The HaltingWinter Podcast

188: Dalton Pierce: Urgency Meets Unity: Learning to Lead Without Leaving People Behind Jun 12, 2025

Show Notes: Dalton Pierce: Urgency Meets Unity: Learning to Lead Without Leaving People Behind

Episode 188 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Dalton Pierce, City Manager of York, South Carolina, to explore the leadership tensions every municipal executive knows too well: how do you balance the urgency to improve with the patience required to bring people along?

Dalton shares his journey from city planner to city manager, and how that unique path shapes his approach to decision-making, team building, and navigating the political and personal complexities of local government. His insights on culture, hiring, and pace will resonate with leaders at every level—especially those who feel the pull between visionary change and community trust.

Episode Highlights

Planning Roots, Manager Realities How Dalton’s background in planning helps him hold the long-term vision while managing short-term demands.
The Pace of People The leadership lesson that transformed his mindset: lasting progress happens at the speed of trust, not the speed of urgency.
Culture Over Credentials Why hiring people who align with values, not just skillsets, is one of his top priorities as a leader.
The Isolation of Leadership Dalton reflects on the quiet challenges of being a city manager and why honest conversations with peers can be lifesaving.
Public Service with a Purpose The difference between checking boxes and creating buy-in—and why your team, not your title, defines your success.

Connect with Dalton Pierce

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dalton-pierce

Connect with Seth Winterhalter:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

At HaltingWinter, we help local government leaders build thriving teams and resilient workplace cultures through keynotes, workshops, and leadership development programs rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership.

Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 South Carolina APWA Chapter Annual Conference June 24 | Spartanburg, SC Details at SCAPWA

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Annual Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 4 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is where municipal leaders grow together through weekly podcasts, curated book insights, and a nationwide peer community focused on real leadership, real culture, and real conversations.

Secure Your Summer Special and Start Your FREE 7-day trial Join the MLDC

187: Will Ibershof: Guts, Growth, and the Greater Good: Leading Through Service in Small-Town Government Jun 10, 2025

Show Notes: Will Ibershof: Guts, Growth, and the Greater Good: Leading Through Service in Small-Town Government

Episode 187 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Will Ibershof, City Administrator of Madras, Oregon—and former mayor of Duval, Washington—for a conversation that’s as raw as it is inspiring. From throwing up during his first campaign event to building parks, securing grants, and mentoring the next generation of public leaders, Will’s story is a powerful reflection on the real work of local government.

Will opens up about what it takes to lead with courage in small communities—especially through burnout, rapid growth, and the constant push-and-pull between progress and preservation. Whether you're an elected official, a department director, or aspiring to either, this episode offers a front-row seat to the challenges and rewards of leading where you live.

Episode Highlights:

From Dare to Duty: How a challenge from friends led Will to run for office despite never having attended a council meeting

Doorbelling and Discomfort: The unforgettable (and stomach-turning) campaign moment that taught him the power of grit and authenticity

No Administrator, No Problem: What it’s like to serve as an elected mayor and CEO in a city without a city manager or administrator

Burnout and Regret: A candid look at the personal cost of public service and what Will wishes he had done differently

Mentorship That Matters: How Will forged a powerful partnership with the City Manager of Bend, Oregon and why big-small city collaboration is a rising-tide strategy

Rural Growth, Urban Expectations: Lessons from Sultan and Madras, where housing demand, infrastructure realities, and small-town identity collide

The Heart of Connection: Why events, community grants, and everyday kindness are essential tools for cities battling isolation and division

Connect with Will Ibershof:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/willibershof

Connect with Seth Winterhalter:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

At HaltingWinter, we help local government leaders build thriving teams and resilient workplace cultures through keynotes, workshops, and leadership development programs rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership.

Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 South Carolina APWA Chapter Annual Conference June 24 | Spartanburg, SC Details at SCAPWA

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 4 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is where municipal leaders grow together through weekly podcasts, curated book insights, and a nationwide peer community focused on real leadership, real culture, and real conversations.

Secure Your Summer Special and Start Your FREE 7-day trial Join the MLDC

186: Book of the Week: Turn the Ship Around Jun 09, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "Turn the Ship Around"

Episode 186 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Turn the Ship Around" Series) Episode Title: Why Giving Up Control is the Boldest Leadership Move You Can Make

Episode Overview

What if the key to stronger teams isn’t more control, but more trust?

In this opening episode of our 5-part series on Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet, Seth Winterhalter unpacks the transformative concept of “leader-leader” culture. Instead of the traditional “leader-follower” model, where a single person gives orders and everyone else executes, Marquet proposes something radically different: giving up control to create real ownership.

For local government leaders, where decisions are often high-stakes and staff are overextended, this model creates a blueprint for deeper engagement, higher competence, and more strategic thinking across all levels of your team.

Key Takeaways

Why traditional leadership models limit growth, autonomy, and performance
The difference between empowerment and actual transfer of control
How pushing decision-making down creates buy-in and drives initiative
Why control, clarity, and competence must move together
The first steps to shifting your culture from passive compliance to active leadership

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: Why control is overrated—and what to replace it with
Tuesday–Thursday: Building clarity, competence, and initiative at every level
Friday: From follower to leader—how to multiply leadership across your org

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) this week and unlock: ✔ All 5 podcast episodes from the Turn the Ship Around series ✔ Daily blog reflections and tools for implementation ✔ Friday’s Virtual Mastermind session ✔ Access to a growing nationwide community of local government leaders

➡ Start your free 7-day trial at HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

Book: Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet
Weekly Blog & Newsletter: The Leader’s Lens
MLDC Membership Details: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

185: Christopher Gilbert: Culture Is the Customer Experience Jun 05, 2025

Show Notes: Christopher Gilbert – Culture Is the Customer Experience: Leading from the Inside Out

Episode 185 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Christopher Gilbert, Township Administrator of Springfield Township, Ohio, to explore how customer service isn’t just a frontline task, it’s a leadership philosophy. With a background in engineering and a passion for systems, Chris shares how he led a cultural shift across the organization that made public service smoother, faster, and more human.

For Chris, the goal isn’t just “better service.” It’s building trust by making every city interaction feel respectful, responsive, and frictionless. This conversation is a masterclass in what it means to lead from the inside out—designing teams, training, and systems that turn municipal values into resident experiences.

Episode Highlights:

More Than Manners: Why Chris’s customer service initiative focused on culture, not scripts and how that changed everything
Removing Friction: How Springfield redesigned internal workflows to make city services easier to access and navigate
Cross-Department Consistency: What it takes to build a shared service philosophy across multiple teams and touchpoints
Leadership Through Systems: Why good leaders don’t just solve problems—they create structures that solve them over and over
Transparency as a Trust Strategy: How showing residents what’s happening behind the scenes strengthens public confidence
From Tactical to Strategic: His journey from city engineer to city manager and how technical skills gave way to people-first thinking

Connect with Christopher Gilbert:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-gilbert

Connect with Seth Winterhalter:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

At HaltingWinter, we help local government leaders build thriving teams and resilient workplace cultures through keynotes, workshops, and leadership development programs rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership.

Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 South Carolina APWA Chapter Annual Conference June 24 | Spartanburg, SC Details at SCAPWA

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 4 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is where municipal leaders grow together through weekly podcasts, curated book insights, and a nationwide peer community focused on real leadership, real culture, and real conversations.

Secure Your Summer Special and Start Your FREE 7-day trial Join the MLDC

184: Milton Dohoney: When the Title Feels Heavy Jun 03, 2025

Show Notes: Milton Dohoney Jr. – When the Title Feels Heavy: Leading Through Burdens No One Sees

Episode 184 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this vulnerable and deeply reflective episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator of Ann Arbor, Michigan—a seasoned leader with decades of executive municipal experience and the hard-won wisdom that comes with it.

Milton doesn’t speak in buzzwords. He speaks in truth about the emotional cost of leadership, the isolation that often accompanies it, and the quiet weight leaders carry while holding their communities together. This conversation offers more than professional advice—it’s a powerful reminder of the humanity behind the title.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, stretched thin, or unsure whether the work you’re doing is truly making a difference, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

“I didn’t come to keep the seat warm.” Milton shares what it means to take a leadership role seriously and why forward momentum is a responsibility, not a bonus.
The Emotional Weight of Leadership From carrying team burdens to managing public pressure, Milton speaks openly about the isolation leaders rarely admit.
Loneliness at the Top Why leadership doesn’t protect you from struggle and why sharing that truth can actually make you stronger.
Reclaiming the Identity of Public Service Milton reflects on how the pride and perception of municipal leadership have changed and why it’s time to reignite the mission.
Presence Over Visibility A subtle but vital distinction: real leaders don’t just show up—they connect, engage, and make people feel seen.
The Power of Listening and Learning Milton shares how being fully present with residents and staff creates trust and resilience in times of uncertainty.
Advice for Aspiring and Current Leaders “Don’t seek the title. Seek the transformation you can help bring about.”

Connect with Milton Dohoney Jr.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/milton-dohoney-jr

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

At HaltingWinter, we help local government leaders build thriving teams and resilient workplace cultures through keynotes, workshops, and leadership development programs rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership.

Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 South Carolina APWA Chapter Annual Conference June 24 | Spartanburg, SC Details at SCAPWA

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 4 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is where municipal leaders grow together through weekly podcasts, curated book insights, and a nationwide peer community focused on real leadership, real culture, and real conversations.

Secure Your Summer Special and Start Your FREE 7-day trial Join the MLDC

183: Book of the Week: The New Public Service Jun 02, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "The New Public Service"

Episode 183 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Citizens, Not Customers (Part 1 of 5: "The New Public Service" Series)

Episode Overview

In this opening episode of our latest MLDC series, Seth Winterhalter challenges one of the most common assumptions in local government leadership: that residents are customers and cities are service providers.

Drawing from The New Public Service by Janet and Robert Denhardt, Seth explores how this mindset, while well-intentioned, can unintentionally reduce civic participation, strain trust, and disconnect leadership from the very people it serves. In contrast, a citizen-centered approach invites collaboration, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

This episode will reset your frame and offer practical ways to lead with your community, not just for them.

Key Takeaways

Residents are not consumers of city services—they are co-creators of community
Treating people like customers centers transactions; treating them like citizens centers shared values
“Public interest” isn’t discovered through surveys—it’s shaped through dialogue
The goal of government isn’t just efficient service—it’s meaningful engagement
Leadership in this framework shifts from “fixer” to facilitator of shared purpose
Real trust is built when people feel included early, not just consulted late

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: Citizens vs. customers Tuesday: Serving, not steering Wednesday: Valuing people over productivity Thursday: Engagement over control Friday: Integrity and trust as culture-shaping leadership tools

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

This week only, unlock:

All 5 podcast episodes in The New Public Service series
Daily written reflections to help you implement what you’re learning
Friday’s Virtual Book Club for live peer discussion
Full access to the MLDC platform + national leadership network → Start your 7-day free trial now at HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

Book: The New Public Service by Janet & Robert Denhardt
MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle
Weekly Newsletter: The Leader’s Lens

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

182: Bret Prebula: Legally Blind, Leading Boldly: A Vision for Smarter Government May 29, 2025

Show Notes: Legally Blind, Leading Boldly – Bret Prebula’s Vision for Smarter Government

Episode 182 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this bold and deeply personal episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Bret Prebula, City Manager of Suisun City, California, whose story is reshaping how we think about leadership in local government.

Legally blind due to a degenerative eye condition, Bret leads with a clarity many fully sighted leaders never reach. But his disability isn’t the whole story—it’s just the lens through which he’s built a career defined by smart risk-taking, servant leadership, and a refusal to play small.

From transforming Napa County’s investment returns to challenging the stagnation he inherited in Suisun City, Bret speaks openly about failure, fear, and what public sector leaders must embrace if they want to serve their communities with impact.

This conversation is for every municipal leader who’s tired of being stuck and ready to move boldly, even in uncertainty.

Episode Highlights:

From Private Sector to Public Impact Bret shares how his background in golf retail taught him to think like an entrepreneur, but with a public mission
Redefining Risk in Local Government Why playing it safe has a hidden cost and how opportunity cost is the real threat to innovation
“Protect the Fall, Don’t Prevent It” Bret’s mentorship model encourages risk, protects integrity, and builds resilient leaders
How Legal Blindness Changed His Leadership Style The vulnerability, urgency, and clarity that came from losing his physical sight but gaining a sharper vision for public service
Turning Failure into Permission to Try Again A story of a failed corrections tech rollout, and how owning the mistake actually built trust with leadership
Why Fear-Based Government Is Failing Communities Bret calls out the risk-aversion that paralyzes progress and urges leaders to take smart, strategic leaps
Leading a City in Catch-Up Mode Bret reflects on Suisun City’s need for speed, change, and renewed vision—and why urgency isn’t panic, it’s responsibility

Connect with Bret Prebula

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-prebula

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: We help local government leaders build thriving teams and resilient cultures through transformative keynotes, workshops, coaching, and community. Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 South Carolina APWA Chapter Annual Conference June 24 | Spartanburg, SC Details at SCAPWA

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 4 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is where municipal leaders grow together through weekly podcasts, curated book insights, and a nationwide peer community focused on real leadership, real culture, and real conversations.

Start your FREE 7-day trial and get 20% off with code PODCAST Join the MLDC

181: Bridgette Gransden: The Price of Perfection: Leading Through Grace, Not Grit Alone May 27, 2025

Show Notes: Bridgette Gransden – The Price of Perfection: Leading Through Grace, Not Grit AloneEpisode 181 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Overview

In this honest and deeply human episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Bridgette Gransden, County Administrator of Midland County, Michigan, and current President of the Michigan Municipal Executives Association.

Bridgette’s story is one many leaders will recognize: straight-A student, valedictorian, the one who always showed up early, worked the hardest, and kept pushing. But beneath the drive for excellence was a mounting cost—one that eventually surfaced in her health, her self-worth, and her ability to rest.

In this candid conversation, Bridgette opens up about the tension between high performance and inner peace, and how she’s learning to lead through grace, self-awareness, and strength-based leadership instead of just grit and pressure.

Whether you’re a municipal leader struggling to let yourself slow down or someone searching for a more sustainable way to lead others without losing yourself, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights:

The Hidden Cost of Overachievement How early success patterns fueled Bridgette’s leadership but also drove her toward burnout
“If I’m Not Achieving, Am I Worth Anything?” A powerful reflection on tying self-worth to performance and productivity
Title ≠ Value Why Bridgette believes leadership should come from every level of the organization
Strengths-Based Leadership in Practice How the VIA Character Strengths assessment transformed her team’s self-awareness, communication, and collaboration
The Role of Kindness, Humor, and Hope Bridgette’s five core leadership strengths and how she’s learned to lead with them unapologetically
Mental Health and Grace in Leadership Why seeing a psychiatrist changed the way she leads and how she’s learning to give herself grace without letting go of care for others
From Dow to County Government Why local government matters deeply, especially in “company towns” where the public sector’s role is often misunderstood

Connect with Bridgette Gransden

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgette-gransden Michigan Municipal Executives: https://www.mme.org/

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: We help local government leaders build thriving cultures and resilient teams through transformative keynotes, workshops, coaching, and community. Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 South Carolina APWA Chapter Annual Conference June 24 | Spartanburg, SC Details at SCAPWA

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 4 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is where municipal leaders grow together through weekly podcasts, curated book insights, and a nationwide peer community focused on real leadership, real culture, and real conversations.

Start your FREE 7-day trial and get 20% off with code PODCAST Join the MLDC

180: Book of the Week: The Confidence Code May 26, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "The Confidence Code"

Episode 180 of The HaltingWinter Podcast The Confidence Paradox in Municipal Leadership (Part 1 of 5: "The Confidence Code" Series)

Episode Overview

In this opening episode of our latest MLDC series, Seth Winterhalter explores the “confidence paradox” that so many municipal leaders quietly wrestle with: how it’s possible to be highly competent, yet still hesitate to lead boldly or decisively.

Drawing from The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, Seth introduces the core concept that confidence isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a skill. And most importantly, it’s a skill built through action, not just thought.

This episode offers a compelling framework for understanding why city managers, directors, and administrators often second-guess themselves in high-stakes moments—and what to do about it.

Key Takeaways

Confidence is behavioral, not just psychological—it grows through action
The “confidence paradox” shows up when expertise is present but bold leadership is stalled
“Authentic confidence” isn’t bravado—it’s grounded in competence, humility, and deliberate progress
Overthinking (rumination) undermines clarity and slows down execution
Confidence, when modeled well, creates psychological safety for your team
You don’t need certainty to act—you need enough clarity to take the next step

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: Understanding the confidence paradox in public service Tuesday: Breaking free from overthinking and decision paralysis Wednesday: The ripple effect of leader confidence on teams and culture Thursday: Dismantling perfectionism to unlock progress Friday: Building confidence through consistent, small actions

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

This week, we’re unlocking full access to:

All 5 episodes from The Confidence Code podcast series
Daily blog reflections with implementation prompts
Our Friday Virtual Book Club session
A national network of municipal leaders just like you → Start your free trial now at HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

179: Kevin Richardson: The Silence of Our Service: Why Public Works Is Where Purpose Lives May 22, 2025

Show Notes: Kevin Richardson – The Silence of Our Service: Why Public Works Is Where Purpose Lives

Episode 179 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In celebration of National Public Works Week, The HaltingWinter Podcast features a powerful and personal conversation with Kevin Richardson, Water and Wastewater Engineering Project Manager for the City of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Kevin’s journey from global combat zones to managing public infrastructure at the local level is a story of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovered purpose. With over 16 years in the military, followed by a winding transition through private sector roles and public service positions, Kevin eventually found his professional calling in public works—an industry he describes as "quiet professionals keeping cities alive."

From solid waste to sanitation, water systems to citizen engagement, Kevin offers both a behind-the-scenes look at municipal operations and a front-row seat to what it means to lead with humility, structure, and soul.

Episode Highlights:

From the Marines to Municipal Streets Kevin’s 16-year military career, 49 countries, multiple deployments, and the search for purpose after retirement
Finding Public Works by Accident How a personality assessment and a college government class sparked an unexpected path into local service
Why Public Works Is Purpose-Driven How Kevin reframed the “invisible work” of infrastructure as deeply meaningful and community-impacting
The Transition Struggle Is Real What most people don’t understand about military-to-civilian life—and how one mentor helped Kevin rewrite his story
Telling the Story of Public Works Why engineers, operators, and managers need to become better communicators and storytellers
Citizen Engagement Done Right Rock Hill’s “Inside Rock Hill” program and how it turns curious residents into city ambassadors
The Power of Mentorship From picking up trash to leading with character, Kevin shares how mentors helped him make the leap—and why he’s reaching back to help others now
The Silence of Our Service Kevin’s mic-drop moment: “The silence of our service is the applause that we get.”

Connect with Kevin Richardson

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-richardson

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: We help local government leaders build thriving cultures and resilient teams through transformative keynotes, workshops, coaching, and community. Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Upcoming Event:

Seth Winterhalter headlines the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd–26th. Register here

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is the professional development home for city and county leaders who want to grow personally and lead with purpose.

