Show Notes: Dustin Stambaugh: Building Trust Through Vulnerability in Municipal Leadership Episode 141 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter as he interviews Dustin Stambaugh, City Administrator of Fairfax, Iowa, for an authentic conversation about navigating the challenges of being a city's first administrator. From military service to municipal leadership, Dustin shares insights on building trust through vulnerability, managing transition, and finding personal-professional balance in public service.

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning military leadership skills to municipal management
• The importance of patience and observation in new leadership roles
• Building trust through authentic vulnerability
• Managing resistance to organizational change
• The value of professional networks and mentorship
• Balancing professional growth with personal well-being
• Finding community connection through local engagement

Leadership Insights

• The power of strategic patience in organizational change
• Converting military experience into municipal management skills
• Building trust through transparent communication
• The importance of maintaining personal interests and community connections
• Managing transition as a city's first administrator
• Balancing authority with relationship building
• The value of authentic leadership in public service

Resources Mentioned

• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• 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 Dustin Stambaugh

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinstambaugh/

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, 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 checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: "Finding Focus in the Age of Distraction" Episode 142 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: The Deep Work Series

Episode Overview In this opening episode of our Deep Work series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Cal Newport's fascinating work on focused productivity specifically applies to municipal leadership, revealing why the ability to engage in deep work is crucial for city managers who must balance immediate responsiveness with strategic thinking.

Key Takeaways

• Why traditional approaches to accessibility may undermine leadership effectiveness
• The critical difference between being responsive and being strategic
• How sustained focus enables transformative community initiatives
• The relationship between deep work and service quality

Implementation Examples

• Creating systems for managing interruptions
• Balancing accessibility with focused work
• Developing clear protocols for urgent matters
• Establishing productive work patterns

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

• All five Deep Work podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete access to the MLDC online platform and app
• Nationwide community of municipal leaders
• Start your free trial today: JOIN NOW

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
• 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: Phil Kiraly: Finding Purpose in Public Service Episode 139 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter as he interviews Phil Kiraly, Village Manager of Glencoe, Illinois, for a compelling conversation about finding purpose in public service. From his family's refugee story to innovative municipal leadership, Phil shares insights on thoughtful change management, maintaining personal well-being while managing Type 1 diabetes, and creating a culture of purposeful public service.

Key Takeaways

• The impact of family legacy on public service commitment
• How to implement change through thoughtful, strategic communication
• Strategies for maintaining work-life integration in municipal leadership
• Building trust through transparent communication and community engagement
• The importance of professional associations and peer relationships
• Creating innovative solutions to traditional municipal challenges

Career Highlights Discussed

• Journey from Parks & Recreation to City Management
• Two-year internship with Village of Skokie
• Assistant Village Manager roles in Deerfield and Northbrook
• Village Manager of Glencoe since 2013
• President of Illinois City/County Management Association
• Implementation of innovative integrated public safety department

Leadership Insights

• Converting "progress without change" to "progress requires thoughtful change"
• Building community trust through strategic communication
• Leveraging technology and social media for citizen engagement
• Creating cross-functional teams and innovative service delivery models
• The importance of staying connected to ground-level operations
• Balancing innovation with community traditions

Resources Mentioned

• Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA)
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• 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 Phil Kiraly

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-kiraly-icma-cm-25016360/

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

The MLDC  The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, 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 checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: "Mindset and Municipal Leadership"Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Part 1 of 5: The Mindset Series

Episode Overview In this first episode of our Mindset series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Carol Dweck's fascinating research on mindset applies specifically to municipal leadership, revealing how city managers' beliefs about growth and adaptation fundamentally shape their effectiveness as leaders and their cities' futures.

Key Takeaways

• How mindset impacts your response to council criticism and setbacks
• The relationship between leadership mindset and organizational culture
• Why growth-oriented leaders see challenges differently
• How your mindset shapes team development and innovation

Implementation Examples

• Transforming council meeting dynamics
• Reframing departmental challenges
• Enhancing team feedback processes
• Building resilient leadership practices

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

• All five Mindset podcast episodes
• Daily deep-dive blog posts
• Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
• Complete access to the MLDC online platform
• Nationwide community of municipal leaders
• Start your free trial HERE

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck
• 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: Travis Rothweiler: From Department Silos to 'One City' Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Travis Rothweiler, City Manager of Twin Falls, Idaho, for an inspiring discussion about transformational leadership and organizational culture. From his early start as a city administrator at age 28 to implementing the innovative "One City" initiative, Travis shares powerful insights on breaking down departmental silos, developing leaders at all levels, and maintaining personal balance in public service.

