The HaltingWinter Podcast

Show Notes: De'Carlon Seewood: From Crisis to Community RenewalEpisode 155 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this powerful episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with De'Carlon Seewood, City Manager of Columbia, Missouri. De'Carlon shares his extraordinary journey from witnessing urban decay in East St. Louis to leading Ferguson through national crisis, and finally revitalizing Columbia through innovative community engagement and employee investment. Their conversation explores the realities of municipal leadership during tumultuous times, rebuilding fractured community trust, and creating a sustainable culture of excellence in local government.

Episode Highlights:

• The Public Service Calling: How De'Carlon's childhood in East St. Louis and witnessing urban decline inspired his lifelong commitment to public service
• Hands-On Municipal Experience: The invaluable cross-functional knowledge gained through "assistant to" roles where De'Carlon served as interim department head in planning, parks, and finance
• Community Revitalization: Transforming the historically Black Carver neighborhood in Fulton by rehabilitating properties and creating innovative housing solutions
• Leading Through Crisis: De'Carlon's courageous decision to return to Ferguson after the Michael Brown shooting and the complex realities of managing a city under intense national scrutiny
• Navigating Federal Intervention: Practical insights on implementing a Department of Justice consent decree with limited resources in a small municipality
• Employee Investment Strategy: Columbia's $10 million initiative to properly value staff and address retention challenges in critical departments
• Innovative Engagement Approaches: Creating "Coffee with the City Manager," Citizen Academies, and Community Summits to rebuild trust between residents and local government
• Municipal Leadership Sustainability: Candid discussion about the personal toll of city management and practical advice for maintaining well-being in demanding leadership roles
• Communicating Municipal Value: Helping citizens understand the significance of local government services and the true nature of municipal budgets

Connect with De'Carlon Seewood:

• LinkedIn: Connect with De'Carlon Here

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.

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.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: Nichole Rutherford: Finding Courage When Opportunity Calls Episode 154 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this inspiring episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Nichole Rutherford, City Manager of Coos Bay, Oregon. From her beginnings as a finance assistant to becoming city manager, Nichole shares her remarkable journey through municipal leadership. Their conversation explores her unexpected path to public service, the challenges of transitioning from technical expertise to leadership, and the delicate balance between professional demands and personal life in the municipal arena.

Episode Highlights:

• An Unexpected Journey: Nichole's path from a small CPA firm to city management, illustrates how saying "yes" to opportunities can lead to fulfilling careers in public service
• From Finance to Leadership: The transition from technical expertise in finance to the broader leadership challenges of city management
• Intentional Succession Planning: Insights into Roger Craddock's three-year mentorship approach that prepared Nichole for the city manager role
• Leading with Heart: How bringing compassion and humanity to government can transform municipal work culture and service delivery
• The Technical-to-Leadership Challenge: Nichole's candid reflections on shifting from producing tangible work to leading and influencing
• Family Support Systems: Thoughtful strategies for maintaining work-life balance in a position that "never shuts off"
• Building Professional Networks: The importance of reaching out to fellow city managers and creating a support system in what can be an isolating role
• Small Town Impact: Perspectives on leading in Coos Bay (population 16,000) and the unique challenges and opportunities of smaller municipalities
• Fresh Eyes on Old Problems: How leadership transitions can reinvigorate established processes and bring new perspectives to municipal challenges

Connect with Nichole Rutherford:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-rutherford-3374ba44/

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.

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.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: "No One Else to Blame"Episode 153 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: "Extreme Ownership" Series

Episode Overview Seth Winterhalter starts a 5-part series to tackle the primary principle that's sorely lacking in many municipal organizations today: ownership. Drawing from Jocko Willink's powerful books "Extreme Ownership" and "The Dichotomy of Leadership," Seth addresses how the culture of finger-pointing has become a leadership strategy from Washington D.C. down to city halls across America. Through compelling storytelling and practical application, discover how ownership isn't a burden but a source of power - the only real way to create meaningful change in municipal leadership. Start your journey into transformative leadership principles by gaining access to the entire 5-part series when you begin your free 7-day trial of the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) today.

Key Takeaways

• Why ownership creates power rather than burden in municipal settings
• How taking responsibility shifts team dynamics from blame to solutions
• The credibility and trust gained through demonstrating ownership
• The critical dichotomies of leadership in municipal environments

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

• All five "Extreme Ownership" podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete MLDC platform resources
• Nationwide community of municipal leaders
• No upfront commitment required - visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Books: "Extreme Ownership" and "The Dichotomy of Leadership" by Jocko Willink
• Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

Connect With Seth

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

Show Notes: Danielle Dulin: Working in Generations, Not Election Cycles Episode 152 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this inspiring episode of the HaltingWinter podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Danielle Dulin, City Manager of Manhattan, Kansas. From growing up on a farm in western Kansas to becoming the city manager of her alma mater, Danielle shares her remarkable journey through municipal leadership. Their conversation explores the challenges and rewards of city management, the importance of long-term vision, and navigating professional growth while balancing personal wellbeing.

