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Ever wonder how early life experiences shape effective leadership? In our latest episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we explore how small-town values translate into big-city success.
Meet Austin Bleess, City Manager of Jersey Village, Texas, whose leadership journey began as an eight-year-old paperboy trudging through Minnesota’s sub-zero winters. Those early morning routes taught him persistence—a quality that would later help him secure over $30 million in grants for his community.
In Jersey Village, Bleess faces challenges that would make most leaders sweat:
Yet it’s his small-town approach—focusing on people first—that makes the difference.
But this isn’t just another success story. Bleess offers raw insights into the real challenges of municipal leadership:
Whether you’re:
This episode offers valuable insights into building resilient communities while maintaining personal well-being.
Leadership isn’t just about managing crises or securing grants—it’s about building communities where people thrive. As Bleess reminds us, “You are a person outside of just what the job title is.”
Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode now and learn how small-town values can transform city leadership.
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Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.