The HaltingWinter Podcast

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – "Unreasonable Hospitality" Episode 165 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Unreasonable Hospitality" Series)

Seth Winterhalter launches a fresh 5-part series exploring Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara—one of the most compelling books on service, culture, and leadership in the last decade. In this kickoff episode, Seth unpacks what it means to go beyond great customer service and deliver unforgettable, human-centered experiences in the world of municipal government.

Drawing lessons from how Eleven Madison Park became the world's #1 restaurant, Seth challenges city managers and department leaders to reimagine their daily interactions with residents—not as transactions, but as opportunities for connection and impact. This episode sets the foundation for transforming your team's culture from compliance-driven to citizen-centered.

• What "unreasonable hospitality" looks like in a municipal setting

• How to shift from rule-following to creative problem-solving without breaking policy

• The difference between excellence (competency) and warmth (connection)—and why you need both

• Practical examples of turning friction-filled processes into moments of value and trust

• Why empowering frontline staff is essential to transforming service culture

• How your leadership actions create permission for your team's hospitality mindset

Monday: The big idea—bringing unreasonable hospitality into public service Tuesday–Thursday: Deep dives into leadership self-awareness, empowerment, and memorable moments Friday: Virtual Book Club – Live discussion on hospitality-driven city culture

Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle and get:

• All five episodes in the Unreasonable Hospitality series

• Daily insights, blog reflections, and leadership tools

• Friday's Virtual Book Club with municipal peers across the country

• Full access to MLDC's resource library and community platform 🔗 Start your free trial now at HaltingWinter.com

• Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

• MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle: Learn More

• Weekly Newsletter – The Leader's Lens

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

• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: Jimmy Liles: The Think Tank Approach to Municipal Innovation Episode 164 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jimmy Liles, City Administrator of Nixa, Missouri. Jimmy shares his remarkable journey from a 20-year career in law enforcement to municipal leadership, where he's established an award-winning culture of innovation. Through his "Think Tank" initiative and commitment to organizational culture, Jimmy has helped Nixa navigate rapid growth while winning the Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award five times. Their conversation explores creative approaches to engaging employees at all levels, breaking down departmental silos, and maintaining work-life boundaries in demanding municipal roles.

Episode Highlights:

• Unconventional Career Path: Jimmy's transition from police officer to chief of police to city administrator without the traditional MPA background
• The Think Tank Initiative: How Jimmy created a cross-departmental team of employees at all levels to generate innovative solutions for the city
• Award-Winning Innovation: The approaches that have helped Nixa win the Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award five times
• Three-Step Cultural Approach: Jimmy's method for organizational culture: define it (integrity, service, accountability), build it, and sustain it
• Breaking Down Departmental Silos: Discovering interconnections between municipal departments when moving from police to administration
• Small Town Growth: Managing Nixa's expansion from around 5,000 to 25,000 residents while maintaining its hometown feel and community values
• Setting Boundaries with Elected Officials: Establishing communication protocols with council members to protect personal time
• Relationships as Foundation: Building trust with council members and staff through open communication and humility
• Leading from the Middle: Jimmy's philosophy of not needing to be the smartest person in the room to be an effective leader
• Work-Life Integration: Creating intentional boundaries through unplugged vacations and clear communication protocols

Connect with Jimmy Liles:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Jimmy Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Luke Dyer: The Power of "Why Not Us? Why Not Now?" Episode 163 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

OverviewIn this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Luke Dyer, Town Manager of Van Buren, Maine. Luke shares his remarkable journey from a 30-year career in law enforcement to municipal leadership, where he's leading a small-town revival that's capturing attention across the region. Through creative initiatives, university partnerships, and community engagement, Luke has transformed Van Buren from a struggling border town into a community with renewed pride and purpose. Their conversation explores the challenges of small-town revitalization, the impact of innovative thinking, and how municipal leaders can create momentum even with limited resources.