Episode Highlights:

• Rural Roots to City Leadership: Danielle's journey from a farm 30 miles southeast of Dodge City to becoming city manager in Manhattan, illustrates how diverse backgrounds strengthen municipal leadership
• Unexpected Career Path: How an economics major who initially worked at the Federal Reserve Bank discovered her calling in municipal government through a chance encounter with city officials
• Generational Leadership Philosophy: Danielle's powerful insight that "we work in generations, not in election cycles," highlighting the long-term impact of municipal vision
• Breaking Barriers: Perspectives on being part of the 13% of female city managers and the importance of representation in executive municipal roles
• Strategic Career Navigation: Thoughtful approach to knowing when to stay in a position versus pursuing new opportunities for growth
• Municipal Project Legacy: Experiences working on transformative projects like the Lenexa City Center, illustrating how leadership continuity enables long-term community vision
• Work-Life Integration: Candid discussion about the challenges of balancing demanding careers, geographic separation, and maintaining personal relationships
• Community Engagement Innovation: Strategies for meaningful community connections and effectively telling your city's story beyond "hearing from the same ten people"
• The Value of Mentorship: How multiple mentors throughout her career provided crucial guidance at pivotal moments

Connect with Danielle Dulin:

• LinkedIn: Danielle Dulin

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.

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.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: Michael Paulhus: Biology, Banking, and Better Government Episode 151 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this captivating episode of the HaltingWinter podcast, Seth Winterhalter speaks with Michael Paulhus, Town Manager of Plainville, Connecticut. From Tanzania with the Peace Corps to wealth management at RBC to pioneering municipal social media strategies, Michael's diverse career path offers unique insights into effective local government leadership. Their conversation explores how curiosity and continuous learning can transform municipal communication and leadership.

Episode Highlights:

• An Unconventional Journey: Michael's fascinating path from biology student to Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania to municipal leadership showcases the value of diverse experiences
• Dual Leadership Perspective: The rare insights gained from serving both as an elected official (First Selectman) and appointed Town Manager
• Private Sector Principles: How five years at RBC Wealth Management transformed Michael's approach to efficiency, resource management, and questioning established processes
• Creative Resource Management: The innovative strategies Michael used to acquire expensive equipment for just $50 through state surplus programs, saving his municipality tens of thousands
• Social Media Revolution: How Michael went from social media novice to municipal communication innovator, creating engaging content across multiple platforms
• Team Building Approach: Michael's success in building a multi-generational communication team that leverages different strengths and perspectives
• Self-Care Philosophy: The five pillars Michael follows for personal wellbeing: diet, exercise, meditation, prayer, and sleep
• Curiosity as Leadership Strength: The power of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning in opening doors and creating community opportunities

Connect with Michael Paulhus:

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltpaulhus/

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.

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.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: "The Municipal Leader's Paradox"Episode 150 of The HaltingWinter PodcastPart 1 of 5: "Leaders Eat Last" Series

Episode Overview Seth Winterhalter explores how Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" principles apply uniquely to municipal leadership. This episode delves into the paradox city managers face: being expected to project strength and control while creating environments of safety and trust that truly drive organizational excellence. Seth examines how this tension manifests in daily leadership scenarios and introduces practical strategies for navigating this challenge.

Discover how creating what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" can transform municipal organizations from bureaucratic institutions into dynamic, purpose-driven teams that deliver exceptional community service. Unlock the entire 5-part "Leaders Eat Last" series by starting your free 7-day trial of the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) today.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the Servant Leader's Paradox in municipal government
• How creating a "Circle of Safety" transforms municipal service delivery
• Why psychological safety enables innovation and better public service
• Balancing authority with accessibility in leadership roles

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

• All five "Leaders Eat Last" podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete MLDC platform and app access
• Nationwide community of municipal leaders
• No upfront commitment required - visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek
• Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

Connect With Seth

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

Show Notes: Zach Walker: Identity, Purpose and Impact in City Management Episode 149 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the Halting Winter podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Zach Walker, City Manager of Independence, Missouri. Through their conversation, Zach shares his unique journey into city management, the challenges of balancing life on the municipal tightrope, and how he maintains his personal identity while serving in a demanding public role.

