…You are a part of the solution and not just a part of figuring out how many problems we have.”
  — Mayor Andre Dickens [12:20]

• On Authenticity in Leadership:

  “Be our authentic selves in every room, in every interview, on every stage…with authenticity.”
  — Mayor Andre Dickens [22:31]

Key Timestamps

• Mayor Dickens’ “Because” & Early Ambitions: [01:37–04:38]
• Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership Mindset: [05:42–08:09]
• Year of the Youth, Business Involvement, and Community Programs: [09:02–12:53]
• Preserving History vs. Driving Progress: [16:17–19:46]
• Trust, Transparency, and Modern Leadership: [19:46–22:59]
• Equity & Opportunity—Making It Real: [25:44–26:58]
• Advice for the Next Generation: [26:58–28:59]
• Hot Five—Personal Insights: [29:20–32:30]

Episode Tone & Closing Thoughts

The tone is warm, authentic, encouraging, and action-oriented, with frequent moments of inspiration and grounded advice. Both host and guest emphasize real-world solutions, the necessity of group effort, and the profound impact of leading with integrity, passion, and love.

Call to Action

Mick closes by reminding listeners:

“Your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.” [33:43]

For any leader, doer, or dreamer, this episode is a masterclass in how principle-driven leadership creates real, positive change—when you're willing to “lift as you climb.”