257: Matt Stiles: The Grace to Leave and the Grit to Return
Matt Stiles: The Grace to Leave and the Grit to ReturnReclaiming Purpose and Possibility in the Middle of Municipal Chaos Episode 257 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies Matt Stiles' story isn't polished; it's powerful. Raised in poverty, shaped by hardship, and driven by a deep sense of purpose, Matt's journey from a small Kansas town to city administrator reveals what it really means to serve with heart. In this episode, Matt shares how growing up with a mother battling mental illness and living through poverty gave him an empathy that now defines his leadership. From the challenges of managing debt-heavy development projects to rebuilding trust after political fallout, he's learned that leadership isn't about perfection; it's about perseverance. After walking away from city management to protect his health and family, Matt found a way back—refreshed, refocused, and ready to lead again. His story is a masterclass in humility, recovery, and rediscovering why public service still matters. 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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256: Book of the Week: Radical Candor
Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Radical CandorEpisode 256 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Most leaders mistake being nice for being kind, and that confusion quietly destroys trust, performance, and culture. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter reframes honesty as the truest form of care. Drawing from Kim Scott's Radical Candor, he explores how courageously combining empathy with accountability transforms teams and rebuilds credibility in local government leadership. 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: Radical Candor by Kim Scott MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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255: José Madrigal: Effort and Intent: Two Principles That Redefine Municipal Leadership
José Madrigal: Effort and Intent: Two Principles That Redefine Municipal Leadership Episode 255 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies When José Madrigal became City Manager of Durango, Colorado, he inherited a city recovering from internal scandal, cultural fatigue, and the isolation of the pandemic. Instead of pushing rapid change, he started with two words that would redefine his leadership and his organization: effort and intent. In this episode, José joins Seth Winterhalter to unpack his journey from Texas politics to the mountains of Colorado, tracing the lessons learned in cities like Cedar Park, Irving, and McKinney that shaped how he leads today. From building trust in turbulent times to transforming organizational culture through authentic listening, José shows what it takes to create belonging, resilience, and pride in local government. 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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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
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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