173: Jennifer Poirrier: Shifting Sands: Navigating Tourism, Hurricanes, and Leadership When You Never Planned to Be in Charge
Show Notes: Jennifer Poirrier - Shifting Sands: Navigating Tourism, Hurricanes and Leadership When You Never Planned to Be in ChargeEpisode 173 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Overview In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jennifer Poirrier, City Manager of Clearwater, Florida. Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from HR professional to leading a major tourism destination with 15 million annual visitors. Her story is one of unexpected leadership, as she never planned to become a city manager but found herself thrust into the role after serving as assistant city manager for just two months. Jennifer's people-first approach, rooted in her HR background, has helped Clearwater navigate back-to-back "500-year storms" that caused $80 million in damage, as well as challenging issues of tourism management, workforce development, and changing civic engagement dynamics. Episode Highlights: Private to Public Sector Journey: How the September 11th attacks catalyzed Jennifer's transition from private sector to government service The Power of Mentorship: The city managers who saw Jennifer's potential and pushed her beyond her comfort zone into leadership roles Hurricane Response and Recovery: Managing Clearwater through catastrophic storms that caused $80 million in damage and leading a team that accomplished "nothing short of a miracle" to restore operations Tourism Management Challenges: Balancing the needs of year-round residents who want a "small town feel" with the economic reality of hosting 15 million annual tourists HR Background as Leadership Strength: How Jennifer's focus on people and relationships uniquely prepared her for city management Leadership Through COVID: Being part of a small crisis team that guided the city through unprecedented pandemic challenges Florida's Transparency Paradox: The benefits of government transparency alongside the challenges created by Florida's extensive public records laws Addressing Public Meeting Disruptions: The difficult decision to remove non-agenda public comment after national groups targeted council meetings Work-Life Integration: Creating a "public service family" (husband in fire service and now city management, daughter in police academy) that supports her leadership role People-First Recognition: Being honored by the Tampa Bay Business Journal for modernizing Clearwater's compensation structure to attract and retain talent Connect with Jennifer Poirrier: LinkedIn: Jennifer Poirrier Resources Mentioned: Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) Annual Conference International City/County Management Association (ICMA) 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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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
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172: Kevin Phelps: From 'Near Bankruptcy' to Entertainment Powerhouse: Reimagining City Identity in the Desert
Show Notes: Kevin Phelps - From 'Near Bankruptcy' to Entertainment Powerhouse: Reimagining City Identity in the DesertEpisode 170 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Overview In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Kevin Phelps, City Manager of Glendale, Arizona. Kevin shares his remarkable journey from private sector entrepreneur to transformational public sector leader. With a business background that began with opening the Northwest's first video store chain (which even attracted FBI attention!), Kevin brings unique insights about applying private sector speed and accountability to government operations. Under his leadership, Glendale transformed from near-bankruptcy to financial prosperity by reimagining its identity as an entertainment powerhouse while developing a culture that enables innovation and calculated risk-taking in municipal government. Episode Highlights: Private to Public Sector Journey: How Kevin's entrepreneurial background, from video store owner to convention center developer, shaped his approach to public service Financial Transformation: The strategic shift that took Glendale from "financial straits worse than any city except Detroit" to nearly $300 million in reserves without raising property taxes Strategic City Differentiation: Why Kevin rejected competing with Scottsdale or Chandler on their strengths and instead leveraged Glendale's unique assets to create an entertainment-focused identity Speed as Competitive Advantage: The BMW dealership story that taught staff how delays cost taxpayers $100,000 per month in lost revenue Facilitators vs. Regulators: Transforming the development culture from regulatory obstacles to solution-finding partners White Claw Success Story: How Glendale used a detailed Gantt chart and relationship-building to complete a million-square-foot facility in just 282 days Risk Management Philosophy: "I've never terminated anybody here in Glendale for making a mistake. The only time I've had to make actions on personnel is because of how people treated other people." Chief Culture Officer: Kevin's perspective that his most important role is shaping organizational culture rather than managing operations Breaking Bureaucratic Silos: Rewarding department directors based on how much they help other departments, not just their own success Work-Life Boundaries: Why Kevin banned weekend email chains and encourages staff to turn off city communications after hours Strategic Leadership Transition: Kevin's thoughtful approach to stepping down at Glendale's peak rather than during decline Connect with Kevin Phelps: LinkedIn: Kevin Phelps on LinkedIn 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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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
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171: Book of the Week: The Happiness of Pursuit
Show Notes: Book of the Week – "The Happiness of Pursuit" Episode 171 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "The Happiness of Pursuit" Series) Episode Overview In this kickoff episode, Seth Winterhalter introduces a concept that feels revolutionary for municipal leaders: reclaiming personal fulfillment in the middle of public service. Drawing from Chris Guillebeau’s The Happiness of Pursuit, Seth challenges the idea that leadership must come at the cost of your own passion, purpose, and identity. This episode explores how rediscovering a personal “quest”—whether creative, physical, intellectual, or adventurous—can actually make you a more grounded, resilient, and effective city leader. Key Takeaways Why burnout often stems from disconnection, not just overwork The difference between a hobby and a meaningful personal quest Real examples of city leaders pursuing creative, physical, and restorative goals How contrast creates clarity and joy outside—and inside—the office Why your leadership is strengthened when your identity isn't swallowed by your role The power of presence, perspective, and purpose through pursuit This Week’s Journey in the MLDC Monday: The leader’s quest—why it matters now more than ever Tuesday–Thursday: Finding your pursuit, making space for it, and building support Friday: Virtual Book Club – From pursuit to legacy, how personal fulfillment enhances public impact Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle and get: All five episodes in the Happiness of Pursuit series Daily leadership tools and reflection prompts Entry to this week’s live Virtual Book Club Full access to MLDC’s nationwide community of city managers and municipal leaders 🔗 Start your free trial now at HaltingWinter.com Resources Mentioned Book: The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle Weekly Newsletter – The Leader’s Lens Connect with Seth LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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170: Dawn Peters: The Shame No City Manager Talks About (But Everyone Feels)
