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Ben Lipps: When Leadership Gets Personal Incivility, Threats, and Staying Steady in Local Government Episode 290 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What happens when leadership stops being theoretical and starts showing up at your door? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Ben Lipps, Town Manager of Cumberland, Indiana, to explore what it means to lead when public service becomes personal. Ben's journey into local government didn't begin in city hall; it began on the front lines of public works. From mowing grass and fixing potholes to supervising infrastructure, managing emergencies, and ultimately stepping into the town manager's seat, Ben's story is one of earned credibility, steady growth, and leadership forged through experience rather than title. But this conversation goes deeper. Ben shares candidly about navigating community growth, zoning conflict, and the rising incivility many local government leaders now face, including personal threats that tested not just his role, but his resilience. Together, Seth and Ben unpack the emotional weight of the manager's chair, the hidden cost of public outrage, and what it takes to stay grounded when leadership stops at 5:00 pm for no one. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Becky Windt Pearson: Governing at the Edge of the World What Alaska Teaches Us About Leadership, Resilience, and Responsibility Episode 289 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What does leadership look like when your city is the end of the road...literally? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Becky Windt Pearson, City Manager of Anchorage, Alaska, to explore what municipal leadership looks like in one of the most demanding contexts in North America. Anchorage isn't just Alaska's largest city; it's a hub for healthcare, transportation, emergency response, and essential services for communities across the state. That reality creates pressures, responsibilities, and leadership challenges that most cities never face. And yet, the lessons Becky shares extend far beyond Alaska. This conversation is about clarity under pressure, leadership without illusion, and the responsibility local government carries when no one else can step in. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Burnout Epidemic Episode 288 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Your wellness program isn't fixing burnout, and Jennifer Moss explains why. This week's MLDC book, "The Burnout Epidemic," reveals that burnout isn't a personal problem requiring more yoga and meditation apps. It's an organizational design flaw that local government leaders have the power to fix. In this episode, Seth introduces the six root causes of burnout and why each one shows up uniquely in municipal and county government. Moss wrote this book during the pandemic while experiencing burnout herself, and her insights hit differently for leaders still navigating hybrid work, staffing shortages, and exhausted teams. This isn't another self-care prescription. It's a framework for diagnosing what's actually broken in your organization and taking specific steps to fix it. Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) to explore this book in depth with daily insights, practical applications, and a community of peers facing the same challenges. Learn more at HaltingWinter.com/MLDC. Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series 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 live, weekly, virtual mastermind session      ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC Resources Mentioned Book: The Burnout Epidemic by Jennifer Moss Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Jennifer Bromeland: When Small Cities Carry Big Expectations Collaboration, Communication, and Community Trust Episode 287 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jennifer Bromeland, City Administrator of Eagle Lake, Minnesota, to explore what leadership really looks like in small cities: where expectations are high, resources are limited, and relationships matter more than titles. Jennifer shares her journey into local government, the realities of leading in small and rural communities, and why collaboration across sectors isn't a "nice-to-have," but essential to community success. From working closely with school districts to address childcare shortages to navigating growth, identity, and trust in a bedroom community, this conversation highlights the unseen work that keeps cities moving forward. This episode is a powerful reminder that small cities don't have small problems and that effective municipal leadership is built on communication, adaptability, and trust. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Dennis Champine: Built for the Long Haul How One City Manager Outlasted Politics, Turnover, and Trend-Driven Leadership Episode 286 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What does it take to last in local government when the average city manager tenure is shrinking and the pressure keeps rising? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Dennis Champine, City Manager of Center Line, Michigan, recently named one of the Top 10 City Managers of 2025. Dennis has served his community for more than a decade, not by chasing headlines or political wins, but by playing the long game. Dennis' story is anything but traditional. From growing up in a low-income household, to serving in the Marine Corps, to entering formal higher education at age 40, his path into city management was shaped by service, setbacks, and lived experience, not ambition for the title. In this conversation, Dennis shares what he's learned about endurance in a role designed to wear people down, including: Why longevity in city management comes from listening more than persuading How he reduced one of the highest tax rates in his county without cutting services The power of regional and federal partnerships to create new revenue without burdening residents What it really means to remain professionally neutral in an increasingly polarized environment How to engage residents when few show up to meetings, but everyone has an opinion Why integrity, restraint, and humility matter more than being right or popular This episode is for city managers, administrators, and senior leaders who are tired of trend-driven leadership and short-term thinking and who want to build something that lasts. If you've ever wondered how to stay grounded, effective, and human in the middle of political pressure and public scrutiny, this conversation is for you. