The Power Of Talent We Have Yet To Discover
Louise Storino (center) is senior director of People, Innovation & Learning at Life Focus Meaning.
Some of the most extraordinary leaders I know are unable to vote yet.
I have the privilege of sitting alongside a group of urban teens from underrepresented communities. Together, we are writing a media series, “for teens, by teens” that explores hope in the face of circumstances many adults can scarcely imagine.
What amazes me is not the hardship they have endured. It is the hope they refuse to surrender.
These young people don't see themselves as different. They see themselves as difference-makers. They challenge one another to rise above circumstances, to rewrite their stories, and to become the person they find themselves called to be. Their resilience is contagious. Their wisdom is humbling. Their compassion for one another reminds us that leadership is not determined by age, or even opportunity.
Throughout my career in human-capital transformation, innovation, leadership and talent development, I have learned to connect seemingly unrelated people, ideas, and insights into something that creates momentum and meaningful impact. I naturally see patterns where others see disconnected challenges. What I enjoy most is uncovering opportunities for others they never imagined possible.
As our workforce races to prepare for a data and AI-driven future, we often ask where the next generation of talent will come from.
Perhaps we're asking the wrong question.
The talent is already here. The better question is: Where are we searching?
It exists in neighborhoods too often overlooked. It lives in young people whose potential is underestimated because of their geographic location rather than their character. It flourishes in communities where resilience, creativity, courage, and determination are forged every single day.
Innovation is not simply about inventing technology. It is about discovering people organizations are overlooking to see.
The next generation of leaders isn't waiting to be created.
They're waiting to be discovered.
Louise Storino is Senior Director, People, Innovation & Learning at Life Focus Meaning. https://lifefocusmedia.org/about-us/#team