Stephanie Hirsch: The Systems and the Souls: How Municipal Leadership Bridges Data and Humanity

Episode 252 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What happens when a brilliant data-driven mind decides that logic alone can't solve human problems?

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Stephanie Hirsch, City Manager of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to explore the rare intersection of intellect, empathy, and public service.

From growing up just a mile from Eau Claire City Hall to serving as its city manager decades later, Stephanie's journey spans rural Georgia, Boston's City Hall, and the streets of Philadelphia during the AIDS and crack epidemics. Along the way, she's learned one profound truth: government works best when systems and souls are aligned.

Her story is both analytical and deeply human, showing how data, incentives, and performance must ultimately serve people, not processes.

• The heartbreaking inefficiency of government service delivery and what it takes to fix it.

• Why aligned incentives matter more than good intentions in creating public impact.

• Lessons from working in communities shaped by race, class, and history and how empathy changes leadership.

• The difference between "old-school doers" and "new-school data" and why cities need both.

• How longevity and professionalism can create cultures of excellence in local government.

• Why knocking on doors and listening might be the most powerful leadership act of all.

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• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
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Enrico Villegas: From Manual Labor to Municipal Leadership: The Journey from Doing to Leading

Episode 251 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What does it take to go from digging trenches in the summer heat to leading a full-service city?

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter explores the remarkable journey of Enrico Villegas, City Manager of Hutchinson, Kansas, and a story defined by grit, curiosity, and the courage to keep learning when no one's handing you the answers.

From growing up in a small Iowa town to teaching English in Japan, from late-night study sessions at "the University of Google" to managing multimillion-dollar public works projects, Enrico's story is a masterclass in building leadership the hard way and the right way.

We dive into:

• Adversity as a teacher: How a tough upbringing and manual-labor jobs shaped Enrico's resilience and work ethic.

• Curiosity as a catalyst: Why self-education and endless questioning opened doors that formal credentials never could.

• The turning point: How a landscaping job, a six-foot trench, and a photo became a lifelong reminder of perspective.

• From technician to city manager: The leap from project inspector to public works to the city's top seat and what it really takes to lead people, not just projects.

• Redefining neighborhood improvement: How Hutchinson is tackling blight, revitalizing streets, and restoring civic pride.

• Leadership philosophy: Why Enrico believes real progress begins when you stop playing it safe and start leading with conviction.

Show Some Love for Our Sponsor

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter

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

Show Notes: Book of the Week – Crucial Conversations
Episode 250 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

You know the conversation needs to happen. The underperforming department head. The contentious council member. The angry community meeting. But you're not sure how to navigate it without making things worse.

In this week's MLDC Book of the Week episode, Seth Winterhalter explores Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzer, translating its insights specifically for local government leaders navigating limited authority, maximum accountability, and constant political complexity.

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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

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Crucial Conversations
• MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc

Connect with Seth

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