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Grit Episode 285 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Why do some municipal leaders thrive through decades of service while others burn out or quit internally? This week in the MLDC, Seth Winterhalter is working through Angela Duckworth's "Grit" and finds the answer isn't about intelligence or charisma. It's about something you can actually develop in yourself and your team. The private sector recruits talent with money. You build capacity through mission and culture. Learn how to harness grit for incredible impact, both for yourself and your municipal organization. Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series 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 live, weekly, virtual mastermind session      ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC Resources Mentioned Special Announcement: Head to our YouTube channel to gain access to our first Leadership & Culture Training Session of 2026: "Personal Well-Being When Work-Life Balance is BS." This webinar is a feature for MLDC/L&C members and is only available to the public through January 31st! Book: Grit by Angela Duckworth L&C Training Session: YouTube Channel MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Rose Beverly: Holding the Line When a City Is Struggling Financial Strain, Fragile Public Trust, and the Work No One Sees Episode 284 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What does leadership look like when you inherit financial strain, face fragile public trust, and are still expected to keep a city moving forward? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Rose Beverly, City Manager of Paris, Texas, for an honest and grounded conversation about the realities of municipal leadership when the work is weighty, the challenges feel overwhelming, and the solutions aren't immediate. Rose shares her unconventional path into local government, from rural Idaho and elected office, to city administration roles in Minnesota and Kentucky, and now leading a regional hub city in Texas, where she finds herself navigating deferred infrastructure, financial pressure, and community expectations. Throughout the conversation, she offers a rare look at what it means to step into complexity you didn't create, but are now responsible for stewarding. This episode isn't about quick wins or polished success stories. It's about holding the line, earning trust slowly, and doing the work that matters even when it goes unseen. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Elvin "EJ" Hardwick: Finding the Call Before the Title Youth Councils, Public Service, and the Making of a Town Manager Episode 283 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What happens when someone discovers their calling before they ever hold the title? In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Elvin "EJ" Hardwick, Town Manager of Somerset, Maryland, and one of Government Business Review's Top 10 Town Managers to Watch. EJ's journey into municipal leadership didn't begin in graduate school or a corner office; it started as a teenager serving on a Youth City Council and a citizen recycling committee. This conversation explores what it looks like to grow into leadership early, stay grounded in service, and lead at the most human level of government, where politics fade and community takes center stage. EJ shares honest reflections on stepping into the town manager role at a young age, navigating council–staff–community dynamics, and creating space for innovation, youth voice, and belonging in a small but vibrant municipality just outside Washington, D.C. This episode is both a reminder and an invitation: Local government doesn't just maintain systems; it shapes lives. And the future of the profession depends on who we invite in early, how we mentor them, and whether we help them find the call before the title. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Download your free e-book on cloud managment at tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Deep Work Episode 282 of The HaltingWinter Podcast This week in the Municipal Leadership Development Circle, Seth Winterhalter breaks down the key insights from Cal Newport's book, Deep Work, and it might be the most important book you read as a local government leader trying to produce impactful work. When was the last time you had three uninterrupted hours to think strategically? For most city managers, county administrators, and department heads, the answer is "I can't remember." That's the crisis Newport addresses: your most important work requires sustained focus, but everything about your work environment destroys your ability to concentrate. In this episode, Seth breaks down why the ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it's becoming increasingly valuable and what that means for your leadership effectiveness. Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series 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 live, weekly, virtual mastermind session      ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC Resources Mentioned Special Announcement: Head to our YouTube channel to gain access to our first Leadership & Culture Training Session of 2026: "Personal Well-Being When Work-Life Balance is BS." This webinar is a feature for MLDC/L&C members and is only available to the public through January 31st! Book: Deep Work by Cal Newport L&C Training Session: YouTube Channel MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Kevin Robinson: Called When the Water Rose Floods, Crisis Leadership, and Carrying a City Forward Episode 281 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What does leadership look like when the plan collapses, the water keeps rising, and an entire city is depending on steady hands? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Kevin Robinson, City Manager of Spencer, Iowa, to explore a leadership journey shaped not by ambition, but by service, timing, and crisis. Kevin's path into city management is anything but traditional. From nonprofit work and private-sector entrepreneurship to serving as mayor, cemetery superintendent, and eventually stepping into city leadership during one of the most devastating floods in Spencer's history, his story is a powerful reminder that leadership often finds us before we feel ready. