Show Notes: Janice Allen Jackson – You Can’t Lead What You Don’t Value: People, Not Process, in Local Government

Episode 194 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Janice Allen Jackson, a veteran city and county manager turned executive coach and consultant, to talk about the one thing that most local governments get wrong: they focus on process when they should be investing in people.

With decades of experience leading in Georgia and the Carolinas—often as the first or only Black woman in the room—Janice brings a rare blend of clarity, courage, and compassion. Now, as a sought-after coach for local government executives, she’s helping today’s leaders build the confidence, presence, and culture their teams need.

From transparency in public engagement to the quiet harm of toxic cultures, this conversation offers a masterclass in what it really takes to lead in today’s municipal environment.

Episode Highlights:

Local Government Has a People Problem: Why policy and process won’t fix what’s broken and why every city needs to start with leadership development and culture.

Every Monday Is an Audition: Janice explains how public trust is earned in council meetings, not press releases and why your executive presence matters more than your title.

Executive Presence, Redefined: What it really means to “show up” as a leader and how to move beyond image to authentic alignment.

The Truth About Accountability: You can’t demand results from employees who don’t feel safe, valued, or supported.

The Leadership Lessons No One Taught You: How coaching helps leaders avoid burnout, build confidence, and navigate the emotional complexity of public service.

Connect with Janice Allen Jackson

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janice-allen-jackson

Website (new): www.janiceallenjackson.com

Website: www.janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

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 Annual Conference & Expo September 24 | Owensboro, KY Details at KLC

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

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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.

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