Summary

In this conversation, Brett Hollenbeck speaks with Beth Lothers, a former mayor of Nolensville, Tennessee, about her journey in local politics, community leadership, and her passion for history and music. They discuss the importance of self-discovery, the challenges of engaging a community in change, and the balance between honoring tradition and embracing progress. Beth shares her experiences in public service, the initiatives she led, and her insights on fostering community connections through events and projects. Additionally, they explore her writing journey and the surprising historical discoveries she made while co-authoring a book about Nolensville. In this conversation, Beth discusses her journey in preserving the history of Nolensville through photography, the importance of community engagement, and her passion for music. She reflects on the challenges of sharing her creative side while serving in public office and emphasizes the significance of embracing vulnerability in artistic expression. Beth also shares her current projects, including grant writing for community development and the arts, and highlights the importance of honoring local heroes and their legacies.

Takeaways

• Self-discovery is a lifelong journey.
• Public service can be fulfilling without being political.
• Change is inevitable; how we manage it matters.
• Community engagement is crucial for successful development.
• Balancing tradition and progress is a challenge for leaders.
• Collaboration and networking are key to community success.
• Proud achievements often stem from collective efforts.
• History can reveal surprising stories about a community.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for preserving history.
• Embracing new ideas requires humility and respect. 
• The importance of preserving community history through photographs.
• Engaging families in sharing their historical images can enrich local narratives.
• Learning is a continuous journey, even for those in leadership roles.
• Honoring the legacy of community heroes can inspire future generations.
• Music can serve as a powerful tool for community connection and celebration.
• Vulnerability in creative expression can lead to deeper connections with others.
• It's essential to support local arts and culture for community enrichment.
• Grant writing can be a vital skill for community development projects.
• Embracing all parts of oneself, including creative passions, is crucial for personal growth.
• Community events can foster unity and appreciation for local history. 

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery
01:33 Local Politics and Community Leadership
03:00 From Political Science to Public Service
09:43 Engaging the Community in Change
12:05 Navigating Resistance to Change
18:46 Proud Achievements in Community Development
22:07 Balancing Tradition and Progress
28:20 Exploring Nolensville's History Through Writing
35:21 Preserving Community History Through Photography
39:52 The Journey of Learning and Growth
44:14 Honoring Legacy and Community Heroes
47:10 The Intersection of Music and Community
52:31 Embracing Vulnerability in Creative Expression
01:03:35 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

Connect with Beth:

• Beth Lothers on LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-lothers-30344a157/

This episode is brought to you completely free by Tower Community Bank! Check us out!

• Website | https://www.towercommunitybank.com/
• Virtual Bank | https://virtual.towercommunitybank.com/
• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/towercommunitybank/
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Connect with Brett:

• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bahollenbeck/
• Email | podcast@towercommunitybank.com

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