Podcast listeners get 20% off their membership + a 7-day FREE trial Use code PODCAST at checkout JOIN THE MLDC

178: Ryan Blancke: More Than Roads: Building Systems, People, and Purpose in Public Works May 20, 2025

Show Notes: Ryan Blancke – More Than Roads: Building Systems, People, and Purpose in Public Works

Episode 178 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In honor of National Public Works Week, The HaltingWinter Podcast turns the spotlight on one of the most vital yet often misunderstood pillars of local government: public works. In this episode, host Seth Winterhalter sits down with Ryan Blancke, Assistant Public Works Director for York County, South Carolina—one of the fastest-growing counties in the Southeast—to uncover what it really takes to keep a modern county moving forward.

From starting as a high school intern in 11th grade to now overseeing more than 260 employees and millions in infrastructure, Ryan’s story is a masterclass in saying “yes” to growth, embracing leadership, and building systems that serve people.

If you’ve ever wondered what public works actually does or how the right leader can make it all run with excellence and purpose, this episode will open your eyes to the complexity, creativity, and calling behind the scenes.

Episode Highlights:

The Internship That Changed Everything How a high school program opened the door to a lifelong career in local government
From Engineering to Leadership Why Ryan pivoted from design to process and how that shift helped modernize operations across multiple departments
More Than Just Roads The incredible scope of public works in York County, from fleet and facilities to landfill, water/sewer, and even animal control
Stretch Roles and Smart Risks How saying “yes” to opportunities before you feel ready can shape a powerful leadership path
Managing the Chaos How Ryan leads systems, staff, and service across 700 square miles, 600+ vehicles, and millions in capital projects
Partnering with the Private Sector Why collaboration, procurement, and communication are just as vital as equipment and manpower
Telling the Story of Public Works Why we need to do a better job educating residents, and even other city departments, about what Public Works does and why it matters

Connect with Ryan Blancke

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-blancke-1930921b/

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: We build stronger cities by building stronger leaders. Explore our leadership development keynotes, workshops, and services at HaltingWinter.com

Upcoming Event:

Seth Winterhalter headlines the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd–26th. Register here

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is the professional development home for city and county leaders who want to grow personally and lead with purpose.

Podcast listeners get 20% off their membership + a 7-day FREE trial Use code PODCAST at checkout JOIN THE MLDC

177: Book of the Week: The Hard Thing About Hard Things May 19, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" Episode 177 of The HaltingWinter Podcast The Hard Things About Municipal Leadership (Part 1 of 5: "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" Series)

Episode Overview

This week inside the MLDC, Seth Winterhalter kicks off a new series exploring The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, reframed for the real-world realities of municipal leadership.

This first episode introduces the concept of “the struggle”—those moments in leadership when everything seems to be going wrong, and there’s no playbook to follow. Whether it’s a budget collapse, political turmoil, or community crisis, municipal leaders face these hard things more often than most. As Seth explains, the solution isn’t found in easy answers—it’s found in clarity, transparency, resilience, and the ability to lead decisively through uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

Why the hardest leadership moments offer no clear right answer
What “the struggle” feels like in city management and why it’s a normal part of the job
The power of transparency during difficult decisions
How to model “the right kind of ambition” focused on community, not ego
Peacetime vs. Wartime leadership: when to shift your style and how to know the difference
Leading with the truth even when the truth is unpopular or politically risky

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: Introducing the struggle and the realities of leading without a script Tuesday–Thursday: Culture, communication, talent, and personal resilience Friday: Virtual Book Club – What’s your version of “the hard thing,” and how are you leading through it?

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

This week only, get full access to:

All five episodes in The Speed of Trust podcast series
Daily blog content and leadership tools
Live Friday Virtual Book Club discussion
A growing national network of municipal leaders inside the MLDC → Start your free trial today at HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

176: Christopher Garges: The Infrastructure of Trust: How to Lead Growth Without Losing Identity May 15, 2025

Show Notes: Christopher Garges – The Infrastructure of Trust: How to Lead Growth Without Losing Identity

Episode 176 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter sits down with Christopher Garges, Township Manager of Solebury, Pennsylvania, to explore one of the most critical leadership tensions in local government today: how to manage rapid growth without sacrificing the identity and trust of a community.

With a career that began in construction management and evolved through zoning, planning, and now township leadership, Christopher shares how his hands-on background, deep roots in Bucks County, and people-first philosophy help him lead with both strategic clarity and human empathy.

Christopher opens up about the transition from private to public sector, the lessons learned in managing small towns with big challenges, and why customer service, humility, and consistent communication are non-negotiables for building a healthy culture in local government.

This episode pairs perfectly with this week’s MLDC book: The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey—offering real-world application from the private sector straight to the public sector trenches.

Episode Highlights:

From Backhoes to Boardrooms: How growing up around construction sites laid the foundation for servant leadership
Private vs. Public Sector: Lessons learned working both sides of infrastructure and what government can learn from business
First Time in the Manager's Seat: The challenges of wearing every hat in small-town leadership (sometimes including snowplows!)
Culture Starts with Listening: Why empathy, consistency, and responsiveness shape how residents perceive their local government
Unreasonable Hospitality in Action: How Christopher’s team applies private-sector service principles to zoning, permitting, and even difficult conversations
Managing Growth Without Losing Identity: How Solebury is balancing preservation, open space, and development pressure just outside Philadelphia
Beyond Bureaucracy: Using volunteerism, cross-department collaboration, and culture-building events to build staff connection and community trust
Serving Amid National Tension: How local leaders can buffer their communities from national division through transparency, humility, and people-first service
Township Manager of the Year: What Christopher learned from being recognized by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber and how his team made it happen

Connect with Christopher Garges

LinkedIn: Christopher Garges on LinkedIn

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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

175: Arthur Capello: From Bowling Alleys to Town Hall: How Customer Service Shaped a Town Manager May 13, 2025

Show Notes: Arthur Capello – From Bowling Alleys to Town Hall: How Customer Service Shaped a Town Manager

Episode 175 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Arthur Capello, Town Manager of Berwick, Maine, to explore how growing up in a family-run bowling alley unexpectedly prepared him to lead in local government. With a career that spans nonprofit leadership, building inspection, and town administration, Arthur brings a people-first perspective to the public sector, emphasizing service, humility, and community revitalization.

Arthur’s story is a masterclass in leadership that listens. From handling late-night bar league bowlers to navigating brownfield redevelopment across state lines, Arthur shares how trust, adaptability, and genuine care for people have shaped his career. If you’ve ever wondered how someone breaks into city management—and stays rooted while doing it—this is the episode for you.

Episode Highlights:

Bowling Alley Beginnings: Why customer service at a bowling alley taught Arthur the fundamentals of leadership, conflict resolution, and communication
Nonprofit to Public Sector: How two decades working with youth and adults with disabilities shaped Arthur’s empathy-driven management style
Breaking Into the Club: What it really takes to make the leap into town administration and why Gilmanton took a chance on him
The Power of Presence: From riding in plow trucks to library meet-and-greets, Arthur shares why visibility and humility matter in municipal leadership
Rebuilding Berwick: How Arthur is helping revitalize a rural mill town through community engagement, public-private partnerships, and cross-state collaboration
People-First Leadership: Why treating every staff member—from receptionist to department head—with dignity creates a thriving workplace culture
Reimagining Policy: Arthur’s belief that municipal policies should be living, breathing tools that serve people, not block progress
Avoiding Burnout: The importance of taking breaks, creating boundaries, and cultivating balance in a 24/7 leadership role
Serving Across the Aisle: Lessons learned from being both a selectman and a town manager—and how it helps anticipate what elected officials really need
Small Town, Big Impact: Why small-town leadership may be more demanding—and more rewarding—than most people think

Connect with Arthur Capello

LinkedIn: Arthur Capello on LinkedIn

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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

174: Book of the Week: The Speed of Trust May 12, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "The Speed of Trust" Episode 174 of The HaltingWinter Podcast The Cost of Distrust: Why Everything Takes Too Long in Local Government (Part 1 of 5: "The Speed of Trust" Series)

Episode Overview

This week, Seth Winterhalter kicks off a new series inside the MLDC focused on The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey, beginning with a hard truth municipal leaders can’t afford to ignore: low trust is costing your city time, money, and momentum.

In this episode, Seth explores how trust acts as an unseen accelerant (or drag) in every system of local government, from software implementations and policy rollouts to budget conversations and community engagement. You’ll learn the real difference between high-trust and low-trust environments and why trust isn’t a soft skill—it’s a measurable, economic force every leader must master.

Key Takeaways

Why trust is a quantifiable economic driver in city government
How low trust creates delays, costs, skepticism, and silos across departments
The difference between the “trust tax” and the “trust dividend”
Real municipal examples: software rollouts, project delays, and policy gridlock
The Four Cores of Credibility every municipal leader must build: → Integrity → Intent → Capabilities → Results
Three high-leverage trust-building behaviors: → Straight Talk → Transparency → Listen First

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: The economic and relational cost of low trust Tuesday–Thursday: Self-awareness, people-awareness, and language-awareness in leadership Friday: Real-world implementation and trust-turnaround stories from municipal leaders nationwide

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

This week only, get full access to:

All five episodes in The Speed of Trust podcast series
Daily blog content and leadership tools
Live Friday Virtual Book Club discussion
A growing national network of municipal leaders inside the MLDC → Start your free trial today at HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

173: Jennifer Poirrier: Shifting Sands: Navigating Tourism, Hurricanes, and Leadership When You Never Planned to Be in Charge May 08, 2025

Show Notes: Jennifer Poirrier - Shifting Sands: Navigating Tourism, Hurricanes and Leadership When You Never Planned to Be in ChargeEpisode 173 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jennifer Poirrier, City Manager of Clearwater, Florida. Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from HR professional to leading a major tourism destination with 15 million annual visitors. Her story is one of unexpected leadership, as she never planned to become a city manager but found herself thrust into the role after serving as assistant city manager for just two months. Jennifer's people-first approach, rooted in her HR background, has helped Clearwater navigate back-to-back "500-year storms" that caused $80 million in damage, as well as challenging issues of tourism management, workforce development, and changing civic engagement dynamics.

Episode Highlights:

Private to Public Sector Journey: How the September 11th attacks catalyzed Jennifer's transition from private sector to government service
The Power of Mentorship: The city managers who saw Jennifer's potential and pushed her beyond her comfort zone into leadership roles
Hurricane Response and Recovery: Managing Clearwater through catastrophic storms that caused $80 million in damage and leading a team that accomplished "nothing short of a miracle" to restore operations
Tourism Management Challenges: Balancing the needs of year-round residents who want a "small town feel" with the economic reality of hosting 15 million annual tourists
HR Background as Leadership Strength: How Jennifer's focus on people and relationships uniquely prepared her for city management
Leadership Through COVID: Being part of a small crisis team that guided the city through unprecedented pandemic challenges
Florida's Transparency Paradox: The benefits of government transparency alongside the challenges created by Florida's extensive public records laws
Addressing Public Meeting Disruptions: The difficult decision to remove non-agenda public comment after national groups targeted council meetings
Work-Life Integration: Creating a "public service family" (husband in fire service and now city management, daughter in police academy) that supports her leadership role
People-First Recognition: Being honored by the Tampa Bay Business Journal for modernizing Clearwater's compensation structure to attract and retain talent

Connect with Jennifer Poirrier:

LinkedIn: Jennifer Poirrier

Resources Mentioned:

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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

172: Kevin Phelps: From 'Near Bankruptcy' to Entertainment Powerhouse: Reimagining City Identity in the Desert May 06, 2025

Show Notes: Kevin Phelps - From 'Near Bankruptcy' to Entertainment Powerhouse: Reimagining City Identity in the DesertEpisode 170 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Kevin Phelps, City Manager of Glendale, Arizona. Kevin shares his remarkable journey from private sector entrepreneur to transformational public sector leader. With a business background that began with opening the Northwest's first video store chain (which even attracted FBI attention!), Kevin brings unique insights about applying private sector speed and accountability to government operations. Under his leadership, Glendale transformed from near-bankruptcy to financial prosperity by reimagining its identity as an entertainment powerhouse while developing a culture that enables innovation and calculated risk-taking in municipal government.

Episode Highlights:

Private to Public Sector Journey: How Kevin's entrepreneurial background, from video store owner to convention center developer, shaped his approach to public service
Financial Transformation: The strategic shift that took Glendale from "financial straits worse than any city except Detroit" to nearly $300 million in reserves without raising property taxes
Strategic City Differentiation: Why Kevin rejected competing with Scottsdale or Chandler on their strengths and instead leveraged Glendale's unique assets to create an entertainment-focused identity
Speed as Competitive Advantage: The BMW dealership story that taught staff how delays cost taxpayers $100,000 per month in lost revenue
Facilitators vs. Regulators: Transforming the development culture from regulatory obstacles to solution-finding partners
White Claw Success Story: How Glendale used a detailed Gantt chart and relationship-building to complete a million-square-foot facility in just 282 days
Risk Management Philosophy: "I've never terminated anybody here in Glendale for making a mistake. The only time I've had to make actions on personnel is because of how people treated other people."
Chief Culture Officer: Kevin's perspective that his most important role is shaping organizational culture rather than managing operations
Breaking Bureaucratic Silos: Rewarding department directors based on how much they help other departments, not just their own success
Work-Life Boundaries: Why Kevin banned weekend email chains and encourages staff to turn off city communications after hours
Strategic Leadership Transition: Kevin's thoughtful approach to stepping down at Glendale's peak rather than during decline

Connect with Kevin Phelps:

LinkedIn: Kevin Phelps on LinkedIn

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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

171: Book of the Week: The Happiness of Pursuit May 05, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "The Happiness of Pursuit" Episode 171 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "The Happiness of Pursuit" Series)

Episode Overview

In this kickoff episode, Seth Winterhalter introduces a concept that feels revolutionary for municipal leaders: reclaiming personal fulfillment in the middle of public service. Drawing from Chris Guillebeau’s The Happiness of Pursuit, Seth challenges the idea that leadership must come at the cost of your own passion, purpose, and identity.

This episode explores how rediscovering a personal “quest”—whether creative, physical, intellectual, or adventurous—can actually make you a more grounded, resilient, and effective city leader.

Key Takeaways

Why burnout often stems from disconnection, not just overwork
The difference between a hobby and a meaningful personal quest
Real examples of city leaders pursuing creative, physical, and restorative goals
How contrast creates clarity and joy outside—and inside—the office
Why your leadership is strengthened when your identity isn't swallowed by your role
The power of presence, perspective, and purpose through pursuit

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: The leader’s quest—why it matters now more than ever Tuesday–Thursday: Finding your pursuit, making space for it, and building support Friday: Virtual Book Club – From pursuit to legacy, how personal fulfillment enhances public impact

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle and get:

All five episodes in the Happiness of Pursuit series
Daily leadership tools and reflection prompts
Entry to this week’s live Virtual Book Club
Full access to MLDC’s nationwide community of city managers and municipal leaders 🔗 Start your free trial now at HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

Book: The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau
MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle
Weekly Newsletter – The Leader’s Lens

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

170: Dawn Peters: The Shame No City Manager Talks About (But Everyone Feels) May 01, 2025

Show Notes: Dawn Peters - "The Shame No City Manager Talks About (But Everyone Feels)"Episode 170 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Dawn Peters, Executive Director for both the Illinois and Wisconsin City and County Management Associations and Assistant Director of the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University.

Dawn shares her unexpected journey from growing up in a family restaurant business to becoming one of the most influential figures in municipal leadership development across the Midwest. Their conversation explores the emotional challenges of public service leadership, the vital importance of professional support networks, and strategies for sustainable leadership in demanding municipal roles. Dawn's candid reflections on vulnerability, shame, and asking for help offer powerful insights for municipal leaders at all stages of their careers.

Episode Highlights:

An Unconventional Path to Public Service: How Dawn evolved from hospital auxiliary volunteer to leading two state municipal associations without ever serving as a city manager
Bold Career Moves: The pivotal moment when Dawn boldly told a mentor "I want your job" and how that single conversation changed her professional trajectory
The Municipal Leadership Support Gap: Why city managers need protected spaces to be vulnerable and share challenges without public scrutiny
Work-Life Integration Reality: Why "work-life balance" is a myth and how leaders can instead leverage seasonal cycles for sustainable leadership
Breaking Through the Shame Barrier: The emotional burden that city managers carry and why asking for help is both essential and incredibly difficult
Creating Transformative Internships: How meaningful internships expose future leaders to the full municipal experience rather than just busy work
Leadership Through Self-Advocacy: The power of asking for what you want and how advocating for yourself creates unexpected opportunities
The Midwest Leadership Institute: An innovative program helping leaders develop emotional intelligence to better navigate interpersonal dynamics
Invisible Impact: The professional challenge of taking credit in a role where you're taught to stay behind the scenes
Finding Your Community: How professional associations provide crucial support, mentorship, and safe spaces for growth

Connect with Dawn Peters:

LinkedIn: Connect with Dawn

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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

169: Peter Crichton: From 'The Dark Side' to Lasting Impact: Leading with Your Glass Half Full Apr 29, 2025

Show Notes: Peter Crichton: From 'The Dark Side' to Lasting Impact: Leading with Your Glass Half Full Episode 169 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Peter Crichton, retired city and county manager turned author. With over four decades in public service, Peter shares his remarkable journey from a small town in northern Maine (Mars Hill) to leading Cumberland County for nearly 20 years and serving as city manager of Auburn. The conversation explores Peter's leadership philosophy detailed in his new book "Leading with My Glass Half Full," the challenges and opportunities of county management, and his innovative approaches to building effective teams and implementing strategic plans that transformed local government in Maine.

Episode Highlights:

Small Town Roots, Big Impact: How growing up in Mars Hill (population under 2,000) and attending town meetings with his father at age 8 sparked Peter's passion for local government
From Political Aspirations to Management Excellence: Peter's transition from Democratic Party involvement to appointed leadership positions in local government
Building Organizational Capacity: Creating Cumberland County's first-ever Finance Director position
Strategic Planning for Buy-In: Using strategic planning to build relationships and trust with municipal officials who viewed county government as "the dark side"
Team-Building Philosophy: The powerful insight that "you can't fly like an eagle if you're flying with turkeys" and how Peter built dream teams throughout his career
Stepping Back to Move Forward: Peter's unconventional leadership approach of letting others lead strategic initiatives rather than being the face of every project
Working with Elected Officials: Navigating the complexities of having just three county commissioners who could make or break a county manager's career
Finding Work-Life Balance: Peter's practice of taking his children's birthdays off and the critical role his wife Jen played in major career decisions
Career Transitions: The wisdom of knowing when to move on, including Peter's shift from Cumberland County to Auburn after 18+ years
Strategic Plan Implementation: How Peter adapted from 8 committees to 3 at Auburn to make his strategic vision more achievable while maintaining impact

Connect with Peter Crichton:

LinkedIn: Connect with Peter Here
Purchase "Leading with My Glass Half Full" on Amazon

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the world 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

168: Book of the Week: Quiet Apr 28, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "Quiet" Episode 168 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview

In this opening episode, Seth Winterhalter introduces Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking through the lens of municipal leadership—and challenges the long-held assumption that louder leadership is better leadership.

This isn’t just a conversation about introverts. It’s about power dynamics in meetings, hiring decisions, team structures, and public engagement. Seth shares how city leaders can build more balanced, inclusive cultures by recognizing and elevating quieter forms of strength—often hiding in plain sight.