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what crisis leadership really demands in local government, long after the cameras leave and the headlines fade. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Download their free guides and more at tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Troy Body: When You've Seen the World, You Lead Differently Perspective, Pressure, and the Power of Local Government Episode 280 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What changes when you've led through war zones, natural disasters, political upheaval, and then step into city management? For Troy Body, City Administrator of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, leadership didn't come through a straight line. His journey spans Appalachia, national media, state government, post-Katrina New Orleans, South Sudan, and multiple regions of Africa, before ultimately landing in local government. In this conversation with our host, Seth Winterhalter, Troy shares how global experience reshaped his understanding of pressure, responsibility, and perspective and why those lessons matter deeply in city management today. This episode is a powerful reminder that there is no single path into local government leadership, and that perspective, earned through hardship, service, and lived experience, changes how leaders show up when the work is heavy and the criticism is loud. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Episode 279 of The HaltingWinter Podcast This week's MLDC book addresses what might be the most important leadership challenge you're not talking about: hurry. Not busyness...hurry. The frantic, reactive pace that's destroying your effectiveness, your relationships, and your sustainability. Seth Winterhalter introduces John Mark Comer's powerful framework and invites you to join the MLDC for a week exploring how to eliminate hurry from your leadership. Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series 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 live, weekly, virtual mastermind session      ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC Resources Mentioned Book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Jamie Gwynn: Leading Without Losing Yourself Work, Family, and the Hidden Cost of Municipal Leadership Episode 278 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies Municipal leadership doesn't just test your competence; it tests your identity. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth sits down with Jamie Gwynn, Township Manager of New Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, for a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to lead over the long haul without losing yourself in the process. Jamie's path into city management wasn't linear or polished. From being raised in a pizza shop that doubled as a political crossroads, to struggling academically, to teaching in Baltimore through Teach for America, to stepping into the manager's chair at just 29 years old, his story mirrors the reality many local government leaders live but rarely articulate. Together, Seth and Jamie unpack the hidden costs of municipal leadership: the pressure to always be on, the temptation to define yourself by the job, and the quiet toll leadership can take on health, relationships, and presence at home. This is not a conversation about "balance" as a buzzword. It's about intention, sustainability, and staying human in a profession that constantly asks for more. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed specifically for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Andy Pederson: Called to the Chaos Leadership, Longevity, and Managing What Never Stands Still Episode 277 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies City management isn't a job you stumble into with a master plan. It's a calling you discover, often in the middle of uncertainty, pressure, and moments that demand more than you thought you had to give. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Andy Pederson, Village Manager of Bayside, Wisconsin, and President-Elect of the ICMA, to explore a leadership journey shaped not by ambition, but by presence, persistence, and purpose. With more than 20 years leading the same community, Andy reflects on what it means to steward a city through constant change: natural disasters, infrastructure challenges, regional collaboration, and moments of tragedy that redefine perspective. He shares how small communities can move fast, why relationships matter more than structure, and how leadership is often forged in moments no one prepares you for. This conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply human, serving as an affirmation for leaders carrying unseen weight and navigating work that never stands still. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed specifically for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Balance is BS Episode 276 of The HaltingWinter Podcast If you've ever felt stretched between work and home, purpose and exhaustion, service and sustainability, well, you're not alone. And more importantly: you're not failing. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter introduces the MLDC Book of the Week: Balance Is BS: How to Thrive in the Tension of Municipal Life & Leadership, based on his most requested keynote and the book he's currently writing. This conversation challenges the deeply ingrained idea that healthy leadership requires "work–life balance." For municipal leaders, that myth often creates guilt instead of clarity and pressure instead of peace. In this episode, we explore: Why balance doesn't fit the realities of local government How the balance myth fuels shame for leaders who care deeply Why tension is not a sign of failure but significance The shift from chasing balance to leading with intention Seth also shares how this week's theme is being explored more deeply inside the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) through daily podcasts, blog reflections, and a private community of local government leaders across North America. Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series 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      ✔ Live, virtual mastermind sessions      ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDC Resources Mentioned Book: Coming Soon!!! MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com