"All leaders should be leading with kindness and empathy and respect for other people, which in general, I think means by leading with example." - Aradhna da Silva



Could the clearest vision for future leadership come not from boardrooms, but from high school classrooms?

In this episode, I flip the mic and turn to the next generation. After speaking at my daughter’s high school career day, I invited students to share their raw, unfiltered thoughts on leadership - what it is, what it isn’t, and what they would change in the world if they were in charge. Their answers surprised me, inspired me, and reminded me just how powerful honest conversation can be.

You will hear:

• How today’s teens define great leadership through traits like empathy, kindness, and flexibility
• Why many young people believe being feared or cold isn’t necessary - or even effective - as a leader
• How the myth of “born leaders” is being firmly rejected by this generation
• What gives Gen Z hope, and why justice, equality, and inclusion top their list of priorities
• How students would lead change today - from political reform to creating unity in divided communities
• Reflections on how media, culture, and current events are shaping young people’s ideas of power and corruption
• A heartfelt wrap-up conversation with my daughter Aradhana da Silva on what her generation truly expects from leaders

Resources

Winnie da Silva on LinkedIn | On the Web | Substack | Email - winnie@winnifred.org