Episode Highlights:

• Unique Career Path: Luke's transition from criminal justice to law enforcement to municipal leadership, including his "Forrest Gumpy" life of unexpected opportunities
• Border Town Dynamics: Managing a community on the US-Canada border and navigating international relationships, especially amid changing tariff policies
• Small Town Revival: How Van Buren went from owning over half its downtown buildings due to tax acquisition to hosting events that draw over 1,300 visitors
• The Pickleball Effect: Converting an unused hockey rink into pickleball courts as the catalyst for community engagement and municipal improvements
• University Partnerships: Leveraging relationships with Drexel University and Georgetown University to access expertise worth over $125,000 at minimal cost
• Community Heart and Soul: Implementing a program that brought residents together to identify what they truly value about their town
• Creative Problem-Solving: Finding opportunities in challenges and turning small wins into momentum for larger projects
• The Documentary Project: "Reviving the Gateway" and how capturing the town's transformation has further galvanized community pride
• Leadership Insights: Building council support through visible successes and learning to listen to what residents truly want
• Work-Life Integration: Balancing the demands of municipal leadership with personal interests like snowmobiling, fishing, and visiting baseball parks

Connect with Luke Dyer:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Luke Here
• Watch the "Reviving the Gateway" Documentary

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – "The Innovator's Dilemma" Episode 162 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "The Innovator's Dilemma" Series)

Seth Winterhalter launches a brand-new 5-part series on The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen, turning its private-sector lessons into actionable insight for municipal leadership. In this episode, Seth unpacks the core paradox: cities that are well-managed and process-driven can still fall behind when faced with disruptive change.

Through real municipal examples—from digital engagement to economic development shifts—Seth highlights how traditional success metrics and planning models can blind even great leaders to innovation happening at the margins. Learn how to navigate this tension by creating capacity for exploration alongside operational excellence.

• What the "innovator's dilemma" looks like in a municipal context

• Why cities doing everything "right" can still fall behind in service delivery

• How disruption often starts on the edges—then reshapes resident expectations

• Why traditional comprehensive planning can miss emerging trends

• The organizational patterns that make innovation difficult (and how to overcome them)

• How to build parallel structures for experimentation without sacrificing reliability

Monday: Understanding the innovator's dilemma for municipal leaders Tuesday–Thursday: Deep dives on disruption awareness, resource allocation, and culture Friday: Virtual Book Club – Real-world applications and interactive discussion

Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

• All five episodes from The Innovator's Dilemma series

• Daily blog reflections and frameworks

• Friday's live Virtual Book Club conversation

• A nationwide community of municipal leaders 🔗 Start your free trial now at HaltingWinter.com

• Book: The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen

• Weekly Newsletter – The Leader's Lens (free subscription)

• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More

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

• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: Brent Buerck: Small-Town Roots, World-Class Vision Episode 161 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Brent Buerck, City Administrator of Perryville, Missouri. Brent shares his journey from growing up in Perryville to returning as its city administrator after 15 years with the Missouri Division of Youth Services. Through his leadership, Perryville has weathered multiple natural disasters while developing unique attractions and strong economic opportunities. Their conversation explores the value of relationship-building in municipal leadership, practical approaches to disaster response, and the delicate balance between professional impact and personal life.

Episode Highlights:

• Hometown Leadership: How Brent's deep connection to Perryville has shaped his approach to city administration and his commitment to telling its story
• Crisis Management Mastery: Navigating multiple major disasters - a 2017 EF4 tornado, 2023 ice storm, and 2023 EF3 tornado - and applying lessons from each to improve response time
• Community Collaboration: Building essential relationships between city, county, and regional partners to achieve greater impact together
• Economic Development Success: Transforming Perryville into a community with more jobs than people, including growing TG Missouri from 30 employees to 1,700+
• Unique Attractions: Developing distinctive community assets like the American Tractor Museum, Vietnam Wall replica, and the Miraculous Medal shrine
• Volunteer Management: Coordinating community response during disasters and the importance of being prepared to receive volunteer help
• The Municipal Leadership Philosophy: "If we're doing our job correctly, nobody should even know we're there" - success means invisibility
• Work-Life Integration Challenges: Candid reflections on the struggle to balance family commitments with the demands of city leadership
• The Value of Intentional Relationships: Not delegating relationship-building and being deliberate about bringing conflicting groups together

