Episódios
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Show Notes: Brent Buerck: Small-Town Roots, World-Class Vision
Episode 161 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Brent Buerck, City Administrator of Perryville, Missouri. Brent shares his journey from growing up in Perryville to returning as its city administrator after 15 years with the Missouri Division of Youth Services. Through his leadership, Perryville has weathered multiple natural disasters while developing unique attractions and strong economic opportunities. Their conversation explores the value of relationship-building in municipal leadership, practical approaches to disaster response, and the delicate balance between professional impact and personal life.Episode Highlights:
Hometown Leadership: How Brent's deep connection to Perryville has shaped his approach to city administration and his commitment to telling its story Crisis Management Mastery: Navigating multiple major disasters - a 2017 EF4 tornado, 2023 ice storm, and 2023 EF3 tornado - and applying lessons from each to improve response time Community Collaboration: Building essential relationships between city, county, and regional partners to achieve greater impact together Economic Development Success: Transforming Perryville into a community with more jobs than people, including growing TG Missouri from 30 employees to 1,700+ Unique Attractions: Developing distinctive community assets like the American Tractor Museum, Vietnam Wall replica, and the Miraculous Medal shrine Volunteer Management: Coordinating community response during disasters and the importance of being prepared to receive volunteer help The Municipal Leadership Philosophy: "If we're doing our job correctly, nobody should even know we're there" - success means invisibility Work-Life Integration Challenges: Candid reflections on the struggle to balance family commitments with the demands of city leadership The Value of Intentional Relationships: Not delegating relationship-building and being deliberate about bringing conflicting groups togetherConnect with Brent Buerck:
LinkedIn: Connect with Brent HereConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comAbout HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
The MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: Jon Amundson: Thriving at the Crossroads of Nuclear History
Episode 160 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jon Amundson, City Manager of Richland, Washington. Jon shares his journey from a curious Cub Scout attending his first city council meeting to leading a city with deep ties to American nuclear history. Through his story, Jon reveals valuable insights on municipal leadership development, finding the right career fit, and creating thriving organizational cultures while maintaining meaningful family connections. Their conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities of the Tri-Cities region, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and practical strategies for balancing the demands of city management with personal well-being.Episode Highlights:
The Spark of Interest: How attending a city council meeting as a Cub Scout ignited Jon's lifelong passion for local government From Politics to Public Service: Jon's transition from political aspirations to city management after shadowing the City Manager of Orem, Utah Educational Path: Leveraging the University of Kansas program's practical approach to city management education and the value of the KUSAMAT network The Allen Experience: Lessons learned during his time at the City of Allen, Texas, including the hidden value of managing council agendas for professional development Finding the Right Fit: Strategic career decisions that balanced professional advancement with family priorities, including turning down opportunities that weren't aligned with both Self-Awareness in Leadership: Jon's candid assessment of his strengths (technology integration, organizational culture) and areas where he relies on team members (economic development) Building Future Leaders: Implementing the "Core Leadership Program" in Richland with Impact Academy, Change Team, and growth sessions to develop talent at all levels Creating Community Connection: The "Richland Cares" initiative that helps employees engage with and serve the community beyond their official roles Tri-Cities Collaboration: How Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco work together rather than compete, coordinating services and supporting regional economic development Work-Life Integration: Practical strategies for achieving balance, including being selective about meetings, delegating appropriately, and making intentional trade-offs to prioritize familyConnect with Jon Amundson:
LinkedIn: Connect with Jon HereConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comAbout HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
The MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
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Show Notes: Book of the Week – "Essentialism"
Episode Overview
Episode 159 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
(Part 1 of 5: "Essentialism" Series)Seth Winterhalter kicks off a 5-part series diving into Greg McKeown’s must-read book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, applying its insights directly to the daily pressures of municipal leadership. In this episode, Seth challenges the myth of having "twenty top priorities" and introduces the essentialist mindset: doing less, but better.
Through a real-world story of a city manager who focused on fewer initiatives for greater impact, Seth reveals how essentialism isn't about neglect—it's about being laser-focused on what truly moves the needle for your community. Discover how this shift in thinking—from managing everything to choosing the vital few—can transform council relationships, community outcomes, and your own leadership clarity.