• Zach's Unexpected Path: From aspiring sports broadcaster to city management, Zach's career journey demonstrates the value of exploring different paths in public service
• Mentorship Impact: How various mentors shaped Zach's career trajectory and leadership approach
• Making the Leadership Leap: The dramatic transition from city auditor to assistant city manager during an organizational upheaval
• The Self-Aware Leader: Zach's candid discussion on recognizing his limitations as a new city manager and strategically hiring experienced assistants
• Walking the Municipal Tightrope: Balancing the demands of elected officials, department heads, and citizens
• Mental Health in Leadership: Vulnerable reflections on managing stress during the pandemic and the importance of seeking help
• Building a Life Outside the Office: Practical strategies for protecting personal time and maintaining identity beyond the job title
• Professional Association Involvement: How engagement with municipal leadership organizations benefits both individual leaders and their communities

• LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/zach-walker-9572218b/
• Missouri City/County Management Association: www.momanagers.org

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.

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.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: "The Energy-Driven Municipal Leader" Episode 148 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: "The Power of Full Engagement" Series

Episode Overview Seth Winterhalter begins a 5-part exploration of the concepts from "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, revealing why managing energy—not time—is the key to high performance and personal renewal. Learn how to build capacity in four essential energy dimensions to transform both your professional effectiveness and personal fulfillment, specifically for city managers and administrators in your municipal world context.

Key Takeaways

• Why managing energy trumps managing time for sustainable performance
• The four sources of energy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual
• How strategic energy renewal practices prevent burnout and boost productivity
• The importance of creating positive energy rituals to sustain peak performance

Implementation Examples

• Structuring your workday around energy cycles rather than clock time
• Creating boundaries between work and recovery periods
• Designing morning and evening rituals to optimize energy management
• Aligning daily activities with your core values to access spiritual energy

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

• All five "Power of Full Engagement" podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete MLDC platform and app access
• Nationwide community of municipal leaders
• Use code "Podcast" for an exclusive discount: JOIN NOW

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
• Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

Connect With Seth

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

Show Notes: Amanda Mack: Finding Your Leadership ShoesEpisode 147 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter for an insightful conversation with Amanda Mack, City Administrator of Harrisburg, South Dakota. From her background in political organizing to becoming a city manager, Amanda shares her journey through municipal leadership, including the challenges of being the first city manager in a community transitioning to a new form of government. Discover her unique perspectives on building relationships, navigating political dynamics, and finding authentic leadership while maintaining personal well-being in the demanding world of city management.

Key Takeaways

• The non-linear path from political organizing to city administration
• Strategies for successful relationship-building with elected officials and staff
• The challenges and opportunities of being a city's first manager
• How national political discourse impacts local governance, even in small communities
• Finding ways to be vulnerable and authentic as a municipal leader
• Building and maintaining professional networks for support and growth
• The importance of intentional communication with elected officials
• Creating boundaries and work-life integration in an all-encompassing role
• Finding purpose in municipal work through community building

Notable Quotes "Every day we leave a mark on the world. And that is a real driving force for me... Keep at it. Keep your heads up. And continue with the noble cause of service." - Amanda Mack

"Local government for decades has had the privilege of being largely shielded from the national environment. That doesn't really exist anymore... Everything we do is political from how your garbage gets picked up to how you vote." - Amanda Mack

"The best leader is the self-aware leader. And that means coming to terms with where you falter and where you're not productive and where you're not living into who you're called to be." - Amanda Mack

Resources Mentioned

• Working Genius - Personality assessment tool for understanding team dynamics
• The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
• Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

Connect with Amanda Mack

• LinkedIn: Amanda Mack's LinkedIn Profile

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
• Website: www.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 an annual 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: "Navigating Two Minds in Municipal Leadership" Episode 146 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: "Thinking Fast and Slow" Series

Episode Overview Seth Winterhalter explores how Daniel Kahneman's fascinating research on decision-making applies directly to municipal leadership. Discover how understanding the two thinking systems in your brain can transform your effectiveness as a city manager and elevate your leadership approach when facing complex municipal challenges.

Key Takeaways

• The crucial distinction between "fast thinking" and "slow thinking" in leadership decision-making
• Why your reliable leadership instincts can sometimes undermine strategic effectiveness
• How to recognize when each thinking system serves you best in municipal governance
• Practical strategies for engaging your analytical mind when automatic responses aren't optimal

Leadership Application Examples

• Navigating political dynamics with both quick instinct and thoughtful analysis
• Transforming how you approach council presentations and community engagement
• Balancing crisis response with strategic consideration of broader implications
• Recognizing when your thinking patterns may be limiting organizational innovation

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
• Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

• All five podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete MLDC platform and app access
• Nationwide community of city managers and administrators
• Use coupon code "Podcast" for an exclusive discount: JOIN NOW

Connect With Seth

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