The Power of a Day: The Transformational Power of Mentorship in Public Service

Episode 246 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What if one day could change your entire career?

For Tansy Hayward, City Manager of Thornton, Colorado, that day came when she shadowed a local government leader as a college student and discovered the purpose that would define her life’s work.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Tansy joins Seth Winterhalter to share how mentorship, curiosity, and courage opened the door to a career that has taken her from small-town Kansas to some of the most dynamic cities in America. From rebuilding trust in Tacoma after crisis, to leading Raleigh through explosive growth, to shaping Thornton’s future today, her story is a powerful reminder of how local government leaders can change lives simply by letting others in.

“We don’t have to be shields for others; we need to be bridges.” — Tansy Hayward

Tansy’s journey will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of service and the importance of paying forward the opportunities we’ve been given.

Whether you’re a seasoned city manager, an emerging leader, or a student curious about public service, this conversation captures the heart of what leadership looks like when it’s driven by purpose and generosity.

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Episode Highlights

• How one day shadowing a city manager became a career-defining experience.
• The mentors who opened doors—and how their generosity shaped her leadership philosophy.
• What it takes to rebuild organizational trust after crisis.
• Why city managers should invite transparency, not perfection.
• Lessons on culture, growth, and community from four regions of the U.S.

Listen now: 246: Tansy Hayward: The Power of a Day: The Transformational Power of Mentorship in Public Service (Available now on all major podcast platforms and www.haltingwinter.com)

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Supported by our sponsor:
Cities don’t just need software, they need systems that help them serve better.

Tyler Technologies partners with local governments to modernize services, strengthen transparency, and empower staff to deliver the kind of efficiency residents actually feel.

Discover how Tyler is helping cities build resilience, trust, and connection at www.tylertech.com/winter

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The HaltingWinter Podcast celebrates and elevates the people who power local government. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from cities, counties, and communities of all sizes, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and innovations happening in municipal leadership across America.