Key TakeawaysWhy trying to do everything often leads to accomplishing nothing of significance
The historical truth about the word “priority”—and what it means for your leadership
How one city’s shift from 15 to 3 priorities led to surprising success
What to eliminate from your calendar to free up bandwidth for impact
Why essentialism isn't about time management but value management
How to identify the “one initiative” that will define your administration’s legacy
This Week’s Journey in the MLDCMonday: Introduction to essentialism for city leaders
Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
Tuesday–Thursday: Focused insights on strategic narrowing, decision filtering, and system design
Friday: Live Virtual Book Club discussion – applying essentialism in real municipal contextsGet full access this week to:
All five "Essentialism" podcast episodes
Daily deep-dive blog posts expanding each theme
Friday’s Virtual Book Club with city leaders nationwide
Complete MLDC platform and leadership resource library
No commitment. Join the movement.🔗 Start Your Trial at HaltingWinter.com
Resources MentionedBook: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Weekly Newsletter – The Leader’s Lens (free subscription)
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More
Connect with Seth WinterhalterLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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Show Notes: Kristen Dorman: From Reluctant Start to Intentional Journey
Episode 158 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this insightful episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with Kristen Dorman, Assistant City Manager of Warrensburg, Missouri. Kristen shares her fascinating journey from dismissing municipal government as a career ("whatever career that is, I don't want it") despite her mother being a county manager, to finding her calling in city management, and ultimately serving as interim city manager just six weeks into a new position. Their conversation explores the importance of mentorship in municipal careers, the value of creating work-life boundaries, the realities of managing different-sized communities, and how the profession must evolve to attract the next generation of leaders.Episode Highlights:
The Reluctant Beginning: How Kristen initially avoided following in her mother's municipal leadership footsteps before discovering her passion for local government through a Fellowship program The Value of Mentorship: The crucial role of mentors like Zach Walker who provided opportunities for growth by including Kristen in high-level projects and pushing her to seek new challenges Size Matters in City Management: Contrasting experiences in large cities (Independence, Surprise) versus smaller communities (Pleasant Hill) and the hands-on knowledge gained from wearing multiple department director hats in smaller organizations Stepping Away & Returning Stronger: Kristen's decision to leave municipal government to work for the Alliance for Innovation and how this break helped her clarify her passion while establishing healthier work boundaries Sudden Leadership Transition: Being thrust into the interim city manager role after just six weeks as assistant city manager and navigating leadership with transparency and teamwork Work-Life Integration: Challenging the 60-70 hour workweek norm in city management and demonstrating that effective leadership is possible with healthy boundaries The Future of Municipal Management: Candid discussion about how the profession must evolve beyond burnout culture to attract younger generations who value work-life balance Leading by Example: How city manager work habits set the tone for organizational culture and the importance of modeling sustainable practices Motherhood and Leadership: Insights on how becoming a parent enhanced Kristen's empathy and perspective as a municipal leaderConnect with Kristen Dorman:
LinkedIn: Connect with Kristen HereConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comAbout HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE
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Show Notes: John Mauro: A Global Journey of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Episode 157 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this inspiring episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with John Mauro, City Manager of Port Townsend, Washington. John shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Maine to traveling across four continents on a prestigious fellowship, and ultimately leading municipal transformation in both Auckland and Washington state. Their conversation explores the power of global perspective in local governance, innovative approaches to community engagement, and the delicate balance between addressing immediate municipal needs while planning for long-term sustainability.Episode Highlights:
New England Roots: How John's upbringing in Maine and exposure to natural landscapes shaped his environmental consciousness and public service path Global Education: His transformative Thomas Watson fellowship that took him to Ghana, Bhutan, Australia, and Bolivia to study indigenous relationships with nature Finding His Purpose: John's evolution from environmental science to sustainability leadership, discovering his passion for systems thinking and collaborative governance International Municipal Leadership: Serving as Auckland, New Zealand's first Chief Sustainability Officer and navigating a complex "super city" government structure Interagency Collaboration: Transforming adversarial relationships with sister agencies like the Port of Port Townsend into million-dollar collaborative projects Infrastructure Challenges: Tackling long-deferred maintenance, including a century-old water agreement, and creating sustainable funding mechanisms for critical infrastructure Innovative Community Engagement: Using "The Bureaucracy Now" radio show and monthly coffee chats to build trust and transparency with citizens COVID Leadership: Managing municipal operations during the pandemic just months into his tenure as city manager Team Development: Building a "dream team" of department directors who are dedicated to service and tackling systemic challenges Personal Rejuvenation: Balancing the demands of public service through outdoor activities, family adventures, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal lifeConnect with John Mauro:
