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
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250: Book of the Week: Crucial Conversations
Show Notes: Book of the Week – Crucial ConversationsEpisode 250 of The HaltingWinter Podcast You know the conversation needs to happen. The underperforming department head. The contentious council member. The angry community meeting. But you're not sure how to navigate it without making things worse. In this week's MLDC Book of the Week episode, Seth Winterhalter explores Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzer, translating its insights specifically for local government leaders navigating limited authority, maximum accountability, and constant political complexity. 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: Crucial Conversations MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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249: David Dillner: From Feral Cats to $100 Million Deals: The Beautiful Chaos of City Management
David Dillner: From Feral Cats to $100 Million Deals: The Beautiful Chaos of City Management Episode 249 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What do you do when your neighboring city walks away from the biggest economic development project in state history and the future of your community hangs in the balance? For David Dillner, City Manager of El Dorado, Kansas, the answer came down to resilience, readiness, and a quiet kind of courage. In this conversation, David shares his journey from a small-town Kansas upbringing and pharmacy camp dropout to becoming the first city administrator of Edgerton, just in time to navigate a political storm that nearly derailed a $100 million BNSF intermodal project. His story is a masterclass in what it really takes to lead when the stakes are high, politics are volatile, and the unexpected (like feral cats) always finds its way onto the agenda. We explore: How a small-town website project sparked a career in city management The real value of internships and fellowships in shaping future leaders Failing forward: the budget presentation disaster that taught David to lead under pressure Resilience in the face of politics and what happens when years of work are overturned overnight The $100 million turnaround: how a well-timed annexation saved a major development Why nostalgia can kill a city, and how leaders can help communities embrace change The irony of leadership: approving transformative projects one minute and debating feral cats the next 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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248: Paula Schumacher: From Intern to Administrator: The Power of Staying, Serving, and Shaping What Lasts
Paula Schumacher: From Intern to Administrator: The Power of Staying, Serving, and Shaping What Lasts Episode 248 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What does it look like to build a career and a legacy in the same community for more than three decades? In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Paula Schumacher, Village Administrator of Bartlett, Illinois, to explore a story rarely heard in local government: one of staying. From starting as a basement intern to leading the entire organization today, Paula's journey is a masterclass in patience, purpose, and the long game of public service. They talk about how one generous mentor changed the direction of her life, what it means to lead through rapid growth, and how stability and culture are built one relationship at a time. Paula also opens up about surviving breast cancer, leading with intention, and finding grace in the ebb and flow between life and leadership. Together, they unpack the pivotal moments and lessons that define her leadership story: The conversation that changed everything: how a single phone call with a city manager introduced Paula to local government. The "internship that never ended": how she grew with Bartlett through three decades of transformation from 13,000 to 40,000 residents. Leadership that lasts: why consistency, collaboration, and humility matter more than speed or scale. The internship revolution: how Bartlett's high school and college internship programs are shaping the next generation of municipal leaders. The myth of balance: Paula's honest reflection on thriving through cancer, caregiving, and leadership without losing yourself. Building the bench: why mentoring and modeling grace may be the most important leadership legacy 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
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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