Connect with Brent Buerck:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Brent Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Jon Amundson: Thriving at the Crossroads of Nuclear History Episode 160 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jon Amundson, City Manager of Richland, Washington. Jon shares his journey from a curious Cub Scout attending his first city council meeting to leading a city with deep ties to American nuclear history. Through his story, Jon reveals valuable insights on municipal leadership development, finding the right career fit, and creating thriving organizational cultures while maintaining meaningful family connections. Their conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities of the Tri-Cities region, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and practical strategies for balancing the demands of city management with personal well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• The Spark of Interest: How attending a city council meeting as a Cub Scout ignited Jon's lifelong passion for local government
• From Politics to Public Service: Jon's transition from political aspirations to city management after shadowing the City Manager of Orem, Utah
• Educational Path: Leveraging the University of Kansas program's practical approach to city management education and the value of the KUSAMAT network
• The Allen Experience: Lessons learned during his time at the City of Allen, Texas, including the hidden value of managing council agendas for professional development
• Finding the Right Fit: Strategic career decisions that balanced professional advancement with family priorities, including turning down opportunities that weren't aligned with both
• Self-Awareness in Leadership: Jon's candid assessment of his strengths (technology integration, organizational culture) and areas where he relies on team members (economic development)
• Building Future Leaders: Implementing the "Core Leadership Program" in Richland with Impact Academy, Change Team, and growth sessions to develop talent at all levels
• Creating Community Connection: The "Richland Cares" initiative that helps employees engage with and serve the community beyond their official roles
• Tri-Cities Collaboration: How Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco work together rather than compete, coordinating services and supporting regional economic development
• Work-Life Integration: Practical strategies for achieving balance, including being selective about meetings, delegating appropriately, and making intentional trade-offs to prioritize family

Connect with Jon Amundson:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Jon Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Book of the Week – "Essentialism" Episode 159 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Essentialism" Series)

Seth Winterhalter kicks off a 5-part series diving into Greg McKeown's must-read book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, applying its insights directly to the daily pressures of municipal leadership. In this episode, Seth challenges the myth of having "twenty top priorities" and introduces the essentialist mindset: doing less, but better.

Through a real-world story of a city manager who focused on fewer initiatives for greater impact, Seth reveals how essentialism isn't about neglect—it's about being laser-focused on what truly moves the needle for your community. Discover how this shift in thinking—from managing everything to choosing the vital few—can transform council relationships, community outcomes, and your own leadership clarity.

• Why trying to do everything often leads to accomplishing nothing of significance

• The historical truth about the word "priority"—and what it means for your leadership

• How one city's shift from 15 to 3 priorities led to surprising success

• What to eliminate from your calendar to free up bandwidth for impact

• Why essentialism isn't about time management but value management

• How to identify the "one initiative" that will define your administration's legacy

Monday: Introduction to essentialism for city leaders Tuesday–Thursday: Focused insights on strategic narrowing, decision filtering, and system design Friday: Live Virtual Book Club discussion – applying essentialism in real municipal contexts

Get full access this week to:

• All five "Essentialism" podcast episodes

• Daily deep-dive blog posts expanding each theme

• Friday's Virtual Book Club with city leaders nationwide

• Complete MLDC platform and leadership resource library No commitment. Join the movement.

🔗 Start Your Trial at HaltingWinter.com

• Book: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

• Weekly Newsletter – The Leader's Lens (free subscription)

• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More

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

• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: Kristen Dorman: From Reluctant Start to Intentional Journey Episode 158 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this insightful episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with Kristen Dorman, Assistant City Manager of Warrensburg, Missouri. Kristen shares her fascinating journey from dismissing municipal government as a career ("whatever career that is, I don't want it") despite her mother being a county manager, to finding her calling in city management, and ultimately serving as interim city manager just six weeks into a new position. Their conversation explores the importance of mentorship in municipal careers, the value of creating work-life boundaries, the realities of managing different-sized communities, and how the profession must evolve to attract the next generation of leaders.

