Introducing Sea Change - A New Kind of Strategic Partner

Welcome aboard. I'm thrilled to introduce Sea Change, a new consultancy built to help mission-driven leaders turn drift into direction — founded by award-winning communicator, cultural strategist, and executive leader Bess Wallerstein Huff.

I'm no stranger to navigating big transitions. With more than two decades of experience guiding performing arts organizations, civic institutions, and nonprofits through major growth, innovation, and transformation, I've built a career around turning complexity into clarity. Now, I'm channeling that expertise into Sea Change — a strategy and storytelling agency designed for leaders, teams, and organizations seeking thoughtful, lasting evolution.

From Center Stage to Strategic Coach

My journey has always centered on connection, creativity, and community impact. I've served in executive leadership roles for Kansas City’s largest cultural institutions, including Vice President of Marketing + Sales at Starlight and Director of Marketing + Community Outreach at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. My fingerprints are on everything from multimillion-dollar capital campaigns and brand launches to groundbreaking community programs and reimagined team structures.

I've been the calm in the storm — leading high-stakes crisis communications, guiding organizational change during leadership transitions, and mentoring the next generation of cultural leaders. My leadership blends emotional intelligence, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to mission.

Now, with Sea Change, I'm stepping into a new role: your strategic thought partner — helping others do the same transformational work with purpose and confidence.

Why Sea Change?

The name comes from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, where a magical transformation is described as a “sea-change into something rich and strange.” That metaphor couldn’t be more fitting. In a world where burnout, complexity, and constant change are the norm, I saw the need for a different kind of consulting partner — one who doesn't just hand over a playbook, but works with you to co-create meaningful progress.

Sea Change is a consultancy rooted in six core values: Clarity. Courage. Purpose. People. Partnership. Sea Change. And its mission is simple: to help mission-driven leaders bring clarity, strategy, and alignment to every stage of change.

Whether you're a nonprofit reimagining your purpose, a leadership team navigating a major pivot, or an executive seeking soundboard support, Sea Change offers the tools, guidance, and partnership to help you move forward with intention.

The Work

Sea Change isn’t a one-size-fits-all agency — it’s a collaborative, high-touch experience tailored to your goals. Offerings include:

• Organizational Strategy + Visioning

• Team Development + Culture Building

• Change Facilitation

• Growth Consulting for Nonprofits

• Leadership Coaching & Soundboarding

Whether through a quick-turn “Chart the Course” strategy sprint, a multi-month coaching engagement, or a custom workshop retreat, I'll bring deep knowledge, curiosity, and care to every partnership.

Who It's For

Sea Change is built for those doing work that matters — and doing it with heart.

If you’re a nonprofit executive, an arts or advocacy organization, a civic changemaker, or a values-led business leader feeling stuck in the fog, Sea Change is here to help you move with clarity and confidence. The consultancy is especially tailored to mid-sized and growing organizations looking for strategic alignment, sharper storytelling, and real momentum.

About the Founder

Bess Wallerstein Huff holds an Executive MBA from Rockhurst University and a BFA from the University of Central Missouri. She’s a graduate of the Kansas City Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program, an honoree of The Independent Magazine’s Rising Star Award, and a proud member of numerous boards in Kansas and Missouri. Her career is a blend of big-picture strategy, boots-on-the-ground experience, and a sincere belief in the power of the arts and mission-driven work to shape the world for good. Her superpower? Helping organizations uncover their truest stories — and then building the roadmap to live them out.

Let’s Set Sail

Sea Change is more than a consultancy. It’s a belief that meaningful change is possible — and that you don’t have to navigate it alone.

This is your sea change. Let’s set sail.

Follow Sea Change on LinkedIn, and stay tuned for reflections, resources, and inspiration for leaders charting bold new paths.