385: Kevin Mizikar: Are You Still Doing Instead of Leading?

Kevin Mizikar: Are You Still Doing Instead of Leading?The Shift Every Local Government Leader Must Make Episode 385 of The HaltingWinter PodcastSponsored by Tyler Technologies What happens when the skills that made you successful are no longer the skills your job requires? For Kevin Mizikar, Town Manager of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, moving from technical roles into organizational leadership meant learning to stop being the person with all the answers and start creating the conditions for other people to succeed. In this episode, Kevin and Seth explore the critical shift from doing to leading. They discuss why strategic plans should connect all the way down to individual employees, why developing future leaders requires intentional investment, and why professional development becomes more important, not less, as your responsibilities grow. Kevin also shares lessons from his journey through federal, economic development, and municipal leadership roles, including the failures, mentors, and unexpected opportunities that shaped the leader he is today. If you've ever been promoted because you were great at the work only to discover that leadership requires an entirely different set of skills, this conversation is for you. About Kevin MizikarKevin Mizikar is the Town Manager of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where he has served since 2017. His career has taken him from financial analysis with the U.S. Department of Energy to economic development in New Jersey and municipal management in Massachusetts. Throughout his career, Kevin has remained committed to developing people, strengthening organizations, and investing in the relationships and professional development that help local government leaders grow. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com