Where Are Today's Young Leaders?

Can you imagine being 50, or worse, 60 years old in this wacky economic environment? The volatility of the markets, the staleness of industry and the partisanship in politics are reaching their breaking points. Times are tough, and indicators are not pointing to easier times in the coming future. How will our society handle this period? Who will it look to get us to the good times?

Young, creative leaders.

Every time a reset like this has happened in the past, new, fresh, bright-eyed leaders step up and try their hand at molding their society. Some of these leaders do exceptionally well, others do great, and a few fail. And that's okay.

The point is, these leaders tried doing something different.

I am apparently one of the few that still pay attention to the news in the U.S. Yes, leaders have been changing, but the thought has not. All of our current leaders are still pioneering the same processes, the same speak, the same organization that has been around since the 1930's.

That's 80 years ago, my fellow math whizzes.

Why then, are we surprised that it is business-as-usual in Washington D.C., or on Wall Street, or on Madison Avenue? These leaders win us over by their words, and disappoint us by their actions. And if you are one of my fellow millennials, and have a worldly awareness and an idealist heart- you just can't take it anymore.

Don't Turn Away!

I have this problem too. It seems to be in our personality traits that as a millennial, if there is something that we don't like, we ignore it, treat it passively, and simply pay no attention to it. Perhaps the immersion of the internet and TiVo did terrific punishment on our attention spans, and what we view as salient. Whatever the case may be, our society is not something we should turn our backs on.

If we are content in letting corrupt business leaders stroll the streets, and career politicians ignore their constituents, we are just as bad as they are.

Yes, you are just as bad as Sarah Palin. Let that sink in. (Note: if that stung, then you're probably not as bad).

Get Creative

We are one of the smartest generations ever to be aware on this planet (academically speaking). And, like many of our brethren, unemployment has been a fixture in your early goings as a professional. Fret not, because now is the time to mark your mark. Use your skill, knowledge and creativity to DO something. Write a book, start a business, lead a movement. Travel the world, share your experiences, create a new sport. If you're brave and feel like leveraging your naivety, go into politics. There are many ways we can make a difference. We can change a system while still being outside of it.

Don't Get Disheartened

I'm a young professional, and my buddy and I had the nerve to start our own marketing agency that will solely service small, medium and new businesses. How ideal! How is it going? It's been a challenge. Some folks have even been surprised we've made it to our second year. Being in Charlotte, and going against a culture that has its "good ol' boy" mentality, it is an uphill battle for a new endeavor for out-of-towners.

But we're hanging in there.

As should you. No matter what activity you choose to chase, do not back down from adversity. This economy needs entrepreneurs, innovators, darers, newbies, and the like. It is okay to fail. Seriously, no joke. Because at least you tried.

Share Your Ideas!

Just because you are under 30, does not mean you have nothing to offer. Nonsense, you may be surprised just how much ammunition you bring to the table. Your experiences (or in some instances, the lack of) are extremely valuable. The powers-that-be are now realizing that there are more ways to solve a problem than plan A and plan B. You have to show what you are capable of. Whether you do it in a tactful way or brash one, that depends on your personal style. But just do it. Please.

Create a Community of Creators

Immerse yourself with Do'ers. And make sure those people (it'd be sweet if they were millennials) think differently than you do. Lincoln was famous for his "Team of Rivals", and that is the best way for great ideas and criticism to be found. Do not shy away from different perspective.

Stop Reading and DO Something!

When I first started, I was blaming the Good Ol' Boy Network for holding us down. That was stupid. Now, I want to poke fun at the network, and show the rest of the audience what we're doing and why 1. its better, and 2. it is way more fun than the current work.

The Boomer/Gen X generation was one that didn't trust anyone over 40, and then switched to not trusting anyone under. They are a tough bunch, with a lot of purchase power and influence. But our generation is bigger, younger, more educated, more tolerant, and more diverse.

If that doesn't make a beautiful recipe for success, I'm not sure what will.

Good luck people, and keep in touch.