LinkedIn: Connect with JohnConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalterAbout HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events:Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
The MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the United States to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: Book of the Week - "Conscious Business"
Episode Overview
Episode 156 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
(Part 1 of 5: "Conscious Business" Series)Seth Winterhalter kicks off a 5-part series exploring Fred Kofman's book "Conscious Business" and its critical applications for municipal leadership. This first episode introduces the powerful concept of conscious leadership - blending decisive action with deeper awareness to transform municipal organizations. Through an engaging story about a public works department facing multiple challenges, Seth illustrates how moving beyond traditional command-and-control approaches creates remarkable results without sacrificing decisiveness. Discover how conscious leadership provides a framework for seeing and addressing systemic issues that top-down directives alone cannot solve.
Key Takeaways How effective municipal leaders blend decisive action with conscious awareness The power of listening sessions and safe spaces for authentic feedback Why understanding daily realities transforms organizational culture How conscious leadership builds the trust necessary for organizational transformation The three crucial aspects of conscious leadership every city manager needs to master This Week's Journey in the MLDC Monday: Foundations of conscious leadership in municipal settings Tuesday-Thursday: Deep dives into organizational awareness, stakeholder relationships, and proactive systems Friday: Implementation Guides & the Virtual Book Club discussion Special: Free 7-Day MLDC TrialExperience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:
All five "Conscious Business" podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete MLDC platform resources Nationwide community of city managers and administrators No upfront commitment required Resources Mentioned Book: "Conscious Business" by Fred Kofman Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn MoreConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com -
Show Notes: De'Carlon Seewood: From Crisis to Community Renewal
Episode 155 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this powerful episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with De'Carlon Seewood, City Manager of Columbia, Missouri. De'Carlon shares his extraordinary journey from witnessing urban decay in East St. Louis to leading Ferguson through national crisis, and finally revitalizing Columbia through innovative community engagement and employee investment. Their conversation explores the realities of municipal leadership during tumultuous times, rebuilding fractured community trust, and creating a sustainable culture of excellence in local government.Episode Highlights:
The Public Service Calling: How De'Carlon's childhood in East St. Louis and witnessing urban decline inspired his lifelong commitment to public service Hands-On Municipal Experience: The invaluable cross-functional knowledge gained through "assistant to" roles where De'Carlon served as interim department head in planning, parks, and finance Community Revitalization: Transforming the historically Black Carver neighborhood in Fulton by rehabilitating properties and creating innovative housing solutions Leading Through Crisis: De'Carlon's courageous decision to return to Ferguson after the Michael Brown shooting and the complex realities of managing a city under intense national scrutiny Navigating Federal Intervention: Practical insights on implementing a Department of Justice consent decree with limited resources in a small municipality Employee Investment Strategy: Columbia's $10 million initiative to properly value staff and address retention challenges in critical departments Innovative Engagement Approaches: Creating "Coffee with the City Manager," Citizen Academies, and Community Summits to rebuild trust between residents and local government Municipal Leadership Sustainability: Candid discussion about the personal toll of city management and practical advice for maintaining well-being in demanding leadership roles Communicating Municipal Value: Helping citizens understand the significance of local government services and the true nature of municipal budgetsConnect with De'Carlon Seewood:
LinkedIn: Connect with De'Carlon Here About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions:At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events:Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: Nichole Rutherford: Finding Courage When Opportunity Calls
Episode 154 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this inspiring episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Nichole Rutherford, City Manager of Coos Bay, Oregon. From her beginnings as a finance assistant to becoming city manager, Nichole shares her remarkable journey through municipal leadership. Their conversation explores her unexpected path to public service, the challenges of transitioning from technical expertise to leadership, and the delicate balance between professional demands and personal life in the municipal arena.Episode Highlights:
