In this episode, we dive into the story of Leadership Seacoast, a nonprofit that gathers 40 curious locals each year to spend seven months learning how the Seacoast really works. From courtrooms and climate plans to arts programs and economic engines, the program is adult education for community changemakers, complete with glacier-breaking icebreakers and the occasional cockpit view. Executive Director Lori Waltz joins treasurer Jennifer Wentworth and proud alum Doug Smith from Kennebunk Savings Bank to explain how the program sparks unlikely collaborations and fresh civic insight. We hear how a class project led to a new facility for women recovering from incarceration and addiction, why a refueling plane ride changes how you think about the economy, and how even seasoned public servants walk away surprised. This episode is about the power of proximity. When you put people in the same room with curiosity and purpose, you get ripple effects that stretch across an entire region. Also featured: treasuring treasurers, whisper-quiet bowling alleys, and the subtle art of making voicemail hold music not suck. Episode Notes: Learn more about Leadership Seacoast at leadershipseacoast.org This episode was recorded at Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Music provided by Sneaky Miles. This episode is shared in partnership with our friends at NH Rocks! Episode Summary: What is Leadership Seacoast? We created Leadership Seacoast to help people understand their communities on a deeper level. Over seven months, we bring together 40 people from across the Seacoast to explore how local systems really work. We dig into big topics like housing, climate, the economy, justice, and the arts. But more than anything, we create space for people to connect, build trust, and find shared purpose. We believe stronger communities start with informed and engaged individuals. What actually happens during the program? It starts in December, usually on a chilly gray morning, but the energy in the room is anything but cold. We kick things off with icebreakers that go deeper than most, and from there, each month is a new adventure. We spend full days exploring key issues with local experts, visiting important sites, and having honest conversations about what is working and what needs to change. It is part field trip, part deep dive, and part community-building experience. Who joins the program, and do people need to be “leaders” already? We welcome people from all walks of life. Some of us run businesses or nonprofits, some work in local government, and some are just getting started in our careers. What we all have in common is a desire to make a difference. You do not need a fancy title to join. We believe leadership is about how you show up, how you listen, and how you act. If you care about where you live and want to grow, you belong here. What kind of transformation do people go through? Many of us start out feeling unsure. We look around the room and think, “Do I really deserve to be here?” But as the months go by, we begin to see the value of our own experiences. We gain confidence. We learn to see issues through new perspectives. We become better listeners, stronger collaborators, and more thoughtful members of our communities. By the end, most of us walk away with a new sense of purpose and possibility. Why does this program feel especially important right now? Because real connection is hard to come by. So many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed, or burned out. Leadership Seacoast gives us a place to slow down and focus on what matters. We put away our phones, sit in the same room, and talk about real problems with real people. We do not all agree, but we learn to listen and to care. In times like these, that kind of space is not just valuable, it is essential. Can you share a story of real-world impact? One of our favorite examples comes from the Class of 2019. That year, a few participants teamed up to support Hope on Haven Hill, a nonprofit serving women in recovery. One person brought the funding, one brought the design, and one brought the mission. Together, they made a new facility possible. That kind of collaboration is what we hope for. When people connect with trust and shared values, real change becomes possible. What is the story behind the military refueling flight? Thanks to our partnership with the New Hampshire Air National Guard, we sometimes get the chance to fly on a refueling mission. We sit in the cockpit. We watch planes link up midair and transfer fuel. It is wild to witness. But beyond the thrill, it helps us understand the scope of the Guard’s impact on the Seacoast, both economically and culturally. It is one of those experiences that sticks with you. What other experiences do people get from the program? We visit places most people never see, like the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. From the outside, it might not look like much, but inside, it is a whole world. There are homes, shops, a bowling alley, and a workforce that keeps things running smoothly. Seeing it up close reminds us just how many people and systems are working together to make our region thrive. How do you handle differences in perspective? We bring together people who think differently, vote differently, and come from very different backgrounds. That is intentional. We do not expect everyone to agree. What we ask is that people come ready to listen and learn. And they do. Over time, the room becomes a space where we can challenge our assumptions without judgment. We grow because we hear from people we might not otherwise talk to. Why do we put so much emphasis on creating a safe space? Because when people feel safe, they are willing to be honest. We make sure every person feels valued from the very beginning. Whether you are a CEO or just starting your first job, you walk in on equal footing. That kind of environment leads to better conversations, deeper learning, and more meaningful relationships. It is the foundation for everything else we do. What is the bigger picture here? Leadership Seacoast is not just about what happens during those seven months. It is about what happens after. People leave the program and go on to serve on boards, launch community projects, advocate for change, or simply carry themselves differently at work and at home. The ripple effects are real. Each connection we make has the power to inspire something new. That is how we strengthen the Seacoast—one leader, one conversation, one act of courage at a time. The questions, wording, and written meaning of this summary may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give subscribers a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com. Thanks for reading or listening! Don’t forget to check out our latest Good News Newsletters for NH or New England. -Andy Too many emails from us? Change your suscriber preferences here or email me at hello@granitegoodness.com with any questions. Get full access to Granite Goodness at www.granitegoodness.com/subscribe