Key Takeaways

Why some of your best thinkers may be the quietest voices in the room
The danger of the “Extrovert Ideal” in public leadership
How insight often arrives in silence, not speech
Practical ways to structure meetings, hiring, and communication to include all styles
The difference between volume and value in leadership
Real municipal examples of how introverted insight changed the game

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: Why quiet strength is often overlooked—and how to start seeing it Tuesday–Thursday: Fixing meetings, redesigning teams, and rethinking public engagement Friday: Virtual Book Club – Applying introvert wisdom to local government

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

Your free trial includes:

All five episodes in the Quiet series
Daily blog reflections and leadership tools
Entry to Friday’s Virtual Book Club with city managers across the U.S.
Full access to the MLDC’s learning library and community platform 🔗 Start your trial today at HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

Book: Quiet by Susan Cain
MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle
Weekly Newsletter – The Leader’s Lens

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

167: Shawna Davis: Blazing Your Own Trail, Balancing the Municipal Tightrope, and Fighting Burnout with Four Paws Apr 24, 2025

Show Notes: Shawna Davis: Blazing Your Own Trail, Balancing the Municipal Tightrope, and Fighting Burnout with Four Paws Episode 167 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Shawna Davis, City Administrator of Odessa, Missouri. Shawna shares her journey from a small-town Illinois farm background to becoming one of Missouri's rising municipal leaders. With remarkable initiative and strategic career planning, Shawna transitioned from finance director to city administrator in just two years. Their conversation explores the realities of small-city leadership (managing 45 employees versus Olathe's 1,000+), the delicate dance between administrative leadership and elected official direction, and practical strategies for sustainable leadership in demanding municipal roles.

Episode Highlights:

Creating Your Own Opportunities: How Shawna proactively created her own internship by cold-calling a city administrator to job shadow when no formal positions existed
Strategic Career Advancement: Shawna's deliberate path from Illinois Department of Corrections budget analyst to Olathe fellowship to Odessa leadership
Small City Leadership Complexity: Managing a city of 5,600 with just 45 employees means wearing multiple hats - from finance director to public works director
From Struggling Student to Finance Expert: The ironic journey from almost failing an accounting class in college to specializing in municipal finance and budgeting
Balancing Municipal Stakeholders: Navigating the three-headed challenge of elected officials, staff, and citizens while maintaining a clear strategic direction
Breaking Out of "We've Always Done It This Way": Bringing innovation to small-city operations, starting with basic technology upgrades like laptops
The First Two Years of City Administration: Transitioning from keeping wheels turning to establishing strategic direction with elected officials
Finding Personal Sustainability: Getting a dog as a deliberate strategy to create better work-life boundaries and prevent burnout
Networking for Success: Leveraging conferences, professional associations, and experienced city managers as resources
Contract Wisdom: The importance of carefully reviewing city administrator contracts with legal counsel to protect both parties

Connect with Shawna Davis:

LinkedIn: Connect with Shawna Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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 as he keynotes 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

166: David Cline: Undercover Cops, Crime-Ridden Hotels, and the Green River Killer Apr 22, 2025

Show Notes: David Cline: Undercover Cops, Crime-Ridden Hotels, and the Green River Killer Episode 166 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this compelling episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews David Cline, a retired city administrator and current affiliate associate professor at the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. David shares his remarkable journey into city management from working with undercover narcotics officers to transforming crime-ridden neighborhoods as a city administrator. His career spans decades of public service, including roles at King County, the city of Burien, Lake Forest Park, and Tukwila. The conversation explores the purpose-driven nature of municipal work, the delicate balance between professional impact and family life, and how strategic leadership can transform communities for generations.

Episode Highlights:

From Student to Undercover Work: David's early career included an internship with an undercover narcotics task force, complete with flak jackets and search warrants
Purpose-Driven Career: Why local government provides immediate impact and daily purpose unlike many other professions
Family First Philosophy: How David restructured his approach to leadership after realizing the toll it was taking on his personal relationships
Transforming Tukwila: The strategic initiatives that turned crime-ridden areas—including former hunting grounds of the Green River Killer—into safe, vibrant neighborhoods
400-Officer Operation: Leading a massive law enforcement initiative to take down criminal enterprises that had plagued the community for decades
Strategic Planning: Creating a 10-year vision that guided community development long after his tenure
Global Perspective: How David's experiences in Indonesia and Bolivia shaped his approach to community engagement and diversity
Work-Life Integration: Practical tactics for balancing municipal leadership with family life, including coaching youth sports and creating boundaries
Mentoring the Next Generation: David's current role teaching and inspiring students to pursue careers in local government
The Power of Internships: How early career experiences in municipal government shape future leaders and create lasting professional connections
From 30 to 350 Staff: The unique challenges of leading organizations of different sizes and compositions

Connect with David Cline:

LinkedIn: Connect with Jimmy Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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.

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

165: Book of the Week: Unreasonable Hospitality Apr 21, 2025

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – "Unreasonable Hospitality" Episode 165 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Unreasonable Hospitality" Series)

Episode Overview

Seth Winterhalter launches a fresh 5-part series exploring Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara—one of the most compelling books on service, culture, and leadership in the last decade. In this kickoff episode, Seth unpacks what it means to go beyond great customer service and deliver unforgettable, human-centered experiences in the world of municipal government.

Drawing lessons from how Eleven Madison Park became the world’s #1 restaurant, Seth challenges city managers and department leaders to reimagine their daily interactions with residents—not as transactions, but as opportunities for connection and impact. This episode sets the foundation for transforming your team’s culture from compliance-driven to citizen-centered.

Key Takeaways

What "unreasonable hospitality" looks like in a municipal setting
How to shift from rule-following to creative problem-solving without breaking policy
The difference between excellence (competency) and warmth (connection)—and why you need both
Practical examples of turning friction-filled processes into moments of value and trust
Why empowering frontline staff is essential to transforming service culture
How your leadership actions create permission for your team’s hospitality mindset

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: The big idea—bringing unreasonable hospitality into public service Tuesday–Thursday: Deep dives into leadership self-awareness, empowerment, and memorable moments Friday: Virtual Book Club – Live discussion on hospitality-driven city culture

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle and get:

All five episodes in the Unreasonable Hospitality series
Daily insights, blog reflections, and leadership tools
Friday’s Virtual Book Club with municipal peers across the country
Full access to MLDC’s resource library and community platform 🔗 Start your free trial now at HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle: Learn More
Weekly Newsletter – The Leader’s Lens

Connect with Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

164: Jimmy Liles: The Think Tank Approach to Municipal Innovation Apr 17, 2025

Show Notes: Jimmy Liles: The Think Tank Approach to Municipal Innovation Episode 164 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jimmy Liles, City Administrator of Nixa, Missouri. Jimmy shares his remarkable journey from a 20-year career in law enforcement to municipal leadership, where he's established an award-winning culture of innovation. Through his "Think Tank" initiative and commitment to organizational culture, Jimmy has helped Nixa navigate rapid growth while winning the Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award five times. Their conversation explores creative approaches to engaging employees at all levels, breaking down departmental silos, and maintaining work-life boundaries in demanding municipal roles.

Episode Highlights:

Unconventional Career Path: Jimmy's transition from police officer to chief of police to city administrator without the traditional MPA background
The Think Tank Initiative: How Jimmy created a cross-departmental team of employees at all levels to generate innovative solutions for the city
Award-Winning Innovation: The approaches that have helped Nixa win the Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award five times
Three-Step Cultural Approach: Jimmy's method for organizational culture: define it (integrity, service, accountability), build it, and sustain it
Breaking Down Departmental Silos: Discovering interconnections between municipal departments when moving from police to administration
Small Town Growth: Managing Nixa's expansion from around 5,000 to 25,000 residents while maintaining its hometown feel and community values
Setting Boundaries with Elected Officials: Establishing communication protocols with council members to protect personal time
Relationships as Foundation: Building trust with council members and staff through open communication and humility
Leading from the Middle: Jimmy's philosophy of not needing to be the smartest person in the room to be an effective leader
Work-Life Integration: Creating intentional boundaries through unplugged vacations and clear communication protocols

Connect with Jimmy Liles:

LinkedIn: Connect with Jimmy Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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. 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

163: Luke Dyer: The Power of "Why Not Us? Why Not Now?" Apr 15, 2025

Show Notes: Luke Dyer: The Power of "Why Not Us? Why Not Now?" Episode 163 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

OverviewIn this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Luke Dyer, Town Manager of Van Buren, Maine. Luke shares his remarkable journey from a 30-year career in law enforcement to municipal leadership, where he's leading a small-town revival that's capturing attention across the region. Through creative initiatives, university partnerships, and community engagement, Luke has transformed Van Buren from a struggling border town into a community with renewed pride and purpose. Their conversation explores the challenges of small-town revitalization, the impact of innovative thinking, and how municipal leaders can create momentum even with limited resources.

Episode Highlights:

Unique Career Path: Luke's transition from criminal justice to law enforcement to municipal leadership, including his "Forrest Gumpy" life of unexpected opportunities
Border Town Dynamics: Managing a community on the US-Canada border and navigating international relationships, especially amid changing tariff policies
Small Town Revival: How Van Buren went from owning over half its downtown buildings due to tax acquisition to hosting events that draw over 1,300 visitors
The Pickleball Effect: Converting an unused hockey rink into pickleball courts as the catalyst for community engagement and municipal improvements
University Partnerships: Leveraging relationships with Drexel University and Georgetown University to access expertise worth over $125,000 at minimal cost
Community Heart and Soul: Implementing a program that brought residents together to identify what they truly value about their town
Creative Problem-Solving: Finding opportunities in challenges and turning small wins into momentum for larger projects
The Documentary Project: "Reviving the Gateway" and how capturing the town's transformation has further galvanized community pride
Leadership Insights: Building council support through visible successes and learning to listen to what residents truly want
Work-Life Integration: Balancing the demands of municipal leadership with personal interests like snowmobiling, fishing, and visiting baseball parks

Connect with Luke Dyer:

LinkedIn: Connect with Luke Here
Watch the "Reviving the Gateway" Documentary

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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.

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

162: Book of the Week: The Innovator's Dilemma Apr 14, 2025

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – "The Innovator's Dilemma" Episode 162 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "The Innovator’s Dilemma" Series)

Episode Overview

Seth Winterhalter launches a brand-new 5-part series on The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen, turning its private-sector lessons into actionable insight for municipal leadership. In this episode, Seth unpacks the core paradox: cities that are well-managed and process-driven can still fall behind when faced with disruptive change.

Through real municipal examples—from digital engagement to economic development shifts—Seth highlights how traditional success metrics and planning models can blind even great leaders to innovation happening at the margins. Learn how to navigate this tension by creating capacity for exploration alongside operational excellence.

Key Takeaways

What the “innovator’s dilemma” looks like in a municipal context
Why cities doing everything “right” can still fall behind in service delivery
How disruption often starts on the edges—then reshapes resident expectations
Why traditional comprehensive planning can miss emerging trends
The organizational patterns that make innovation difficult (and how to overcome them)
How to build parallel structures for experimentation without sacrificing reliability

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

Monday: Understanding the innovator’s dilemma for municipal leaders Tuesday–Thursday: Deep dives on disruption awareness, resource allocation, and culture Friday: Virtual Book Club – Real-world applications and interactive discussion

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

All five episodes from The Innovator’s Dilemma series
Daily blog reflections and frameworks
Friday’s live Virtual Book Club conversation
A nationwide community of municipal leaders 🔗 Start your free trial now at HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

Book: The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
Weekly Newsletter – The Leader’s Lens (free subscription)
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

161: Brent Buerck: Small-Town Roots, World-Class Vision Apr 10, 2025

Show Notes: Brent Buerck: Small-Town Roots, World-Class Vision Episode 161 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 together

Connect with Brent Buerck:

LinkedIn: Connect with Brent Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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. 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

160: Jon Amundson: Thriving at the Crossroads of Nuclear History Apr 08, 2025

Show Notes: Jon Amundson: Thriving at the Crossroads of Nuclear History Episode 160 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 family

Connect with Jon Amundson:

LinkedIn: Connect with Jon Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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. 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

159: The Essentialist City Manager Apr 07, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "Essentialism" Episode 159 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Essentialism" Series)

Episode Overview

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 Takeaways

Why 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 MLDC

Monday: Introduction to essentialism for city leaders Tuesday–Thursday: Focused insights on strategic narrowing, decision filtering, and system design Friday: Live Virtual Book Club discussion – applying essentialism in real municipal contexts

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

Get 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 Mentioned

Book: 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 Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

158: Kristen Dorman: From Reluctant Start to Intentional Journey Apr 03, 2025

Show Notes: Kristen Dorman: From Reluctant Start to Intentional Journey Episode 158 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 leader

Connect with Kristen Dorman:

LinkedIn: Connect with Kristen Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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. 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

157: John Mauro: A Global Journey of Purpose-Driven Leadership Apr 01, 2025

Show Notes: John Mauro: A Global Journey of Purpose-Driven Leadership Episode 157 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 life

Connect with John Mauro:

LinkedIn: Connect with John

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter

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.

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

156: Book of the Week: Conscious Business Mar 31, 2025

Show Notes: Book of the Week - "Conscious Business" Episode 156 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Conscious Business" Series)

Episode Overview

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 Trial

Experience 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 More

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

155: De'Carlon Seewood: From Crisis to Community Renewal Mar 27, 2025

Show Notes: De'Carlon Seewood: From Crisis to Community RenewalEpisode 155 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 budgets

Connect 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.com

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

154: Nichole Rutherford: Finding Courage When Opportunity Calls Mar 25, 2025

Show Notes: Nichole Rutherford: Finding Courage When Opportunity Calls Episode 154 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 challenges

Connect 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.com

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

153: No One Else to Blame Mar 24, 2025

Show Notes: "No One Else to Blame"Episode 153 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: "Extreme Ownership" Series

Episode 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 environments

Special: 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/MLDC

Resources 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

152: Danielle Dulin: Working in Generations, Not Election Cycles Mar 20, 2025

Show Notes: Danielle Dulin: Working in Generations, Not Election Cycles Episode 152 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 moments

Connect 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.com

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

151: Michael Paulhus: Biology, Banking, and Better Government Mar 18, 2025

Show Notes: Michael Paulhus: Biology, Banking, and Better Government Episode 151 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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 opportunities

Connect 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.com

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

150: The Municipal Leader’s Paradox Mar 17, 2025

Show Notes: "The Municipal Leader's Paradox"Episode 150 of The HaltingWinter PodcastPart 1 of 5: "Leaders Eat Last" Series

Episode 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 roles

Special: 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/MLDC

Resources 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

149: Zach Walker: Identity, Purpose and Impact in City Management Mar 12, 2025

Show Notes: Zach Walker: Identity, Purpose and Impact in City Management Episode 149 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview 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.

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:

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.com

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

148: The Energy-Driven Municipal Leader Mar 10, 2025

Show Notes: "The Energy-Driven Municipal Leader" Episode 148 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: "The Power of Full Engagement" Series

Episode 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 performance

Implementation 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 energy

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

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

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

147: Amanda Mack: Finding Your Leadership Shoes Mar 05, 2025

Show Notes: Amanda Mack: Finding Your Leadership ShoesEpisode 147 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode 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 building

Notable 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 resources

Connect with Amanda Mack

LinkedIn: Amanda Mack's LinkedIn Profile

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

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 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

146: Navigating Two Minds in Municipal Leadership Mar 03, 2025

Show Notes: "Navigating Two Minds in Municipal Leadership" Episode 146 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: "Thinking Fast and Slow" Series

Episode 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 optimal

Leadership 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 innovation

Resources 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 Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

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

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

145: Joe Irvin: Culture Change at 6,000 Feet Feb 26, 2025

Show Notes: Joe Irvin: Culture Change at 6,000 Feet Episode 145 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode 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 services

Leadership 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 development

Notable 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 Irvin

Resources Mentioned

The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect with Joe Irvin

LinkedIn: Joe Irvin's LinkedIn Profile

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

The 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

144: The Purpose-Driven City Hall Feb 24, 2025

Show Notes: "The Purpose-Driven City Hall" Episode 144 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: "Start With Why" Series

Episode 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 impact

Implementation 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 alignment

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

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

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

143: Steve Pauken: Finding Your Way to Yes Feb 19, 2025

Show Notes: Steve Pauken: Finding Your Way to Yes Episode 143 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode 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 challenges

Leadership 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 government

Notable Quotes "The motive should always be to find a way to yes." - Steve Pauken

Resources Mentioned

The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect 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.com

The 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

142: Your Municipal Team's Hidden Potential Feb 17, 2025

Show Notes: "Breaking the Silence: Your Municipal Team's Hidden Potential"Episode 142 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: The Five Dysfunctions Series

Episode 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 effectiveness

Implementation Examples

Breaking down the "perfect department syndrome"
Transforming "meeting after the meeting" culture
Overcoming the "silo survival strategy"
Building authentic team connections while maintaining professionalism

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

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

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

141: Dustin Stambaugh: Building Trust Through Vulnerability in Municipal Leadership Feb 12, 2025

Show Notes: Dustin Stambaugh: Building Trust Through Vulnerability in Municipal Leadership Episode 141 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter as he interviews Dustin Stambaugh, City Administrator of Fairfax, Iowa, for an authentic conversation about navigating the challenges of being a city's first administrator. From military service to municipal leadership, Dustin shares insights on building trust through vulnerability, managing transition, and finding personal-professional balance in public service.

Key Takeaways

Transitioning military leadership skills to municipal management
The importance of patience and observation in new leadership roles
Building trust through authentic vulnerability
Managing resistance to organizational change
The value of professional networks and mentorship
Balancing professional growth with personal well-being
Finding community connection through local engagement

Leadership Insights

The power of strategic patience in organizational change
Converting military experience into municipal management skills
Building trust through transparent communication
The importance of maintaining personal interests and community connections
Managing transition as a city's first administrator
Balancing authority with relationship building
The value of authentic leadership in public service

Resources Mentioned

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect with Dustin Stambaugh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinstambaugh/

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and 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

140: Finding Focus in the Age of Distraction Feb 10, 2025

Show Notes: "Finding Focus in the Age of Distraction" Episode 142 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: The Deep Work Series

Episode Overview In this opening episode of our Deep Work series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Cal Newport's fascinating work on focused productivity specifically applies to municipal leadership, revealing why the ability to engage in deep work is crucial for city managers who must balance immediate responsiveness with strategic thinking.

Key Takeaways

Why traditional approaches to accessibility may undermine leadership effectiveness
The critical difference between being responsive and being strategic
How sustained focus enables transformative community initiatives
The relationship between deep work and service quality

Implementation Examples

Creating systems for managing interruptions
Balancing accessibility with focused work
Developing clear protocols for urgent matters
Establishing productive work patterns

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

All five Deep Work 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

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
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

139: Phil Kiraly: Finding Purpose in Public Service Feb 05, 2025

Show Notes: Phil Kiraly: Finding Purpose in Public Service Episode 139 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter as he interviews Phil Kiraly, Village Manager of Glencoe, Illinois, for a compelling conversation about finding purpose in public service. From his family's refugee story to innovative municipal leadership, Phil shares insights on thoughtful change management, maintaining personal well-being while managing Type 1 diabetes, and creating a culture of purposeful public service.

