Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – How to Win Friends and Influence PeopleEpisode 366 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

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Dale Carnegie published this book in 1936 and it has never gone out of print. Its core principles still fail to consistently show up in the average staff meeting, council session, or hard conversation. This week inside the MLDC, we're spending five days with Carnegie, not because his ideas are new, but because the gap between knowing them and actually practicing them is where most leadership breakdowns live. Seth unpacks why Carnegie's framework hits differently in local government, where authority has real limits, relationships are long, and the ability to lead through genuine influence rather than positional power isn't optional. If you're a local government leader who wants to go deeper, the MLDC is where this week's work is happening. Learn more at HaltingWinter.com/MLDC.

Join the MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to:

✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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

Eric Swanson: Just Keep Showing UpWhy Resilience Is a Leader's Greatest Strength Episode 365 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

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Leadership isn't about avoiding adversity. It's about continuing to show up, especially when the path gets difficult.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Eric Swanson, City Manager of Phoenix, Oregon, retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Colonel, and a public servant whose career has taken him from small-town Maine to North Carolina, South Dakota, and Oregon. Along the way, Eric has navigated political transitions, military deployments, community disasters, career setbacks, and one of Oregon's most devastating wildfires.

Eric shares how a childhood rooted in faith, family, and service shaped his approach to leadership long before he entered local government. He reflects on becoming a town manager at just 25 years old, learning to lead without having all the answers, and why asking for help is one of a leader's greatest strengths.

The conversation also explores the realities of city management that rarely make headlines: adapting to new councils and mayors, earning trust during times of uncertainty, balancing public service with family, and staying committed when criticism inevitably comes.

Eric also recounts returning to Phoenix after stepping away from city management, only to lead the community through COVID-19 and the devastating Almeda Fire. His story illustrates how trust, resilience, and strong relationships can help communities recover and rebuild even after unimaginable loss.

Whether you're a city manager, department director, elected official, or aspiring public servant, this episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't measured by a career without setbacks; it's measured by the courage to keep showing up.

About Eric SwansonEric Swanson is the City Manager of Phoenix, Oregon, and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve with more than three decades of leadership in public service. Throughout his municipal career, Eric has served communities in Maine, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Oregon, leading organizations through political transitions, natural disasters, economic challenges, and long-term community development. Following the devastating 2020 Almeda Fire, he helped guide Phoenix's recovery by securing millions of dollars in grant funding and rebuilding critical infrastructure. Drawing from both military and municipal leadership, Eric is passionate about resilient leadership, public service, and helping communities thrive through trust, adaptability, and unwavering commitment.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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

Ken Pulskamp: We Are Architects of the Good LifeHow Local Government Builds Thriving Communities Episode 364 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

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In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Ken Pulskamp, retired City Manager of Santa Clarita, former President of the League of California Cities City Managers Department, and current Executive Director of the California City Management Foundation (CCMF). Over a career spanning nearly four decades, Ken helped build one of the nation's most respected municipal organizations from the ground up while shaping a culture that continues to thrive today.

Ken shares the remarkable story of Santa Clarita's incorporation, what it was like to build a city government with virtually no bureaucracy, and the leadership principles that earned the organization national recognition. From hiring and organizational culture to integrity, enthusiasm, and decisive leadership, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom for every public servant.

If you've ever wondered what truly makes a community flourish, this episode offers a compelling answer: great communities begin with great leadership.

About Ken PulskampKen Pulskamp is the retired City Manager of Santa Clarita, California, where he spent more than three decades helping build one of the nation's most respected municipal organizations. After beginning his career with the City of Fresno and serving as Assistant City Manager in Bakersfield, Ken joined Santa Clarita shortly after its incorporation, helping shape the city's culture, operations, and long-term vision from the ground up before serving as City Manager from 2002 to 2012. He later served as Interim City Manager for the City of Burbank and currently serves as Executive Director of the California City Management Foundation (CCMF), where he supports and develops city managers across California. Throughout his distinguished career, Ken has been recognized for his commitment to ethical leadership, organizational excellence, and strengthening the local government profession.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Splendid and the VileEpisode 363 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

