Craig Owens: When "Doing Good Work" Isn't Enough: The Call for Conscience, Equity, and Humility in Local Leadership

Episode 254 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter travels to Lawrence, Kansas, to sit down with Craig Owens, a city manager whose journey through Clayton, Ferguson, and now Lawrence reveals one of the most important truths in public service: good intentions aren't enough.

Craig shares how his early years in city management taught him to value results, but his time leading through the Ferguson unrest forced him to see the deeper work and how awareness, equity, and humility must shape every decision leaders make.

From navigating billion-dollar development deals to building trust after a national crisis, Craig reflects on what it means to lead with conscience, see through new lenses, and build cultures that serve everyone in the community.

Whether you're a city manager, department head, or public works leader, this conversation will remind you that leadership isn't just about policy—it's about perspective.

Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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