Key Takeaways

The impact of family legacy on public service commitment
How to implement change through thoughtful, strategic communication
Strategies for maintaining work-life integration in municipal leadership
Building trust through transparent communication and community engagement
The importance of professional associations and peer relationships
Creating innovative solutions to traditional municipal challenges

Career Highlights Discussed

Journey from Parks & Recreation to City Management
Two-year internship with Village of Skokie
Assistant Village Manager roles in Deerfield and Northbrook
Village Manager of Glencoe since 2013
President of Illinois City/County Management Association
Implementation of innovative integrated public safety department

Leadership Insights

Converting "progress without change" to "progress requires thoughtful change"
Building community trust through strategic communication
Leveraging technology and social media for citizen engagement
Creating cross-functional teams and innovative service delivery models
The importance of staying connected to ground-level operations
Balancing innovation with community traditions

Resources Mentioned

Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA)
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect with Phil Kiraly

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-kiraly-icma-cm-25016360/

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and 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

138: Mindset and Municipal Leadership Feb 03, 2025

Show Notes: "Mindset and Municipal Leadership"Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: The Mindset Series

Episode Overview In this first episode of our Mindset series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Carol Dweck's fascinating research on mindset applies specifically to municipal leadership, revealing how city managers' beliefs about growth and adaptation fundamentally shape their effectiveness as leaders and their cities' futures.

Key Takeaways

How mindset impacts your response to council criticism and setbacks
The relationship between leadership mindset and organizational culture
Why growth-oriented leaders see challenges differently
How your mindset shapes team development and innovation

Implementation Examples

Transforming council meeting dynamics
Reframing departmental challenges
Enhancing team feedback processes
Building resilient leadership practices

Special This Week: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

All five Mindset podcast episodes
Daily deep-dive blog posts
Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
Complete access to the MLDC online platform
Nationwide community of municipal leaders
Start your free trial HERE

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck
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

137: Travis Rothweiler: From Department Silos to 'One City' Jan 29, 2025

Show Notes: Travis Rothweiler: From Department Silos to 'One City' Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Travis Rothweiler, City Manager of Twin Falls, Idaho, for an inspiring discussion about transformational leadership and organizational culture. From his early start as a city administrator at age 28 to implementing the innovative "One City" initiative, Travis shares powerful insights on breaking down departmental silos, developing leaders at all levels, and maintaining personal balance in public service.

Key Takeaways

How to transform traditional hierarchical structures into collaborative environments
The power of empowering employees to think like city managers
Strategies for implementing organization-wide leadership development
Balancing professional demands with personal well-being
The importance of humility in executive leadership
Creating psychological safety for innovation and decision-making

Career Highlights Discussed

Fifth-generation Montanan turned Idaho public servant
City Administrator of Jerome, Idaho at age 28
Assistant City Manager role under 32-year veteran Tom Courtney
14 years as City Manager of Twin Falls
Development and implementation of the One City initiative
Leadership through significant economic development wins

Leadership Insights

Moving from expert-based to collaborative decision-making
Building trust through vulnerability and grace
Empowering employees to lead the budget process
Creating parallel teams to solve organizational challenges
The importance of mentorship in leadership development
Balancing family commitments with city management demands

Personal Development Insights

Transition from Ironman training to family priorities
Using fly fishing as both recreation and a leadership metaphor
The importance of setting boundaries in a 24/7 role
Managing crisis situations while maintaining personal balance
Building sustainable leadership practices

Resources Mentioned

The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

136: From Good to Great in Municipal Leadership Jan 27, 2025

Show Notes: Episode 136 of The HaltingWinter Podcast "From Good to Great in Municipal Leadership" Episode Overview In this first episode of our Good to Great series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Jim Collins' groundbreaking research in his best-selling book, "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't," applies specifically to municipal leadership, revealing how city managers can transform their organizations from good to great despite public sector constraints.

Key Takeaways

Why great organizations don't set out to become great
The unique challenges and opportunities in municipal transformation
Three key distinctions between good and great municipal organizations
How to drive excellence within public sector constraints

Implementation Examples

Infrastructure maintenance transformation
Cross-departmental innovation
Strategic resource allocation
Community engagement enhancement

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Good to Great" by Jim Collins
The HaltingWinter Podcast: Episode 125 with Mike Land
Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe for Free to The Leader's Lens
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

MLDC Membership Benefits Access the complete Good to Great series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through an MLDC membership. Get exclusive access to:

Daily leadership content
Implementation guides
Deep-dive podcast episodes
Virtual Book Club discussions
Peer discussion forums

Use promo code "podcast" for 20% off annual membership. Learn More -->

135: Sam Toles: From Hollywood to City Hall: Transforming Municipal Social Media Jan 22, 2025

Show Notes: Sam Toles: From Hollywood to City Hall: Transforming Municipal Social Media Episode 135 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Sam Toles, CEO of CiviSocial, for an innovative exploration of municipal communications in the digital age. Drawing from his extraordinary career spanning Hollywood studios, social media platforms, and local government, Sam shares transformative insights about authentic storytelling, modern engagement strategies, and empowering city staff to become effective content creators.

Key Takeaways

Why traditional media approaches no longer serve local governments effectively
The power of authentic, staff-driven video content in building community trust
How to transform municipal communications without adding new staff
Understanding the evolution from Social Media 1.0 to 2.0
The surprising trust advantage local governments have over traditional media
Strategies for empowering young staff members as content creators

Career Highlights Discussed

Executive roles at major entertainment companies including MGM and Bleacher Report
Experience as an elected City Council member
Creation of innovative social media strategies for major brands
Work with leading content creators including MrBeast
Transition from entertainment industry to municipal consulting
Development of municipal-focused social media training programs

Leadership Insights

How to identify and empower natural content creators within your staff
Converting technical information into engaging stories
Building authentic connections through video content
Managing political dynamics in municipal communications
Transforming PIOs from content creators to content strategists
Leveraging trust in local government for better engagement

Key Concepts Covered

The shift from text-based to video-based social media
Why comments matter less than shares in modern social media
How to use AI tools effectively in municipal communications
The importance of authentic, personal storytelling
Strategies for breaking down departmental communication silos
Building a sustainable content creation culture in local government

Connect With Sam Toles

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samtoles1/
Website: www.CiviSocial.com

Resources Mentioned

The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

MLDC Launch Week The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

134: Breaking Free from Carrot-and-Stick Motivation Jan 20, 2025

Show Notes: Episode 134 "Breaking Free from Carrot-and-Stick Leadership: Motivation That Works" Part 1 of 5 The Drive Series The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview In this first episode of our series exploring Daniel Pink's "Drive," Seth Winterhalter challenges traditional approaches to motivation in municipal government, revealing why the most successful city managers aren't those with the biggest incentive programs, but those who understand the true science of motivation.

Key Takeaways

Why traditional reward systems often fail in municipal settings
The unique motivational advantages of public service
How to leverage meaning over monetary incentives
The three fundamental elements that drive high performance in municipal government

Practical Applications

Converting metrics into meaning
Connecting daily tasks to community impact
Creating engagement through purposeful challenge
Balancing structure with autonomy

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel Pink
The HaltingWinter Podcast: Episode 127 with Sam Anselm on "Why Performance Reviews Are Crippling Municipal Culture"
Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe for Free to The Leader's Lens
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

MLDC Membership Benefits Access the complete Drive series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through an MLDC membership. Get exclusive access to:

Daily leadership content
Implementation guides
Deep-dive podcast episodes
Virtual Book Club discussions
Peer discussion forums

Use promo code "podcast" for 20% off annual membership. Learn More -->

133: Monte Walker: Broadcasting, Business & Building the Future Jan 15, 2025

Show Notes: Monte Walker: Broadcasting, Business & Building the Future Episode 133 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Monte Walker, City Administrator of Howe, Texas, for a fascinating journey through municipal leadership from a uniquely multi-dimensional perspective. From his 30-year career as a sports broadcaster to owning the local newspaper and now leading his hometown's administration, Monte shares invaluable insights on community connection, cultural transformation, and preparing for transformative growth.

Key Takeaways

The advantage of deep community roots in municipal leadership
How diverse private sector experience enhances public service
Strategies for managing cultural transformation during staff transitions
Balancing small-town character with inevitable growth
The importance of long-term infrastructure decisions in shaping a city's future
Building trust through transparent communication and community engagement

Career Highlights Discussed

Multi-generational family history in Howe dating back to 1895
30+ years as a high school sports broadcaster
Former owner of local newspaper publication
Economic Development Director experience
Leadership through critical infrastructure decisions
Managing cultural transformation as City Administrator

Leadership Insights

Leveraging communication skills from broadcasting in municipal leadership
Building trust through consistent community presence and engagement
Balancing transparency with professional boundaries
The importance of cultural fit in building an effective municipal team
Making decisions with 75-year impact while maintaining current operations

Key Projects Discussed

Wastewater treatment planning for future growth
Historical church building restoration project
Cultural transformation within city staff
Managing infrastructure emergencies in extreme weather
Preparing for population growth from 3,700 to 10,000

Resources Mentioned

The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

MLDC Launch Week The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched last week, on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

132: The Effective Executive Jan 13, 2025

Show Notes: Episode 132: The Effective Executive The HaltingWinter Podcast

In this episode and the first of a new five-part series (for MLDC members) on Peter Drucker's book, "The Effective Executive," Seth Winterhalter challenges our fundamental understanding of leadership effectiveness. Through the compelling story of a dedicated city manager, discover why being productive might actually be holding you back from being truly effective, and learn how to make the crucial shift from "doing things right" to "doing the right things."

Key Takeaways

The critical distinction between productivity and effectiveness in municipal leadership
Why traditional measures of productivity can mask ineffectiveness
Four essential strategies for becoming a more effective leader
The relationship between strategic focus and leadership impact

Core Principles Explored

Strategic Time Management: Moving beyond "busy" to "effective"
Decision Impact: Making fewer but more significant decisions
Team Development: Building self-sufficient operational teams
Strategic Space: Creating room for true leadership work

Leadership Applications

Identifying truly important priorities versus urgent tasks
Developing criteria for strategic decision-making
Creating systems for effective delegation
Establishing space for strategic thinking

Resources Mentioned

Book: "The Effective Executive" by Peter Drucker
The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): More Here

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

MLDC Membership Benefits Access the complete emotional intelligence series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through MLDC membership. Includes exclusive access to daily content, implementation guides, and peer discussion forums.

Learn More Here

131: Martha Bennett: From City Hall Kid to City Hall Leader Jan 08, 2025

Show Notes: From City Hall Kid to City Hall Leader Episode 131 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Martha Bennett, City Manager of Lake Oswego, Oregon, for a unique perspective on municipal leadership through the lens of someone who literally grew up in city management. From watching her father navigate council meetings to now leading one of Oregon's most distinctive communities, Martha shares invaluable insights on effective governance, mission-driven leadership, and building sustainable cities.

Key Takeaways

The power of mission-focused leadership in municipal government
How to effectively manage the "30-30-30-10" time allocation for city leaders
Strategies for fostering productive council dynamics and civil discourse
The importance of tailoring communication to different stakeholders
Why setting the table for policy discussions is more important than driving outcomes
Balancing high quality of life with growing community demands

Career Highlights Discussed

Second-generation city manager perspective
Experience with unique governance structures (Metro, Columbia River Gorge Commission)
Leading diverse communities from Ashland to Lake Oswego
Service on ICMA Board and Oregon City/County Management Association
Navigating complex regional partnerships and initiatives

Leadership Insights

The critical balance between policy work and tangible results
How to maintain personal boundaries in a public-facing role
Strategies for translating complex municipal issues for different audiences
Building trust across politically diverse communities

Resources Mentioned

ICMA
Oregon City/County Management Association
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

MLDC Launch Week The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched this week, on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 25% off an annual subscription. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! Join the MLDC today! --> Join Here

130: Understanding Your Emotional Intelligence Jan 06, 2025

Show Notes: Episode 130: Understanding Your Emotional IntelligenceThe HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Discover why the most successful city managers aren't necessarily those with the highest IQs or most impressive technical knowledge. Seth Winterhalter explores Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking work on Emotional Intelligence and its crucial role in municipal leadership. Through real-world examples and practical insights, learn how emotional intelligence transforms leadership effectiveness and builds stronger municipal organizations.

Key Takeaways

Why emotional intelligence often determines leadership success more than technical expertise
How understanding unspoken emotional dynamics transforms council relationships
The connection between emotional awareness and crisis management effectiveness
Practical strategies for applying emotional intelligence in high-pressure municipal environments

Core Principles Explored

Self-Awareness: Understanding your leadership style and emotional triggers
People-Awareness: Reading and responding to stakeholders' emotional needs
Language-Awareness: Communicating effectively in various contexts
Converting technical skills into meaningful impact through emotional intelligence

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman
The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special MLDC Offer Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) to access four additional deep-dive episodes this week on emotional intelligence in municipal leadership. Current members can access these episodes on the MLDC platform or via the app. Learn more here ->

129: A Municipal Christmas Poem Dec 24, 2024

Show Notes: A Municipal Christmas Poem Episode 129 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview: In this special holiday episode, we're taking a creative approach to celebrating the dedication of municipal leaders. Through a reimagining of the classic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," we honor the tireless work of city managers and employees who serve their communities even during the holiday season.

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Christmas Special Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching in January 2025 and pre-launch pricing has been extended until December 31st. Enroll now to save 50% off your annual subscription.

Secure your spot HERE

128: Covey's 7 Habits for Municipal Leaders Dec 23, 2024

Show Notes: From Reactive to Revolutionary: Covey's 7 Habits for Municipal LeadersEpisode 128 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview During this reflective week between Christmas and New Year's, explore how Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" can transform municipal leadership effectiveness. Seth Winterhalter breaks down three pivotal habits that help city managers move from reactive management to revolutionary leadership. Discover how these timeless principles can help you start 2025 with renewed focus, deeper stakeholder engagement, and sustainable excellence.

Key Takeaways

How to craft a Leadership Impact Statement that transforms daily decision-making
Why understanding stakeholders deeply actually saves time and resources
The four dimensions of leadership renewal essential for sustainable excellence
Practical frameworks for implementing these habits in a municipal context

Core Principles Explored

Begin with the End in Mind: Creating vision-driven leadership in crisis-heavy environments
Seek First to Understand: Transforming stakeholder engagement through deeper understanding
Sharpen the Saw: Building sustainable leadership practices that serve both leader and community

Resources Mentioned

Book: "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Final Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching in January 2025 and pre-launch pricing has been extended until December 31st. Enroll now to save 50% off your annual subscription.

Secure your spot HERE

127: Sam Anselm: Why Performance Reviews Are Crippling Municipalities Dec 18, 2024

Show Notes: Why Performance Reviews Are Crippling Municipal Culture Episode 127 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Sam Anselm, City Administrator of West Plains, Missouri, as they expose why traditional performance reviews are undermining municipal effectiveness and explore a revolutionary approach to employee development. Through real-world examples and practical insights, discover why stopping performance reviews might be the first step toward building a thriving municipal culture.

Key Takeaways

Why tying performance feedback to pay creates a toxic dynamic
How to replace annual reviews with meaningful, ongoing feedback
The importance of separating compensation from coaching conversations
Practical strategies for building a feedback-rich culture
Why focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses transforms organizations

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Abolishing Performance Appraisal" by Tom Coens and Mary Jenkins
Book: "It's the Manager" by Gallup
Book: "We Don't Make Widgets" by Ken Miller
Book: "Extreme Government Makeover" by Ken Miller
CliftonStrengths Assessment Tool
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More & Save Your Seat

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:

Pre-Launch Pricing (50% OFF!!!)
Executive Coaching Opportunities
In-person training events
Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.

Pre-Launch pricing and bonuses END ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH!!!

126: Why Work-Life Balance is Misleading Leaders Dec 16, 2024

Show Notes: Why Work-Life Balance Is Misleading Leaders Episode 126 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Uncover why the traditional concept of work-life balance is leading municipal leaders astray and discover a more powerful framework for sustainable leadership. Drawing insights from the book "Off Balance" by Matthew Kelly, Seth Winterhalter shares groundbreaking insights about why satisfaction, not balance, should be your leadership goal. Learn how to move beyond the balance myth to create greater impact and fulfillment in your municipal leadership role.

Key Takeaways

The deceptive assumptions about work-life balance that harm municipal leaders
How to shift from time management to energy management for greater effectiveness
The four types of energy every city manager must master
Why measuring satisfaction instead of balance leads to better leadership outcomes
Practical strategies for thriving in the natural tension of municipal leadership

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Off Balance" by Matthew Kelly
The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:

50% OFF Pricing
Executive Coaching Opportunities
In-person training events
Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot by Friday, December 21st!

125: Mike Land: Culture By Choice Dec 11, 2024

Show Notes: Episode 125 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Culture By Choice: Leadership Lessons from ICMA President-Elect Mike Land

Episode Overview Journey through Mike Land's fascinating path from bread truck deliveries to municipal leadership excellence, as he shares how intentional culture-building transformed his organizations. Now serving as City Manager of Coppell, Texas and ICMA President-Elect, Mike reveals how persistence, self-awareness, and purposeful leadership development create thriving municipal cultures.

Key Takeaways

The critical difference between "culture by chance" and "culture by choice"
How behavioral expectations shape organizational excellence
Why technical proficiency must be balanced with human competency
Building sustainable leadership through continuous learning
Transforming challenges into cultural growth opportunities

Topics Discussed

The journey from Houston bread routes to municipal leadership
Creating and maintaining purposeful organizational culture
Leading through significant financial challenges
The power of collaborative budgeting and planning
Building leadership capacity through mentorship
The importance of persistence in personal development
The role of behavioral accountability in cultural health
Upcoming initiatives as ICMA President-Elect

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:

Pre-Launch Pricing (50% OFF!!!)
Executive Coaching Opportunities
In-person training events
Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.

The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders.

124: When Service Becomes Surrender Dec 09, 2024

Show Notes: When Service Becomes Surrender Episode 124 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Explore the critical difference between true service and leadership surrender in municipal government. Drawing from "The Power of a Positive No" by William Ury, Seth Winterhalter reveals how city managers can maintain boundaries while strengthening relationships and increasing their leadership impact. Learn how to transform automatic surrender into strategic service through practical, proven frameworks.

Key Takeaways

The three most common "service traps" that lead to leadership surrender
How to use the Yes-No-Yes framework to maintain boundaries while preserving relationships
Why setting boundaries actually enhances your service impact
Practical scripts for transforming surrender moments into leadership opportunities

Resources Mentioned

Book: "The Power of a Positive No" by William Ury
The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:

50% OFF Pricing
Executive Coaching Opportunities
In-person training events
Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.

123: Bill Wagoner: The Power of Deep Roots Dec 04, 2024

Show Notes: The Power of Roots: From Local Kid to Two Decades of Municipal Leadership Episode 123 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Discover the unique journey of Bill Wagoner, Arcola's first and only City Administrator, as he shares insights from 20 years of municipal leadership in his hometown. From growing up as the water superintendent's son to leading transformative infrastructure projects, Bill's story illustrates the power of deep community roots and sustainable leadership in small-town government.

