Intashan Chowdhury: The Young Disruptor
Rethinking Risk, Reinventing Culture, and Redefining What's Possible in Local Gov

Episode 270 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

What happens when the youngest city manager in New Jersey refuses to accept "the way it's always been done"?

You get a leader like Intashan Chowdhury—curious, principled, resilient, and unafraid to push the boundaries of what local government can be.

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Intashan, who shares his journey from a Bangladeshi-American immigrant household in Patterson, NJ, to becoming Borough Administrator of Englewood Cliffs. His story is one of early opportunity, relentless curiosity, and the kind of mentorship that shapes a career and a person.

Sponsored by:

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

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

Jenny Haruyama: High Stakes, Human Stories
Balancing Politics, People, and Progress in Municipal Leadership

Episode 269 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

In this episode, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jenny Haruyama, City Manager of Beaverton, Oregon, a leader shaped by public service, grounded in humility, and forged through some of the most complex governance and organizational transitions a city can face.

Jenny's story spans California and Oregon, from part-time recreation roles to negotiating cable franchise agreements, navigating redevelopment dissolution, leading through the Great Recession, managing grand jury findings, and ultimately stepping into the city manager's chair in her hometown—all before taking on one of the most ambitious government transformations in the Pacific Northwest.

This conversation is a masterclass in the real work of city management: balancing politics and personalities, protecting organizational stability, leading teams through uncertainty, and staying grounded in the human side of public service.

Sponsored by:

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

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

Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Second Mountain
Episode 268 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

You've earned the promotions. Built the resume. Gained the respect. So why does something still feel missing?

This week's MLDC book is David Brooks' The Second Mountain, and it addresses the question many accomplished local government leaders are quietly asking: I've achieved success, so why do I still feel empty?

In this episode, we explore what it means to transition from first-mountain to second-mountain leadership, and why that shift matters for local government leaders facing daily pressures while longing for deeper meaning.

Inside the MLDC this week, we're going deeper with daily content exploring the move from career to calling, independence to interdependence, and happiness to joy. Plus a conversation guide to explore these concepts with your team.

Because you can climb the first mountain alone. But the second mountain? You need people roped together with you for that climb.

Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series

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/MLDC

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The Second Mountain by David Brooks
• MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc

Connect with Seth

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