Show Notes: Milton Dohoney Jr. – When the Title Feels Heavy: Leading Through Burdens No One Sees

Episode 184 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this vulnerable and deeply reflective episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator of Ann Arbor, Michigan—a seasoned leader with decades of executive municipal experience and the hard-won wisdom that comes with it.

Milton doesn’t speak in buzzwords. He speaks in truth about the emotional cost of leadership, the isolation that often accompanies it, and the quiet weight leaders carry while holding their communities together. This conversation offers more than professional advice—it’s a powerful reminder of the humanity behind the title.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, stretched thin, or unsure whether the work you’re doing is truly making a difference, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

• “I didn’t come to keep the seat warm.” Milton shares what it means to take a leadership role seriously and why forward momentum is a responsibility, not a bonus.

• The Emotional Weight of Leadership From carrying team burdens to managing public pressure, Milton speaks openly about the isolation leaders rarely admit.

• Loneliness at the Top Why leadership doesn’t protect you from struggle and why sharing that truth can actually make you stronger.

• Reclaiming the Identity of Public Service Milton reflects on how the pride and perception of municipal leadership have changed and why it’s time to reignite the mission.

• Presence Over Visibility A subtle but vital distinction: real leaders don’t just show up—they connect, engage, and make people feel seen.

• The Power of Listening and Learning Milton shares how being fully present with residents and staff creates trust and resilience in times of uncertainty.

• Advice for Aspiring and Current Leaders “Don’t seek the title. Seek the transformation you can help bring about.”

Connect with Milton Dohoney Jr.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/milton-dohoney-jr

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

At HaltingWinter, we help local government leaders build thriving teams and resilient workplace cultures through keynotes, workshops, and leadership development programs rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership.

Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

2025 South Carolina APWA Chapter Annual Conference June 24 | Spartanburg, SC Details at SCAPWA

2025 Kentucky League of Cities Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 4 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA

The MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is where municipal leaders grow together through weekly podcasts, curated book insights, and a nationwide peer community focused on real leadership, real culture, and real conversations.

Secure Your Summer Special and Start Your FREE 7-day trial  Join the MLDC