Key Takeaways

How local knowledge and relationships shape effective small-town leadership
The challenges and advantages of being a hometown leader
Strategies for wearing multiple hats in small municipal government
Building legacy through mentorship and internship programs
Transforming personal challenges into community growth opportunities

Topics Discussed

The journey from local kid to city administrator
Managing work-life boundaries in a small town
Creating sustainable leadership practices
Building the next generation through internship programs
Leading transformative infrastructure projects
The unique challenges of being your city's first administrator

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:

50% OFF Pricing
Executive Coaching Opportunities
In-person training events
Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.

The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders.

122: The Self-Sacrifice Myth: From Survival Mode to Strategic Leadership Dec 02, 2024

Show Notes: The Self-Sacrifice Myth: From Survival Mode to Strategic Leadership Episode 122 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Discover why the culture of self-sacrifice in municipal leadership might be undermining your effectiveness, and learn evidence-based strategies for sustainable high performance. Drawing from "Burnout" by Emily and Amelia Nagoski, Seth explores how city managers can transform their approach to leadership stress while maintaining professional excellence.

Key Takeaways

Why managing the stressor isn't the same as managing the stress itself
The hidden cost of constant vigilance and mental monitoring
How "Human Giver Syndrome" impacts municipal leadership
Practical strategies for sustainable high performance in public service

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Burnout" by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:

50% OFF Pricing
Executive Coaching Opportunities
In-person training events
Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.

The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders.

121: Brooks Williams: Breaking Down Bureaucracy Nov 27, 2024

Breaking Down Bureaucracy: From Banking to Municipal Innovation

Episode 121 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview

Meet Brooks Williams, the City Manager of Ferris, Texas, who is transforming the perception of public service through bold leadership and innovative management. From his unconventional path through banking to becoming the longest-serving city manager in Ferris's 150-year history, Brooks shares how he turned around a city known for dysfunction into a high-performing organization that moves faster than its private sector partners.

Key Discussion Points

How banking and private sector experience shapes innovative public sector leadership
Transforming a challenging municipal culture through radical transparency
Creating high-performance expectations in government organizations
The importance of vulnerability and honest communication in leadership
Why protecting personal boundaries is crucial for sustained leadership impact
Building a culture that challenges "we've always done it this way" thinking

Memorable Quotes

"Converting oxygen into carbon dioxide is not going to work for us here. That is not the litmus test for if you're a successful employee."

"Any conversation we have is out of a place of love... I don't believe you really care about people if you're not willing to have tough conversations."

Resources Mentioned

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching in January 2025 and founding memberships are open for a limited time! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment pricing and bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: Subscribe Here

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

120: Breaking the "We've Always Done It That Way" Cycle Nov 25, 2024

Show Notes: Breaking the "We've Always Done It This Way" Cycle Episode 120 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Discover why "we've always done it this way" might be the most expensive sentence in municipal government, and learn practical strategies for breaking free from this limiting cycle. Drawing from "Change the Culture, Change the Game" by Roger Connors and Tom Smith, Seth explores how city managers can transform organizational culture from the inside out.

Key Takeaways - Understanding the Results Pyramid and why changing actions without changing beliefs doesn't work - How leader beliefs shape organizational culture more than external factors - Three elements of sustainable cultural transformation in municipal government - Practical strategies for creating experiences that challenge limiting beliefs

Resources Mentioned - Book: "Change the Culture, Change the Game" by Roger Connors and Tom Smith - The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news - Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free - Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here

Connect With Seth - LinkedIn - Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Special Offer Ready to transform your municipal culture? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include: - 50% OFF Pricing - Executive Coaching - In-person training events Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.

--- The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders.

119: Peter Troeddson: Calm Under Pressure Nov 20, 2024

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, discover how Albany City Manager, Peter Troedsson, brings the steady leadership of a Coast Guard helicopter pilot to municipal governance. Through organizational transitions, a global pandemic, and daily city challenges, Troedsson shares how his military experience shaped his approach to keeping cool when the stakes are high.

Troedsson shares valuable insights on:

Making the transition from military to municipal leadership
Building collaborative teams across departments
Leading through uncertainty while maintaining stability
The critical role of humility in public service
Bridging the gap between military service and city management

Whether you're a veteran considering municipal leadership or a city seeking your next manager, this conversation offers practical wisdom on leveraging military experience to strengthen our cities.

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching in January 2025 and founding memberships are open for a limited time! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment pricing and bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: Subscribe Here

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

118: Different Minds, Better Solutions Nov 18, 2024

Show Notes: Episode 118

Different Minds, Better Solutions: The Science of Collaborative Intelligence

In this week's episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we explore how understanding and leveraging different thinking patterns can transform municipal leadership and drive better solutions in our cities.

Key Concepts Discussed

Mind Pattern Theory
The Art of Inquiry
Collaborative Infrastructure
Cognitive Diversity in Teams

Resources Mentioned

Book: "Collaborative Intelligence" by Dawna Markova and Angie McArthur
HaltingWinter Blog Series: "The Power of Collaborative Intelligence"
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe Here
Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

Connect With Us

Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
LinkedIn: Seth Winterhalter

Ready to Transform Your Municipal Leadership?

Learn more about the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launching January 2025. Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC for exclusive founding member benefits.

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117: Marc Mondell: Drive It Like You Stole It Nov 13, 2024

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, discover how City Manager Marc Mondell is leading Tulare, California's remarkable transformation through bold, decisive leadership. "Drive it like you stole it" isn't just a catchy phrase – it's Mondell's philosophy for municipal leaders who want to create real change. Learn how he's erasing 30 years of stagnation through strategic economic development, innovative solutions to homelessness, and a commitment to taking calculated risks.

From reimagining downtown spaces to securing $550 million in transportation improvements, hear firsthand how bold leadership combined with strategic planning can transform a city. Mondell shares practical insights on: - Building council relationships through proactive communication - Turning challenges into opportunities for economic growth - Creating innovative solutions to homelessness while balancing compassion with accountability - Leading with confidence instead of fear

Whether you're an aspiring city manager or a seasoned municipal leader, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on what's possible when you choose bold action over bureaucratic safety.

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching January 2025 and early membership starts this week! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: Subscribe Here

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

116: The DNA of High-Performing Cities Nov 11, 2024

On this episode of The Halting Winter Podcast, discover the invisible patterns that separate thriving city halls from those stuck in bureaucratic quicksand. We dive deep into Daniel Coyle's "The Culture Code" to reveal how high-performing organizations build psychological safety, use strategic vulnerability, and make purpose more than just words on a wall.

Learn why traditional approaches to municipal leadership might be holding your organization back, and discover practical ways to transform your city's culture without compromising authority or accountability. Whether you're struggling with silos, innovation barriers, or team engagement, these insights will help you build the kind of organizational DNA that drives excellence.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching January 2025 and early membership starts this week! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: Subscribe Here

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

115: Charlie Bush: From Crisis to Clarity Nov 06, 2024

In this powerful episode, Charlie Bush, City Administrator of Sedro-Woolley in Washington State, shares his remarkable journey from the brink of burnout to discovering a more sustainable and impactful approach to municipal leadership. From his early days being mentored in Glendale, Arizona to navigating personal health challenges that forced him to reimagine his relationship with work, Charlie offers candid insights about the real demands of city management and the importance of holistic wellbeing.

Learn how this seasoned leader transformed a potential career-ending health crisis into an opportunity for deeper growth, and why he believes mentorship isn't just about giving back – it's about securing the future of municipal leadership. Whether you're a seasoned city manager or aspiring to public service, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building a sustainable and meaningful career in local government.

Key topics include:

The power of mentorship in developing future municipal leaders
Why personal wellbeing isn't optional for effective leadership
How to build a sustainable approach to high-pressure roles
The unexpected benefits of taking strategic "step back" moves
Creating lasting impact through intentional leadership development

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing municipal leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

Subscribe to our FREE, weekly newsletter to get all our podcasts and daily articles in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

114: Beyond Nice: Mastering Crucial Conversations Nov 04, 2024

On this episode of The Halting Winter Podcast, learn how to transform how you handle your toughest conversations as a municipal leader. We dive into practical strategies from the book, "Crucial Conversations" that help you navigate high-stakes moments with confidence and purpose. Learn the STATE method for turning potential conflicts into collaborative wins, and discover why starting with heart isn't just about being nice – it's about being strategic. Whether you're facing contentious council meetings, difficult performance discussions, or heated public forums, these insights will help you lead with greater impact.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching January 2025 and early membership starts this week! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

113: Austin Bleess: Small Town Values, Big City Impact Oct 30, 2024

We head to the Lone Star State in this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, as host Seth Winterhalter sits down with Austin Bleess, City Manager of Jersey Village, Texas. From delivering newspapers in frigid Minnesota winters to managing multi-million dollar flood mitigation projects in Texas, Bleess shares how his small-town roots shaped his approach to city leadership.

Discover how Bleess successfully secured over $30 million in grants for Jersey Village while navigating challenges from hurricanes to infrastructure upgrades. His innovative approach to crisis management and long-term planning offers valuable insights for both seasoned and aspiring municipal leaders.

Beyond professional achievements, Bleess offers candid reflections on maintaining work-life balance in a demanding role. His perspectives on setting boundaries, unplugging from technology, and preserving family time provide practical wisdom for leaders wrestling with the pressures of public service.

Whether you're a municipal leader or someone interested in public service, this conversation illuminates how small-town values can drive big-city success. Don't miss this inspiring discussion about building resilient communities and sustainable leadership.

Subscribe to our FREE, weekly newsletter to get all our podcasts, daily articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing municipal leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

112: The Feedback Factor Oct 28, 2024

Are you finding that feedback in your municipality often creates tension rather than progress? It's time to transform the way you handle feedback in your city leadership.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter explores the groundbreaking insights from "Thanks for the Feedback" by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, revealing how municipal leaders can turn even the toughest criticism into fuel for civic growth. Discover how successful city managers are creating more responsive, innovative governments by mastering the art of feedback.

You'll discover:

Why most feedback fails to drive positive change in municipalities
How to identify and navigate the three types of feedback every city leader encounters
The hidden emotional triggers that can derail even the most promising feedback conversations
Practical strategies to build a feedback-rich culture that sparks innovation and collaboration

Whether you're dealing with council criticism, citizen complaints, or departmental dynamics, this episode offers proven approaches that could transform your leadership effectiveness.

Ready to turn feedback into your city's catalyst for positive change? Tune in now and learn how to make every conversation count toward building a stronger municipality.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

111: Jerry Gabrielatos: Door-to-Door Governance Oct 23, 2024

In this captivating episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter interviews Jerry Gabrielatos, the innovative City Manager of Beloit, Wisconsin. Gabrielatos shares his journey from Chicago's political trenches to pioneering a "Satellite City Hall" initiative, bringing city government to barbershops and grocery stores.

Discover how Gabrielatos navigated pandemic challenges, tackled urban issues, and transformed community engagement. His grassroots approach and adaptive leadership offer valuable insights for both seasoned and aspiring municipal leaders.

This episode is a masterclass in reimagining local governance for stronger, more connected communities. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on bringing city hall to the doorsteps of the people.

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing municipal leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

110: Unlock the Power of Words Oct 21, 2024

Are you struggling to gain support for your initiatives, feeling like your message isn't resonating with your community? It's time to unlock the transformative power of words in your municipal leadership.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter delves into the fascinating insights from Frank Luntz's book, "Words That Work," revealing why it's not just what you say, but what people hear that truly matters. Discover how top-performing city managers are achieving unprecedented success by mastering the art of effective communication.

You'll discover:

Why technical expertise alone isn't enough to win public support for your initiatives
How the right words can transform resistance into enthusiasm for your projects
The 7 key principles of effective communication that every city manager should master
Practical strategies to reframe your message for maximum impact in your community

Whether you're facing skeptical stakeholders, complex policy explanations, or community outreach challenges, this episode offers fresh perspectives that could revolutionize your leadership approach.

Ready to harness the full power of your words and catalyze positive change in your city? Tune in now and learn how to turn your communication into your most potent leadership tool.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

109: Beyond Band-Aids: Why Patching Weaknesses Is Crippling Your City Leadership Oct 14, 2024

Are you stuck in a cycle of constantly trying to fix your weaknesses, only to find yourself exhausted and your organization stagnating? It's time to rip off the band-aid and embrace a revolutionary approach to leadership.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter will challenge the age-old advice of "work on your weaknesses" and reveal why this well-intentioned strategy might be the very thing holding you and your city back. Drawing from "Strengths Based Leadership" by Rath and Conchie, we'll show you how top-performing city managers are achieving unprecedented success by focusing on strengths instead of patching flaws.

You'll discover:

Why the "fix your weaknesses" approach is like trying to plug a dam with band-aids
How identifying and leveraging your unique strengths can transform your leadership impact
Real-world examples of city managers who've revolutionized their municipalities by embracing strengths-based leadership
Practical strategies to shift from weakness-fixing to strength-amplifying in your daily operations

Whether you're battling budget constraints, team conflicts, or community challenges, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could be the game-changer you've been seeking.

Ready to move beyond quick fixes and unlock the true potential of your leadership and your city? Tune in now and discover how to turn your so-called weaknesses into your greatest assets.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here.

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

108: The Leadership Paradox: Why Your Success Is Holding You Back Oct 07, 2024

As a successful city manager, you've climbed the ladder of municipal leadership. But what if your very success is now limiting your impact?

In this eye-opening episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we dive into Marshall Goldsmith's revolutionary book "What Got You Here Won't Get You There." Discover why the skills and behaviors that propelled you to your current position might be the very things holding you back from reaching the next level of leadership excellence.

You'll learn:

The counterintuitive behaviors that may be sabotaging your effectiveness
How to identify and overcome your leadership blind spots
Strategies for soliciting and acting on feedback in a municipal setting
The power of a continuous improvement mindset in city management

Plus, get a sneak peek at our FREE self-assessment tool to help you pinpoint your key areas for growth and follow our daily blog to download your copy.

Whether you're a seasoned city manager or rising through the ranks, this episode will challenge your assumptions and provide actionable strategies to elevate your leadership impact.

Don't let your success become your ceiling. Tune in to unlock the next level of your leadership potential!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

107: David Cameron: Leading with Authenticity Oct 02, 2024

In this compelling episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter sits down with David Cameron, the dynamic City Administrator of Republic, Missouri. Cameron's refreshing approach to municipal leadership demonstrates how authenticity can transform local government and drive unprecedented growth.

Listeners will be inspired by Cameron's unconventional journey from wastewater management to city hall. He shares how his hands-on experience and commitment to genuine leadership have propelled the City of Republic to become one of Missouri's fastest-growing regions. Cameron reveals his strategies for dismantling bureaucratic red tape, building trust with the business community, and fostering a culture of urgency and innovation in city administration.

But this isn't just a tale of professional success. With remarkable candor, Cameron opens up about his personal battles with burnout and mental health, emphasizing the crucial role of self-care and boundary-setting for effective leadership. His insights on work-life balance and the importance of regular 'unplugging' offer valuable lessons for leaders in any field.

Cameron also discusses his unique approach to employee empowerment and his data-driven initiatives that are setting new standards in municipal management. His story proves that staying true to one's values and experiences can lead to transformative leadership.

Whether you're a seasoned city official, an aspiring public servant, or simply interested in innovative approaches to local governance, this episode provides a wealth of practical wisdom and inspiration. Join us as we explore how authentic leadership can drive meaningful change in our cities and communities.

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

106: Unlocking Self-Awareness for Impactful Leadership Sep 30, 2024

Unlock the power of self-awareness in municipal leadership with host Seth Winterhalter on this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast. Drawing from Tasha Eurich's book 'Insight' and his own experience as an executive coach, Seth explores how city managers can enhance their leadership through greater self-understanding. Learn about internal and external self-awareness, and how this impacts both work-life balance and cultivating a collaborative and flourishing organizational culture.

Discover practical tips and strategies to help deepen your understanding of Seth's own leadership framework and how to apply these ABCs of Impactful Leadership: Awareness, Balance, and Cultivation. Whether you're a seasoned city manager or new to municipal leadership, this episode offers valuable insights to help you lead more effectively and build stronger cities.

For a deeper dive, read the 5-part blog series HERE

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter to all of our weekly insights and resources in one easy-to-access resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

105: The ABC's of Impactful Leadership Sep 27, 2024

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter delves into the crucial aspects of effective city management. Drawing from his 20 years of executive leadership experience, Seth introduces his "ABC" framework: Awareness, Balance, and Cultivation. He addresses the unique challenges faced by city managers, including the "Leadership Labyrinth," "Work-Life Tightrope," and "Culture Conundrum." Offering practical tips and strategies, this episode is essential listening for current and aspiring municipal leaders looking to make a lasting impact on their communities.

For a deeper dive, read the blog series:

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter to get all these and more in one easy-to-read resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

104: The Essentialist City Manager: Doing Less, Achieving More Sep 24, 2024

In this eye-opening episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter unveils the game-changing philosophy of Essentialism for city managers. Drawing insights from Greg McKeown's book, "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less", learn how to escape the constant firefighting, reclaim your time, and make meaningful progress on what truly matters for your city.

Discover practical strategies to identify your highest point of contribution, master the power of saying 'no,' and embrace the 'less but better' approach. Whether you're drowning in endless tasks or seeking to amplify your impact, this episode offers a roadmap to transform your leadership and revolutionize your city's future. Tune in to start your journey towards becoming an Essentialist city manager and unlock your full potential as a civic leader.

Read the Blog Series:

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter to get all these and more in one easy-to-read resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

103: Beyond the Balancing Act: The Personal Toll of Public Service Sep 16, 2024

In this fourth episode of the five-part series "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake," Seth Winterhalter delves into the often-overlooked personal side of city management.

Drawing from candid interviews with city managers across the United States, this episode explores the mental, emotional, and physical demands of the profession. Listeners will gain insight into:

1. The constant stress and public scrutiny faced by city managers 2. Challenges in maintaining work-life balance 3. Navigating political pressures and job insecurity 4. Finding deep satisfaction and purpose in public service

The episode also highlights effective coping strategies employed by successful city managers, including:

- Prioritizing self-care and physical health - Building strong support systems and professional networks - Maintaining interests and identities outside of work - Practicing mindfulness and stress-management techniques - Cultivating perspective and setting realistic expectations

Through real-life stories and poignant quotes, this episode paints a vivid picture of the personal balancing act required in city management. It emphasizes the importance of personal well-being not just for individual managers, but for the health of the communities they serve.

Whether you're a public servant, a community leader, or simply interested in the human side of local governance, this episode offers valuable insights into the personal challenges and rewards of a career in city management.

Join Seth Winterhalter as he continues to unravel the intricacies of "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake," and gain a deeper appreciation for the individuals behind city hall doors.

For more information on Seth Winterhalter or HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, visit www.HaltingWinter.com.

This video features the songs “Quiet Piano” by Alena Smirnova and “Fairydust” by PALA, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.

102: Balancing Act: City Managers Share Their Winning Moves Sep 13, 2024

In this third episode of the five-part series "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake," Seth Winterhalter explores the strategies and approaches that successful city managers use to overcome the challenges in their demanding roles.

