What does it take to lead, make difficult decisions, and turn an interest in your community into meaningful action?
In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas speaks with Massachusetts State Representative Alice Peisch, who represents the 14th Norfolk District, including Wellesley, Weston, and part of Lincoln.
Representative Peisch shares how her path into public service began at the local level and eventually led to the Massachusetts State House. She talks about what the work of a state representative actually looks like, from developing legislation and meeting with constituents to helping communities navigate state government.
The conversation explores how leaders make decisions when there are competing priorities and perspectives. Representative Peisch discusses the importance of learning about an issue, listening to different points of view, looking for common ground, and recognizing that making progress often requires working with people who don't completely agree.
She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she manages a job with no typical day. She explains how she prioritizes among many different responsibilities, works with her staff to keep track of issues and constituent concerns, and uses a weekly review to make sure important and time-sensitive matters receive attention.
Drawing on her 12 years as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education and her service on the National Assessment Governing Board, Representative Peisch also shares her perspective on education, assessments, technology, cell phones and social media, and the importance of helping students learn how to evaluate the information they encounter.
The episode closes with a conversation about how young people can make a difference even before they're old enough to vote. Representative Peisch encourages students to get involved in student and local government, learn about issues they care about, reach out directly to elected officials, and listen to people who may see those issues differently.
Many thanks to the Weston Media Center for helping us record and edit this episode.
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