Episode Highlights:

• The Reluctant Beginning: How Kristen initially avoided following in her mother's municipal leadership footsteps before discovering her passion for local government through a Fellowship program
• The Value of Mentorship: The crucial role of mentors like Zach Walker who provided opportunities for growth by including Kristen in high-level projects and pushing her to seek new challenges
• Size Matters in City Management: Contrasting experiences in large cities (Independence, Surprise) versus smaller communities (Pleasant Hill) and the hands-on knowledge gained from wearing multiple department director hats in smaller organizations
• Stepping Away & Returning Stronger: Kristen's decision to leave municipal government to work for the Alliance for Innovation and how this break helped her clarify her passion while establishing healthier work boundaries
• Sudden Leadership Transition: Being thrust into the interim city manager role after just six weeks as assistant city manager and navigating leadership with transparency and teamwork
• Work-Life Integration: Challenging the 60-70 hour workweek norm in city management and demonstrating that effective leadership is possible with healthy boundaries
• The Future of Municipal Management: Candid discussion about how the profession must evolve beyond burnout culture to attract younger generations who value work-life balance
• Leading by Example: How city manager work habits set the tone for organizational culture and the importance of modeling sustainable practices
• Motherhood and Leadership: Insights on how becoming a parent enhanced Kristen's empathy and perspective as a municipal leader

Connect with Kristen Dorman:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Kristen Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the country to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: John Mauro: A Global Journey of Purpose-Driven Leadership Episode 157 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this inspiring episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with John Mauro, City Manager of Port Townsend, Washington. John shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Maine to traveling across four continents on a prestigious fellowship, and ultimately leading municipal transformation in both Auckland and Washington state. Their conversation explores the power of global perspective in local governance, innovative approaches to community engagement, and the delicate balance between addressing immediate municipal needs while planning for long-term sustainability.

Episode Highlights:

• New England Roots: How John's upbringing in Maine and exposure to natural landscapes shaped his environmental consciousness and public service path
• Global Education: His transformative Thomas Watson fellowship that took him to Ghana, Bhutan, Australia, and Bolivia to study indigenous relationships with nature
• Finding His Purpose: John's evolution from environmental science to sustainability leadership, discovering his passion for systems thinking and collaborative governance
• International Municipal Leadership: Serving as Auckland, New Zealand's first Chief Sustainability Officer and navigating a complex "super city" government structure
• Interagency Collaboration: Transforming adversarial relationships with sister agencies like the Port of Port Townsend into million-dollar collaborative projects
• Infrastructure Challenges: Tackling long-deferred maintenance, including a century-old water agreement, and creating sustainable funding mechanisms for critical infrastructure
• Innovative Community Engagement: Using "The Bureaucracy Now" radio show and monthly coffee chats to build trust and transparency with citizens
• COVID Leadership: Managing municipal operations during the pandemic just months into his tenure as city manager
• Team Development: Building a "dream team" of department directors who are dedicated to service and tackling systemic challenges
• Personal Rejuvenation: Balancing the demands of public service through outdoor activities, family adventures, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life

Connect with John Mauro:

• LinkedIn: Connect with John

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort, starting April 30th. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a community for city managers and administrators from around the United States to find support personally and professionally as they lead thriving teams and communities. We're giving podcast listeners 20% off your subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you register today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Book of the Week - "Conscious Business" Episode 156 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Conscious Business" Series)

Seth Winterhalter kicks off a 5-part series exploring Fred Kofman's book "Conscious Business" and its critical applications for municipal leadership. This first episode introduces the powerful concept of conscious leadership - blending decisive action with deeper awareness to transform municipal organizations. Through an engaging story about a public works department facing multiple challenges, Seth illustrates how moving beyond traditional command-and-control approaches creates remarkable results without sacrificing decisiveness. Discover how conscious leadership provides a framework for seeing and addressing systemic issues that top-down directives alone cannot solve.

• How effective municipal leaders blend decisive action with conscious awareness
• The power of listening sessions and safe spaces for authentic feedback
• Why understanding daily realities transforms organizational culture
• How conscious leadership builds the trust necessary for organizational transformation
• The three crucial aspects of conscious leadership every city manager needs to master

• Monday: Foundations of conscious leadership in municipal settings
• Tuesday-Thursday: Deep dives into organizational awareness, stakeholder relationships, and proactive systems
• Friday: Implementation Guides & the Virtual Book Club discussion

Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

• All five "Conscious Business" podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete MLDC platform resources
• Nationwide community of city managers and administrators
• No upfront commitment required

• Book: "Conscious Business" by Fred Kofman
• Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More

Connect With Seth

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