An Unexpected Journey: Nichole's path from a small CPA firm to city management, illustrates how saying "yes" to opportunities can lead to fulfilling careers in public service From Finance to Leadership: The transition from technical expertise in finance to the broader leadership challenges of city management Intentional Succession Planning: Insights into Roger Craddock's three-year mentorship approach that prepared Nichole for the city manager role Leading with Heart: How bringing compassion and humanity to government can transform municipal work culture and service delivery The Technical-to-Leadership Challenge: Nichole's candid reflections on shifting from producing tangible work to leading and influencing Family Support Systems: Thoughtful strategies for maintaining work-life balance in a position that "never shuts off" Building Professional Networks: The importance of reaching out to fellow city managers and creating a support system in what can be an isolating role Small Town Impact: Perspectives on leading in Coos Bay (population 16,000) and the unique challenges and opportunities of smaller municipalities Fresh Eyes on Old Problems: How leadership transitions can reinvigorate established processes and bring new perspectives to municipal challengesConnect with Nichole Rutherford:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-rutherford-3374ba44/ About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions:At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events:Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: "No One Else to Blame"
Episode 153 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Part 1 of 5: "Extreme Ownership" SeriesEpisode Overview
Seth Winterhalter starts a 5-part series to tackle the primary principle that's sorely lacking in many municipal organizations today: ownership. Drawing from Jocko Willink's powerful books "Extreme Ownership" and "The Dichotomy of Leadership," Seth addresses how the culture of finger-pointing has become a leadership strategy from Washington D.C. down to city halls across America. Through compelling storytelling and practical application, discover how ownership isn't a burden but a source of power - the only real way to create meaningful change in municipal leadership. Start your journey into transformative leadership principles by gaining access to the entire 5-part series when you begin your free 7-day trial of the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) today.Key Takeaways
Why ownership creates power rather than burden in municipal settings How taking responsibility shifts team dynamics from blame to solutions The credibility and trust gained through demonstrating ownership The critical dichotomies of leadership in municipal environmentsSpecial: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:
All five "Extreme Ownership" podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete MLDC platform resources Nationwide community of municipal leaders No upfront commitment required - visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDCResources Mentioned
Books: "Extreme Ownership" and "The Dichotomy of Leadership" by Jocko Willink Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)Connect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com -
Show Notes: Danielle Dulin: Working in Generations, Not Election Cycles
Episode 152 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this inspiring episode of the HaltingWinter podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Danielle Dulin, City Manager of Manhattan, Kansas. From growing up on a farm in western Kansas to becoming the city manager of her alma mater, Danielle shares her remarkable journey through municipal leadership. Their conversation explores the challenges and rewards of city management, the importance of long-term vision, and navigating professional growth while balancing personal wellbeing.Episode Highlights:
Rural Roots to City Leadership: Danielle's journey from a farm 30 miles southeast of Dodge City to becoming city manager in Manhattan, illustrates how diverse backgrounds strengthen municipal leadership Unexpected Career Path: How an economics major who initially worked at the Federal Reserve Bank discovered her calling in municipal government through a chance encounter with city officials Generational Leadership Philosophy: Danielle's powerful insight that "we work in generations, not in election cycles," highlighting the long-term impact of municipal vision Breaking Barriers: Perspectives on being part of the 13% of female city managers and the importance of representation in executive municipal roles Strategic Career Navigation: Thoughtful approach to knowing when to stay in a position versus pursuing new opportunities for growth Municipal Project Legacy: Experiences working on transformative projects like the Lenexa City Center, illustrating how leadership continuity enables long-term community vision Work-Life Integration: Candid discussion about the challenges of balancing demanding careers, geographic separation, and maintaining personal relationships Community Engagement Innovation: Strategies for meaningful community connections and effectively telling your city's story beyond "hearing from the same ten people" The Value of Mentorship: How multiple mentors throughout her career provided crucial guidance at pivotal momentsConnect with Danielle Dulin:
LinkedIn: Danielle Dulin About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions:At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events:Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: Michael Paulhus: Biology, Banking, and Better Government