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Louis Zamperini survived 47 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean and more than two years as a prisoner of war where he was subjected to conditions designed to break him completely. And yet, they didn't.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we continue our MLDC Summer Series [Stories That Shape Leaders] with Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken, and explore why a World War II survival story might be the most important leadership reading you do this summer. We unpack what Zamperini's story reveals about how resilience actually gets built, why perception shapes outcomes more than circumstances do, what it really means to protect your identity when the environment is working against it, and the hidden cost of carrying old resentments into your present leadership.

If you want to go deeper on all five ideas this week, the MLDC is working through them with daily blog posts, podcast episodes, and a community of local government leaders. Head to haltingwinter.com/MLDC to join the community.

Join the MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to: ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders

➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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

Benjamin Marentette: The Leader Who Said NoWhen Self-Awareness Says "Not Yet" Episode 362 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

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Leadership isn't just about saying yes to the next opportunity. Sometimes the most courageous leadership decision is saying, "Not yet."

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Benjamin Marentette, City Manager of Traverse City, Michigan, to explore the unexpected journey that led him to one of local government's most influential leadership roles.

After spending years preparing for executive leadership—including earning an MBA and completing Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Executives in State and Local Government program—Benjamin was unanimously offered the city manager position. To the surprise of everyone around him, he turned it down.

Why?

Because he recognized something many leaders never do: he wasn't internally prepared for the responsibility that came with the role.

Benjamin shares how therapy, executive coaching, and intentional self-reflection helped him confront the fears, establish healthy boundaries, and develop the self-awareness necessary to eventually say yes with confidence. Along the way, he offers practical insights on building healthy organizational culture, creating environments where feedback is welcomed, leading with humility, and serving both employees and residents with genuine care.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership development isn't just about gaining new skills; it's about becoming the kind of person others can trust to lead.

About Benjamin MarentetteBenjamin Marentette serves as the City Manager of Traverse City, Michigan, where he is leading organizational transformation focused on culture, strategic leadership, and exceptional public service. A lifelong public servant, Benjamin began his local government career at age 18 and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including City Clerk and Executive Director of the Traverse City-Garfield Township Recreation Authority. He holds an MBA in Finance and Leadership, completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard Kennedy School, and earned Harvard's Public Leadership Credential with concentrations in Strategic Leadership and Negotiation. Benjamin is passionate about building healthy organizational cultures where employees feel valued, feedback is embraced, and communities thrive.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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

Tom Modica: Why Compliance Isn't CommitmentThe Leadership Approach That Inspires Ownership Episode 361 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

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What separates teams that simply follow instructions from teams that truly take ownership?

According to Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica, the answer isn't better policies or tighter supervision. It's helping people understand why their work matters.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Tom to explore a leadership philosophy built on communication, humility, and trust. Tom shares the journey that took him from working seasonal Parks & Recreation jobs in Tucson to leading one of America's largest cities, while offering practical lessons for city managers, assistant city managers, department heads, and anyone committed to building a stronger organizational culture.

Along the way, Tom discusses why saying "yes" to uncomfortable opportunities accelerated his career, how Long Beach became a national leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, and why local government leaders must do more than deliver services—they must create the conditions where communities and employees can thrive.

Whether you're leading a team of five or an organization of thousands, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom on developing people, communicating with purpose, and inspiring ownership instead of simple compliance.

About Tom ModicaTom Modica is the City Manager of Long Beach, California, where he leads one of the nation's largest and most diverse cities. Since joining the City in 2002, he has served in nearly every level of municipal leadership before being appointed City Manager in 2020. Under his leadership, Long Beach successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a growing hub for aerospace innovation through "Space Beach," is advancing affordable housing and economic development initiatives, and is preparing to host multiple events during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A passionate advocate for public service, Tom is known for his commitment to building strong organizational culture through humility, clear communication, and purpose-driven leadership.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Splendid and the VileEpisode 360 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

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On May 10, 1940, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the same day Hitler invaded the Netherlands and Belgium. Weeks later, France would fall, and London would face nearly a year of nightly bombing. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter continues the MLDC Summer Series, Stories That Shape Leaders, with Erik Larson's The Splendid and the Vile — a vivid, deeply researched account of Churchill's first year as Prime Minister.