Key Takeaways

• How to transform traditional hierarchical structures into collaborative environments
• The power of empowering employees to think like city managers
• Strategies for implementing organization-wide leadership development
• Balancing professional demands with personal well-being
• The importance of humility in executive leadership
• Creating psychological safety for innovation and decision-making

Career Highlights Discussed

• Fifth-generation Montanan turned Idaho public servant
• City Administrator of Jerome, Idaho at age 28
• Assistant City Manager role under 32-year veteran Tom Courtney
• 14 years as City Manager of Twin Falls
• Development and implementation of the One City initiative
• Leadership through significant economic development wins

Leadership Insights

• Moving from expert-based to collaborative decision-making
• Building trust through vulnerability and grace
• Empowering employees to lead the budget process
• Creating parallel teams to solve organizational challenges
• The importance of mentorship in leadership development
• Balancing family commitments with city management demands

Personal Development Insights

• Transition from Ironman training to family priorities
• Using fly fishing as both recreation and a leadership metaphor
• The importance of setting boundaries in a 24/7 role
• Managing crisis situations while maintaining personal balance
• Building sustainable leadership practices

Resources Mentioned

• 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 Seth Winterhalter

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

The MLDC  The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Episode 136 of The HaltingWinter Podcast "From Good to Great in Municipal Leadership" Episode Overview In this first episode of our Good to Great series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Jim Collins' groundbreaking research in his best-selling book, "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't," applies specifically to municipal leadership, revealing how city managers can transform their organizations from good to great despite public sector constraints.

Key Takeaways

• Why great organizations don't set out to become great
• The unique challenges and opportunities in municipal transformation
• Three key distinctions between good and great municipal organizations
• How to drive excellence within public sector constraints

Implementation Examples

• Infrastructure maintenance transformation
• Cross-departmental innovation
• Strategic resource allocation
• Community engagement enhancement

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "Good to Great" by Jim Collins
• The HaltingWinter Podcast: Episode 125 with Mike Land 
• Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe for Free to The Leader's Lens
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth

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

MLDC Membership Benefits Access the complete Good to Great series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through an MLDC membership. Get exclusive access to:

• Daily leadership content
• Implementation guides
• Deep-dive podcast episodes
• Virtual Book Club discussions
• Peer discussion forums

Use promo code "podcast" for 20% off annual membership. Learn More -->

Show Notes: Sam Toles: From Hollywood to City Hall: Transforming Municipal Social Media Episode 135 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Sam Toles, CEO of CiviSocial, for an innovative exploration of municipal communications in the digital age. Drawing from his extraordinary career spanning Hollywood studios, social media platforms, and local government, Sam shares transformative insights about authentic storytelling, modern engagement strategies, and empowering city staff to become effective content creators.

Key Takeaways

• Why traditional media approaches no longer serve local governments effectively
• The power of authentic, staff-driven video content in building community trust
• How to transform municipal communications without adding new staff
• Understanding the evolution from Social Media 1.0 to 2.0
• The surprising trust advantage local governments have over traditional media
• Strategies for empowering young staff members as content creators

Career Highlights Discussed

• Executive roles at major entertainment companies including MGM and Bleacher Report
• Experience as an elected City Council member
• Creation of innovative social media strategies for major brands
• Work with leading content creators including MrBeast
• Transition from entertainment industry to municipal consulting
• Development of municipal-focused social media training programs

Leadership Insights

• How to identify and empower natural content creators within your staff
• Converting technical information into engaging stories
• Building authentic connections through video content
• Managing political dynamics in municipal communications
• Transforming PIOs from content creators to content strategists
• Leveraging trust in local government for better engagement

Key Concepts Covered

• The shift from text-based to video-based social media
• Why comments matter less than shares in modern social media
• How to use AI tools effectively in municipal communications
• The importance of authentic, personal storytelling
• Strategies for breaking down departmental communication silos
• Building a sustainable content creation culture in local government

Connect With Sam Toles

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samtoles1/
• Website: www.CiviSocial.com

Resources Mentioned

• 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 Seth Winterhalter

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

MLDC Launch Week The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Episode 134 "Breaking Free from Carrot-and-Stick Leadership: Motivation That Works" Part 1 of 5 The Drive Series The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview In this first episode of our series exploring Daniel Pink's "Drive," Seth Winterhalter challenges traditional approaches to motivation in municipal government, revealing why the most successful city managers aren't those with the biggest incentive programs, but those who understand the true science of motivation.