Drawing from interviews with city managers across the United States, this episode delves into six key "winning moves" that help municipal leaders maintain their balance:

1. Clear and constant communication 2. Setting and managing expectations 3. Building strong, collaborative teams 4. Investing in council member training and orientation 5. Prioritizing community engagement 6. Emphasizing strategic planning and alignment

Through real-life examples and candid quotes from city managers, listeners will gain valuable insights into how these strategies are applied in practice. The episode also features a case study of a Midwestern city that successfully implemented these approaches to overcome political division and stagnant growth.

Whether you're a public servant, a community leader, or simply interested in the inner workings of local government, this episode offers practical wisdom on effective city management. Discover how skilled city managers adapt their strategies and maintain their commitment to continuous improvement in service of their communities.

Join Seth Winterhalter as he continues to unravel the intricacies of "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake," and gain a deeper appreciation for the balancing act required in modern city management.

For more information on Seth Winterhalter or HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, visit www.HaltingWinter.com.

This video features the songs “Quiet Piano” by Alena Smirnova and “Fairydust” by PALA, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.

101: When the Snake Strikes: Confronting City Management Challenges Sep 11, 2024

In this second episode of the five-part series "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake," Seth Winterhalter dives deep into the challenges that make city management one of the most demanding jobs in public service.

Drawing from interviews with nearly 50 city managers across the United States, this episode explores seven major challenges facing today's municipal leaders:

1. The impact of the national political climate on local governance 2. Communication barriers and misunderstandings 3. Role confusion between city council and city manager 4. Budget constraints and resource allocation 5. Talent acquisition and retention 6. The impact of social media and misinformation 7. Balancing long-term vision with short-term demands

Through real-life examples and candid quotes from city managers, listeners will gain insight into the complex balancing act required to run a city effectively. From small towns to major metropolitan areas, these challenges shape the daily work of city managers and impact the lives of citizens in every community.

Whether you're a public servant, a community leader, or simply curious about the inner workings of local government, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the obstacles facing modern cities and the dedicated professionals working to overcome them.

Join Seth Winterhalter as he continues to unravel the intricacies of "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake," and gain a deeper appreciation for the complex world of city management.

For more information on Seth Winterhalter or HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, visit www.HaltingWinter.com.

This video features the songs “Quiet Piano” by Alena Smirnova and “Fairydust” by PALA, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.

100: The Tightrope Walkers: Who Are America's City Managers? Sep 09, 2024

In this premiere episode of a new, five-part podcast series titled, "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake," Seth Winterhalter introduces listeners to the unsung heroes of local government: America's city managers. Drawing from interviews with nearly 50 city managers across the United States, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of municipal leadership.

Discover the challenges and triumphs of those who walk the municipal tightrope, balancing the demands of department heads, elected officials, and community members—what Winterhalter calls the "three-headed snake" of local government. From small towns to major cities, learn how these dedicated professionals navigate the complexities of running a city and the impact their work has on our daily lives.

Key topics covered: - The diverse roles and responsibilities of city managers - The unique challenges faced by administrators in different-sized municipalities - The delicate balance of managing the "three-headed snake" - Real-life experiences and insights from city managers across the country

Whether you're a public servant, a community leader, or simply curious about how your city operates, this episode provides valuable insights into the often-overlooked world of city management. Join Seth Winterhalter as he begins to unravel the intricacies of "The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake."

For more information on Seth Winterhalter or HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, go to www.HaltingWinter.com.

This video features the songs “Quiet Piano” by Alena Smirnova and “Fairydust” by PALA, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.

99: End-of-Year Update for HaltingWinter (2023) Dec 01, 2023

It's been an amazing year for HaltingWinter as we have had the pleasure of working with several clients in a variety of industries and ways that have helped us get clarity on what we believe we are best at and want to help you with in the future.

Whether you are a CEO or executive of a large company trying to foster a healthy work culture, a small business owner trying to grow and scale, or an individual trying to make the year ahead one of personal growth, greater purpose, and more fulfillment we believe we have the program to help give you extraordinary results.

Check out the links below to our three primary programs:

Company Culture Program: https://haltingwinter.com/culture/

Small Business Optimization & Growth Program: https://haltingwinter.com/smb/

Storyline Symphony: https://haltingwinter.com/storyline/

98: Unlocking the Potential of Your Superhero Power (Part 3) Jun 30, 2023

You have a secret superhero power that you are not tapping into; in fact, it's most likely working against you as a kryptonite, sapping your strength.

What is it?

The power of rest and rejuvenation.

This episode concludes a 3-part series on how to maximize your rest and rejuvenation every day, on your weekends, and in your extended breaks and vacations.

Today, let's dive into the area of our extended breaks and vacations and what we should and shouldn't be doing to maximize our superhero power in these specific instances.

If you want to start living a more joyful and intentional life, personally and professionally, start that journey by setting up a 15-minute strategy session that will change the course of your life:

Book Here: https://bit.ly/sswseth

https://haltingwinter.com/

https://sethwinterhalter.com/

97: Unlocking the Potential of Your Superhero Power (Part 2) Jun 28, 2023

You have a secret superhero power that you are not tapping into; in fact, it's most likely working against you as a kryptonite, sapping your strength.

What is it?

The power of rest and rejuvenation.

This episode continues a 3-part series on how to maximize your rest and rejuvenation every day, on your weekends, and in your extended breaks and vacations.

Today, let's dive into the area of our weekends and what we should and shouldn't be doing to maximize our superhero power.

If you want to start living a more joyful and intentional life, personally and professionally, start that journey by setting up a 15-minute strategy session that will change the course of your life:

Book Here: https://bit.ly/sswseth

https://haltingwinter.com/

https://sethwinterhalter.com/

96: Unlocking the Potential of Your Superhero Power (Part 1) Jun 26, 2023

You have a secret superhero power that you are not tapping into; in fact, it's most likely working against you as a kryptonite, sapping your strength.

What is it?

The power of rest and rejuvenation.

This episode starts a 3-part series on how to maximize your rest and rejuvenation every day, on your weekends, and in your extended breaks and vacations.

If you want to start living a more joyful and intentional life, personally and professionally, start that journey by setting up a 15-minute strategy session that will change the course of your life:

Book Here: https://bit.ly/sswseth

https://haltingwinter.com/

https://sethwinterhalter.com/

95: The Game of Life - Part 3 Jun 23, 2023

Life is a game. But you get to choose which game you're playing, the rules you'll follow, and the results you play for. But have you chosen or are you playing the game that was handed to you?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter finishes a 3-part series looking at this game we call life, helping you take 3 specific actions to help you understand your options and choose the game you play according to the end result you desire. Today's episode is part 3 and summarizes the work of assessing, strategizing, and taking action to play your game to win.

If you would like a FREE strategy session with Seth, fill out the form here and you could be one of the 3 people he selects weekly to meet with for free: https://bit.ly/SSwithSeth

If you're interested in business coaching, check out these links:

www.smallbizflightschool.com

www.haltingwinter.com

94: The Game of Life - Part 2 Jun 21, 2023

Life is a game. But you get to choose which game you're playing, the rules you'll follow, and the results you play for. But have you chosen or are you playing the game that was handed to you?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter continues a 3-part series looking at this game we call life, helping you take 3 specific actions to help you understand your options and choose the game you play according to the end result you desire. Today's episode is part 2 and dives into how to assess your life in order to create the strategy for the specific game you want to play.

If you would like a FREE strategy session with Seth, fill out the form here and you could be one of the 3 people he selects weekly to meet with for free: https://bit.ly/SSwithSeth

If you're interested in business coaching, check out these links:

www.smallbizflightschool.com

www.haltingwinter.com

93: The Game of Life - Part 1 Jun 19, 2023

What game are you playing with the whole of your life? By whose rules and for what result? Is it the game of "Life" where you go to college, choose a career, get married, start a family and traverse the road until you get to retirement? Is it "Monopoly" where you go round and round the board of investment, trying to beat other players to the best purchases and use them to put everyone else out of business? What game are you playing? Do you even know that you're playing a game?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter starts a 3-part series looking at this game we call life, helping you take 3 specific actions to help you understand your options and choose the game you play according to the end result you desire.

If you would like a FREE strategy session with Seth, fill out the form here and you could be one of the 3 people he selects weekly to meet with for free: https://bit.ly/SSwithSeth

If you're interested in business coaching, check out these links:

www.smallbizflightschool.com

www.haltingwinter.com

92: What Game Are You Playing? Jun 09, 2023

If you're tired, exhausted, or downright burnt out at work or even at home, it may be because you're playing the wrong game. This thing we call life is a game but there are different ways to play so make sure you're playing with the end that matters to you in mind.

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're diving into the game of life to see if you're playing the right game for the lifestyle you want to live.

If you need help with your own personal life plan or growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and help you live the life you dream about.

Learn More about Small Business Flight School Here: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

To schedule a FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/HWFACall

91: The #1 Action to Ensure Success Jun 07, 2023

What is keeping you from success? Is it more thinking, more evaluating, or more research to ensure you make the right decision? I will argue that it is none of those.

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're looking at the #1 action you need to take to ensure your success with any endeavor.

If you need help with your own personal life plan or growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and help you live the life you dream about.

Learn More about Small Business Flight School Here: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

To schedule a FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/HWFACall

90: The Midyear Business Checkup Jun 05, 2023

We're heading into June which means 30 more days until we start Quarter 2 and head into the second half of the year. How's your business doing so far in 2023? What do you need to adjust or pour gasoline on?

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're doing a "Midyear Business Checkup" in order to realign your goals and boost your performance.

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and help you live the life you dream about.

Learn More about Small Business Flight School Here: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

To schedule a FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/HWFACall

89: From Burnout to Breakthrough: 6 Questions that will Transform Your Business May 19, 2023

Are you feeling the heat of burnout? Perhaps you're a little crispy around the edges from the constant stress and frustrations from the fires that blaze around you?

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're discussing how to go "From Burnout to Breakthrough: 6 Questions that will Transform Your Business & Your Life."

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

Learn More about Small Business Flight School Here: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

To schedule a FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/HWFACall

88: Breaking the Cycle of the Daily Crisis: 3 Steps to Solve Problems & Prioritize Growth May 17, 2023

Are you a business owner or leader who is bombarded daily by one crisis after another? Does it feel like you do more firefighting than fostering growth and forward momentum?

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're discussing how to "Break the Cycle of the Daily Crisis: A 3-Step Plan to Solve Problems and Prioritize Growth."

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

Learn More about Small Business Flight School Here: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

To schedule a FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/HWFACall

87: The Closed-Door Revolution: How Embracing Boundaries Supercharges Growth May 15, 2023

Business owners and leaders face a daily dichotomy: you want to be present and willing to help your employees break through barriers and solve problems but you also need time to do the work only you can do to move the company forward. The "open-door" policy looks good on paper but it's turned many of you into firefighters who are constantly reacting to the endless problems walking through your door instead of being proactive to do the work that will take the business to the next level of health, growth, and impact.

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're discussing "The Closed-Door Revolution: How Embracing Boundaries Can Supercharge Growth." I'm not encouraging you to lock yourself away and limit all access. I am telling you to assess if your policies actually bear the fruit they intended to have.

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

Learn More about Small Business Flight School Here: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

To schedule a FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/HWFACall

86: Content is Key: Elevating Your Social Media for Business Growth May 12, 2023

Are you struggling to create content for your social media posts or tired of posting the same things while seeing fewer likes and comments?

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're talking about "Content is Key: Elevating Your Social Media for Business Growth." Here are 5 types of content and ideas for each category to make your social media posts both easy to create and engaging for your audience.

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will help tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

Apply Here: www.smallbizflightschool.com

85: The Harsh Reality of Growing a Business May 10, 2023

Are you a business owner who desperately desires to see your business grow and your revenue increase but you're having a hard time making that happen? Is the comfort of your current level greater than the inconvenience it will take to get to the next one?

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're talking about "The Harsh Reality of Growing a Business: Why Success is Hard to Come By." Here are three truths we don't want to hear but need to in order to create a mindset and culture that will spark greater growth and future impact.

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will help tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

Apply Here: www.smallbizflightschool.com

84: Cash Injection Strategies: 3 Secrets to Boost Your Bottom Line Instantly May 08, 2023

Is your profit and loss statement bleeding red and your cash reserves on their final fumes? Is the stress of your cash flow reality making the ability to make a plan for revenue increase almost impossible to create?

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're talking about "Cash Injection Strategies: 3 Secrets to Boost Your Bottom Line Instantly." Here's a 3-step framework for what to do when you need to boost cash and get your numbers back in the black.

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will help tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

Apply Here: www.smallbizflightschool.com

83: Living Your Why: How to Turn Purpose into Action May 05, 2023

Here's a hard truth...we are all going to die. The only difference between us is that some will live with intentionality and purpose in order to leave a mark and impact worth remembering.

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're talking about "Living Your Why: How to Turn Purpose into Action." We've talked about the importance of a clear mission and a defined "why" for our businesses but what may be most important is your personal "why." Your personal and professional life needs to be rowing in tandem or you're going to make a mess of your life and never find the joy and peace you're looking for. Here's how...

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will help you tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

www.smallbizflightschool.com

82: From Profit to Purpose: Knowing Your Why for Growth May 03, 2023

Let's have an honest conversation about GROWING your business. To do that, we need to have an honest conversation about making more money. And here we have some mindset work to do because a lot of people have a lot of negative things to say about business owners and leaders who make money.

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're talking about going "From Profit to Purpose: How Knowing Your Why for Growth Makes All the Difference." Making money is a good thing and to grow you need to be comfortable with making more money. Let's dive in and see how we make money but do it for the right reasons.

If you need help growing your business and your revenue, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will help you tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

www.smallbizflightschool.com

81: The Power of Proactivity: Shifting from Firefighting to Gardening May 01, 2023

Are you tired of having a plan for your week but the moment you get to work on Monday morning all those plans fly out the window as you’re forced to put on your firefighting gear to put out the infernos of everyone else’s problems? Do you feel the frustration of not having the time to work on the things you know will grow your business because all of your time is going toward keeping things afloat?

Today, on the HaltingWinter Podcast we're talking about "The Power of Proactivity: Strategies to Help You Shift from Firefighting to Gardening. Stop letting everyone invade your schedule and start tending to the things that are actually going to stimulate the growth of your business and revenue.

If you need help, check out our 6-month program, Small Business Flight School, where we will help you tune up the 6 primary parts of your business in order to 2x your revenue and 10x your life.

www.smallbizflightschool.com

80: From Tired to Thriving: Transforming Your Work Culture for Success Apr 28, 2023

If your business has multiple employees, making sure you have a healthy and thriving workplace culture is paramount to growth and success.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the 12th and final step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow your small businesses, which is creating a culture that people crave to be a part of.

If you need help creating the plan and implementing the strategy to grow your business and double your revenue, join our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023. Special pricing is only available in April during our pre-launch.

APPLY RIGHT NOW: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

79: Hiring Right: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Winning Team Apr 26, 2023

Who you hire as a small business owner is critical to your success and growth. Get hiring wrong and you'll take more than two steps backward. Get it right and it will be a catapult to growth and an increase in revenue.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the eleventh step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow your small businesses, which is creating the best practices to help you hire right the first time.

If you need help creating the plan and implementing the strategy to grow your business and double your revenue, join our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023.

Special pricing is only available in April during our pre-launch.

APPLY RIGHT NOW: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

78: Mastering Your Money: Creating a Budget that Empowers Growth Apr 24, 2023

Are you a small business owner who is losing sleep over how your cash flow is managed? Are you avoiding paying your taxes because your books are a hot mess and you're afraid of how much it will cost for a bookkeeper to sort out your chaos?

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the tenth step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow our small businesses, which is creating a budget tool to track your income and expenses that will help you take the stress out of your day-to-day and help you grow your business to new heights.

If you need help creating the plan and implementing the strategy to grow your business and double your revenue, join our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023.

Special pricing is only available in April during our pre-launch.

APPLY RIGHT NOW: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

What is Small Business Flight School? Apr 23, 2023

Here's a quick podcast explaining who would benefit most from participating in the Small Business Flight School program that launches in May 2023. If you are a business owner or high-level leader in your organization, fill out the quick interest form at the link below and the HaltingWinter team will reach out to set up a call to see if Flight School would be the right program to help you grow your business, double your revenue, and maximize your life.

More info here: https://smallbizflightschool.com/

77: The Bottom Line: Maximizing Cash Flow for Small Business Owners Apr 21, 2023

Are you a small business owner who is losing sleep over how your cash flow is managed? Are you avoiding paying your taxes because your books are a hot mess and you're afraid of how much it's going to cost for a bookkeeper to sort out your chaos?

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the ninth step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow our small businesses, which is setting up the right bank accounts to keep you in the black and out of jail. Stop mixing personal and business expenses and start by creating these five accounts to make sure you have a strategy for growth and managing your money well.

If you need help creating the plan and implementing the strategy to grow your business and double your revenue, join our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023.

Special pricing is only available in April during our pre-launch so APPLY RIGHT NOW: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

76: Small Steps, Big Goals: How Waypoints Help Businesses Stay on Mission Apr 19, 2023

Do you ever feel like you have no idea what actions to take on a daily or weekly basis to grow your business? Do you struggle to know what actions to prioritize as the most important to grow your revenue?

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the eighth step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow our small businesses, which is creating waypoints that guide us toward the destination laid out in our mission statement. Once you have created a mission statement with clear objectives to reach for your small business to achieve in the year ahead, now you need to break that down into bite-sized chunks in order to know month by month if you're staying on track to reach your goals.

If you need help creating your mission statement or the waypoints needed to reach that destination in order to grow your business and double your revenue, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023.

Special pricing is only available in April during our pre-launch so APPLY RIGHT NOW: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

75: The Power of Clarity: Why a Mission Statement is Critical for Success Apr 17, 2023

Leading a small business toward growth and success comes down to answering one, specific question: "Where are you going?"

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the seventh step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow our small businesses, which is creating a clear mission statement. This is not a grandiose, sometime in the lifetime of your business mission but a mission built on reachable objectives that give clarity to where you are going in the year ahead and what actions must be taken to get there.

If you need help creating your mission statement with clear objectives in order to grow your business and double your revenue, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023. Special pricing is only available in April during our pre-launch so APPLY RIGHT NOW: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

74: Words That Work (Knowing When to Speak & What to Say) Apr 14, 2023

The art of closing more sales is first, to master active listening and second, to know when to speak and what to say.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the sixth step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow our small businesses, which is honing in our sales strategy by knowing precisely when to speak and what to say to our customers in order to close more sales and get them on the path to a more fulfilled life by using our products and services.

If you need help dialing in your sales strategy and growing your business, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023. Special pricing is only available in April during our pre-launch so APPLY RIGHT NOW: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

73: The Power of Active Listening (The #1 Key to Close More Sales) Apr 12, 2023

Do you have an awesome product or deliver an amazing service and have your marketing message dialed in and people asking about your business but it seems like you aren't closing near enough sales? Is your sales strategy the weak part of your small business? If so, today's the podcast episode for you to tune-up your plane and get you back up in the air, closing more sales and serving more customers.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the fifth step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow our small businesses, which is dialing in our sales strategy by doing the most important thing in every sales interaction. What is it? Listen and find out!

If you need help growing your business, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

72: Cutting Through the Noise (A Winning Marketing Strategy) Apr 10, 2023

Once you dial in who your target audience is, you need to captivate their attention by cutting through the noise and distractions with a compelling message.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast, we're taking the fourth step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow your small businesses, which is discovering your ideal customer's problem and how your product or service solves it explicitly.