Seth breaks down why this book belongs on every municipal leader's shelf: the honest communication that built public trust even in Britain's darkest hour, the inner circle of advisors Churchill built and actually listened to, his insistence on one-page memos as a discipline of clear thinking, and the harder question of how leaders sustain themselves through a crisis with no clear end date. None of these are abstract history lessons...they're tools for anyone leading a city, county, or department through sustained pressure today.

Join the MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to: ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders

➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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

Bryan Poster: When Your Greatest Asset RetiresHow Technology Helps Preserve Institutional Knowledge Episode 359 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

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Every local government is facing the same reality: some of its most experienced employees are nearing retirement. The question isn't if they'll leave—it's whether decades of institutional knowledge will leave with them.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Bryan Poster, Borough Manager for Telford Borough, Pennsylvania, to discuss his unique journey from IT Director to Borough Manager and why technology is about far more than computers and software. It's about preserving knowledge, improving service, and preparing organizations for the future.

Drawing on more than two decades in municipal technology, Bryan shares practical lessons on leading organizational change, digitizing critical information, and helping communities move forward without losing the experience that has shaped them.

Whether you're a city manager, department director, HR professional, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers valuable insights on leading through change while honoring the people who built your organization.

About Bryan PosterBryan Poster is the Borough Manager for Telford Borough, Pennsylvania. Before becoming a manager, he spent more than two decades leading municipal technology initiatives, helping modernize operations, improve efficiency, and support every department across the organization. His unique background gives him a practical perspective on how technology, leadership, and organizational culture intersect to better serve communities.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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

Elisa Cox: The Leaders Who Don't Chase TitlesHow Unexpected Opportunities Shape Exceptional Careers Episode 358 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

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What if the career you're meant to have isn't the one you planned?

Elisa Cox never set out to become a city manager. In fact, for years she insisted she didn't want the job. But each time an unexpected opportunity appeared, she chose to step up, learn, and serve. Those decisions ultimately led her to become the City Manager of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

In this conversation, Elisa shares the lessons she learned from navigating roles she didn't feel ready for, the mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself, and why the greatest leaders aren't driven by titles—they're driven by impact.

Along the way, she also offers a compelling vision for why local government must do a better job telling its story and inspiring the next generation of public servants.

Whether you're an emerging leader wondering what's next, a department head preparing for greater responsibility, or a city manager investing in future leaders, this episode is a powerful reminder that exceptional careers are often built one unexpected opportunity at a time.

About Elisa CoxElisa Cox is the City Manager of Rancho Cucamonga, California. Throughout her career, she has served in parks and recreation, human resources, executive leadership, and city management, bringing a people-first approach to every role. Passionate about community, leadership development, and public service, she believes the greatest impact leaders can make is investing in the people who serve others.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions. As host of The HaltingWinter Podcast, he shines a spotlight on the people behind local government, sharing the inspiring stories of city and county leaders from across the nation to elevate the profession, encourage those who serve, and inspire the next generation to pursue meaningful careers in public service.

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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Shoe DogEpisode 357 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

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This week on The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter introduces Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the Nike founder's candid memoir of building a global brand from a "crazy idea" with no money, no team, and no guarantee it would survive. Seth makes the case for why this unconventional leadership story belongs on every local government leader's reading list: not for the business lessons, but for Knight's raw honesty about uncertainty, conviction, and the real cost of building something meaningful.

The episode continues the MLDC's summer series, "Stories That Shape Leaders," where members are exploring five ideas drawn from the book — calling, team-building around belief, leading through chronic uncertainty, growth without margin, and the weight of public service — each translated specifically for the realities of local government leadership.

Join the MLDC

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to: ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders

➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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