MidLife Matters Guest Lindy Lee Gold Community Connection Catalyst & Philanthropist

"Midlife Matters" interview recorded 10.20.26 in studioW, hosted by Georgian Lussier, featuring Lindy Lee Gold, a Connecticut economic development professional, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s leadership. Career in Economic Development Lindy Lee Gold has spent nearly 30 years with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development after transitioning from entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership.  Her work includes business recruitment, retention, expansion, workforce initiatives, and helping companies navigate state government resources.  Collaboration as a Key StrategyShe emphasizes that organizations should collaborate rather than duplicate efforts, especially as funding becomes more limited. Her advice is to identify existing assets and fill genuine gaps rather than "reinventing the wheel."  Community and Economic RevitalizationGold discusses projects that transform underused or contaminated properties into community assets, highlighting developments such as the Ball & Socket (Cheshire, CT) project as examples of collaboration among economic development, arts, culture, and community stakeholders.  Supporting Women and Workforce DevelopmentMuch of her philanthropy focuses on women and girls, particularly programs that help break cycles of poverty through education and career training.  She co-founded workforce training initiatives designed to help women enter manufacturing careers by accommodating family responsibilities and providing paid training.  Re-entry ProgramsGold describes successful training programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, arguing that meaningful employment and family reintegration are critical to reducing recidivism.  Personal Career PivotsOriginally a theater arts major, she moved through several careers, including commercial design, travel business ownership, and construction management, before joining state government.  She encourages people, especially midlife professionals, to recognize their transferable skills and remain open to reinvention.  Women in Leadership Academy (WILLA)She founded the Women in Leadership Academy at Southern Connecticut State University, pairing students with mentors in their chosen fields and helping first-generation students build confidence, networks, and professional skills.  Influences and PhilosophyGold credits her parents, both lawyers, for teaching her that women can pursue any career.  She discusses the Jewish concept of tikkun olam ("repairing the world"), which guides her commitment to service and philanthropy. Key Takeaways Self-esteem is foundational to success.  Career and life reinvention are possible at any age.  Collaboration creates stronger communities than competition.  Education, mentorship, and workforce opportunities can create lasting generational change.  One of her favorite sayings:"No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care."