If you need help dialing in your marketing strategy and growing your business, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023. Special pricing is only available in April. Apply Today: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

71: Unlock the Power of Your Ideal Customer: How to Create a Single Customer Avatar Apr 07, 2023

How well do you know your target audience? Do you know where they shop for clothes, groceries, or household goods? Do you know what music they listen to, what they listen to on the way to work, or where they work? The more you know your ideal customer, the more you unlock the power of captivating their attention and compelling them to take action to purchase your products or services.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the third step in our 12-step journey to launch or grow our small businesses, which is drilling down to deeply identify who are target audience is and create a crystal clear customer avatar. When you do this, your marketing and selling become 10x easier.

If you need help growing your business, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

70: From Idea to Profit: How to Launch Successful Products Apr 05, 2023

If you’re considering starting a small business, today's podcast covers the first step you should take in order to have a viable business that can cash flow and grow but even if you've been in business for more than a decade, this is also the first step you should take when considering creating and launching a new product or service to your portfolio. In the last episode, we asked if our current products were profitable. Now we need to ask, “is our product line or services missing anything that would help us solve our customer’s problems and help our business grow?”

This month, we're doing a 12-part podcast series on the 12 steps needed to launch, grow, and scale your business so whether you've been in business for a decade and are trying to reach the next level of growth or you're just starting the process of thinking through how to launch a successful small business, this is the podcast series to help you build the right foundation and frameworks to take your business higher and farther than ever before.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the second step which is discovering if our product line needs more products in order to serve our customers well. Seth Winterhalter will take you through some of the key aspects of the Product Brief Worksheet created by Donald Miller and the team at Business Made Simple which will help you discover if your product ideas are actually needed and if so, will help you launch them with confidence and a much higher success rate.

If you need help growing your business, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

69: Profitable Products: Insider Tips for Small Business Owners Apr 03, 2023

Every business starts with a product or a service but every business ends (goes out of business) because that product becomes no longer profitable enough to cover expenses.

This month, we're doing a 12-part podcast series on the 12 steps needed to launch, grow, and scale your business so whether you've been in business for a decade and are trying to reach the next level of growth or you're just starting the process of thinking through how to launch a successful small business, this is the podcast series to help you build the right foundation and frameworks to take your business higher and farther than ever before.

Today, on The HaltingWinter Podcast we're taking the first step which is analyzing your current products to make sure they are truly profitable. Seth Winterhalter will take you through some of the key aspects of the Product Audit tool created by Donald Miller and the team at Business Made Simple to help you discover if your products are priced right to grow your business.

If you need help analyzing your products and growing your business, check out our Small Business Flight School launching in May 2023: https://bit.ly/SBFlightSchool

68: Sales Strategies for Small Business Success - Part #3 Mar 31, 2023

This episode is the final of a three-part series on sales strategies for small business owners who want to find more success in closing more sales. If you dial in these three primary components of your sales strategy, you'll close more sales and have happier clients who in turn purchase more and promote for you.

Today on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the third and final thing to do in order to master your sales strategy and that is to focus on creating captivating and compelling ads. Here are 5 key things to do in order to make ads that get the right attention and compel people to take action.

If you need help tuning up your sales strategy for your small business, use the links below to take action today and let HaltingWinter help you get out of the weeds of the daily grind so you can get above your business to get it off the runway and soaring to greater revenue and bigger impact.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Call: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

Learn about our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Join our FREE Facebook Group for Small Business Owners: https://bit.ly/FBGroupSMB

67: Sales Strategies for Small Business Success - Part #2 Mar 29, 2023

This episode is the second of a three-part series on sales strategies for small business owners who want to find more success in closing more sales. If you dial in these three primary components of your sales strategy, you'll close more sales and have happier clients who in turn purchase more and promote for you.

Today on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the second thing to do in order to master your sales strategy and that is to create a compelling lead generator. A simple lead generator is the most cost-effective way to capture contact information for your sales funnel while creating empathy, trust, and authority with your audience.

If you need help tuning up your sales strategy for your small business, use the links below to take action today and let HaltingWinter help you get out of the weeds of the daily grind so you can get above your business to get it off the runway and soaring to greater revenue and bigger impact.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Call: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

Learn about our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Join our FREE Facebook Group for Small Business Owners: https://bit.ly/FBGroupSMB

66: Sales Strategies for Small Business Success - Part #1 Mar 27, 2023

This episode is the first of a three-part series on sales strategies for small business owners who want to find more success in closing more sales. If you dial in these three primary components of your sales strategy, you'll close more sales and have happier clients who in turn purchase more and promote for you.

Today on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the first thing to do in order to master your sales strategy and that is to focus on building strong relationships. It doesn't take a lifetime to build a relationship with a client. What it takes is the ability to listen and to listen with intentionality and purpose.

If you need help tuning up your sales strategy for your small business, use the links below to take action today and let HaltingWinter help you get out of the weeds of the daily grind so you can get above your business to get it off the runway and soaring to greater revenue and bigger impact.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Call: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

Learn about our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Join our FREE Facebook Group for Small Business Owners: https://bit.ly/FBGroupSMB

65: Marketing Mastery for Small Business Owners - Part #3 Mar 24, 2023

This episode is the final of a three-part series on marketing mastery for small business owners. If you dial in these three primary components of your marketing, you'll have a sales funnel filled with audience members who are perfect fits for your products and services.

Today on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the third and final thing to do in order to master your marketing and that is to dial in your advertisements. There are five important things to consider when making ads and today we will work through that list when considering making an ad on a social media platform like Facebook.

If you need help tuning up marketing for your small business, use the links below to take action today and let HaltingWinter help you get out of the weeds of the daily grind so you can get above your business to get it off the runway and soaring to greater revenue and bigger impact.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Call: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

Learn about our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Join our FREE Facebook Group for Small Business Owners: https://bit.ly/FBGroupSMB

64: Marketing Mastery for Small Business Owners - Part #2 Mar 22, 2023

This episode is the second of a three-part series on marketing mastery for small business owners. If you dial in these three primary components of your marketing, you'll have a sales funnel filled with audience members who are perfect fits for your products and services.

Today on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the second thing to dial in to master your marketing and that is to create an effective lead generator. This is the most cost-effective way to capture attention and compel people to take action toward your sales funnel.

If you need help tuning up marketing for your small business, use the links below to take action today and let HaltingWinter help you get out of the weeds of the daily grind so you can get above your business to get it off the runway and soaring to greater revenue and bigger impact.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Call: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

Learn about our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Join our FREE Facebook Group for Small Business Owners: https://bit.ly/FBGroupSMB

63: Marketing Mastery for Small Business Owners - Part #1 Mar 20, 2023

This episode is the first of a three-part series on marketing mastery for small business owners. If you dial in these three primary components of your marketing, you'll have a sales funnel filled with audience members who are perfect fits for your products and services.

Today on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the first thing to do in order to master your marketing and that is dial in your audience. While most small businesses want to serve everyone your marketing will only work if it is crafted to captivate a specific person at a particular time and space. Do this and you'll spend less to sell more.

If you need help tuning up marketing for your small business, use the links below to take action today and let HaltingWinter help you get out of the weeds of the daily grind so you can get above your business to get it off the runway and soaring to greater revenue and bigger impact.

Schedule a FREE Consultation Call: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

Learn about our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Join our FREE Facebook Group for Small Business Owners: https://bit.ly/FBGroupSMB

62: The Mastermind Advantage: 9 Benefits for Small Business Owners Mar 17, 2023

Most small businesses desire to grow in revenue, profit, and impact but the question is 1) how to do it and 2) how to make time to figure it out and put a plan into action. This is why HaltingWinter has created The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind which is taking applications now. Ten small business owners will be selected for this 6-month mastermind with the goal of doubling each of their annual revenue over the course of the year ahead.

On today's podcast, Seth Winterhalter gives nine compelling reasons you should strongly consider being a part of a mastermind if you want to lead and grow your small business faster and farther than you'll ever be able to lead it alone. If you would like to be considered for participation in the mastermind, fill out the quick form at the link below. Act now as we're inviting people into the mastermind as we receive applications and do the interviews.

The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

61: How to Accelerate Your Growth, Part 3: Compel Mar 16, 2023

Most small businesses desire to grow in revenue, profit, and impact but the question is 1) how to do it and 2) how to make time to figure it out and put a plan into action. This is why HaltingWinter has created The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind which is taking applications now. Ten small business owners will be selected for this 6-month mastermind with the goal of doubling each of their annual revenue over the course of the year ahead.

On today's podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the last of the three areas the mastermind will tackle in order to double the revenue of these small businesses. If you would like to be considered for participation in the mastermind, fill out the quick form at the link below. Act now as we're inviting people into the mastermind as we receive applications and do the interviews.

The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

60: How to Accelerate Your Growth, Part 2: Captivate Mar 15, 2023

Most small businesses desire to grow in revenue, profit, and impact but the question is 1) how to do it and 2) how to make time to figure it out and put a plan into action. This is why HaltingWinter has created The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind which is taking applications now. Ten small business owners will be selected for this 6-month mastermind with the goal of doubling each of their annual revenue over the course of the year ahead.

On today's podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the second of the three areas the mastermind will tackle in order to double the revenue of these small businesses. If you would like to be considered for participation in the mastermind, fill out the quick form at the link below. Act now as we're inviting people into the mastermind as we receive applications and do the interviews.

The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

59: How to Accelerate Your Growth, Part 1: Clarity Mar 14, 2023

Most small businesses desire to grow in revenue, profit, and impact but the question is 1) how to do it and 2) how to make time to figure it out and put a plan into action. This is why HaltingWinter has created The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind which is taking applications now. Ten small business owners will be selected for this 6-month mastermind with the goal of doubling each of their annual revenue over the course of the year ahead.

On today's podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the first of the three areas the mastermind will tackle in order to double the revenue of these businesses. If you would like to be considered for participation in the mastermind, fill out the quick form at the link below. Act now as we're inviting people into the mastermind as we receive applications and do the interviews.

The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

58: How to 2x Your Revenue in 1 Year Mar 13, 2023

In today's episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter discusses the new program he is launching called "The Revenue Accelerator Mastermind." This mastermind will help 10 small business owners double their annual revenue in one year by focusing on three core aspects of their business, aligning them and igniting them with a targeted plan of action for intentional growth. Learn more about the mastermind to see if it would be what your business needs to get out of the weeds and soar faster and farther.

Learn more about the mastermind here: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

57: Get Out of the Weeds (Part 2) Mar 10, 2023

Are you a business owner struggling to get out of the weeds of the daily grind of running your business so you can get up into the air to work on it to help it grow and soar?

In today's HaltingWinter podcast episode, Seth Winterhalter continues our two-part series, helping business owners see what often keeps them stuck in the weeds and on the hamster wheel of the daily grind instead of above their business in order to help it get off the runway and soar. We specifically look at business frameworks and how they help give you a clear structure and an intentional system to grow and achieve success.

For more info on our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind launching in April: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Take our FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/3kqdJmU

56: Get Out of the Weeds (Part 1) Mar 08, 2023

Are you a business owner struggling to get out of the weeds of the daily grind of running your business so you can get up into the air to work on it to help it grow and soar?

In today's HaltingWinter podcast episode, Seth Winterhalter helps business owners see what often keeps them stuck in the weeds and on the hamster wheel of the daily grind instead of above their business in order to help it get off the runway and soar.

For more info on our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind launching in April: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

Take our FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/3kqdJmU

55: How to Lead Your Business Like a World-Class Conductor Mar 06, 2023

Is your leadership more akin to a one-man band or a world-class conductor? Whether you're the owner of a small business or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, your leadership should be more like a conductor than a band member.

In today's HaltingWinter podcast episode, Seth Winterhalter takes lessons from his career as a professional orchestral conductor and draws similarities to effective owners and executives for how they can lead world-class teams and achieve extraordinary results.

Hire Seth to give this Keynote Speech for your company or event: https://haltingwinter.com/speaking/

For more info on our Revenue Accelerator Mastermind launching in April: https://bit.ly/revaccmm

54: How to Assess Your Business for Radical Growth Mar 03, 2023

On today's episode, Seth Winterhalter discusses why you should assess the strengths and weaknesses of your business in order to give you a clear plan on what to work on in order to grow and reach your revenue targets. He also gives you a FREE online assessment to take which will do just that. In less than 12 minutes, you'll have a clear picture of how the six primary parts of your business are operating and what to focus on in order to climb higher and fly faster.

Take our FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/3kqdJmU

Schedule an Introductory Consultation: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

52: SMB Problems: Cashflow Feb 27, 2023

We continue our "Common Small Business Problems" on The HaltingWinter Podcast looking at problem #8, "Cashflow." In the article by Lindsay Kolowich Cox, she stated that "small businesses reported that a lack of capital or cash flow was their #1 challenge." In this episode, Seth Winterhalter will give the three actions you need to take with your cash to make sure it's working for you, not against you.

Take our FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/3kqdJmU

Schedule an Introductory Consultation: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

53: SMB Problems: Scaling Feb 27, 2023

We continue our "Common Small Business Problems" on The HaltingWinter Podcast looking at problem #9, "Scaling." How do you grow your small business, especially when there's so much to do just to keep it afloat? On today's episode, Seth Winterhalter gives 2 key things to know in order to understand clearly what steps you need to take to grow your specific business to greater revenue and profit.

Take our FREE Business Assessment: https://bit.ly/3kqdJmU

Schedule an Introductory Consultation: https://bit.ly/3Zju1wU

51: SMB Problems: Managing Workflow Feb 24, 2023

One of the most shocking realities small business owners experience when they launch their business is having to oversee all the various parts that make their company successful. This means having weekly rhythms and routines that ensure they stay focused on what will move the business forward to greater success. Now imagine not only managing your own workflow but also the workflow of the employees you hire as you grow. What was once exciting now becomes a tangled web of chaos causing stress and overwhelm.

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter continues our mini-series titled, "Common Small Business Problems." He looks at how to manage workflow, both personally as an owner and corporately as you hire multiple employees. If you need help with workflow, we have a personal workshop to help you get a hold of your weekly schedule and routine as well as a workshop for you and your team to help give you meeting rhythms and structures that actually produce results instead of just checking a box.

Schedule a FREE conversation with Seth to help get insights into how to manage personal and team workflow: https://calendly.com/haltingwinter/30-minute-complimentary-introduction-zoom-call

Take our FREE Business Assessment to see how you can overcome your current obstacles and increase revenue and profit: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

50: SMB Problems: Hiring Talented People Feb 22, 2023

One of the most stressful things for any size business is hiring employees. Thousands of dollars are often spent in the hiring and training process not to mention all of the time invested so making the right decision is crucial for success.

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter continues our mini-series titled, "Common Small Business Problems." Today we're looking at how to make sure you are hiring the best people for your open position. What are the things you can do before you even post the job to make sure you're attracting the right candidates and how can you make the interview process work in your favor?

Schedule a FREE conversation with Seth to help get insights into how to make your customer experience a raving delight: https://calendly.com/haltingwinter/30-minute-complimentary-introduction-zoom-call

Take our FREE Business Assessment to see how you can overcome your current obstacles and increase revenue and profit: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

49: SMB Problems: Delighting Customers Feb 20, 2023

Every business should desire to deliver customer satisfaction but creating customer delight is even better. So how do you do it? How do you make the customer experience so good they are compelled to rave about you to everyone in earshot?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter continues our mini-series titled, "Common Small Business Problems." Today we're looking at the how and why of customer satisfaction and pointing out the benefits of moving from satisfaction to delight. If you need help thinking through strategies to implement today's content in your specific business, use one of the links below to take action right now.

Schedule a FREE conversation with Seth to help get insights into how to make your customer experience a raving delight: https://calendly.com/haltingwinter/30-minute-complimentary-introduction-zoom-call

Take our FREE Business Assessment to see how you can overcome your current obstacles and increase revenue and profit: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

48: SMB Problems: Lead Generators & Email Lists Feb 17, 2023

Have you started getting emails for your email list? Come on! Everybody's doing it! But what are they doing with these lists besides making fun of people who still use AOL?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter dives into the third of a mini-series titled, "Common Small Business Problems." Today we're tackling two problems in how to build an email list and how to do lead generation. These two issues are tied together as the lead generator is often the key to capturing an email.

Schedule a FREE conversation with Seth to help get insights into how to build your specific lead generator and build your business email list: https://calendly.com/haltingwinter/30-minute-complimentary-introduction-zoom-call

Take our FREE Business Assessment to see how you can overcome your current obstacles and increase revenue and profit: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

47: SMB Problems: Increasing Brand Awareness Feb 15, 2023

How does a small business increase its brand awareness? Do you blow your entire budget on a 7 million dollar super bowl ad that runs for 30 seconds? Do you hire a famous graphic designer to create a new logo?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter dives into the second of a mini-series titled, "Common Small Business Problems." The number two problem most businesses have is increasing brand awareness. Similar to the first problem of finding more customers, the answer to this question begins with investigating if we have a brand that's actually intentional and created for its target audience.

Schedule a FREE conversation with Seth to help get insights into how to clarify and customize your branding: https://calendly.com/haltingwinter/30-minute-complimentary-introduction-zoom-call

Take our FREE Business Assessment to see how you can overcome your current obstacles and increase revenue and profit: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

46: SMB Problems: How to Find More Customers Feb 13, 2023

What small business doesn't want to find more customers? But where are you looking and how are you finding those specific places to look?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter dives into the first of a mini-series titled, "Common Small Business Problems." The number one problem most businesses have is finding new customers. But before you look where to find them, we must dive into the problem behind the problem which is this: do you even know who your specific customer is?

Schedule a FREE conversation with Seth to help get insights into how to find your perfect customer: https://calendly.com/haltingwinter/30-minute-complimentary-introduction-zoom-call

Take our FREE Business Assessment to see how you can overcome your current obstacles and increase revenue and profit: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

45: Website Makeover - The Call to Action Feb 10, 2023

The second most important thing on your website homepage, right after telling people in a clear and compelling way how you solve their problem with your products or services, is how they can take immediate action to become a customer. Yes, you could have a simple box with "call now" or "buy now" and this is important but you should also have a three-part Call to Action.

In part two of our two-part "Website Makeover" series, Seth Winterhalter looks at why having a three-part Call to Action is vital for helping your curious audience feel comfortable in the plan and process you'll take them on to become paying clients. If you need help making your website clear and compelling in order to capture more customers, use one of the links below to start a conversation with us.

Take our FREE 10-minute Business Assessment to see how your business is doing and where you might need help: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

Schedule a FREE Consultation to see if we can help you grow your business, make more money, and enjoy coming to work again: https://haltingwinter.com/

44: Website Makeover - A Compelling Homepage Feb 08, 2023

Is your website homepage clear and compelling or filled with words that make the curious customer search with haste for another business to solve their problem?

On part one of the two-part "Website Makeover" series, Seth Winterhalter looks at the first thing someone will see when they load your website. We'll look at a real example that is probably similar to what you currently have on your website and what you need to do to make changes to land more clients and turn them from curious to captivated.

