Peter Pirnejad: Leading Before You're Ready
The Hidden Crisis Facing the Next Generation of City Managers

Episode 314 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

Local government leadership has changed. Not gradually. Not subtly. But quickly and in ways most leaders weren't prepared for.

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Dr. Peter Pirnejad, former city manager and now Executive Director of the Davenport Institute, to unpack what's really happening inside today's cities and counties.

Leaders are stepping into roles earlier than ever before. The expectations are higher. The pressure is heavier. And the environment they're walking into is marked by distrust, disruption, and constant change.

The result?

Many are being asked to lead before they've had the time—or training—to truly be ready. But this isn't a conversation about failure. It's a conversation about reality.

Peter shares insights from nearly three decades in local government, the private sector, and academia to help leaders understand:

• Why the traditional path to leadership is disappearing
• How the role of the city manager has shifted from operational to deeply relational
• What it actually takes to build trust in today's climate
• And why the future of local government depends on developing leaders differently

Because while the work has changed…the mission hasn't.

If you're serving in local government or preparing to step into greater responsibility, this is a conversation that will help you lead with greater clarity, awareness, and intention.

Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

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