Episodes

  • 177: Book of the Week: The Hard Thing About Hard Things

    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

    • Book: The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

    • MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle

    Connect with Seth

    • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter

    • Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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    8 mins
  • 176: Christopher Garges: The Infrastructure of Trust: How to Lead Growth Without Losing Identity

    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/sethwinterhalterWebsite: 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
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • 175: Arthur Capello: From Bowling Alleys to Town Hall: How Customer Service Shaped a Town Manager

    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/sethwinterhalterWebsite: 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
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 174: Book of the Week: The Speed of Trust

    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

    • Book: The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey

    • MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle

    Connect with Seth

    • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter

    • Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • 173: Jennifer Poirrier: Shifting Sands: Navigating Tourism, Hurricanes, and Leadership When You Never Planned to Be in Charge

    173: Jennifer Poirrier: Shifting Sands: Navigating Tourism, Hurricanes, and Leadership When You Never Planned to Be in Charge
    May 8 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 serviceThe Power of Mentorship: The city managers who saw Jennifer's potential and pushed her beyond her comfort zone into leadership rolesHurricane 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 operationsTourism Management Challenges: Balancing the needs of year-round residents who want a "small town feel" with the economic reality of hosting 15 million annual touristsHR Background as Leadership Strength: How Jennifer's focus on people and relationships uniquely prepared her for city managementLeadership Through COVID: Being part of a small crisis team that guided the city through unprecedented pandemic challengesFlorida's Transparency Paradox: The benefits of government transparency alongside the challenges created by Florida's extensive public records lawsAddressing Public Meeting Disruptions: The difficult decision to remove non-agenda public comment after national groups targeted council meetingsWork-Life Integration: Creating a "public service family" (husband in fire service and now city management, daughter in police academy) that supports her leadership rolePeople-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: Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) Annual Conference International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Connect With Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalterWebsite: 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
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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • 172: Kevin Phelps: From 'Near Bankruptcy' to Entertainment Powerhouse: Reimagining City Identity in the Desert

    172: Kevin Phelps: From 'Near Bankruptcy' to Entertainment Powerhouse: Reimagining City Identity in the Desert
    May 6 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 serviceFinancial 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 taxesStrategic 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 identitySpeed as Competitive Advantage: The BMW dealership story that taught staff how delays cost taxpayers $100,000 per month in lost revenueFacilitators vs. Regulators: Transforming the development culture from regulatory obstacles to solution-finding partnersWhite Claw Success Story: How Glendale used a detailed Gantt chart and relationship-building to complete a million-square-foot facility in just 282 daysRisk 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 operationsBreaking Bureaucratic Silos: Rewarding department directors based on how much they help other departments, not just their own successWork-Life Boundaries: Why Kevin banned weekend email chains and encourages staff to turn off city communications after hoursStrategic 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/sethwinterhalterWebsite: 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
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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • 171: Book of the Week: The Happiness of Pursuit

    171: Book of the Week: The Happiness of Pursuit
    May 5 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
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • 170: Dawn Peters: The Shame No City Manager Talks About (But Everyone Feels)

    170: Dawn Peters: The Shame No City Manager Talks About (But Everyone Feels)
    May 1 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 managerBold Career Moves: The pivotal moment when Dawn boldly told a mentor "I want your job" and how that single conversation changed her professional trajectoryThe Municipal Leadership Support Gap: Why city managers need protected spaces to be vulnerable and share challenges without public scrutinyWork-Life Integration Reality: Why "work-life balance" is a myth and how leaders can instead leverage seasonal cycles for sustainable leadershipBreaking Through the Shame Barrier: The emotional burden that city managers carry and why asking for help is both essential and incredibly difficultCreating Transformative Internships: How meaningful internships expose future leaders to the full municipal experience rather than just busy workLeadership Through Self-Advocacy: The power of asking for what you want and how advocating for yourself creates unexpected opportunitiesThe Midwest Leadership Institute: An innovative program helping leaders develop emotional intelligence to better navigate interpersonal dynamicsInvisible Impact: The professional challenge of taking credit in a role where you're taught to stay behind the scenesFinding 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/sethwinterhalterWebsite: 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
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    1 hr and 16 mins