Show Notes: Dawn Peters - "The Shame No City Manager Talks About (But Everyone Feels)"Episode 170 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Dawn Peters, Executive Director for both the Illinois and Wisconsin City and County Management Associations and Assistant Director of the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University. Dawn shares her unexpected journey from growing up in a family restaurant business to becoming one of the most influential figures in municipal leadership development across the Midwest. Their conversation explores the emotional challenges of public service leadership, the vital importance of professional support networks, and strategies for sustainable leadership in demanding municipal roles. Dawn's candid reflections on vulnerability, shame, and asking for help offer powerful insights for municipal leaders at all stages of their careers. Episode Highlights: An Unconventional Path to Public Service: How Dawn evolved from hospital auxiliary volunteer to leading two state municipal associations without ever serving as a city manager Bold Career Moves: The pivotal moment when Dawn boldly told a mentor "I want your job" and how that single conversation changed her professional trajectory The Municipal Leadership Support Gap: Why city managers need protected spaces to be vulnerable and share challenges without public scrutiny Work-Life Integration Reality: Why "work-life balance" is a myth and how leaders can instead leverage seasonal cycles for sustainable leadership Breaking Through the Shame Barrier: The emotional burden that city managers carry and why asking for help is both essential and incredibly difficult Creating Transformative Internships: How meaningful internships expose future leaders to the full municipal experience rather than just busy work Leadership Through Self-Advocacy: The power of asking for what you want and how advocating for yourself creates unexpected opportunities The Midwest Leadership Institute: An innovative program helping leaders develop emotional intelligence to better navigate interpersonal dynamics Invisible Impact: The professional challenge of taking credit in a role where you're taught to stay behind the scenes Finding Your Community: How professional associations provide crucial support, mentorship, and safe spaces for growth Connect with Dawn Peters: LinkedIn: Connect with Dawn 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 as he keynotes the 2025 APWA South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference in Spartanburg, June 23rd-26th. Register here: https://southcarolina.apwa.org/event/2025-annual-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 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
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169: Peter Crichton: From 'The Dark Side' to Lasting Impact: Leading with Your Glass Half Full
Show Notes: Peter Crichton: From 'The Dark Side' to Lasting Impact: Leading with Your Glass Half Full Episode 169 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Peter Crichton, retired city and county manager turned author. With over four decades in public service, Peter shares his remarkable journey from a small town in northern Maine (Mars Hill) to leading Cumberland County for nearly 20 years and serving as city manager of Auburn. The conversation explores Peter's leadership philosophy detailed in his new book "Leading with My Glass Half Full," the challenges and opportunities of county management, and his innovative approaches to building effective teams and implementing strategic plans that transformed local government in Maine. Episode Highlights: Small Town Roots, Big Impact: How growing up in Mars Hill (population under 2,000) and attending town meetings with his father at age 8 sparked Peter's passion for local government From Political Aspirations to Management Excellence: Peter's transition from Democratic Party involvement to appointed leadership positions in local government Building Organizational Capacity: Creating Cumberland County's first-ever Finance Director position Strategic Planning for Buy-In: Using strategic planning to build relationships and trust with municipal officials who viewed county government as "the dark side" Team-Building Philosophy: The powerful insight that "you can't fly like an eagle if you're flying with turkeys" and how Peter built dream teams throughout his career Stepping Back to Move Forward: Peter's unconventional leadership approach of letting others lead strategic initiatives rather than being the face of every project Working with Elected Officials: Navigating the complexities of having just three county commissioners who could make or break a county manager's career Finding Work-Life Balance: Peter's practice of taking his children's birthdays off and the critical role his wife Jen played in major career decisions Career Transitions: The wisdom of knowing when to move on, including Peter's shift from Cumberland County to Auburn after 18+ years Strategic Plan Implementation: How Peter adapted from 8 committees to 3 at Auburn to make his strategic vision more achievable while maintaining impact Connect with Peter Crichton: LinkedIn: Connect with Peter Here Purchase "Leading with My Glass Half Full" on Amazon 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 world 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
The HaltingWinter Podcast offers insights and strategies for city managers and municipal leaders to transform their leadership, energize their teams, and revitalize their municipalities. Hosted by Seth Winterhalter, President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, we explore innovative approaches to balance personal well-being with professional growth while cultivating a vibrant workplace culture.
Discover how to lead with purpose, navigate complex challenges, and deliver exceptional results for your community. Each episode provides actionable advice to help you thrive in the unique landscape of municipal leadership.
Whether you're a seasoned city manager or new to municipal leadership, this podcast is your resource for personal and professional growth. Tune in and join our mission of making stronger cities through stronger leaders.
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