167: Shawna Davis: Blazing Your Own Trail, Balancing the Municipal Tightrope, and Fighting Burnout with Four Paws
Show Notes: Shawna Davis: Blazing Your Own Trail, Balancing the Municipal Tightrope, and Fighting Burnout with Four Paws Episode 167 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Shawna Davis, City Administrator of Odessa, Missouri. Shawna shares her journey from a small-town Illinois farm background to becoming one of Missouri's rising municipal leaders. With remarkable initiative and strategic career planning, Shawna transitioned from finance director to city administrator in just two years. Their conversation explores the realities of small-city leadership (managing 45 employees versus Olathe's 1,000+), the delicate dance between administrative leadership and elected official direction, and practical strategies for sustainable leadership in demanding municipal roles. Episode Highlights: Creating Your Own Opportunities: How Shawna proactively created her own internship by cold-calling a city administrator to job shadow when no formal positions existed Strategic Career Advancement: Shawna's deliberate path from Illinois Department of Corrections budget analyst to Olathe fellowship to Odessa leadership Small City Leadership Complexity: Managing a city of 5,600 with just 45 employees means wearing multiple hats - from finance director to public works director From Struggling Student to Finance Expert: The ironic journey from almost failing an accounting class in college to specializing in municipal finance and budgeting Balancing Municipal Stakeholders: Navigating the three-headed challenge of elected officials, staff, and citizens while maintaining a clear strategic direction Breaking Out of "We've Always Done It This Way": Bringing innovation to small-city operations, starting with basic technology upgrades like laptops The First Two Years of City Administration: Transitioning from keeping wheels turning to establishing strategic direction with elected officials Finding Personal Sustainability: Getting a dog as a deliberate strategy to create better work-life boundaries and prevent burnout Networking for Success: Leveraging conferences, professional associations, and experienced city managers as resources Contract Wisdom: The importance of carefully reviewing city administrator contracts with legal counsel to protect both parties Connect with Shawna Davis: LinkedIn: Connect with Shawna 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 as he keynotes 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
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1:33:49
166: David Cline: Undercover Cops, Crime-Ridden Hotels, and the Green River Killer
Show Notes: David Cline: Undercover Cops, Crime-Ridden Hotels, and the Green River Killer Episode 166 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Overview In this compelling episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews David Cline, a retired city administrator and current affiliate associate professor at the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. David shares his remarkable journey into city management from working with undercover narcotics officers to transforming crime-ridden neighborhoods as a city administrator. His career spans decades of public service, including roles at King County, the city of Burien, Lake Forest Park, and Tukwila. The conversation explores the purpose-driven nature of municipal work, the delicate balance between professional impact and family life, and how strategic leadership can transform communities for generations. Episode Highlights: From Student to Undercover Work: David's early career included an internship with an undercover narcotics task force, complete with flak jackets and search warrants Purpose-Driven Career: Why local government provides immediate impact and daily purpose unlike many other professions Family First Philosophy: How David restructured his approach to leadership after realizing the toll it was taking on his personal relationships Transforming Tukwila: The strategic initiatives that turned crime-ridden areas—including former hunting grounds of the Green River Killer—into safe, vibrant neighborhoods 400-Officer Operation: Leading a massive law enforcement initiative to take down criminal enterprises that had plagued the community for decades Strategic Planning: Creating a 10-year vision that guided community development long after his tenure Global Perspective: How David's experiences in Indonesia and Bolivia shaped his approach to community engagement and diversity Work-Life Integration: Practical tactics for balancing municipal leadership with family life, including coaching youth sports and creating boundaries Mentoring the Next Generation: David's current role teaching and inspiring students to pursue careers in local government The Power of Internships: How early career experiences in municipal government shape future leaders and create lasting professional connections From 30 to 350 Staff: The unique challenges of leading organizations of different sizes and compositions Connect with David Cline: 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. 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
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1:34:58
165: Book of the Week: Unreasonable Hospitality
Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – "Unreasonable Hospitality" Episode 165 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: "Unreasonable Hospitality" Series) Episode Overview 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. Key Takeaways 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 This Week’s Journey in the MLDC 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 Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial 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 Resources Mentioned Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara MLDC: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle: Learn More Weekly Newsletter – The Leader’s Lens Connect with Seth LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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164: Jimmy Liles: The Think Tank Approach to Municipal Innovation
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
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1:21:24
163: Luke Dyer: The Power of "Why Not Us? Why Not Now?"
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
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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