On episode 25 of Granite Goodness, Andy stops by the (history book filled) home of Will Stewart for a quick chat. We cover:
New Hampshire’s Unique Appeal- Will moved to New Hampshire initially for a journalism job but was drawn to stay due to the state’s community spirit, natural features, and the opportunities to make a difference
Challenges for young Granite Staters- the cost of living, especially housing, drive many young people away. Organizations like Stay Work Play aim to retain and attract young talent by addressing these issues through advocacy and data-driven policies
The importance of civic engagement, and New Hampshire’s unique level of citizen involvement in local governance
Leadership as a learned quality rather an inherent one- Will believes anyone can be a leader with the right skills and mindset, emphasizing that leadership is not about age but the willingness to step up and engage actively in community issues
and more!
Will Stewart is the Executive Director of Leadership New Hampshire, where he is helping to build “a community of informed and engaged leaders” around the Granite State. Formerly, he was the Executive Director of Stay Work Play New Hampshire.
Links and notes
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AI Generated Episode Summary*
Tell me about your relationship to New Hampshire. How did you end up here?
I moved to New Hampshire in 2004 for a newspaper job at *The Hippo*, and though I only planned to stay a few years, the state grew on me. Over time, I developed a deep appreciation for its community spirit and unique opportunities, which led me to roles in community development and ultimately, leadership.
What drew you to community-based work?
Curiosity has always been a big driver for me. As a journalist, I learned about the state and got connected to local communities, which helped me transition into roles where I could make a tangible impact, like with NeighborWorks. Seeing how small efforts could create big changes really fueled my passion for community work.
Can you tell us more about your time with Stay Work Play?
Sure! I served as the Executive Director for seven years. My focus was on expanding awareness of the need to retain young people in New Hampshire. Stay Work Play started in the wake of the Great Recession when attracting young talent wasn’t a priority. By the time I joined, people understood the importance, and my job was to drive action.
What was one of your proudest achievements at Stay Work Play?
I’m proud of launching an issues-based advocacy program and leading data collection on young people's needs and preferences. This gave us powerful insights to bring to policymakers, helping to address pressing issues like affordable housing and childcare availability—crucial factors influencing why young people stay or leave.
Why do you think young people are leaving New Hampshire?
Many leave for opportunities and quality of life that seem more accessible elsewhere. The rising cost of living and housing is a huge factor, even though New Hampshire offers an incredible community atmosphere. While some young people return, there’s a clear need for more affordable options to make staying feasible.
What is the mission of Leadership New Hampshire, your current role?
Leadership New Hampshire aims to build a community of informed, engaged leaders across the state. We select diverse cohorts each year, and through various programs, they learn about New Hampshire’s challenges and strengths, ultimately empowering them to make a difference in their communities.
How do you view New Hampshire's identity?
While we joke about being a suburb of Boston, New Hampshire is much more than that. Our state has a unique mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, as well as access to natural beauty. It’s a place where people appreciate independence and community, and where there’s still a high level of engagement in local issues.
How does New Hampshire’s size influence its community?
Being a small state, we depend on citizens stepping up to handle things that might be government-run elsewhere. New Hampshire has long run “lean,” meaning we rely on ordinary people for various roles in town boards, nonprofits, and more. Leadership New Hampshire builds on that by helping people become effective, community-minded leaders.
Are leaders born or made, in your opinion?
I think anyone can be a leader if they’re willing. Some people may naturally appear more comfortable in leadership roles, but with the right skills and mindset, anyone can lead. Leadership is a blend of learned skills and attitudes, and at Leadership New Hampshire, we’re committed to nurturing that in people.
Do you feel the need to inspire leaders of all ages?
Absolutely. While instilling leadership values in young people is essential, we can’t ignore any age group. New Hampshire needs people of all ages willing to engage in community work, and often it’s just about encouraging them to step up. Leadership isn’t about age; it’s about the willingness to contribute.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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