Roos Bruggink, Edelman Senior Account Manager and One Young World Engagement Lead for UK & Ireland, shares her reflections on what companies and business leaders can learn from events like One Young World.
Trust empowers. When leaders place genuine trust in the capabilities and insights of young professionals, they send a clear message: your voice matters, and your contributions are valued.
Ask today’s young people which issues matter to them, and you’ll often hear about climate change, mental health, diversity and inclusion, and technological ethics. These are topics, too, that regularly frequent the boardrooms of the most forward-looking companies. In an Edelman Special Report, "The Power of Gen Z Trust & The Future Consumer", a survey of almost 10,000 Gen Zs found 7 in 10 evaluate a brand’s work to support/give back to those in need when considering whether to work there. The majority of organisations, however, are still far from sure-footed on most of these agendas. Engaging with young people may hold the key to helping them lead more confidently. Indeed, smart CEOs realise that their successors are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also of today, already providing the space for young people to bring energy, passion, innovative ideas and insights to the table. This can't be accomplished by a job title or the next promotion; this requires a radical shift in the mindset and behaviour of our institutions. By harnessing this potential, business leaders can genuinely be in sync with the values and anxieties of the upcoming generation and address intersectional, global challenges to drive meaningful change and ensure long-term relevance.
One Young World (OYW) is an annual summit that acts as a catalyst for change. There can be few international stages shared by young leaders from 196 countries, corporate partners spanning every industry, and the likes of HM Queen Rania of Jordan, Sir Bob Geldof, Halima Aden, and Rio Ferdinand, debating everything from the climate emergency and education to the food crisis and mental health. The topics are as diverse as the delegates that attend; activists, humanitarians, world-leaders, business-leaders, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and innovators. It is a platform that fosters shared learning and is a driving force for change and collaboration across industries. So how can leaders harness young talent?
Lead with Trust
Building trust isn't about asking for it, it’s about earning it. Leaders who foster trust within their organisations create environments where employees feel valued, safe to express ideas, and willing to take calculated risks. Such environments lead to greater innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Trust can create a positive ripple effect throughout an organisation's culture. This not only bolsters confidence, it fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, creating the space for individuals to rise to any challenge.
Create Opportunities
Opportunity isn’t just about job titles or managerial responsibilities; it’s about enabling individuals to act as intrapreneurs, drive change, challenge the status quo, and shape the organisation's future. Many organisations have platforms to incorporate the young person's views, such as NextGen Networks, sounding boards and junior leadership team roles. It’s questions such as ‘What do you need from me to make your ideas become a reality?’, spending time together to solve a challenge and co-creating business strategy that ensure future leaders are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping the trajectory of organisational success. This enables companies not only to grow future leaders, but also to invest in fresh solutions for present-day challenges.
Challenge your Bias
Some business leaders inadvertently harbour a bias that junior staff are "too young to lead." Often this is rooted in their personal experience of proving themselves in years gone by. Other leaders - often the more successful - challenge this potential bias, opting to engage in reverse mentorship for example, where they learn from younger professionals. Many find this invaluable. True leadership in today's world hinges on recognising and valuing fresh perspectives, on their merit. Leaders willing to not only acknowledge the capabilities of the younger generation but also embrace the lessons they offer are ones that earn the deepest respect and have the most impact.
By genuinely listening to and engaging with the younger generation, companies can ensure they remain adaptable, innovative, and relevant in the decades to come. In the eloquent words of OYW Counsellor, the late Kofi Annan, “You are never too young to lead, and we are never too old to learn”. With that, let's harness the talent of our young leaders and make them leaders of today.
Roos is a Senior Account Manager and works in both the Health and Sustainability, Social Impact and Purpose teams.