Show Notes: Kiel Mangus: From Imposter Syndrome to ImpactThe Realities of City Management in Times of Uncertainty

Episode 235 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies and Zencity

Overview

What does it take to step into leadership when you don't feel ready, and how do you grow into impact while navigating floods, growth, and public pressure?

In this episode, I sit down with Kiel Mangus, City Manager of Derby, Kansas, to explore his unexpected path into local government and the lessons learned along the way. From a one-day internship that turned into a career in public service to leading through explosive community growth and devastating natural disasters, Kiel's story highlights both the challenges and the rewards of municipal leadership.

We talk about:

• Why imposter syndrome is part of every leader's journey and how to move through it.

• What floods, wastewater plants, and rapid housing growth taught him about crisis management.

• The overlooked role of Public Works as true first responders.

• Why residents often misunderstand local government and how leaders can tell their story better.

• How COVID reshaped work, balance, and the expectations of city staff.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned city manager, this episode is a reminder that uncertainty isn't a barrier to leadership; it's the proving ground where leaders are forged.

Connect with Kiel Mangus

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kiel-mangus

About Our Sponsors

Tyler TechnologiesWe're also proud to be sponsored by Tyler Technologies, the largest software company in the nation dedicated exclusively to the public sector. From financial management and utility billing to citizen engagement and digital government solutions, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently, transparently, and effectively.

Learn more at Tyler Technologies

Zencity This episode is made possible by Zencity, a trusted partner to hundreds of local governments worldwide. Zencity helps leaders cut through the noise of the "same ten people" by gathering real-time resident feedback across every neighborhood and demographic. With Zencity's AI-powered tools, decisions can be made with clarity and confidence.

Learn more at Zencity.io

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 like the Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDC).

Learn more at HaltingWinter.com

Seth's Upcoming Keynotes:

ELGL 2025 Conference | Camp Govlife October 1-3 | Santa Rose, CA Details at ELGL

2025 City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar November 12-14 | Los Angeles, CA Details at CalCities

2025 Kansas City/County Management Association Annual Conference December 3-5 | Manhattan, KS Details at KCMA