Key Takeaways

• Why traditional reward systems often fail in municipal settings
• The unique motivational advantages of public service
• How to leverage meaning over monetary incentives
• The three fundamental elements that drive high performance in municipal government

Practical Applications

• Converting metrics into meaning
• Connecting daily tasks to community impact
• Creating engagement through purposeful challenge
• Balancing structure with autonomy

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel Pink
• The HaltingWinter Podcast: Episode 127 with Sam Anselm on "Why Performance Reviews Are Crippling Municipal Culture"
• Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe for Free to The Leader's Lens
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth

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

MLDC Membership Benefits Access the complete Drive series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through an MLDC membership. Get exclusive access to:

• Daily leadership content
• Implementation guides
• Deep-dive podcast episodes
• Virtual Book Club discussions
• Peer discussion forums

Use promo code "podcast" for 20% off annual membership. Learn More -->

Show Notes: Monte Walker: Broadcasting, Business & Building the Future Episode 133 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Monte Walker, City Administrator of Howe, Texas, for a fascinating journey through municipal leadership from a uniquely multi-dimensional perspective. From his 30-year career as a sports broadcaster to owning the local newspaper and now leading his hometown's administration, Monte shares invaluable insights on community connection, cultural transformation, and preparing for transformative growth.

Key Takeaways

• The advantage of deep community roots in municipal leadership
• How diverse private sector experience enhances public service
• Strategies for managing cultural transformation during staff transitions
• Balancing small-town character with inevitable growth
• The importance of long-term infrastructure decisions in shaping a city's future
• Building trust through transparent communication and community engagement

Career Highlights Discussed

• Multi-generational family history in Howe dating back to 1895
• 30+ years as a high school sports broadcaster
• Former owner of local newspaper publication
• Economic Development Director experience
• Leadership through critical infrastructure decisions
• Managing cultural transformation as City Administrator

Leadership Insights

• Leveraging communication skills from broadcasting in municipal leadership
• Building trust through consistent community presence and engagement
• Balancing transparency with professional boundaries
• The importance of cultural fit in building an effective municipal team
• Making decisions with 75-year impact while maintaining current operations

Key Projects Discussed

• Wastewater treatment planning for future growth
• Historical church building restoration project
• Cultural transformation within city staff
• Managing infrastructure emergencies in extreme weather
• Preparing for population growth from 3,700 to 10,000

Resources Mentioned

• 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 Seth Winterhalter

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

MLDC Launch Week The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched last week, on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE

Show Notes: Episode 132: The Effective Executive The HaltingWinter Podcast

In this episode and the first of a new five-part series (for MLDC members) on Peter Drucker's book, "The Effective Executive," Seth Winterhalter challenges our fundamental understanding of leadership effectiveness. Through the compelling story of a dedicated city manager, discover why being productive might actually be holding you back from being truly effective, and learn how to make the crucial shift from "doing things right" to "doing the right things."

Key Takeaways

• The critical distinction between productivity and effectiveness in municipal leadership
• Why traditional measures of productivity can mask ineffectiveness
• Four essential strategies for becoming a more effective leader
• The relationship between strategic focus and leadership impact

Core Principles Explored

• Strategic Time Management: Moving beyond "busy" to "effective"
• Decision Impact: Making fewer but more significant decisions
• Team Development: Building self-sufficient operational teams
• Strategic Space: Creating room for true leadership work

Leadership Applications

• Identifying truly important priorities versus urgent tasks
• Developing criteria for strategic decision-making
• Creating systems for effective delegation
• Establishing space for strategic thinking

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "The Effective Executive" by Peter Drucker
• The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
• Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): More Here

Connect With Seth

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

MLDC Membership Benefits Access the complete emotional intelligence series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through MLDC membership. Includes exclusive access to daily content, implementation guides, and peer discussion forums.

Learn More Here