Episode 151 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
In this captivating episode of the HaltingWinter podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with Michael Paulhus, Town Manager of Plainville, Connecticut. From Tanzania with the Peace Corps to wealth management at RBC to pioneering municipal social media strategies, Michael's diverse career path offers unique insights into effective local government leadership. Their conversation explores how curiosity and continuous learning can transform municipal communication and leadership.Episode Highlights:
An Unconventional Journey: Michael's fascinating path from biology student to Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania to municipal leadership showcases the value of diverse experiences Dual Leadership Perspective: The rare insights gained from serving both as an elected official (First Selectman) and appointed Town Manager Private Sector Principles: How five years at RBC Wealth Management transformed Michael's approach to efficiency, resource management, and questioning established processes Creative Resource Management: The innovative strategies Michael used to acquire expensive equipment for just $50 through state surplus programs, saving his municipality tens of thousands Social Media Revolution: How Michael went from social media novice to municipal communication innovator, creating engaging content across multiple platforms Team Building Approach: Michael's success in building a multi-generational communication team that leverages different strengths and perspectives Self-Care Philosophy: The five pillars Michael follows for personal wellbeing: diet, exercise, meditation, prayer, and sleep Curiosity as Leadership Strength: The power of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning in opening doors and creating community opportunitiesConnect with Michael Paulhus:
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltpaulhus/ About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions:At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events:Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: "The Municipal Leader's Paradox"
Episode 150 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Part 1 of 5: "Leaders Eat Last" SeriesEpisode Overview
Seth Winterhalter explores how Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" principles apply uniquely to municipal leadership. This episode delves into the paradox city managers face: being expected to project strength and control while creating environments of safety and trust that truly drive organizational excellence. Seth examines how this tension manifests in daily leadership scenarios and introduces practical strategies for navigating this challenge.Discover how creating what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" can transform municipal organizations from bureaucratic institutions into dynamic, purpose-driven teams that deliver exceptional community service. Unlock the entire 5-part "Leaders Eat Last" series by starting your free 7-day trial of the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) today.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the Servant Leader's Paradox in municipal government How creating a "Circle of Safety" transforms municipal service delivery Why psychological safety enables innovation and better public service Balancing authority with accessibility in leadership rolesSpecial: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:
All five "Leaders Eat Last" podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete MLDC platform and app access Nationwide community of municipal leaders No upfront commitment required - visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDCResources Mentioned
Book: "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)Connect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com -
Show Notes: Zach Walker: Identity, Purpose and Impact in City Management
Episode 149 of The HaltingWinter PodcastOverview
Episode Highlights: Zach's Unexpected Path: From aspiring sports broadcaster to city management, Zach's career journey demonstrates the value of exploring different paths in public service Mentorship Impact: How various mentors shaped Zach's career trajectory and leadership approach Making the Leadership Leap: The dramatic transition from city auditor to assistant city manager during an organizational upheaval The Self-Aware Leader: Zach's candid discussion on recognizing his limitations as a new city manager and strategically hiring experienced assistants Walking the Municipal Tightrope: Balancing the demands of elected officials, department heads, and citizens Mental Health in Leadership: Vulnerable reflections on managing stress during the pandemic and the importance of seeking help Building a Life Outside the Office: Practical strategies for protecting personal time and maintaining identity beyond the job title Professional Association Involvement: How engagement with municipal leadership organizations benefits both individual leaders and their communities Connect with Zach Walker: LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/zach-walker-9572218b/ Missouri City/County Management Association: www.momanagers.org About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions:
In this episode of the Halting Winter podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Zach Walker, City Manager of Independence, Missouri. Through their conversation, Zach shares his unique journey into city management, the challenges of balancing life on the municipal tightrope, and how he maintains his personal identity while serving in a demanding public role.At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.
Upcoming Events:Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.
Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: "The Energy-Driven Municipal Leader"
Episode 148 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Part 1 of 5: "The Power of Full Engagement" SeriesEpisode Overview
Seth Winterhalter begins a 5-part exploration of the concepts from "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, revealing why managing energy—not time—is the key to high performance and personal renewal. Learn how to build capacity in four essential energy dimensions to transform both your professional effectiveness and personal fulfillment, specifically for city managers and administrators in your municipal world context.Key Takeaways
Why managing energy trumps managing time for sustainable performance The four sources of energy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual How strategic energy renewal practices prevent burnout and boost productivity The importance of creating positive energy rituals to sustain peak performanceImplementation Examples
Structuring your workday around energy cycles rather than clock time Creating boundaries between work and recovery periods Designing morning and evening rituals to optimize energy management Aligning daily activities with your core values to access spiritual energySpecial: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
All five "Power of Full Engagement" podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete MLDC platform and app access Nationwide community of municipal leaders Use code "Podcast" for an exclusive discount: JOIN NOW
Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:Resources Mentioned
Book: "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)Connect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com -
Show Notes: Amanda Mack: Finding Your Leadership Shoes
Episode 147 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter for an insightful conversation with Amanda Mack, City Administrator of Harrisburg, South Dakota. From her background in political organizing to becoming a city manager, Amanda shares her journey through municipal leadership, including the challenges of being the first city manager in a community transitioning to a new form of government. Discover her unique perspectives on building relationships, navigating political dynamics, and finding authentic leadership while maintaining personal well-being in the demanding world of city management.Key Takeaways
The non-linear path from political organizing to city administration Strategies for successful relationship-building with elected officials and staff The challenges and opportunities of being a city's first manager How national political discourse impacts local governance, even in small communities Finding ways to be vulnerable and authentic as a municipal leader Building and maintaining professional networks for support and growth The importance of intentional communication with elected officials Creating boundaries and work-life integration in an all-encompassing role Finding purpose in municipal work through community buildingNotable Quotes
"Every day we leave a mark on the world. And that is a real driving force for me... Keep at it. Keep your heads up. And continue with the noble cause of service." - Amanda Mack"Local government for decades has had the privilege of being largely shielded from the national environment. That doesn't really exist anymore... Everything we do is political from how your garbage gets picked up to how you vote." - Amanda Mack
"The best leader is the self-aware leader. And that means coming to terms with where you falter and where you're not productive and where you're not living into who you're called to be." - Amanda Mack
Resources Mentioned
Working Genius - Personality assessment tool for understanding team dynamics The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resourcesConnect with Amanda Mack
LinkedIn: Amanda Mack's LinkedIn ProfileConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: "Navigating Two Minds in Municipal Leadership"
Episode 146 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Part 1 of 5: "Thinking Fast and Slow" SeriesEpisode Overview
Seth Winterhalter explores how Daniel Kahneman's fascinating research on decision-making applies directly to municipal leadership. Discover how understanding the two thinking systems in your brain can transform your effectiveness as a city manager and elevate your leadership approach when facing complex municipal challenges.Key Takeaways
The crucial distinction between "fast thinking" and "slow thinking" in leadership decision-making Why your reliable leadership instincts can sometimes undermine strategic effectiveness How to recognize when each thinking system serves you best in municipal governance Practical strategies for engaging your analytical mind when automatic responses aren't optimalLeadership Application Examples
Navigating political dynamics with both quick instinct and thoughtful analysis Transforming how you approach council presentations and community engagement Balancing crisis response with strategic consideration of broader implications Recognizing when your thinking patterns may be limiting organizational innovationResources Mentioned
Book: "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
All five podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete MLDC platform and app access Nationwide community of city managers and administrators Use coupon code "Podcast" for an exclusive discount: JOIN NOW
Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:Connect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com -
Show Notes: Joe Irvin: Culture Change at 6,000 Feet
Episode 145 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter for a fascinating conversation with Joe Irvin, City Manager of South Lake Tahoe, California. From his entrepreneurial beginnings selling snowboard wax to leading a complex tourist destination city, Joe shares powerful insights about transforming organizational culture, managing through crisis, and maintaining personal well-being while leading a city that fluctuates from 22,000 to 125,000 residents every weekend.Key Takeaways
