Culture
Five Steps to Transform Student Protests into Learning Moments
I know high school and college educators who penalized students for participating in the “walkout” on March 14th. I also have teacher-friends who walked out with those students and then discussed the implications of such protests and demonstrations in a civics class. Both of these educators have reasons for their choices. Some gave suspensions or…
Continue ReadingOur Gift to You to Celebrate 15 Years
It’s stunning to remember what the world looked like fifteen years ago. It was in 2003, I launched “Growing Leaders”–a not-for-profit that partners with schools and organizations to resource them in building emerging leaders who are ready for life. Reflect on 2003. The Internet was only about 10 years old and some still wondered if…
Continue ReadingWhen Leaders Act Like Kids, and Kids Act Like Leaders
While on a flight home from California, I watched the movie, “Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri.” It’s an award-winning film about a hurting woman who takes on the local police, who’ve failed to locate the criminal who’s assaulted and murdered her daughter. In the midst of the story, viewers discover why she’s really upset…
Continue ReadingFour Ways to Mentor Young Entrepreneurs
Did you know that today’s teen leaders and inventors are part of a long line of young entrepreneurs throughout history? Believe it or not, many of the world’s most incredible minds started displaying their brilliance very young, coming up with television, telephones and trampolines, as well as braille, calculators, popsicles and ear muffs—all before their 20th birthdays. So, how do we mentor such…
Continue ReadingHow Much Is Too Much Social Media Use?
Even though they’re no longer a couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie both recently confirmed they put safety measures on the Internet to provide boundaries for their children. They definitely plan to keep watch on their social media use as their children age. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently suggested he wouldn’t want his nephew on a…
Continue ReadingEight Reasons Why Now’s the Right Time to Develop Young Leaders
When I was in high school and college, I don’t remember anyone talking about leadership. It was not a topic of conversation; it was not a course I could attend; it was not even a challenge that adults (teachers or coaches) gave me on campus. It is safe to say—leadership wasn’t even a category in…
Continue ReadingMarches & Elections: Gen Z Isn’t Waiting for Permission to Change the World
Sophie is a high school junior. I met her a few weeks ago during an invigorating conversation with several of her peers. When the topic of social change came up, she chimed in with a memorable line: “We’re not waiting for adults to make the changes we need in our world.” She then smiled and…
Continue ReadingParent’s Guide to Social Media Use for Kids
Even though they’re no longer a couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie both recently confirmed they put safety measures on the Internet to provide boundaries for their children. They definitely plan to keep watch on their social media use as they age. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently suggested he wouldn’t want his nephew on a social…
Continue ReadingYale’s Most Popular Class Ever and What We Can Learn from It
A few years ago, psychology professor, Laurie Santos, proposed a new elective class at Yale University. She believed it would be a helpful and relevant course for students. No one had any idea how popular it would become. Are you ready to hear the subject? It’s a class on happiness. She tries to teach students…
Continue ReadingThe Research on What Creates Satisfied and Successful Kids
I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic since 1980. When I was first diagnosed, the technology for patients like me was average at best. Insulin was available, but I had to take multiple injections every day; we measured glucose levels instead of total carbs and I had to test my blood sugar levels with a urine…
Continue Reading