December 30, 2025

274: David Cameron: It's Okay Not to Be Okay

1 hour 3 minutes

David Cameron: It's Okay Not to Be Okay Transparency, Mental Health, and Leading When Success Hides the Struggle

Episode 274 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

This episode is a Reconnect, a return to one of the most impactful conversations in the history of The HaltingWinter Podcast.

David Cameron was the very first full-length interview of a local government leader on this show (Episode 107). At the time, he was serving as City Administrator in Republic, Missouri. Since then, David has stepped into a much larger role as City Manager of Springfield, Missouri—leading a city of more than 170,000 residents and a workforce of over 2,200 employees.

Before replaying his original episode, Seth and David sit down for a candid reconnection that goes deeper into the realities of leadership that often go unseen.

This conversation explores the weight of local government leadership, the hidden cost of always "having it together," and why success can sometimes mask deep internal struggle. David speaks openly about mental health, the stigma leaders face around vulnerability, and the importance of creating safe spaces where leaders don't have to carry the burden alone.

Watch David's Video: "Stories of Hope"

They also discuss David's leadership philosophy as he transitions into a larger, more complex organization—empowering teams, decentralizing decision-making, and building trust at scale while maintaining strong regional relationships across Southwest Missouri.