Taking the helm during COVID and navigating severe revenue challenges Transforming organizational culture through intentional leadership development Managing the unique dynamics of a major tourist destination city Building an innovative "high speed, low drag" organizational culture Creating work-life integration as a city manager Leveraging post-COVID opportunities to diversify municipal talent Balancing resident and tourist needs in city planning and servicesLeadership Insights
How to build vulnerability and trust among department heads Strategies for effective communication in a complex political environment Methods for encouraging healthy disagreement and creative pushback Techniques for deep work and strategic thinking as a city manager Approaches to maintaining personal wellness while leading a city Building mutual respect among departments with competing priorities Creating sustainable practices for long-term community developmentNotable Quotes
"My philosophy is that we need to treat people with compassion, dignity, and respect. And I let people know, you can push back on me. I don't want you to just accept and say, 'Yes, sir, we're going to do that.' Tell me why I'm wrong." - Joe IrvinResources Mentioned
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resourcesConnect with Joe Irvin
LinkedIn: Joe Irvin's LinkedIn ProfileConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched in January as a community for city managers and administrators to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. To celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: "The Purpose-Driven City Hall"
Episode 144 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Part 1 of 5: "Start With Why" SeriesEpisode Overview
Seth Winterhalter explores how Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" principles can transform municipal leadership, examining how purpose-driven leadership can turn good departments into exceptional city governments. Learn how to move beyond bureaucratic processes to create meaningful community impact.Key Takeaways
Why bureaucracy fills the void when teams lose sight of purpose How clear purpose simplifies complex municipal decision-making The connection between purpose and organizational resilience Converting technical decisions into community impactImplementation Examples
Transforming department meetings through purpose-focused discussions Converting budget debates into collaborative resource alignment Reframing daily operations through community impact Building cross-departmental purpose alignmentSpecial: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
All five "Start With Why" podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete MLDC platform and app access Nationwide community of municipal leaders Use code "Podcast" for an exclusive discount: JOIN NOW
Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:Resources Mentioned
Book: "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)Connect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com -
Show Notes: Steve Pauken: Finding Your Way to Yes
Episode 143 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter for an insightful conversation with Steve Pauken, City Manager of Bisbee, Arizona, who shares his amazing journey in local government. From his early days as a councilman and mayor in Maumee, Ohio to his current post-retirement role, Steve offers unique perspectives on transforming municipal leadership through the art of finding ways to yes, building sustainable leadership practices, and creating lasting impact in local government.Key Takeaways
The transformative power of finding ways to yes instead of defaulting to no Leveraging private sector experience in public service Leading with freedom: insights from post-retirement city management Navigating political dynamics while remaining apolitical Building sustainable leadership practices through work-life integration The value of having interests outside work (like astrophotography) Managing financial challengesLeadership Insights
How to transform bureaucratic barriers into creative solutions The importance of understanding both private and public sector perspectives Strategies for maintaining professional effectiveness while protecting personal well-being Converting early career feedback into transformational leadership practices Building trust through diplomatic yet firm boundary setting Leading with conviction rather than fear Creating sustainable organizational culture in municipal governmentNotable Quotes
"The motive should always be to find a way to yes." - Steve PaukenResources Mentioned
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resourcesConnect with Steve Pauken
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-pauken-03478125/Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched in January as a community for city managers and administrators to find support personally and professionally as they become stronger leaders. To celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: "Breaking the Silence: Your Municipal Team's Hidden Potential"
Episode 142 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Part 1 of 5: The Five Dysfunctions SeriesEpisode Overview
In this powerful opening episode, Seth Winterhalter explores how Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" directly applies to municipal leadership, revealing how the 'municipal mask' often prevents teams from reaching their full potential. Learn how to transform surface-level cooperation into genuine collaboration.Key Takeaways
Understanding the 'competence trap' in municipal leadership How public scrutiny impacts team dynamics The hidden cost of maintaining professional facades Three key patterns limiting municipal team effectivenessImplementation Examples
Breaking down the "perfect department syndrome" Transforming "meeting after the meeting" culture Overcoming the "silo survival strategy" Building authentic team connections while maintaining professionalismSpecial: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
All five "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete access to the MLDC online platform and app Nationwide community of municipal leaders Start your free trial today: JOIN NOW
Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:Resources Mentioned
Book: "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)Connect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com - Mostrar mais
