Tansy Hayward: The Power of a Day: The Transformational Power of Mentorship in Public Service

Episode 245 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What if one day could change the entire trajectory of your life and your city?

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Tansy Hayward, City Manager of Thornton, Colorado, to explore how a single day shadowing an assistant city manager ignited a lifelong calling to public service. From her small-town roots in rural Kansas to leading one of Colorado's fastest-growing cities, Tansy's journey is a powerful reminder of the role mentorship, access, and courage play in shaping the next generation of local government leaders.

Together, they unpack the pivotal moments and lessons that define her leadership story:

• How one shadowing experience revealed the purpose and pace of city management.

• The power of mentors like Susan Sherman and John Nalbandian, who opened doors and shaped her path.

• Why leaders shouldn't be shields but bridges, inviting others into the real, unfiltered work of leadership.

• Rebuilding trust after crisis in Tacoma, Washington, and the courage to lead through tension and uncertainty.

• Finding identity and growth across regions—from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast—and what that diversity taught her about culture, community, and leadership.

Through every chapter, Tansy's story reminds us that transformation often begins with access and that leadership is less about being in control and more about being available.

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Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com