Take our FREE 10-minute Business Assessment to see how your business is doing and where you might need help: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

Schedule a FREE Consultation to see if we can help you grow your business, make more money, and enjoy coming to work again: https://haltingwinter.com/

43: Why You DON'T Need a Business Coach Feb 06, 2023

Are you a business owner who gets bombarded with emails and LinkedIn notifications from business coaches and consultants trying to razzle and dazzle you with their flashy numbers and client testimonials? You obviously don't need a business coach but wouldn't it be nice to have some clear affirmation that you could just delete all those emails without giving them a second thought?

On today's episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter helps you sleep deep at night with four solid reasons you have no need for a business coach or consultant for the company you own. If, for some shocking reason, you find that you might benefit from a coach's services, hit us up and let us know you'd like to schedule a free call so we can quickly talk you out of it.

Take our FREE Business Assessment: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

Schedule A FREE Consultation: https://haltingwinter.com/

42: A Products & Services Assessment Feb 03, 2023

Do you have a clear understanding of the actual cost of your products and services and a plan for how to use those to grow and scale your business?

On this episode, Seth Winterhalter gives insights into how to do a product/service assessment to make sure you're not only operating in the black but able to grow and scale your business with a clear plan and strategy.

For executive coaching or business consulting, set up a FREE consultation at: https://haltingwinter.com/

Take our FREE business assessment to help you see how the six primary parts of your business are doing: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

41: Staffing a Small Business Feb 01, 2023

Who should you be your first hires as your small business begins to grow? How do take the stress out of this decision?

On this episode, Seth Winterhalter gives you two key questions to ask yourself when you begin to think about making new hires for your business.

For executive coaching or business consulting, set up a FREE consultation at: https://haltingwinter.com/

Take our FREE business assessment to help you see how the six primary parts of your business are doing: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

40: What is a Small Business? Jan 30, 2023

What defines a business as "small" and why does this description matter?

On today's episode, Seth Winterhalter dives into the complexities of trying to figure out what determines a business's size and why having a framework for the phases a business goes through as it scales is helpful to know how to prepare and achieve that growth.

For executive coaching or business consulting, set up a FREE consultation at: https://haltingwinter.com/

Take our FREE business assessment to help you see how the six primary parts of your business are doing: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

39: The Weekly Big 3 Jan 27, 2023

Do you find yourself getting to the end of your week and not accomplishing anything that is moving the ball forward toward your mission? Are you getting bogged down fighting fires, swamped with busy work, or distracted by entrepreneurial ideas or possibilities?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter talks about why having a "Weekly Big 3" is vital for business owners and executives to make sure their organization is actually moving toward the destination they have set for themselves.

If we can help you become more organized and structured as a leader, set up a free consultation at: https://haltingwinter.com/

38: The AI Takeover Jan 25, 2023

With ChatGPT launching and the world buzzing, is AI finally about to take over and eliminate all our jobs? Should we be afraid of where tech is going and demand to hit the brakes?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter discusses the launch of ChatGPT and how we should view tech development, both now and in the future.

For Executive Coaching or Corporate Consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

37: Level Up Your Success: Masterminds Jan 23, 2023

Do you want to learn faster, adapt quicker, and reach your goals with the least amount of time, energy, and resources spent? Then you should join a mastermind!

On today's podcast, Seth Winterhalter talks about the benefits of participating in a Mastermind and why you should strongly consider joining one.

To learn more about the masterminds HaltingWinter offers: https://haltingwinter.com/masterminds/

36: Surrounded By Idiots Jan 18, 2023

Does it ever feel like everyone around you doesn't seem to get it, that you work with complete idiots, and there are very few people who actually inspire you? Well, maybe you're surrounded by idiots or maybe the idiot is you.

On today's episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter talks about the book, "Surrounded by Idiots" written by Thomas Erikson and how using tools like the DISC assessment can help us understand ourselves as well as the people around us. If you're a leader and feel like your team is divided or are having difficulty communicating with and motivating a certain part of your team, we would love to help you with some executive coaching in this area.

For Executive Coaching: https://haltingwinter.com/

The Link to the Book: https://amzn.to/3WcR9v8

For our FREE Business Assessment: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

35: New Year Reset Jan 16, 2023

As we head into the new year, let's take a moment to cast a vision, set the mission, and reverse engineer how we're going to make it happen weekly and monthly. Do you have clarity on the destination you are rowing toward and has that been clearly articulated to your team so they can row together?

Take our FREE business assessment: https://mybusinessreport.com/assessment?ref=HaltingWinter

For coaching or consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

34: How to Sell 301 Jan 06, 2023

This week on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter walks through the Business Made Simple framework on Sales and finishes the final part of the framework working through the fourth and fifth pieces of the five-part system. As you move toward the close of the sale, have you clearly painted the stakes; what happens if the customer doesn't take action and stays stuck with their problem or if they respond and begin to experience life without their current problem? Finally, call them to take a specific action and make it easy and rewarding.

For executive coaching or business consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

33: How to Sell 201 Jan 04, 2023

This week on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter walks through the Business Made Simple framework on Sales and today he continues working through the third piece of the five-part system. Once you identify your customer's problem and pitch your product as the solution, then what? What do you do to help dispel their fears and take away their confusion and apprehension?

For executive coaching or business consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

32: How to Sell 101 Jan 02, 2023

This week on the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter walks through the Business Made Simple framework on Sales, working through the first two pieces of the five-part system. What is your strategy for selling your products or services and are you using a framework that is a) used by your entire sales team and b) the best way to get your customer's attention and close the most sales?

For executive coaching or business consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

31: Marketing 301 Dec 23, 2022

Is your message and marketing capturing your customer's attention and compelling them to purchase your product or services? Are you painting for them a clear picture of what life will be like without your products and services (lacking what they desire and still facing their obstacles)? Are you painting clearly the picture of the heaven they'll experience with your product and what life will be like with their problems solved?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter dives into the final part of the seven-part framework from Donald Miller's Business Made Simple Storybrand to help you create a message and marketing that actually works. You'll be able to use this framework for your website, emails, and all other collateral that you're using to get your customer's eyeballs on you and ready to take action.

If you are interested in getting help with your marketing and messaging, set up a complimentary consultation at: https://haltingwinter.com/

30: Marketing 201 Dec 21, 2022

Is your message and marketing capturing your customer's attention and compelling them to purchase your product or services? Are you the hero of your story or the guide coming alongside your customer, helping them solve a problem with your product or service?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter dives into the second part of the seven-part framework from Donald Miller's Business Made Simple Storybrand to help you create a message and marketing that actually works. You'll be able to use this framework for your website, emails, and all other collateral that you're using to get your customer's eyeballs on you and ready to take action.

If you are interested in getting help with your marketing and messaging, set up a complimentary consultation at: https://haltingwinter.com/

29: Marketing 101 Dec 19, 2022

Is your message and marketing capturing your customer's attention and compelling them to purchase your product or services?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter dives into the first two parts of the seven-part framework from Donald Miller's Business Made Simple Storybrand framework to help you create a message and marketing that actually works. You'll be able to use this framework for your website, emails, and all other collateral that you're using to get your customer's eyeballs on you and ready to take action.

If you are interested in getting help with your marketing and messaging, set up a complimentary consultation at: https://haltingwinter.com/

28: Critical Actions Dec 16, 2022

When crafting a Mission Statement for your business, you need key behaviors for your employees to model as well as critical actions for them to take on a daily/weekly basis. These help tell them what actions are most important to take in order to row toward the mission. Without these, a team becomes a group of individuals rowing however they deem effective which can lead to various waypoints and the mission not being achieved.

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter uses the Business Made Simple framework to help you know how to create critical actions for the employees of your company to take on a regular basis that will ensure the team rows in the same direction and the destination of the mission reached.

If you are interested in help creating a mission statement, key behaviors, and critical actions for your business, reach out to us at https://haltingwinter.com/

27: Key Behaviors Dec 14, 2022

When crafting a Mission Statement, it is also important to craft Key Behaviors. These help in hiring people who align with the characteristics needed to make your mission happen and help you employees know which behaviors are most important to model on a daily basis to make the mission a reality.

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter uses the Business Made Simple framework to help you know how to create key characteristics for the employees of your company to model that will lead to daily behaviors as they interact with each other and clients.

If you are interested in help creating a mission statement and key behaviors for your business, reach out to us at https://haltingwinter.com/

26: Creating a Mission Statement Dec 12, 2022

Does your business or organization have a mission statement? Do you know it? Does it compel you and your team to act on a daily basis?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter uses the Business Made Simple framework to help you know how to create a mission statement that is simple, memorable, and leads your company to greater success.

If you are interested in help creating a mission statement, reach out to us at https://haltingwinter.com/

25: Operating at Peak Performance Dec 05, 2022

Are you operating at peak performance as a leader? Are all the parts of your organization operating at the same?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter gives an update on his coaching and consulting company, HaltingWinter, and what 2023 has in store in helping leaders and organizations operate at peak performance in order to make more money and impact while being able to spend more time on the things that matter most.

For coaching or consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

24: Taking Time to Celebrate Nov 28, 2022

It's the season of celebration so are you taking time to celebrate what you've been up to personally and corporately?

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter discusses three things to take time to celebrate to build a business and culture that is vibrant and thriving.

If you want yourself or your business to reach another gear of peak performance, schedule a FREE assessment with the HaltingWinter team today: https://haltingwinter.com/

23: A Mission Statement that Works Nov 16, 2022

If you lead an organization you most likely have a mission statement. And most likely no one knows it and it doesn't have much of a purpose except to be looked at on the first page of the annual report.

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter discusses five reasons why every organization should have a clear and intentional mission statement.

If you would like help crafting a mission statement that works, schedule a call with the HaltingWinter team for an assessment: https://haltingwinter.com/

22: Investments That Work Nov 14, 2022

Are your investments paying dividends? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at three investments everyone should be making in order to get the best out of their work and their life.

For Executive Coaching or Corporate Consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

21: How to Thrive in a Recession Nov 07, 2022

How do you not only survive but thrive in an economic recession? On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter gives four things to do to make sure you come out of the recession with forward momentum.

For personal coaching or corporate consulting, schedule a free assessment at https://haltingwinter.com/

20: The Chaos of Comparison Nov 03, 2022

The temptation to compare yourself to others is forged in childhood and fanned into flame in adulthood. We compare our looks, our skills, our possessions, our relationships, and on and on the list goes.

Is comparison leaving you bitter and angry? And is what you find comparing yourself to even what you want to be and have?

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the chaos that comes from unhealthy comparison and how we can call it out and move from comparison to celebration.

For personal coaching or corporate consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

19: The Crisis of Comfort Nov 01, 2022

If you want the experience the life you dream about you need to break free of the false comforts that tempt you to waste your time, energy, and efforts and keep you from the true comfort of an intentional and meaningful life.

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the false comforts that sabotage us from achieving our goals and experiencing that which we truly desire.

For personal coaching or corporate consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

18: How to Give an Epic Presentation Oct 19, 2022

Do you get nervous thinking about giving a speech or presentation? Would you like to know 3 simple tools to help you give an epic and effective presentation that will give you actual results?

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter gives you the three keys to preparing an epic presentation he has found after four decades performing and speaking on stages throughout the United States. Follow these three steps and you'll own the crowd and get them to respond exactly how you want them to.

For personal coaching or corporate consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

17: Own Your Week Oct 17, 2022

How often do you get to Friday and become overcome with frustration that you didn't get what you wanted to accomplished?

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter walks through the 5 steps to making sure you own your week and set it up for success toward the things that are most important.

For personal coaching or corporate consulting, reach out to us at: https://haltingwinter.com/

16: Own Your Story Oct 14, 2022

Who's writing the story of your life? Is it you or are you letting others write your story? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter discusses a topic Donal Miller writes about in his book, "Hero on a Mission" on the story your life is writing. Seth looks at three things that keep us from writing our own story with intentionality and confidence.

For personal coaching or corporate consulting, reach out to us at: https://haltingwinter.com/

For Donald Miller's book, "Hero on a Mission": https://amzn.to/3MulnpY

15: Balance is Overrated Sep 26, 2022

How many times have you stressed out thinking about how to create more balance in your life? Life shouldn't be a high-wire walk with you anxious and worried you're going to drop all the balls you're juggling while you fall to your death.

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter discusses why he thinks balance is overrated and why living with a different image in your mind when it comes to the various aspects of your life might be more helpful in keeping you intentional and inspired with your actions.

For personal coaching or organizational consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

14: Quiet Quitting Sep 23, 2022

What's the buzz about "Quiet Quitting" happening across workplaces? What does this say about employees and employers? Seth Winterhalter shares some thoughts and concerns about what this distorted practice reveals about a company, its leaders, its culture, and its employees.

For Coaching or Consulting: https://haltingwinter.com/

13: The Effective Executive & the Conductor Sep 15, 2022

What do an effective executive and a conductor of an orchestra have in common? More than you might think. On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the lessons of his past as the conductor of the Capital Philharmonic Orchestra and how the lessons he learned helped him be a more effective executive in the businesses and organizations he has led.

For personal coaching or organization consulting: www.haltingwinter.com

www.sethwinterhalter.com

www.fattofit.shop

12: Avoiding Burnout Sep 06, 2022

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the warning signs and effects of burnout. If you are experiencing these feelings or physical symptoms, do something about it. Talk with a friend, meet with a counselor, or schedule a call with a coach.

We need you in the game. We need you thriving. If you're breathing today, then your life has a purpose. I want you to not only find your purpose but tie it to your deepest passions.

Reach out to us for coaching or consulting at:

www.haltingwinter.com

www.sethwinterhalter.com

11: Build the Wall Aug 16, 2022

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter discusses the topic of personal boundaries and why we need them. Your boundaries determine the access people have in your life. The larger your circle of people and relationships becomes the more access they will ask for. If you don't have healthy boundaries and consequences for those who break your boundaries, you'll be in for a life of burnout and frustration.

To learn more about our FIT Programs to help you reset your physical, mental, and emotional states of being check out:

www.fitleader.shop

www.fitpastor.shop

To learn more about Seth Winterhalter & HaltingWinter and our coaching or consulting:

www.sethwinterhalter.com

www.haltingwinter.com

10: Get FIT Now Aug 11, 2022

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter explains the new FIT Programs that will be launching soon. These cohorts of leaders in similar situations are designed to help reset your physical health while working through the mental and emotional barriers that keep sabotaging that endeavor. It's time to lose those extra pounds that cling to your body while shedding the stresses and anxieties that have been weighing on your back.

For Pastors: www.fitpastor.shop

For Business Owners or Entrepreneurs: www.fitleader.shop

www.haltingwinter.com

www.sethwinterhalter.com

9: Life-Changing Rhythms Aug 04, 2022

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter continues telling his personal story in order to help us see how knowing your deepest rhythms will help you assess whether or not these thoughts and actions are actually helping you get to where you desire to be. If not, it's time to create new rhythms with new habits. Seth uses his story to help you understand how to look back at your own life and assess in order to move forward.

For more insights into "Rhythms and Habits" go to www.haltingwinter.com/news

To schedule a FREE coaching assessment, go to www.haltingwinter.com/coaching

8: The Beginning of the Story Aug 02, 2022

On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter walks through his own life story to help you get clarity on how to look deeper at the rhythms and habits that have formed you. Rhythms formed in our childhood are often neutral, neither good nor bad. It's what we do with those thoughts and actions in specific situations that reveal the effects of our particular rhythms.

For more insights into rhythms and habits, read our blog and listen to other episodes of the podcast at www.haltingwinter.com

To learn more about our host, Seth Winterhalter, follow him on social or check out his website at www.sethwinterhalter.com

7: Habits: Building the Stage for Success Jul 28, 2022

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter continues the discussion and "Rhythms and Habits" talking about what habits are and why in an age of social media we often make other people's habits our own without asking if they'll actually help us get to where we want to be. Habits are a tool but one that must be used carefully if we are to use them well.

For more insights on this topic: haltingwinter.com/news

For personal coaching to help you discover your rhythms or set new habits: haltingwinter.com

To learn more about Seth Winterhalter: sethwinterhalter.com

6: Finding Your Unique Rhythm Jul 26, 2022

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the twin topics of "Rhythms" and "Habits." What are the differences between the two and how can you discover the unique rhythms that fit who you are?

For more insights check out the blog and resources at:

HaltingWinter.com

To learn more about Seth Winterhalter and his coaching program and services:

Seth Winterhalter

5: Solving Life's Puzzle Jul 21, 2022

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter continues the discussion about desires, goals, and drive by using the illustration of putting a puzzle together. The picture of our life is framed and filled in with thousands of "puzzle pieces" or what Seth calls our individual, subjective, life experiences. Some of these we choose and others are chosen for us. For those that we choose, are we making the best decisions, aligning our deepest desires with our goals to paint the picture we see for our life?

Schedule a FREE Coaching Assessment

Read the Corresponding Blogs

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4: Desires, Goals, & Drive Jul 19, 2022

In episode 4 of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter takes us through three aspects of harmonizing your body, mind, and soul to the trajectory of your life: Discovering your deepest desires, making goals to turn those desires and dreams into actionable plans, and maintaining a daily drive and determination to bring it all into reality.

Read the Corresponding Blog

Schedule a FREE Coaching Assessment

3: Coaching: What is the Coaching Process Like? Jul 15, 2022

What should I look for in a coach? What is their process and what should I expect? On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we look at these questions and more to help you know what to expect from a coach and the onboarding process.

To schedule a FREE assessment to see if a coach could help you, click here.

2: Coaching: Why Hire a Coach? Jul 15, 2022

Why should you hire a coach? Are they actually helpful? Are they worth the cost and time? On this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, we answer these questions as we explore the topic of why you should hire a coach if you want to reach your peak performance.

To schedule a FREE assessment to see if a coach could help you, click here.

1: Coaching: Who Needs a Coach? Jul 15, 2022

Who is coaching for? What kind of people have coaches? Are you someone who could benefit from finding a coach? We look into these questions and ones like them on this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast.

To schedule a FREE assessment to see if a coach could help you, click here.

.03: A Bigger Purpose Mar 28, 2022

In the third of three introductory podcasts, Seth Winterhalter talks about the second part of HaltingWinter's mission statement, which is to help make better people accomplish a "bigger purpose." What does it mean to accomplish bigger, how are we measuring this, and how will we accomplish it?

Hear why he thinks you might be a perfect client to be served by HaltingWinter's mission to help make better people accomplish a bigger purpose.

Visit the website: www.haltingwinter.com

.02: Better People Mar 28, 2022

In the second of three introductory podcasts, Seth Winterhalter talks about the first part of HaltingWinter's mission statement, to help make 'Better People.' What does it mean to be better, how are we measuring this, and how will we accomplish it?

Hear why he thinks you might be a perfect client to be served by HaltingWinter's mission to help make better people accomplish a bigger purpose.

Visit the website: www.haltingwinter.com

.01: Who is HaltingWinter? Mar 28, 2022

In the first of three introductory podcasts, Seth Winterhalter gives a summary of the new personal coaching and corporate consulting business he is launching called, "HaltingWinter." Hear why he thinks you might be a perfect client to be served by HaltingWinter's mission to help make better people accomplish a bigger purpose.

Visit the website: www.haltingwinter.com

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