254: Craig Owens: When "Doing Good Work" Isn't Enough: The Call for Conscience, Equity, and Humility in Local Leadership
Craig Owens: When "Doing Good Work" Isn't Enough: The Call for Conscience, Equity, and Humility in Local Leadership Episode 254 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies In this episode, Seth Winterhalter travels to Lawrence, Kansas, to sit down with Craig Owens, a city manager whose journey through Clayton, Ferguson, and now Lawrence reveals one of the most important truths in public service: good intentions aren't enough. Craig shares how his early years in city management taught him to value results, but his time leading through the Ferguson unrest forced him to see the deeper work and how awareness, equity, and humility must shape every decision leaders make. From navigating billion-dollar development deals to building trust after a national crisis, Craig reflects on what it means to lead with conscience, see through new lenses, and build cultures that serve everyone in the community. Whether you're a city manager, department head, or public works leader, this conversation will remind you that leadership isn't just about policy—it's about perspective. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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253: Book of the Week: Just Listen
Show Notes: Book of the Week – Just ListenEpisode 253 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Ever watched a solid proposal die in a council meeting? Dealt with a staff member who just won't engage? Faced a room full of angry residents who stopped listening before you started talking? If you're a leader in local government, you're not alone. This week in the MLDC, we're exploring "Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone" by Mark Goulston, a psychiatrist who trained FBI hostage negotiators and discovered techniques that work just as well in city hall as they do in crisis situations. The problem isn't your ideas. The problem is trying to persuade people who aren't ready to be persuaded. Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to:    ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications    ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools    ✔ Our live, weekly, virtual mastermind session    ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com Resources Mentioned Book: Just Listen by Mark Goulston MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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252: Stephanie Hirsch: The Systems and the Souls: How Municipal Leadership Bridges Data and Humanity
Stephanie Hirsch: The Systems and the Souls: How Municipal Leadership Bridges Data and Humanity Episode 252 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What happens when a brilliant data-driven mind decides that logic alone can't solve human problems? In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Stephanie Hirsch, City Manager of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to explore the rare intersection of intellect, empathy, and public service. From growing up just a mile from Eau Claire City Hall to serving as its city manager decades later, Stephanie's journey spans rural Georgia, Boston's City Hall, and the streets of Philadelphia during the AIDS and crack epidemics. Along the way, she's learned one profound truth: government works best when systems and souls are aligned. Her story is both analytical and deeply human, showing how data, incentives, and performance must ultimately serve people, not processes. We Talk About: The heartbreaking inefficiency of government service delivery and what it takes to fix it. Why aligned incentives matter more than good intentions in creating public impact. Lessons from working in communities shaped by race, class, and history and how empathy changes leadership. The difference between "old-school doers" and "new-school data" and why cities need both. How longevity and professionalism can create cultures of excellence in local government. Why knocking on doors and listening might be the most powerful leadership act of all. Show Some Love for Our Sponsor Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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251: Enrico Villegas: From Manual Labor to Municipal Leadership: The Journey from Doing to Leading
Enrico Villegas: From Manual Labor to Municipal Leadership: The Journey from Doing to Leading Episode 251 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What does it take to go from digging trenches in the summer heat to leading a full-service city? In this episode, Seth Winterhalter explores the remarkable journey of Enrico Villegas, City Manager of Hutchinson, Kansas, and a story defined by grit, curiosity, and the courage to keep learning when no one's handing you the answers. From growing up in a small Iowa town to teaching English in Japan, from late-night study sessions at "the University of Google" to managing multimillion-dollar public works projects, Enrico's story is a masterclass in building leadership the hard way and the right way. We dive into: Adversity as a teacher: How a tough upbringing and manual-labor jobs shaped Enrico's resilience and work ethic. Curiosity as a catalyst: Why self-education and endless questioning opened doors that formal credentials never could. The turning point: How a landscaping job, a six-foot trench, and a photo became a lifelong reminder of perspective. From technician to city manager: The leap from project inspector to public works to the city's top seat and what it really takes to lead people, not just projects. Redefining neighborhood improvement: How Hutchinson is tackling blight, revitalizing streets, and restoring civic pride. Leadership philosophy: Why Enrico believes real progress begins when you stop playing it safe and start leading with conviction. Show Some Love for Our Sponsor Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
The HaltingWinter Podcast offers insights and strategies for city managers and municipal leaders to transform their leadership, energize their teams, and revitalize their municipalities. Hosted by Seth Winterhalter, President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, we explore innovative approaches to balance personal well-being with professional growth while cultivating a vibrant workplace culture.
Discover how to lead with purpose, navigate complex challenges, and deliver exceptional results for your community. Each episode provides actionable advice to help you thrive in the unique landscape of municipal leadership.
Whether you're a seasoned city manager or new to municipal leadership, this podcast is your resource for personal and professional growth. Tune in and join our mission of making stronger cities through stronger leaders.
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